The Parramatta Eels had a most crucial 26-22 victory over the New Zealand Warriors at GoMedia Stadium in Auckland on Friday. That was a huge blow to the Warriors’ chances of stealing a top-four spot in the NRL finals race. The game ended up being one of the Warriors’ last two regular season games. Had they managed to win both, they would have pulled the strong fourth place finish under their belt.
The Eels were the better team from the first whistle until the last. Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Williams ensured their side was sitting pretty with a healthy 12-4 buffer by halftime. Adam Pompey was the Warriors’ only try scorer in the first half. A firm grip on the game was clearly the Eels’ domain.
After trailing by 17 in the first half, the Warriors rallied. Pompey created a lovely chance for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to score in the 55th minute, reducing the margin to just two points. As the game headed into its final stretch, drama loomed. Pompey looked to have just scored what turned out to be the winning try in the 76th minute, many BC fans thinking otherwise though. For a few seconds there, as referee Peter Gough awarded the try, Warriors fans’ wildest dreams were about to come true.
The euphoria was short-lived. Bunker official Chris Butler reviewed the play and ultimately overturned Gough’s decision, citing that Demetric Vaimauga had knocked on the ball before Pompey’s supposed try. Confusion spread amongst players and fans after the highly questionable call led to a changed ruling. Most considered it decisive in determining the outcome of that match.
That emphatic victory underscored the Eels’ incredible season. In the process, it scored a critical blow against the Warriors’ ambitions of finishing in the West’s top four. With that, each side faces some key choices heading into their semi-final fixtures. The stakes for this match are much more than just a victory.
Isaiah Iongi running as Parramatta Eels’ fullback helped shape their structure and flow for the entirety of the match. The Eels took their chances and displayed incredible mental strength. These impressive results might just line them up for future victories as they move further through the playoff-loaded season.
