By Christian Nicolussi
The only thing that was better than Jakob Arthur scoring a try on debut was his proud father Brad punching the air with pride and joy from way up high in the Suncorp Stadium coach’s box.
There were sensational scenes with just four minutes remaining in the Parramatta and New Zealand Warriors clash when Arthur - the 18-year-old gangly debutant, not the Eels boss - stepped off the right foot and sliced through a couple of defenders to score.
He initially fell short before quickly getting down on all fours and slamming the ball down with his left hand.
Every single Eels teammate cuddled the youngster as a “Jakob” chant broke out among a group of blue-and-gold supporters.
The try killed off any hopes of a miracle Warriors comeback as the Eels won 34-18.
“It’s a dream come true, I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Jakob said afterwards.
Parramatta celebrate the Jakob Arthur try which all-but killed off any hopes of a Warriors comeback at Suncorp.Credit: Getty
“Some of my mates have driven 10 hours to watch me play. I can’t thank them enough.
“I’ve tried not to think about the week too much, but it’s hard not to. Mum [Michelle] was really emotional as well. She was the first person I went to because she’s done so much for me. I wouldn’t have played today if it wasn’t for her.”
Jakob later said he needed 56 tickets for his entourage, which excluded his father who admitted to being left emotionally drained.
He only just kept it together at the pre-match press conference, and did well to hold back the tears after the game.
Brad Arthur pumps a fist after son Jakob scores on debut for Parramatta.Credit: Nine
“It was a long week, and when we got to kick-off I just wanted the game to be over and done with to tell you the truth,” Arthur said.
“I’m proud of the playing group and they made it a special day for me and my family ... he’s made his debut on the big stage, and the boys made sure they won - they weren’t going to do anything else but win for him, and I appreciate it.”
Arthur said he celebrated the try because it took care of the result, not solely because it was Jakob.
It was not their prettiest win, but it was the fifth straight week Parramatta posted more than 30 points, and they remain outright second on the NRL ladder behind Penrith.
Next Sunday there will be standing room only when the Eels take on Tom Trbojevic’s Manly.
And Arthur will be there for his second game in the No. 6 jersey as Dylan Brown completes his three-match suspension.
While Jakob dominated the headlines, Mitchell Moses was outstanding, despite hobbling from the field late. He is in no danger of missing the Sea Eagles clash.
Prior to his late try, Jakob had a hand in a couple of tries for Ryan Matterson and Blake Ferguson, only for the pair to put the ball short of the line and knock on respectively.
He could have had another try of his own had he dummied and gone himself, only to play it safe and pass to Matterson to score.
Jakob defended well and got his body under Ken Maumalo who was later denied a try because of an earlier obstruction. He was chopped down twice by Chanel Harris-Tavita early in the game, but refused to be overawed by the big occasion.
The Eels raced out to a 24-0 lead, including a rare double to front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard, as Moses had a day out.
The Warriors were starved of possession and even when they had the ball struggled to complete their sets.
They trailed 24-6 at the break, but refused to go away in the second half as 18-year-old Reece Walsh led the fightback.
Walsh, who like the younger Arthur is only 18, has an enormous future and is an excitement machine. But there was no topping the excitement and emotion of the Arthur clan.
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