The Western Suburbs Magpies delivered a commanding performance in Round 22 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, defeating the Parramatta Eels 50-24 at Lidcombe Oval to keep their finals hopes firmly alive.
It took just five minutes for the Magpies to draw first blood, with Lachlan Broederlow crashing over after slick ball movement from halfback Javon Andrews and five-eighth Max Liles. Andrews converted to make it 6-0, and the hosts were in no mood to ease up.
The try-scoring continued to flow as Parramatta handed possession back with a kick out on the full, and Andrews combined beautifully with Faaletino Tavana before putting Solomone Saukuru over for his 20th try of the season. Andrews converted to extend the lead to 12-0.
The third try came from a brilliant coast-to-coast movement, with Fiohiva Siale Fainga'a providing a long cut-out pass on the left edge that put fullback Jack Attard away to score. Parramatta's errors continued to be punished as the Magpies' combinations tore the Eels apart to set up Siale Fainga'a for a 22-0 lead.
Parramatta's Jake Tago crossed on the right edge to give the Eels some hope late in the first half, but the Magpies replied almost immediately through Liles, who stepped through the defensive line on a short ball from Andrews to score. Andrews nailed his 50th goal of the season to have the Magpies in complete control at half-time, 28-6.
Early in the second half, Devonte Vaivela produced a sharp intercept followed by an 80-metre sprint to score, and Jonah Pezet's conversion made it 28-12, briefly threatening to reignite Parramatta's faint hopes. But the Magpies hit back with authority, adding tries to Tavana and Liles to extend the lead to 40-12.
Parramatta rallied with further tries to Vaivela and Apa Twidle reducing the deficit to 16, setting up a tense final quarter. But the Magpies put the contest to bed when Broederlow barged over for his second, before Andrews chipped over the top and won the race to the ball for a stunning solo effort to post 50 points. The Eels' fightback had ultimately come to nothing, with the Magpies running out 50-24 winners.
Talking Points
- Andrews was the architect of the Magpies' win, finishing with a try, seven goals from nine attempts and a haul of 18 points. His return from his NRL debut added enormous structure to the Wests attack.
- Saukuru’s 20th try of the season underscores what an outstanding campaign he has produced. The Magpies left edge has been one of the most potent combinations in the competition.
- Parramatta's error count in the first half was costly, gifting the Magpies repeated sets in prime field position. Until Vaivela’s intercept midway through the second half, the Eels lacked the composure to string together enough phases to seriously threaten.
Key Moment
With Parramatta within 16 points midway through the second half, Devonte Vaivela produced a stunning individual try that briefly threatened to make it a contest. But within minutes, the Magpies responded by sending Tavana over on the right edge to restore the 22-point buffer and decisively shut the door on any Eels comeback.
What's Next?
The Magpies' ninth win of the season moves them to within striking distance of the top five, sitting just two points adrift with a finals spot in sight. They will head to North Sydney Oval next week to face the second placed North Sydney Bears, while the Eels take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval.
