Rugby League: Benji Marshall turns back clock as Wests Tigers sink struggling Parramatta Eels

Benji Marshall avoids the tackle of Parramatta's Tepai Moeroa. Photo / Getty Images

Benji Marshall has turned back the clock to lift Wests Tigers to a 30-20 victory over Parramatta and into the NRL's top four.

In doubt during the week with an ankle injury, Marshall was at his light-footed best on Monday as he had a hand in three of the Tigers' five tries as they leapt to a 30-6 lead before the Eels recovered late.

After being one of the grittiest teams in the opening three rounds, the Tigers turned it on in the first hour as they almost tripled their try tally for the season.

The Parramatta side found an early lead through fullback Will Matthews, however it was followed by n onslaught from the Tigers.

Second-rower Robbie Rochow opened their account soon after Matthews' try, and tries to Kevin Naiqama and Corey Thompson gave the Tigers a handy 20-6 half-time lead.

The Tigers were in again just five minutes into the second half through lock Matthew Eisenhuth, scoring his first NRL try before Thompson bagged his second for the night.

At 30-6, the result looked locked in. George Jennings, Josh Hoffman, and Kirisome Auva'a all went over for the Eels in the late stages of the match, but the damage had been done.

The result kept Parramatta in last place, the first time in the Brad Arthur era they've gone winless over the opening month and by far their most disappointing start in years given the pre-season hype.