The Eels earned a 28-6 victory in the wet at Netstrata Jubilee Oval. In their first hitout for the club, Isaiah Papali’i, Jordan Rankin, Tom Opacic and Joey Lussick all played a crucial role.The Dragons’ ill-discipline at times hurt their efforts, giving away 14 restarts which constantly had Anthony Griffin’s men on the back foot.
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SIXES AND SEVENS
After an impressive showing in last week’s trial loss to the Sharks 36-28, Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan again showed the future in the halves for the Dragons is bright. Both Amone and Jayden showcased their impressive kicking games and were able to use it to keep the Eels deep in their own territory on both sides of the field early in the first half. The duo’s familiarity of each other’s game was again on show after linking up to help set-up the Dragons first try to Max Feagai on the wing. Amone also took the on the line with plenty of confidence, unafraid to dig into the Eels defensive line.For the Eels, Will Smith and Jake Arthur produced a solid first half showing. Arthur, the son of coach Brad, has been the subject of a number of headlines over the last few weeks. But the mature playmaker appeared unfazed by all the premature attention. Smith, who lined up at five-eight, took control of the side’s attacking and was heavily involved including helping to set-up the Eels first try to Tom Opacic.

CENTRE STAGE
With a centre spot vacated by Michael Jennings, who is banned under the anti-doping policy, coach Brad Arthur named all four main contenders to replace the veteran. Will Penisini, Tom Opacic, Haze Dunster and Michael Oldfield all took the field but Oldfield’s night was over after 12 minutes. Oldfield appeared to suffer a knee injury and was taken from the field.Dunster did his chances no harm showcasing his attacking fair. The winger, combining with Opacic on the right edge, made a break splitting the Dragons defence open and kicked ahead but was unable to convert Parramatta’s first real attacking opportunity into points. Opacic had some strong carries and beat two defenders to score Parramatta’s first try thanks to a short ball from Smith that helped put Opacic through a hole in the Dragons defence. The other option, Jordan Rankin, had a busy night marshalling his side both from the back and then in halves in the second half.

TWIN CONNECTION
Twin brothers Matt and Max Feagai linked up for the Dragons first try after 20 minutes. Matt, playing on the left flank, made a 40-metre break only to be cut down by Parramatta’s Matthew Komolafe. But the ball soon made its way across to the right side through the hands of Amone and Sullivan to find Max, who crashed over to score in the corner.
NEW DRAGONS DEBUT
Premiership winning back Jack Bird made a successful return to the field from an ACL injury, 12 months after the last match played – a trial match for the Brisbane Broncos against North Queensland Cowboys. Back then Bird was in a battle for the fullback spot with Jamayne Isaako but after lining up in the centres last night, it appears Dragons coach Anthony Griffin prefers playing Bird on an edge. Bird survived his first touches, even making a run from dummy half but was given an early shower after 25 minutes.Fellow new recruit, Andrew Mccullough, who only officially joined the Dragons three days ago, only lasted 22 minutes in his return match from a hamstring injury. The former Brisbane and Newcastle hooker is tipped to replace the injured Cameron McInnes after he suffered a season ending ACL injury.

UNDER THE RADAR
It appears Arthur has unearthed another enforcer for his side’s power game in Isaiah Papali’i. Papali’i lined up on the edge last night and ran hard bending the Dragons defence. The former Warriors forward looks like a promising addition for the Eels in 2021.



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