Parramatta Eels lose trial match againt West Tigers in Alice Springs - 17th February 2015

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Eels player searches for a pass Isaac Gois amongst Tigers defence during Parramatta Eels V Tigers Game Alice Springs Anzac Oval.


The Parramatta Eels had their first trial run against the West Tigers on Saturday in blistering heat at Alice Springs.

With the temperature over 34C at Anzac Oval, the pace was frantic from the kick off and eventually wore down the Eels who lost 20-4.

Most of the scoring occurred in the second half with the Tigers leading just 4-0 at the break.

Shortly after half-time a series of penalties and bad luck saw the scoreline push out against the Eels.

The side’s only try came from a one-on-one strip by Fabian Goodall inside the Tigers’ in-goal.

Eels half-back Luke Kelly said discipline was the biggest lesson the squad could take from the game into the 2015 season.

He cited handling errors and the penalty count as key factors in the loss.

“We made it very tough on ourselves,” Kelly said.

“You can’t give any team that amount of ball, ­especially in this heat. It was always going to take its toll.”

Kelly still sees clear room for improvement for the squad.

“It’s something that’s going to take time,” Kelly said. “But everyone got a bit of a run and I think everyone survived the heat, which is a plus and we can ­definitely improve.

“We’ve got another trial next week against Penrith so we’ll hopefully improve heading back to Sydney.

The Eels face the Penrith Panthers in a trial match this Saturday at Pepper Stadium.