Benji's Magic working a treat as Galvin stars against lowly Parramatta

NRL24
Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers

The Wests Tigers rebounded nicely from a rusty opening round performance as Lachlan Galvin starred, trouncing a lowly Parramatta by 26 points in a scorching Sunday clash at CommBank Stadium.

Michael Ennis described the first 25 minutes as a "tough watch" was no understatement, full of a plethora of errors and penalties that would've left those watching on TV looking for alternate entertainment.

Despite that, the Tigers got the first try when the spine combined. Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin linked up well with Jahream Bula to create the overlap and send Sunia Turuva over in the corner. That moment seemed to be the spark required for the Tigers to get on track.

Parramatta worked their way back into the game and were almost rewarded when Ryley Smith was judged to have knocked on as he fought to get the ball down. The Tigers punished them almost immediately when Galvin found Starford To'a at speed and after assisting the first, he went over for the second. To'a did well to beat the Isaiah Iongi attempt at tackle, but his feet remained up and momentum carried him to the line (despite a promotion of the ball).

Before the break, Parramatta booted it long but forgot the one thing you need off a kick, a strong line of defence. Bula torched the non-existent Eels kick-defence with an electric return. Adam Doueihi backed up in support to break away before kicking in-field. From there, Galvin got the bounce from heaven and the Tigers led 16-0 at the break.

After the break, the Tigers didn't shut up shop and played an enterprising brand of rugby league. Luai skipped and danced through the defence and kicked ahead. Isaiah Iongi couldn't handle it, Galvin kicks again, Jeral Skelton takes it on the bounce, and crosses for the home side.

Despite a lacklustre second half with the heat taking it's full effects. The Tigers nailed a set play from the scrum to put the game beyond doubt with 12 to go, with Galvin and Bula combining to send Turuva away down the right to score his second. With under 10 to go, they went that way again as Galvin delivered a peach of a pass to Samuela Fainu and he found Turuva for a hattrick.

Parramatta offered their best effort their best effort late. Zac Lomax linked up with debutant Jordan Samrani who sprinted over halfway and set the Eels up. An immediate switch left saw Sean Russell go over for the home side to avoid the shame of being held to 0. Despite that, there is a lot for Jason Ryles to consider.

Parramatta Eels 6 - Wests Tigers 32

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal
Crowd: 18362
Halftime Score: Parramatta Eels 0 Wests Tigers 16

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Lachlan Galvin
2 points - Terrell May
1 points - Jahream Bula

PARRAMATTA EELS (6)
Tries: Sean Russell
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Zac Lomax (1/1)
Penalty Goals:

WESTS TIGERS (32)
Tries: Sunia Turuva (3), Starford To'a, Lachlan Galvin, Jeral Skelton
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Doueihi (4/6)
Penalty Goals:


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