Brisbane 6-34 Parramatta: Eels beat Broncos to claim first win of NRL’s return round

Parramatta claimed the first win of the NRL’s returning round as they defeated Brisbane 34-6 at Suncorp Stadium.

It was the opening game of the NRL’s return round due to the coronavirus pandemic. The competition was suspended on March 23 – but it got back underway on May 28 behind closed doors.

Parramatta got off to the perfect start as Marata Niukore barged over next to the posts in the third minute, with Lebanon international Mitch Moses adding the extras.

Brisbane hit back midway through the first half as Brodie Croft took on Eels full-back Clint Gutherson to dive over in the corner. Jamayne Isaako levelled the score with his conversion.

Fijian speedster Maika Sivo edged the Eels into the lead on the half hour mark with an acrobatic finish near the touchline. Moses’ goal gave his side a 12-6 advantage at the break.

The Eels came out firing in the second half and extended their lead in the 44th minute through a fancy show and go from Gutherson.

Tonga international Michael Jennings put the game out of reach for the Broncos on the hour mark. He came inside from his centre position to take on the Brisbane defence and touch down under the sticks. Moses’ conversion took the score to 22-6.

Parramatta back-rower Shaun Lane bulldozed his way over from close to put his side in a comfortable position with 13 minutes left.

Eels centre Waqa Blake put capped his 100th NRL appearance with a try late on in the game as the visitors finished convincing 34-6 winners against the Broncos.

Brisbane: Isaako; Oates, Staggs, Boyd, Arthars; Milford, Croft; Flegler, Turpin, Haas, Glenn, Hopoate, Carrigan. Subs: Farnworth, Ofahengaue, Bullemor, Lodge.

Tries: Croft Goals: Isaako 1/1

Parramatta: Gutherson; Sivo, Jennings, Blake, Ferguson; Brown, Moses; Campbell-Gillard, Mahoney, Paulo, Lane, Matterson, Niukore. Subs: Takairangi, Stone, Evans, Terepo.

Tries: Niukore, Sivo, Gutherson, Jennings, Lane, Blake Goals: Moses 5/6

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