Round 20
Parramatta Eels 24 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 32

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Manly overcome Eels and Coin Throwers
Mon July 30, 2007
Manly's surge towards the Minor Premiership took two giant steps this weekend as they toppled Parramatta 32-24 yesterday as they also had to withstand disgraceful coin throwing from Eels supporters.

The atmosphere for the match was set as well as the open fire hostility towards former Eel Jamie Lyon who left Parramatta after the opening round in 2004 in very bitter circumstances. Lyon was booed everytime he touched the ball and the most inappropriate banners were created in his 'honour'. Players and trainers from Manly were pelted with 20c and 50c coins from sections of the crowd with Sea Eagles lock Luke Williamson confirming he was hit.

It will be interesting to hear the NRL's response to the coin throwing incidents as the well being of a player and also a Manly trainer came under serious jeapoardy yesterday with uncalled for objects being missiled at them. The incident so far has largely been covered up to date, but the safety of the players is absolute paramount in our game and this kind of action should be rubbed out of our game completely.

The coin throwing incident soured what was an impressive victory by the Sea Eagles who proved themselves to be the real deal for the competition and with Melbourne stumbling in embarrassing fashion against the Roosters, Manly deserve favouritism for the Premiership title.

Manly raced to an early 8-0 lead through tries to Michael Robertson after just three minutes and Brett Stewart in the 14th minute with Matt Orford failing to convert both tries.

The Eels crossed for three unanswered tries through Eric Grothe Jnr (18th minute), Ben Smith (27th) and Jarryd Hayne (31st) and all three tries were converted for Krisnan Inu for Parramatta to take a very handy 18-8 lead into half-time.

Steve Menzies scored his 163rd career try to take him within one try of Terry Lamb in 3rd position four minutes into the second half and the Sea Eagles regained the lead Brett Kite crossing in the 50th minute as Orford converted both tries.

Inu scored in the 55th minute as Parramatta clawed back the lead, however, two tries from Lyon in the 58th and 72nd minutes saw Manly emerge home 32-24 victors in a classic clash where both sides threw everything at each other on the field and fans in the stands threw objects at the Manly players - adding further merit to the Sea Eagles victory.

So far David Gallop hasn't issued a knee-jerk response, but punishment has to be severe and fair according to other penalties he has dished out. The rules and policies have been set in motion by Gallop and he can no longer afford to show double standards. The welfare of players such as Luke Williamson deserve to be looked after and acted on accordingly.

Well done to Manly on a great victory and to Jamie Lyon for withstanding the abuse and playing to the potential that got him into representative sides.


Grothe named in Eels side for Manly clash
Tue July 24, 2007
Parramatta winger Eric Grothe Jnr has been named in the Eels side to take on Manly this Sunday after missing last night's victory against Brisbane.

Grothe missed the clash last night where the Eels won 20-16 with Joel Reddy taking his place on the wing.

Fuifui Moimoi has been named in the starting side after last night dropping back to the bench with Aaron Cannings starting the match.

Ian Hindmarsh retains his position alongside brother Nathan in the second-row after he won a late call up following the withdrawal of Chad Robinson.

Weller Hauraki has again been named the 18th man. Hauraki won a call up last night to the first grade squad to replace Robinson last night and is on standby again in case any forwards are injured or omitted during the week.

The Eels now sit nicely in 3rd position and have a chance to consolidate their rise up the ladder if they can defeat the inform and 2nd placed Manly outfit.

Parramatta Eels v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Parramatta Stadium
Sunday 29th July
3:00pm

1 Jarryd Hayne
2 Krisnan Inu
3 Ben Smith
4 Timana Tahu
5 Eric Grothe
6 Brett Finch
7 Tim Smith
8 Nathan Cayless (c)
9 Mark Riddell
10 Fuifui Moimoi
11 Nathan Hindmarsh
12 Ian Hindmarsh
13 Feleti Mateo

Subs:
14 PJ Marsh
15 Josh Cordoba
16 Chad Robinson
17 Aaron Cannings
18 Weller Hauraki
(one to be omitted)

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