Eels Dominate Manly 30–10 in Statement Win Without Skipper Mitchell Moses
The Parramatta Eels delivered one of their most convincing performances of the 2025 NRL season with a resounding 30-10 victory over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles—a result made all the more impressive by the absence of star halfback and captain Mitchell Moses. The Round 12 clash at CommBank Stadium showcased the Eels’ depth, resilience, and attacking firepower, and may well stand as a defining moment in a challenging year for the club.
No Moses, No Worries
Missing your on-field general is typically a recipe for trouble in the NRL, particularly against a high-caliber opponent like Manly. Mitchell Moses had been sidelined since the early rounds of the season due to a foot injury, and at the time of the match, was still several weeks away from returning to action.
Despite the setback, Parramatta’s makeshift halves pairing stepped up in spectacular fashion. Dylan Brown assumed the mantle of chief playmaker, guiding the team with maturity and confidence. His kicking game was on point, his running threatening, and his defensive efforts tireless.
Complementing Brown in the halves was young gun Blaize Talagi, who continued to build his reputation as one of the club’s brightest prospects. The 19-year-old showed flashes of brilliance, with a line break and two try assists that had fans and commentators buzzing. His composure under pressure belied his limited NRL experience.
First-Half Brilliance
Parramatta wasted little time in asserting dominance. Within the opening 10 minutes, winger Maika Sivo powered over for the first try of the night, courtesy of a pinpoint cut-out pass from fullback Clint Gutherson. From there, the Eels continued to apply relentless pressure, starving Manly of possession and capitalizing on defensive lapses.
The Eels went into halftime with a 16-4 lead, having scored three tries to one. The Sea Eagles, struggling to build any consistent attacking sets, were frequently driven back by Parramatta’s aggressive defensive line.
Second-Half Control
The second half saw more of the same. The Eels maintained their intensity, with forwards like Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard laying a strong platform in the middle. J’maine Hopgood continued to impress with his tireless work rate and sharp ball-playing at lock.
Will Penisini, the Eels’ consistent centre, added to the scoreboard with a slick try off a Dylan Brown grubber. The crowd roared as Parramatta extended their lead, and it became increasingly clear that Manly had no answer.
Even when the Sea Eagles looked like mounting a late comeback, Gutherson was there to defuse kicks, rally the defense, and keep the tempo under control. A late try to Bryce Cartwright sealed the win and gave Parramatta a comfortable 20-point margin as the final siren sounded.
A Morale-Boosting Win
The 30-10 win not only added two competition points but also injected a much-needed dose of confidence into the Eels’ campaign. Coming into the match, the club had struggled with inconsistency and injuries, leading many to question whether they could remain competitive in the absence of their captain.
This victory proved they could—and that they had the talent across the park to trouble top sides, even without Moses orchestrating the play.
Head coach Jason Ryles was full of praise post-match:
“I’m incredibly proud of the boys tonight. They stuck to the game plan, defended with heart, and played smart footy. Dylan really led us around the park, and it’s great to see the young blokes stepping up in big moments.”
Looking Ahead
While the Eels still face a tough climb to secure a top-eight finish in 2025, wins like this one demonstrate they are far from out of the fight. With Moses expected to return in the coming rounds, and Brown continuing to perform at an elite level, the team appears to be finding its groove at just the right time.
For fans, this victory over Manly was more than just two points—it was a reminder of what this team is capable of when it plays to its potential.
If they can maintain that standard and stay healthy, the Eels may yet have a say in this year’s finals race.
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