The most difficult riddle in the NRL to crack, the Parramatta Eels, had a moment early in the second half on Thursday night that summed up their 36-14 capitulation against the Brisbane Broncos perfectly.
After limping to the CommBank Stadium sheds trailing 24-10 at the break, the Eels’ second half began in dismal fashion when Waqa Blake and Shaun Lane got caught in a muddle.
Neither appeared to communicate as an Adam Reynolds kick-off swirled deep into Parramatta territory, both attempting to catch the ball and Blake turfing the footy.
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The Broncos capitalised on the scoreboard when winger Corey Oates crossed for a try in the following set.
“It could not have started worse,” said Nine caller Mat Thompson after the cock-up of Blake and Lane.
“Well, Brad Arthur’s probably not even in the coaches’ box just yet,” Billy Slater added.
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“That was a disastrous start … you’ve got a player, Waqa Blake, coming back, Shaun Lane. There’s no communication. What a dreadful start for Parramatta.”
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When Oates collected his try following the blunder, Thompson described it as “the ultimate punishment”.
Brisbane’s win saw the Broncos climb to fourth and the Eels fall to sixth.
Parramatta is now set to meet Penrith at CommBank Stadium next Friday, while Brisbane is poised for a clash with Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium the following day.
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