Panthers inflict further misery on the Eels

Penrith has defeated derby rivals Parramatta 30-20 in a spiteful Round 11 encounter at CUA Stadium this evening.

The match threatened to boil over when an alleged head-butting incident between Luke Priddis and PJ Marsh was followed by a controversial try awarded to prop Matthew Cross after he raised his elbow, in the 65th minute, and collected Eels fullback Wade McKinnon.

McKinnon walked off the field immediately and was taken to hospital soon after with a suspected broken jaw.

The Eels, last season’s minor premiers, and pre-season premiership favourites, are now staring at the wooden spoon with a win-loss record of 2-8.

Jason Taylor, who this week became the Eels caretaker coach after Brian Smith resigned, said his first week at the helm had been enjoyable despite losing tonight.

Missing several regulars didn’t help the Eels chances either, with Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe and Nathan Hindmarsh all named in the NSW State of Origin team, while Mark Riddell and Tim Smith were notably omitted for reckless behaviour.

Penrith have now won five of the last seven between these two teams, including the first match, this season, only six weeks ago at Parramatta Stadium.

The Panthers have moved back into the top eight (for now) with a 5-5 win-loss record.

Parramatta jumped ahead 10-0 after only eight minutes with cult hero Fui Fui Moi Moi involved in both opening tries. He sent John Williams over for the first try before fending off three tacklers to ground the ball under the posts.

Penrith replied, in the 22nd minute, with Priddis scoring the first of four consecutive Panther tries.

The Panthers took the lead after 28 minutes through fullback Rhys Wesser. A minute earlier, prop Michael Vella narrowly missed an opportunity that would have seen Parramatta out to 14-6.

Penrith gathered further momentum through Michael Gordon, and a second try for Priddis before half time.

Acting captain Glenn Morrison crossed the line uncontested on the half time siren with a perfectly weighted offload by Brett Delaney whilst he was being tackled.

The Panthers led 22-16 at the main break, and after it both teams could only break the line once each. The controversial try by Cross was followed by Daniel Wagon’s 80th minute try.

Preston Campbell slotted over four conversions and a penalty goal, while Delaney finished with a 50% record for his goal kicking duties.

Next week, Penrith confront the rampaging Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park, while Parramatta host the Sydney Roosters. Both games set down for next Sunday afternoon.

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