The Eels dominated the first half of football, two tries to fullback Brett Hodgson helping them to establish a 16-0 advantage at the halftime break.

Canberra’s atrocious handling also contributed to the Eels success, they were able to spend considerable time in possession of the football inside the Raiders half.

After the break the same trend continued, Hodgson grabbing a hat trick for a personal tally of 22 points in what can only be described as a hiding.

Further distressing news for Canberra coach Matt Elliott was that Ruben Wiki was reported by referee Shane Hayne for a high tackle in the first half, while Luke Davico and James Evans were injured during play and are likely to be sidelined for a long period.

The Raiders were held scoreless for the first time in an NRL match since July 1987 against the Balmain Tigers.

Parramatta opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a controversial try to Hodgson. Deep in Raiders territory the fullback ran at and easily beat Canberra centre Greg Wolfgramm, but there was some conjecture as to whether Hodgson grounded the ball correctly with an outstretched arm.

After taking a long look at the grounding video referee Mick Stone ruled try, which Hodgson duly converted.

The Eels went further ahead soon after when Daniel Irvine backed up from a brilliant bust by Daniel Wagon for their second four pointer. Canberra weren’t helping matters by failing to complete sets of six because of poor handling and tactical play, which allowed the Eels to set up camp inside Canberra territory and attack their tryline at will.

Woolford put James Evans into the clear and it looked liked the Raiders rookie was going to score, but he was crunched in a try saving tackle by Jason Moodie that knocked the ball free from his grasp.

In addition, Evans made heavy contact with the goalposts and had to medicabbed from the ground with a suspected broken leg.

The Eels took advantage of the rest that Evans’ injury provided and immediately struck back with a try up the other end, Adam Dykes handling twice in a fluid backline movement before Hodgson crossed for his second four pointer.

He then added his own extras, opening up a commanding 16-0 advantage for Parramatta at the half time break.

Soon after the break the Eels put the result beyond doubt with a try to Hindmarsh, a fitting reward for the NSW State of Origin hopeful in his 100th NRL game.

Hodgson’s kick was successful, putting Parramatta ahead 22-0 with just under half an hour remaining in the match.

Hindmarsh added his second try ten minutes later, Hodgson snaffled a hat trick, and interchange player Dean Widders also scored, the Eels stringing together back-to-back victories for the first time in the 2002 NRL season.