Match Report: NSW Cup Round 10 vs Eels

In the third match of Magic Round, the Magpies scored three tries in the final twenty minutes to provide the match with a grandstand finish, but were unable to land a decisive blow.

Western Suburbs enjoyed a fast start to the contest with centre Triston Reilly crossing the line in the fourth minute for his third try of the 2023 season.

Parramatta soon returned serve and took the lead with three quickfire tries to Issac Lumelume, Jack Murchie and former Wests Tigers utility Jordan Rankin.

Wests winger Livai Saukuru cut the deficit to six with a four-pointer in the 29th minute, but his effort was quickly negated by Eels fullback Daejarn Asi.

A try to Brandon Tumeth narrowed the advantage once again on the stroke of halftime, with Will Smith adding the extras to bring Wayne Lambkin’s men to within one converted try at the break.

Parramatta burst out of the gates to start the second half, with Sean Russell and Matt Doorey helping their side open up an eighteen-point buffer.

The Magpies found an attacking spark through Triston Reilly as the former NSW Waratahs prospect completed his double before Manaia Cherrington crossed for his first reserve grade try since 2017.

Livai Saukuru brought the visitors back to within two points in the 70th minute as he scored his second try of the match, but the Magpies were unable to find a late winner.

The match finished at six tries apiece, with goal kicking ultimately proving the difference between the two sides.

Wayne Lambkin and his troops will now turn their attention to next week’s match against the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Saturday afternoon.