Parramatta Eels win Back 2 Back Harold Matthews Cup Championships (Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyMedia)

Mark Griffiths and Parramatta Eels Captain Joey Tramontana hold up the Harold Matthews Cup (Photo : steve montgomery / OurFootyMedia)

Story By : Adam Kidd NSWRL Media
Photo's By :

The Parramatta Eels have caused a major upset defeating the previously undefeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 24-16 to claim the 2013 Harold Matthews Cup.

Parramatta secured their second consecutive Premiership with interchange forward Cameron King's double proving the difference in a highly entertaining encounter.

In a fast and furious opening to the Grand Final, it was Parramatta who drew first blood with Sione Katoa crashing over on the back of a Michael Doolan cut out pass.

The Rabbitohs hit back immediately with Reimis Smith scoring a scintillating 60 metre try to score untouched under the posts, giving South Sydney the lead after 10 minutes.

Two quick fire Parramatta tries to Anthony Layoun and Ethan Fagaloa-Time swung the momentum back in the Eels favour with a 14-6 lead at half time.

The second half couldn't have started in worse fashion for South Sydney with a mistake from the kick-off granting the Eels possession inside the Rabbitohs red zone.

Cameron King produced a bullocking effort carrying four defenders across the line to make Souths pay for their mistake and extend the Eels lead to 12 points.

The Rabbitohs stromed back into the contest on the back of a number of strong charges from Gabriel Hamlin, and when Reimis Smith crossed for his second it was game on in the Grand Final.

The South Sydney faithful erupted when Johnathan Tufuga collected a chip-kick to ground the ball inches from the dead ball line for a try, and when Siosifa Talakai converted from the sideline it was 18-16 with only minutes remaining.

Parramatta sealed their victory when King barged over for his second try amid wild celebrations from the Eels players who were now Premiership winners for 2013.

Parramatta will now take on Norths Devils in the National U16'S Title at North Sydney Oval next Sunday with kick-off scheduled for 11:30am.

Parramatta Eels 24 (Cameron King 2,Sione Katoa, Anthony Layoun, Ethan Fagaloa - Time Tries; Simon Fonua 2 Goals) def. South Sydney Rabbitohs 16 (Remis Smith 2, Johnathan Tufuga Tries; Siosifa Talakai 2 Goals)

MAN OF THE MATCH : ANTHONY LAYOUN (Parramatta Eels)