NRL 2016 season: Round 4 results, highlights and Round 5 fixtures

NRL

The Parramatta Eels joined the other winning teams in the league standings, while the Cronulla Sharks bounced back on Monday’s National Rugby League Round 4 action.

The Eels made it three in a row after defeating the Wests Tigers 8-0 on Monday at ANZ Stadium. Parramatta held the Tigers scoreless despite a game that featured plenty of injuries and errors from both sides.

A Michael Gordon penalty goal early in the first half was the only score of the game, although the Eels had a chance to make it 4-0 before heading into the break. From that point, Parramatta gradually lost their players, starting from Tim Mannah, who did not return to the game after a shoulder complaint in the 10^th minute.

Junior Paulo, who scored the lone try of the game in the 55^th minute mark, also went off nine minutes later, but returned to the game after passing the concussion check. Danny Wicks suffered a fractured cheekbone in the 25^th minute after absorbing an elbow from teammate Beau Scott as they went in for a tackle at the 25^th minute mark.

Despite the growing list of players in the Eels’ injury ward, coach Brad Arthur was pleased with the way Parramatta played their defence against the Tigers.

“I thought we played tough and the effort was great again,” Arthur said, reports the Daily Telegraph. “Our defence is great at the moment and it needs to be because we are well off where we need to be with the footy.”

Meanwhile, the Sharks dealt the Melbourne Storm their first loss in the 2016 NRL season with a 14-6 victory at the SCG Stadium. Ben Barba and Chad Townsend led the way for Cronulla, scoring tries in the 28^th and 43^rd minute mark, respectively.

Kiwi props Felise Kaufusi scored the Storm’s only try in the game at the 19^th minute.

Match results (NRL.com)

Bulldogs def. Rabbitohs 42-12

Broncos def. Cowboys 21-20

Titans def. Raiders 24-20

Sea Eagles def. Roosters 22-20

Dragons def. Panthers 14-12

Warriors def. Knights 40-18

Eels def. Tigers 8-0

Knights def. Storm 14-6

Round 4 fixtures (NRL.com)

Mar. 31, Thursday – Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs