A Braith Anasta field goal 90 seconds into extra time delivered the Roosters a thrilling 13-12 golden-point victory over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium in Round 25 last year.
Chris Hicks, playing his 200th NRL game, gave the Eels the lead when he crossed in the right corner in the 35 minute after some excellent stepping lead-up play from centre Ben Smith.
Parramatta looked to have the game safely in their keeping when Jarryd Hayne scored a weaving 35-metre solo try to scoot the home side out to a commanding 12-nil lead with 30 minutes remaining.
It wasn’t until the 67th minute that the tri-colours posted their first points through prop Jason Ryles who charged over under the posts off a pass from hooker Jake Friend at dummy-half.
Sustained pressure saw the visitors cross for a second try with seven minutes left to play, with Eels fullback Luke Burt failing to contain Brad Takairangi on the right edge. Anasta nailed the conversion from near the sideline to tie things up at 12-all before then breaking the hearts of the home fans in golden point when finally successful with his fourth attempt at a one-pointer on the evening.
Anthony Minichiello had a huge game at the back for the red, white and blue, running 26 times for 200 metres, while prop Ryles had one of his best games for the Roosters with 19 hit-ups and 146 metres.
Wearing the No.6 jersey, Jarryd Hayne was outstanding for the Eels with 165 metres and seven tackle busts, plus a try. Team-mate Nathan Hindmarsh racked up a phenomenal 70 tackles.
While Hindmarsh was a rock in defence the same could not be said for his team-mates: Parramatta missed 48 tackles throughout the game, while the Roosters dropped off 31 players.
A lack of creativity also hampered Parramatta, who managed just five passages of second-phase play all evening.
