Our final weekend without the NRL proper has come and gone, leaving us with just the Round 4 results of the Junior Representatives to discuss. So while the wait is indeed almost over for that sweet, sweet NRL footy, we have been left with a curious series of outcomes for the Parramatta Eels in the juniors this week. Strong victories by the girls were offset by some cruel final exchanges for the boys wrought by the wicked bounces of the ball. So let’s get right into it and see what went right and what didn’t for the Blue & Gold.
SG Ball Cup Round 4 vs Illawarra Steelers
Parramatta Eels 24 draw with the Illawarra Steelers 24
Like their 2025 counterparts, the Eels remain undefeated through the midway of the SG Ball with the caveat of a draw on their record. A spirited effort from the Steelers on Saturday saw them surge in the second half and secure an unlikely tied conclusion against the Eels. Parramatta for their part played well below their best and in spite of any grumblings about some tough calls or rough bounces – still had the means to win this game. Unfortunately, they weren’t able on execute on several second half opportunities, including a game-winning field goal attempts (and deflection) in a timely reminder that every team is mortal in our great game.
There is another major concerns to come out of the draw too. Jackson Koina departed the game in the first half and took no further part in the clash. Koina has been a central figure in Parramatta’s early season dominance and any sort of layoff for the rangy middle forward would test the stretched ruck resources of the Eels. They are still without Steven Nunn and Maison Ong and a potential loss of Koina does little to alleviate the pressure on that positional group.
They do have the benefit of a Round 5 bye to heal and regroup before they face the Rabbitohs in Redfern. I expect them to emerge from the week off renewed and full of vigor in their tilt at the finals.
Tarsha Gale Cup Round 4 vs Illawarra Steelers
Parramatta Eels 22 defeat the Illawarra Steelers 12
If the SG Ball found themselves out of rhythm on Saturday, the Tarsha Gale trended completely the other way as they produced their best game of the season to date in their 10-point victory over Illawarra. The Eels dominated possession and field position through the course of this game and had a tempo to their offence that had been lacking in earlier games.
Kyliah Gray opened the scoring for the Eels and played a high quality game at lock as she tested the Steelers constantly with her ball-playing around the ruck. Her forwards responded in kind with strong games across the pack. Fontayne Tufuga was back to her outstanding best while Tia Matthews rounded out a good day for the backrowers with a quality start. Crucially, the bench brought plenty of juice in Round 4 to continue dominance established by the starters.
Sammy-Lee Gunn-Tauai showed wicked craft with her sleight of hand in her solo try and I thought it was an improved partnership between her and Aaliyah Soufan in an important step forward for the team. Irae Savea spend most of the second half cutting the edge defence of the Steelers to ribbons and while she did cross the line in the 40th minute, credit does go to Illawarra for their scramble defence which minimised the potential damage.
Hopefully this can launch the Eels into a strong run of mid-season form. They now host the North Sydney Bears in Round 5 and begin the process of cementing themselves inside the Top 6.
Harold Matthews Cup Round 4 vs Illawarra Steelers
Illawarra Steelers 22 defeat the Parramatta Eels 18
Heartbreak. The Eels had this one stolen from them at the death courtesy of a cruel bounce on a chip kick that broke the ankles of fullback Liam Martin and skewed perfectly into the awaiting arms of Noah Fitzgerald for the Steelers. The 59th minute score completed a 7-minute blitz that completely flipped the game on its head as the Eels saw a 18-6 lead dissolve into a 4-point loss.
Such is footy though.
Leonard Salter had himself a day with a hat-trick down the right sideline and for the greater part of this game the Eels collectively played quite well. Unfortunately, goal kicking again reared its head as an issue and ultimately while difficult attempts, the two missed conversions were the difference between a loss and a draw.
The loss is Parramatta’s first of the season and as a result they find themselves still positioned inside the Top 4 which is plenty fine at the end of Round 4. Like the SG Ball, they now head into a bye and the midpoint of the season as they prepare for the home stretch that awaits them.
Lisa Fiaola Cup Round 4 vs Illawarra Steelers
Parramatta Eels 48 defeat the Illawarra Steelers 4
In easily the most comprehensive result of the weekend, the Lisa Fiaola pummeled their opposition as they secured their 3rd victory of the season. Taylah Barr almost needed two hands to recount her exploits as the winger bagged a whopping five tries on debut in a game she is likely to never forget.
Tegan Nicholas had to wait until the 55th minute for a try to call her own but it was absolutely deserved after the fullback played a masterful hand throughout while to the shock of no one, Isabella Bell continued her outstanding form at lock.
The Eels rotated in a host of players coming out of the bye for this game and to a girl they all accounted for themselves very well. It obviously speaks to the depth of the roster and should give coaches and fans alike a nice shot of confidence if they need to seriously tap into those playing stocks throughout the season.
Points differential has the Eels placed 2nd behind the Bulldogs on the ladder and like last year, these two teams are set to meet in the final round of the regulation season in what will almost certainly be a key game for finals seeding.
