The Jersey Flegg restart normal proceedings for the Parramatta Eels after the representative week of rugby league with a game originally scheduled for Redfern. Instead the Blue & Gold find themselves at the familiar surroundings of Kellyville hosting the South Sydney Rabbitohs on are unfortunately wet and overcast Saturday.

While the Eels have struggled for consistency in 2022, they come up against another team that is mired deep in its own battle given the Bunnies currently occupy last place on the ladder. Completions are king in this kind of weather and alongside a tactical kicking game will go a long, long way to deciding who prevails.

There is a vacancy at centre currently in the roster but the return of one of the team’s standout players in Corey Fenning will see him play fullback and Blackburn will fill the centre Spot. That will be a massive boost for the Eels given that Fenning has been out of action since Round 11.

All the action kicks off at 10:30AM!

Jersey Flegg Team List

1. Corey Fenning
2. Arthur Miller-Stephen
3. Samuel Loizou
4. Lachlan Blackburn
5. Matthew Komolafe
6. Jabriel Kalache
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Taylor Mauala
9. Kruz Niutili-Schmidt
10. David Hollis
11. Felix Niutili-Schmidt
12. Ryan Jones
13. Brock Parker
14. Jacob Davis
15. Jack Colovatti
16. Toni Mataele
17. Larry Muagututia

My apologies for inaccuracies today. I’m under the only shelter from the rain, typing on the phone, with both benches standing in front of my view.

Parra kick off and Souths fumble. A couple of explorations to the right and Parra head back to the left. Simple dart from Kruz out of dummy half who gets over for the try. Unconverted.
Eels 4 nil. Two gone.

Souths are completing well and getting some territorial advantage. They hoist a bomb and Komolafe drops it. From the scrum they move the ball to both sides. They hit the right edge on about the 4th tackle then head back left before the centre crosses out wide. Potential double movement but the ref allows momentum.

Try converted. Souths lead 6-4 with 21 mins to go first half.

Souths drop the kick off again. Eels win the scrum then get 6 again. They are pressuring the line. Kalache juggles a pass but then runs behind support. Penalty to Souths and the pressure is off

Sanders nails a 40/20 and then Loizou gets a drop out off a kick in that set. The next kick is overcooked and Souths get a 7 tackle set. No change to the score.

13 minutes till half time.

Souths get a penalty for tackled in the air and are now deep in Eels territory. Eels eventually defuse a grubber and then Komolafe’s second carry in the set earns a penalty. Eels run it to complete the set a couple of metres out on the last.

Eels strip the ball and get another set when Souths knock down a pass. Parra earn a line drop out but Unfortunately drop the ball when taking the hit up.

Souths now earn a drop out after kicking with Parra’s fullback in the line.

Souths get a six again call and the pressure builds. Loizou completes a couple of big defensive plays on the Eels left. Parra defuse the kick.

Boom. What a massive carry from Komolafe to get play to near halfway. His carries in these conditions have been outstanding.

Souths put a high kick to Fenning at the end of their set but they hit him high and Parra get the penalty just outside their 20.

Parra drop the ball in the play the ball just inside Souths half. And it’s half time.

Souths 6 lead Parra 4.

Second half

I hope to see Parra hit the middle more in this half.

Souths kick off

Parra complete the set but give away a penalty immediately. They’re smashing the Eels line with crash plays but it goes wrong with a forward pass.

Massive relief for Parra there.

Yes! Parra are belting through the middle and Larry is near unstoppable on one carry. They earn a couple of six agains and with Souths on the back foot a left side shift puts Toni Mataele one on one against their centre. Try time to the big unit.

Conversion unsuccessful

Eels 8 Souths 6. 27 minutes to go

Souths get possession off a dropped ball and attack Parra’s line. Their last tackle kick is fumbled so it’s more possession coming their way. Oh no. Parra knock down a pass on the 5th so it’s more defence ahead. Another kick from Souths but this time they fumble. Stern resolve from the Eels there.

Have I spoken too soon. Another dropped ball from Parra and Souths are back with the ball in Parra’s red zone. Phew. The Held up call is followed by Souths losing possession on the next play.

18 minutes remaining Still 8-6.

Parra earn a much needed penalty.
They force a line drop out but on the last tackle it goes horribly wrong with the pass going to big Larry who’s forced to kick. Souths clean it up then get a penalty. A big hit from Parra forces the turn over. Big break from Fenning. A shift to Loizou who scores and is fouled in scoring. Souths have definitely foulEd him in scoring. It’s a possible 8 point try on the way. Second kick will be awarded.

Fenning nails the sideline kick and now converts again from in front.

Eels 16 Souths 6 ten minutes to go

Parra complete the set from the kick off but Souths earn a penalty bringing back the ball.

Parra force a turn over but wait! Souths have had a player binned. Dissent?

And it’s piggy back penalties to Parra. An early wide shift to the left but Parra turn it over in their quarter. Early kick from Souths and Fenning retrieves it ten out from his own and immediately links with Komolafe. He’s away! As he gets to the fullback he centre kicks. Kalache is on his own in pursuit but fumbles the pick up.

Parra get the penalty for something. Maybe a late hit on Komolafe?

They run an obstruction and Souths get a penalty but the siren has gone.

Full time.

Eels 16 Souths 6

Impressive second half after the Eels played tighter around the ruck. They hit the ball up back behind the ruck or just one pass wide forcing Souths backwards and getting the necessary momentum.

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