The Eels eased past the Dragons to open their account in the third game of the Downer NRL Auckland Nines.

Just 35 seconds into the match Dragons rookie Jai Field split the Parramatta defence in half with an electric jink and run, which saw him go 80 metres and score.

But it was Parramatta who took a comfortable 17-4 lead into half-time after Kenny Edwards and Suaia Matagi powered their way over from close range, and Clinton Gutherson got on the end of a clever chip from Bevan French. 

Halfback Jamal Fogarty converted his own try on the first set of the second half, and Parramatta were making it look easy as Gutherson grabbed his second and Corey Norman raced through with three minutes remaining.

Tariq Sims broke through for a late consolation try as the Eels finished up 32-11 winners.

Eels 32 (Clinton Gutherson 2, Kenny Edwards, Suaia Matagi, Jamal Fogarty, Corey Norman tries; 4 goals) def. Dragons 11 (Jai Field, Tariq Sims tries; 1 goal). Half-time: 17-4.