Eels Shock the Dragons in Golden Point Thriller!
Wow, what a game! The Parramatta Eels snatched their first win of the season against the St George Illawarra Dragons in a golden point heart-stopper at CommBank Stadium. 19,302 screaming fans witnessed it all – a real rollercoaster of a match. And the hero? Zac Lomax, the former Dragon himself, nailing a 25-meter field goal to seal a 23-22 victory. Honestly, who saw that coming?
A Battle of the Ex-Players
This wasn't just any NRL match; it was a clash of titans, featuring two players returning to their old stomping grounds. Clint Gutherson, the ex-Eels captain, put on a show for the Dragons, scoring two tries and setting up another in his first game back in Parramatta. For a while there, the Dragons looked unstoppable. But then… Lomax. His performance was simply electric. He wasn't just content with a good game; he had to have the last word.
His 43-meter penalty goal in the dying seconds of regulation time forced extra time, setting the stage for that incredible golden point finish. It was seriously intense.
An Unbelievable Comeback
The Eels were down 20-8 early in the second half. It felt like a slow-motion trainwreck, honestly. You know how sometimes things just spiral? But then, something shifted. Tries from Isaiah Iongi and Kitione Kautoga, combined with Lomax's clutch kicks, ignited a comeback for the ages. There were some pretty controversial penalties thrown in for good measure, adding to the drama, but in the end, the Eels just wouldn't give up. They emerged victorious, leaving the Dragons and their fans absolutely stunned.
More Than Just a Win
This wasn't just a win for the Eels; it was massive. It was rookie coach Jason Ryles' first NRL victory, a huge weight lifted from the team after four straight losses. For Lomax, it was a personal triumph, a testament to his skill and resilience. Iongi showed us why everyone’s talking about him, and even Dylan Brown had a solid performance after his big new contract with Newcastle.
This match highlighted everything we love about the NRL: the unexpected twists, the nail-biting finishes, and the incredible skill of the players. It was a reminder that any team, on any given day, can achieve something truly remarkable.
What We Learned
- Zac Lomax: Golden point hero! What a kick.
- Clint Gutherson: Two tries for the Dragons – a memorable return.
- Controversial calls and momentum swings: It was a wild ride, filled with drama.
- Jason Ryles' first NRL win: A massive moment for the rookie coach and the Eels.
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