Parramatta’s NRLW side delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, securing a 46-14 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium. The win keeps the Eels’ slim finals hopes alive, setting up a tense weekend where they will nervously await the outcome of the Gold Coast Titans versus Canberra Raiders clash.
A Raiders victory would confirm Parramatta’s place in the finals, where they are set to face either the North Queensland Cowboys or the Newcastle Knights in a knockout clash next weekend. The Eels’ emphatic display on Friday showcased a team hitting form at the perfect time, combining speed, skill, and cohesion across the park.
Canterbury drew first blood in the match when their leading tryscorer Elizabeth MacGregor crossed out wide, finishing off a precise cut-out pass from No. 6 Ashleigh Quinlan. The Bulldogs’ early try looked set to put them in control, but Parramatta responded quickly. A well-worked overlap allowed Kiana Takairangi to score in the 11th minute, giving the home side the momentum. Soon after, 18-year-old rookie MacGregor added her second try, keeping the Bulldogs in contention.
Despite the Bulldogs’ early threat, Parramatta regained control with two tries just before halftime. Fleur Ginn and Abbi Church – the latter leaping over Quinlan to haul in a high bomb and score – pushed the Eels into a 14-8 lead by the break. The combination of physicality up front and sharp execution in the backs was evident as Parramatta began to assert themselves more consistently.
The second half saw the Bulldogs show renewed determination. Tayla Preston landed an impressive 40-30 kick early in the half, but Canterbury struggled to convert territory into points. Parramatta’s veteran prop Elsie Albert extended the lead in the 43rd minute with a powerful close-range try, demonstrating why her experience is invaluable to the team. Canterbury fullback Andie Robinson then produced a moment of brilliance, sidestepping defenders with two dummies to cross, giving the Bulldogs a glimmer of hope.
However, the Eels’ response was emphatic. Abbi Church’s second try came after she executed a perfect dummy to slice through a gaping hole in the Bulldogs’ defence with just 17 minutes remaining. Rachael Pearson followed shortly after, backing up her own kick chase before wriggling over the line in a last-ditch effort, adding further pressure to Canterbury’s faltering defence.
Parramatta’s hooker Rueben Cherrington also got on the scoreboard, delivering two clever dummies to secure her side’s seventh try, while winger Martha Mataele finished off a perfectly timed chip from Pearson to score in the corner. Takairangi capped off the evening with her second try in the dying seconds, sealing a thumping 46-14 victory and providing a statement win for a team desperate to make finals.
“I can’t express how proud I am of my team, we knew we had to get the win tonight and all we were really focusing on was ourselves this week and I think we put on a performance that showed our connection as a group,” Church said.
“Georgie (coach Steve Georgallis) just wanted us to stick in there, he knew what we were capable of, unfortunately we let him down for a couple of weeks earlier in the season but he never lost faith in us.”
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will miss out on finals in their inaugural NRLW season. Despite the disappointment, skipper Tayla Preston was quick to reflect positively on the team’s debut campaign.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the girls, we’ve got so many young girls who made their NRLW debut this season and I’m just so proud of them,” Preston said.
“They proved they belong here on the big stage and that’s all we ask of them. We couldn’t be more proud to be part of the Bulldogs system and in our inaugural season there’s been highs and lows and we’ll be back better than ever next year.”
Parramatta’s comprehensive win highlighted a mix of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, suggesting the Eels have found a rhythm just in time for the finals push. With a blend of attacking flair, defensive resilience, and structured execution, the team has sent a warning to the rest of the NRLW: Parramatta is not going quietly.
The performance also underscored the impact of standout individuals. Fleur Ginn and Abbi Church consistently threatened the line, while Rachael Pearson and Takairangi added finishing touches that showcased Parramatta’s clinical edge. Elsie Albert’s strong carries up front created crucial momentum, while Rueben Cherrington’s vision and support play allowed the Eels to convert opportunities into points efficiently.
For the Bulldogs, the season was about more than results. Their young squad gained invaluable experience, learning the pace and intensity required at the elite level. Although missing the finals, the foundation is set for the next season, with players like MacGregor and Preston emerging as key figures for the future.
Parramatta will now turn their attention to next weekend’s potential knockout clash, knowing that the result of the Gold Coast versus Canberra match will dictate their finals fate. Should the Raiders emerge victorious, the Eels will step into the finals with confidence after a statement-making win that displayed their scoring potency, tactical nous, and team spirit.
With finals on the horizon, Parramatta’s focus will be on consistency and maintaining the intensity they displayed on Friday. For fans, the message is clear: this Eels side is capable of making waves, and their attacking firepower combined with defensive grit makes them a formidable contender in the 2025 NRLW Finals series.
