Eels book their spot

Parramatta is the first team into the 2009 NRL grand final but may be without superstar Jarryd Hayne for the decider after a dramatic 22-12 win over the Bulldogs in a pulsating preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.

Hayne is facing a possible suspension after leading with his knees in a bid to stop Bryson Goodwin from scoring a try after just four minutes.

Anything greater than a grade one charge will have Hayne in danger of missing the Eels' first grand final appearance since 2001.

The brilliant No.1 was placed on report, referee Tony Archer awarding an eight-point try to Canterbury.

The match review committee will view the incident over the weekend before deciding whether to charge Hayne and, if so, determine a grading.

Hayne has no carryover points but has a 20 per cent loading for a prior non-similar offence hanging over his head.

Hooker Matthew Keating may also be in danger of missing the grand final after being reported for a chicken wing tackle on Dogs prop Ben Hannant two minutes before half-time.

Skipper Nathan Cayless will also be racing the clock to be fit after limping from the field with a hamstring injury early in the match, played in front of a near capacity crowd of 74,549.

Daniel Mortimer and Krisnan Inu both lined-up for the Eels after passing late fitness tests, while the Dogs went with Gary Warburton in their starting line-up for Greg Eastwood.

Disaster struck the Dogs just 62 seconds in, full-back Luke Patten knocked out returning a kick.

He was escorted from the field, Hazem El Masri moving to full-back and having an almost immediate impact on proceedings.

The veteran's left foot grubber found Bryson Goodwin unmarked on the left flank and he picked up cleanly to score in the corner.

But as he went to place the ball, Hayne collected him with his knees.

Referee Tony Archer called Hayne out, telling him: "You led with the feet."

Hayne replied: "I tucked my feet back."

The Dogs were awarded an eight-point try, with El Masri missing the sideline conversion before potting the kick in front for a 6-0 lead.

Parramatta lost Cayless after nine minutes, leaving both sides with 16 fit players.

Hayne then showed his class, setting up the Eels' reply after 25 minutes.

He danced and taunted three defenders before clearing a path and sending Joe Galuvao in under the posts.

But the hero turned villain four minutes before the break.

Hayne let a Ben Roberts grubber pass him into the in-goal and by the time he reacted Josh Morris had slipped under his guard to score.

El Masri landed the conversion and the Dogs were back in front 12-6.

An eventful half ended on a dramatic note, Keating penalised and placed on report for a chicken wing tackle on Hannant.

Hannant and Nathan Hindmarsh indulged in some push and shove and traded insults, the Parramatta veteran accusing Hannant of milking a penalty.

The Eels moved to within two points 11 minute after the break, Burt crossing in the left corner after Inu juggled the ball before putting his winger away.

The sideline conversion faded to the left, leaving the Bulldogs ahead 12-10.

Four minutes later the Eels were in front for the first time.

Hayne and Kevin Kingston handled twice, with half-back Jeff Robson also involved as the ball was kept alive for Tim Mannah to take the final pass and dive over for his first career try.

Burt's conversion eased Parra in front 16-12.

The Eels buried the Dogs' season with nine minutes to go, Kingston throwing the last pass for Mortimer to scoot away and score beside the posts.

Parramatta 22
Tries: Galuvao, Burt, Mortimer, Mannah
Goals: Burt 3

Bulldogs 12
Tries: Goodwin, Morris
Goals: El Masri 2