NRL Round 13 2024: Parramatta Eels win 34-22 over Cronulla Sharks

Playing his first game of NRL in over three months, Parramatta star Mitchell Moses showed no signs of rust as he lead his side to victory, as the Sharks’ slide continued.

It’s been a nightmarish few months for the Eels, but the blue and gold faithful can start dreaming about a mid-season charge towards the finals after Mitch Moses returned from injury to lead them to a crucial 34-22 win over the Sharks.

The Eels had won just one game without their star halfback after he fractured his foot back in round three, but they looked a completely different team with Moses breathing new life into their season with an attacking masterclass that has him back in the State of Origin conversation.

Brad Arthur lost his job with Moses missing, but he would have loved another couple of weeks to try to turn things around after the half laid on two tries and kicked the ladder leaders into submission on Thursday night.

The Parramatta Eels have sunk the Sharks to snap a five-game losing streak. Picture: Getty Images

Moses set the tone in the first set when he landed a midfield kick a blade of grass short of the try line, while his running game had their attack humming, with the halfback spotting an opportunity down the shortside to set up a crucial try.

His fingerprints were all over Parramatta’s attack which will have Blues coach Michael Maguire on notice should Nicho Hynes’ calf continue to cause grief.

“He’s our halfback for a reason,” skipper Clint Gutherson said.

“He’s probably one of the best halfbacks in the league at the moment. If you’re missing him then it’s a big loss. The confidence he brings to the team and to everyone at the club when he’s playing is a big thing.”

Moses wasn’t alone with Gutherson (245 metres) also making a strong return from injury, while halves partner Dylan Brown ran with freedom and sealed the win with a superb solo try to punish Cronulla’s first error after 68 minutes.

Mitchell Moses starred for Parra in his return from injury. Picture: Getty Images

STEAMROLLERS UNITE

Maika Sivo and Junior Paulo must have been blasting some Miley Cyrus before the game because the two powerhouses came in like a wrecking ball to score a couple of destructive tries.

Sivo hasn’t had his best year but he is still the leading tryscorer in 2024, with his second four-pointer a throwback to his damaging best when he used to skittle defenders for fun.

This time it was poor Will Kennedy who felt the full force of the Fijian freight train as Sivo ran over the top of him to complete a first-half double.

But Paulo wasn’t going to be outdone, with the prop forward reminding Blues selectors he’s far from a spent force as he smashed through five defenders to give the hosts a 12-point lead.

Junior Paulo produced a barnstorming performance, crashing over in the first half. Picture: Getty Images

SHARKS SLIDING

They’ve been the most consistent team of 2024, but the Sharks relinquished top spot after they slipped to their second loss in five days to a western Sydney team.

Last week’s 42-0 shellacking at the hands of the Panthers was a bit of a reality check for the ladder leaders, and coach Craig Fitzgibbon won’t be happy with their defensive effort to start what will be a tricky Origin period.

The Sharks were without Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes and lacked their usual spark in attack, although Daniel Atkinson continued his stellar run with a powerful solo effort to give his side a glimmer of hope midway through the second half.

It proved to be false hope for the visitors who produced one of the tries of the season when Will Kennedy reeled in a kick five metres from his own line, linked up with Ronaldo Mulitalo who danced through the defence and passed back to his fullback.

Originally published as NRL Round 13 2024: Parramatta Eels win 34-22 over Cronulla Sharks