Parramatta Unbeaten in NRL After 28-4 Win Over Cronulla
The Parramatta Eels extended their unbeaten start to the NRL season with a dominant 28-4 victory over the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday, cementing their status as one of the early title contenders in 2025. The commanding performance at CommBank Stadium showcased the Eels’ defensive resilience and attacking precision as they overwhelmed a struggling Cronulla side from start to finish.
From the opening whistle, Parramatta displayed intent and structure. Halfback Mitchell Moses orchestrated the attack with superb game management, controlling the tempo and finding gaps in the Sharks’ defensive line. His kicking game constantly pinned Cronulla deep in their own half, forcing errors and fatigue that Parramatta were quick to exploit.
The Eels struck first through Clint Gutherson, who crossed the line after a slick passing move that involved Moses and Dylan Brown. Winger Maika Sivo then added another try just before halftime, bulldozing through two defenders to give the home side a 12-0 lead at the break. Cronulla struggled to gain any attacking momentum, with Parramatta’s forward pack—led by Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard—dominating the ruck and cutting off second-phase play.
The second half saw the Eels increase their stranglehold. Brown continued his fine form with a try of his own, darting through the line after a dummy that wrong-footed the Sharks’ defense. Hooker Josh Hodgson added another from close range, sealing the result well before the final whistle. Moses’ four conversions and two penalty goals took his personal tally to 12 points, rounding off a near-perfect afternoon.
Cronulla managed a late consolation try through Sione Katoa, but it was little more than a footnote in a one-sided contest. The Sharks’ attack lacked cohesion and discipline, with several handling errors and penalties halting their progress. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon admitted post-match that his side was “outplayed in every department” and vowed to regroup quickly before next week’s clash.
For Parramatta, however, the mood was jubilant. Coach Brad Arthur praised his team’s consistency and composure, particularly their ability to maintain intensity throughout the 80 minutes. “We’re defending well, our spine is connecting nicely, and the boys are trusting the process,” Arthur said.
The victory keeps Parramatta at the top of the NRL ladder, unbeaten after four rounds, with a growing belief that they can sustain this form deep into the season. If their current balance of attacking flair and defensive grit continues, the Eels could well be on course for their most successful campaign in years.
