NRL: Parramatta hands Canberra a reality check as attack finally comes to life

Five days is a long time in rugby league. 

But true to his word, Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart refused to use his side's short preparation as an excuse after one of their poorest displays under his tenure at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday. 

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Electric Eels sink Raiders

Michael Jennings' first half double sets up a cruisy win for Parramatta. Halves Corey Norman and Kieran Foran combine for their best game this season.

Justifiably praised after a 22-8 beating of Canterbury at Belmore on Monday, the Raiders were sloppy and had no answer for the suffocating defence Parramatta have made their hallmark, losing 36-6. 

On match eve, Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker said there was "no excuse" for not bringing the defensive intent and attitude in which they shut down Canterbury.

But the right edge of five-eighth Blake Austin and centre Joey Leilua was ruthlessly exposed in the first half by a Parramatta attack that finally sparked into life and built a 24-0 lead.

Australia Test star Nathan Lyon visited Canberra's dressing sheds but there was no way to spin it, the Raiders were off their game in all facets. 

Parramatta's fans celebrated by chanting "Ricky, Ricky" when they spotted their former coach, Stuart, late in the game, who quit the club to join Canberra in 2013. 

The Eels had scored just 70 points in six games this year, and only struggling St George Illawarra had a worse attacking record. 

But after his dodgy hamstring finally allowed him some meaningful training time, Eels skipper Kieran Foran and halves partner Corey Norman dominated the first half. 

Raiders halves Austin and Aidan Sezer had many calling for their NSW Origin selection after strong injury returns against Canterbury, but they were totally outplayed by their Eels opposites. 

Norman laid on the first two tries of the game to centre Michael Jennings in the first 15 minutes, twice busting through Canberra's right edge. 

Two more first half tries to Foran and Beau Scott extended the Eels' lead to 24-0 at the break and the match was all but over. 

Foran showed his hamstring is on the way back to full health by putting a sidestep on Raiders fullback Jack Wighton, who made three first-half errors, to score Parramatta's third try. 

Asked whether his side's quick turnaround had an impact, Stuart said: "I said I wasn't going to use it whether we won or lost, and I'm not going to. 

"You get any losing coach in here [media] and you talk about errors made, we were off today. 

"We had some silly errors which cost us but as I said, we were off and we're a better football team than that.

"We know we have points in us but we executed poorly in attack and it was a consequence of our execution in defence, that's where it all stems from."

Raiders hooker and Dally M medal leader Josh Hodgson was forced off in the first half with a thumb problem, but returned late in the game and insisted he'll be fit for next Sunday's home game with Cronulla.

"It was just a whack on the thumb and it was pretty sore and I couldn't grab much," Hodgson said.

"I had to wait for it to wear off and I came back on, it's alright."

Stuart was unsure whether the praise thrown at the Raiders this week had any impact. 

"You'd have to ask them [players] mate, I don't read the papers so you'd have to ask them." 

Lock Shaun Fensom also said he will be fine for the Sharks match having left the field late, but he may have to beat a judiciary charge after he was placed on report for a second-half lifting tackle on Eels fullback Michael Gordon. 

Foran will return to Brookvale for the first time since leaving Manly on Thursday night. 

After arguably his best game individually of the year, he feels more confident his hamstring will hold up long-term. 

"It was nice to get on the training paddock a couple of times and the hammy's getting better and better," Foran said. 

"Hopefully after this Manly game there'll be no need to worry about it and get on with things.

"It [going back to Brookvale] will be good, it's also a big contest when these two clubs play one another.

"It [the try] was nice to get into open space and moments like that help you get over injuries [mentally]." 

Foran said the match couldn't come quick enough after a Bryce Cartwright try on the siren denied them victory at home against Penrith last week. 

"We were really hurting after that game, to lose a game like that in the dying stages really hurts," he said. 

"We wanted to make sure we came out here and put in a solid performance at home."

Parramatta's players showed no signs the ongoing salary cap investigation engulfing the club is affecting them. They were desperate and showed intent in their work throughout.

Despite the loss, Stuart retained his sense of humour when asked about the crowd giving him some cheek as full-time neared. 

"There's nothing wrong with that, it's just a bit of fun and banter," he said. 

"I just really appreciate the fact they're still thinking of me." 

PARRAMATTA EELS 36 (Michael Jennings 2, Kieran Foran, Beau Scott, Kenny Edwards tries; Michael Gordon 6 goals) bt CANBERRA RAIDERS 6 (Blake Austin try; Jarrod Croker goal) at Parramatta on Saturday. Crowd: 12,947.  Referees: Adam Devcich and Chris James.