Gutherson stars as Eels suffer big injury blow

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels

The Parramatta Eels stormed to a big 32-10 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Stadium Australia, but it may have come at a cost, losing lock forward Nathan Brown to injury.

Brown limped off in the first half after crumbling to the ground when running back in cover defence.

The initial diagnosis is a potential hip pointer injury with the extent of the issue unknown at this point.

Brown is off-contract at the end of the year, making any potential injury a cruel setback for his immediate future.

The Bulldogs also lost Dylan Napa, who failed to finish the game after picking up a suspected shoulder injury.

For the time being though the Eels are charging towards another top-four finish this season, running riot against the Bulldogs who failed to back up last week's effort against Cronulla.

Reed Mahoney was brilliant early, scheming out of dummy-half to set up fullback Clinton Gutherson.

The return of Ryan Matterson could not knock Isaiah Papali'i out of the starting side and he played a crucial role in the next try, attracting defenders with a strong run before hurling the ball to Maika Sivo who charged over.

The Bulldogs were brave defending their own goal in their last-start win over the Sharks but that resilience was non-existent as Gutherson stepped back inside to score Parramatta's third.

Any chance of a fightback from Trent Barrett's men appeared to have been quickly extinguished when Bryce Cartwright caught a Mitchell Moses kick and sent Shaun Lane over in the 42nd minute.

Jake Averillo though hit back with the home side's first try when he stepped past Dylan Brown and Mahoney to score in the 48th minute.

The Bulldogs suddenly came to life, running with energy and tackling with intent.

It then translated to more points as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak went over out wide.

A charging run from Sivo and six-again call proved costly for the Bulldogs shortly after though, seeing Cartwright put Marata Niukore over.

The slick Eels put Sivo over for his second in the 68th minute, this time Gutherson providing the tap-on pass.

Parramatta face the Roosters next week while the Bulldogs take on the Dragons.