Parramatta Ice the Sharks
(DJ Alamo Predicts Exact Result)
MICHAEL Hagan's reign as Parramatta coach got off to the best possible start with an understrength Eels outfit beating the Sharks 36-14 in a NRL trial in Parkes.
The Eels scored seven tries to the Sharks three in what was the first hitout for both sides ahead of the season proper, which kicks off in just under four weeks.
Hagan chose to rest most of his first-choice squad for the match but the Eels still had too much class for the Sharks, with young Parramatta halves Blake Green and Feleti Mateo particularly impressive.
Despite their performance they are still likely to find themselves in Premier League for round one of the NRL with Hagan insisting he was set to go with Tim Smith and new buy Brett Finch in the halves for the trip to New Zealand when the Eels meet New Zealand Warriors in the season opener.
Stand-in skipper Mark Riddell also showed he was ready for a big season with a try and two goals in a typically robust performance, while former Sydney Rooster Richard Fa'aoso did his claims for a place in the Eels pack no end of good with a powerful debut.
"It probably doesn't mean too much but it's good to get the season off to a winning start," said Hagan, who would have been just as relieved to see his side get through the game without any injury concerns.
While the scoreline wouldn't have left on smile on new Sharks coach Ricky Stuart's face, he would have been happy to have seen Ben Ross get through the game unscathed.
The former Queensland Origin front rower was playing his first game in almost 10 months following a knee reconstruction.
Halfback Brett Kearney, former Manly three-quarter Paul Stephenson and young centre Dane Neilsen scored tries for the Sharks, while former Brisbane centre Fraser Anderson showed he was ready for a lengthy stint in the top grade with a solid display.
EELS 36 v SHARKS 14
Pioneer Oval, Parkes, NSW 6.00pm
HALF TIME: Eels 22 - Sharks 10
3/4 TIME: Eels 30 - Sharks 14
FULL TIME: Eels 36 - Sharks 14
Crowd: 8,071
