'Disastrous' kick-off blunder a perfect summation of woeful Eels showing
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 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.
AS IT HAPPENED: Broncos thump Eels in Sydney
READ MORE: Legend rips 'shame' after polarising Bunker call
READ MORE: Driver returns to scene of fatal IndyCar crash
The Eels' dismal performance against the Broncos was summed up perfectly by one huge error early in the second half. Nine
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.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
"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."
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.
State of Origin III 2022 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons series decider
