Hamilton is becoming a happy hunting ground for the Parramatta Eels as they got off their NRL duck with a 22-14 win over a disappointing New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night.
As was the case last season, Eels halfback Tim Smith directed play beautifully, steering his side around the park with his big kicking game and dangerous attacking raids.
"Two wins out of two so its pretty good," Smith, the 2005 NRL Rookie of the Year, told tvnz.co.nz.
While neither side was anywhere near their best, the Eels did enough to win a scrappy game in perfect conditions at Waikato Stadium.
"It is early rounds still and teams are trying to get used to each other still. I thought we did pretty well in patches.
"I think we defended really well. Just happy to get the points and hopefully we can play well up in Brisbane again next weekend."
Though the Warriors lacked options on attack, their defence was strong for large part and the ice packs scattered around the Eels changing room suggested they felt the confrontation.
"I think they played very well tonight," Smith said of the Warriors. "They played tough - they are always tough - and we are just happy to get the two points and get our NRL season going forward."
While the Reds Super 14 side clearly doesn't enjoy travelling to Hamilton, the Eels are more than happy with their time in the Waikato.
"I enjoy it. I reckon it is one of the best grounds of played on. The surface is great, I love playing out here, the crowd was awesome and I have really enjoyed myself and I think the boys have too," Smith said.
