Grand Final: Parramatta Eels player ratings

AAP | 04/10/09 | 0

AUDIO - Nathan Hindmarsh: ''We left our run too late''

Parramatta player ratings in Sunday's NRL grand final (out of 10):

JARRYD HAYNE - The best in the game, but maybe not his best game. Threatened on occasions, as much with his passing game as anything, but his kicking game was way off at times. 7

LUKE BURT - The veteran turned back the clock with some twinkle-toed kick returns. As always, played above his weight. 8

KRISNAN INU - Dropped his first touch and struggled for ball after that. Spectacularly almost got Parramatta a first try when he grabbed a bomb and passed in one action. 5

JOEL REDDY - Made himself popular by smashing Brett Finch, but came off second best. Opposite number Greg Inglis scored while he was off the field. Scored a good aerial try. 6

ERIC GROTHE - A powerhouse from go to whoa whose carry - and second half try - were major factors in keeping the Eels in it for so long. 9

DANIEL MORTIMER - A livewire performance from the diminutive five-eighth, who looked likely to crack the defence, but didn't quite manage to. At 20, he'll only get better as a result of this. 7

JEFF ROBSON - A tradesman on and off the field but struggled to get the ball into the landscape he wanted with his kicking game. Tried hard, directed traffic and that's all anyone expected. 5

NATHAN CAYLESS - On one leg, his workload with the ball was restricted. But the runs he did make were telling, and his courage no doubt inspirational. 6

MATTHEW KEATING - A neat operator out of dummy half, his work was efficient. Another for whom 2010 will be his oyster. 6

FUIFUI MOIMOI - The Fuifui express gathered more steam the longer the game went. Scored one of the great front-rowers' grand final tries with sheer determination. 9

NATHAN HINDMARSH - Had made 38 tackles by halftime and 63 by fulltime, saved a desperate situation by shoving Cooper Cronk in the back and was also on hand to help the refs with their decisions. Does it every week. 9

BEN SMITH - The effort's always there but his communication breakdown with Jeff Robson to allow Inglis to grab a bomb and score wasn't grand final stuff. 5

TODD LOWRIE - Failed to replicate the strong ball-running form he's displayed. Tireless in defence. 5

Interchange:
KEVIN KINGSTON - Limited time off the bench for one of the best value buys of the season. 5

FELETI MATEO - Brought the crowd to its feet with a great second half run - and didn't offload. That's a good thing because Grothe scored two plays later. 7

JOE GALUVAO - The only Eel to have won a comp - still. Made a telling second half bust, otherwise a workmanlike performance. 6

TIM MANNAH - Had been on the field for mere seconds before he missed the tackle on Cooper Cronk which led to the Storm's second try. 4