PARRAMATTA 28 DEFEATED THE SHARKS 24
14/02/04
The Eels opened their 2004 season in good style with a 28 points to 24 victory over the Sharks in Ballina in front of over 5 thousand fans.
Adam Dykes, Daniel Wagon, Luke Burt, Aaron Cannings and James Webster all scored tries for the Eels, while Burt and Michael Witt kicked 2 goals apiece.
The Eels trailed 12 - 6 at quarter time and led 18 - 12 at half time before going on with the job in the second half.
Eric Grothe was one of the stars for the Eels with coach Brian Smith singling him out for special praise after the match.
"Guru was awesome tonight, and showed us exactly what he can do," Smith said.
Chris Thorman came on at half time and did some clever things, especially a grubber kick through for Burts try.
The match was a spirited affair with some very big hits, including some bone rattlers by Fui Fui Moi Moi and Chris Armit.
"I liked what I saw but there is still plenty to be done. We ran players on and off tonight so there wasn;t really much of a combination thing, but it was good to get rid of the cobwebs," Smith added.
There were no major injuries sustained by any of the Eels players, although Justin Tsoulos was replaced with a shoulder injury.
Lee Hopkins and David Vaealiki didn;t play in the game, Hopkins has a broken nose and Vaealiki a minor ankle injury
The team will remain on the North Coast for a week long camp before the second trial against the Warriors on Saturday 21 February.
Grand Finals aren't won in February!
)
