MORE PAIN FOR EELS AND HAYNE
PARRAMATTA’S start to the NRL season has slumped to a new low, losing star Jarryd Hayne to a hip injury during a 14-4 defeat to Cronulla.
Eels coach Brad Arthur will also be sweating on the status of his only other key recruit this season in prop Kane Evans, who failed to finish last night’s match due to a rib problem.
The Eels have now lost their third straight match to start the year, ensuring they remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder in a year they were considered a top-four threat.
The last time Parramatta began with three straight defeats, the side finished last in 2012.
For the Sharks, their first win of the year comes despite another unconvincing performance, as well as the absence of their own main playmaker in Matt Moylan, who had a hamstring injury.
But coach Shane Flanagan could have another injury worry, with second-rower Jayson Bukuya coming off with a groin issue at a wet ANZ Stadium.
Halfback Chad Townsend scored all 14 of the Sharks’ points courtesy of a try, and five goals from as many attempts.
He has now kicked 12 straight goals to begin the season.
Ill discipline again cost the Eels from the outset, giving away a penalty in a tackle in the 11th minute that allowed Townsend’s first penalty goal for the match’s opening points.
A Paul Gallen offload led to Townsend crossing for the first try five minutes later.
The Eels finally ended a 153-minute scoring drought that stretched back to Round 1 when Kirisome Auva’a finished off a set piece in the 20th minute.
Hayne looked out of sorts not long after, seeking attention from the trainer following a kick-off and trying to play on for a set before bowing out.
The Eels trailed by eight points at halftime and the only points in a dour second half came from Townsend’s fifth goal in the 72nd minute.
The match was the second of a double-header.