Reigning premiers prove too strong for debuting Rolling Raiders

The Entice Travel Rolling Raiders commenced their inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League NSW Cup season, falling short in a tight contest against defending premiers Parramatta Eels 44-32 in Menai on Sunday.

The Raiders rolled into Menai Indoor Sports Centre with a point to prove that they'll be competitive in their inaugural NSW Cup season.

Coming up against last year's premiers provided the perfect opportunity to prove themselves, and they didn't shy away from the challenge. 

The Raiders held Parramatta to a 32-32 score line until the dying minutes, before the Eels showed their experience to get the job done.

Raiders were on the back foot early, fumbling the opening kickoff, which Parramatta pounced on to score within the first minute of play. 

The visitors were quick to respond through Jaimz Knight crossing on the next set to bring the scores to 6-4 following an unsuccessful conversion attempt.

The game got into the grind, with both sides trading blows before Rolling Raiders captain Toby Popple scored to give his side their first lead of the match. 

The back-and-forth battle resumed until Raiders speedster Zac Carl found space out wide before handing off to Anthony McQueen to cross for another four-pointer.

With three tries to Parramatta's one, the Rolling Raiders lead 12-6 with zero successful conversion attempts, keeping the score within reach for the Eels.

It didn't take long before Parramatta hit back, crossing for their second try and converting successfully to tie up the scores at 12-all going into the break.

With the scores at a deadlock between the debut side and reigning premiers, the Rolling Raiders were motivated to secure a fairytale victory to kick start their campaign.

The Raiders were hot out of the blocks in the second half, scoring two tries in quick succession with Knight crossing for his double, followed by Amanda Carlyon scoring under the posts to set up for their first successful conversion and giving themselves a healthy 22-14 lead.

Parramatta weren't going to roll over that easily, as they went on to cross for a quick double of their own, with one successful conversion to take back the lead at 24-22. 

The following five minutes of play was a try scoring frenzy, with both sides scoring two a piece. 

Raiders tries came through McQueen picking up a loose ball to score his second of the afternoon and Carl chasing down a kick before planting the ball just before the dead ball line. 

Despite crossing for seven tries to Parramatta's six, the Raiders converting struggles saw the scores tied up at 32-all with five minutes left. 

The reigning premiers showed their experience in the final minutes, scoring two more tries and a penalty goal to put the dagger into the match and the hearts of the Rolling Raiders, with the final score reading 44-32.

However, the debut side returned to Canberra with their heads held high after sticking it to the best side in the competition from last year.

The Rolling Raiders will look to bounce back when they return to the court next week to take on the West Tigers at Concord Recreation Centre on Sunday.

Parramatta Eels

Score: 44
Tries: Rick Engles 5, Diab Karim 2, Joey Abboud
Conversions: Diab Karim 6

Rolling Raiders

Score: 32
Tries: Jaimz Knight 2, Anthony McQueen 2, Amanda Carlyon, Zac Carl, Toby Popple
Conversions: Zac Carl 2