The Warriors get the job done in golden-point extra time thanks to a try from Bodene Thompson.

Back-rower Bodene Thompson proved to be the unlikely hero in the Warriors' dramatic 17-13 win over the Eels in Parramatta on Saturday.

The unassuming Thompson, who has been one of their quiet achievers this year, scored a try in extra time to give the Warriors their fifth win of the season and keep them in the hunt for a top-eight spot.

The former Tiger, who was an unused member of the Kiwis squad for last year's Four Nations, broke the defence, and a 13-13 deadlock, in the 85th minute to consign the Eels to a share of bottom spot on the ladder.

Getty Images Warriors five-eighth Chad Townsend is tackled by Eels captain Tim Mannah during their clash at Pirtek Stadium.

With Eels playmaker Chris Sandow dumped into the reserves this weekend, the focus shifted to his replacement in the Parramatta No 7 jersey, Luke Kelly. Having witnessed his 28 previous appearances in the top grade for the Eels, it was the clear the crowd wouldn't see the chip kicks and cut-out balls that Sandow produced in the curtain-raiser.

Nor did he resemble the Flash Harry that is his Warriors counterpart. In one mesmerising moment, Shaun Johnston - he of the Golden Boot and Kiwis test jersey - sidestepped no less than four Eels to complete a movement he started.

But Kelly did make a big play, a pressure field goal, to send the game into extra point. Alas for the suffering Eels fans, it was not enough. In punishing Sandow for his inconsistency and going for a more tradesman-like play-maker, the Eels may have missed the spark required to conjure an unlikely victory.

Matt King Bodene Thompson, left, celebrates scoring the winning try in golden point extra time with Warriors team-mates.

They say styles make fights and this was evident in the battle between Kelly and Johnston. Had the former slotted any of his three attempts at goal - granted two were from wide out - they may well have enjoyed a breakthrough win.

Instead it was Thompson and Chad Townsend, who with just five minutes left on the clock slotted a field goal of his own to make the difference.

Kelly was working behind a well-beaten pack come the halftime break. The Warriors surged ahead 12-0, with tries to Johnson and Solomone Kata.

But it was a different Parramatta side upon the resumption. And it was Kelly's pinpoint kick which sparked the comeback, resulting in Anthony Watmough finally having a bright moment for his new side. It won't be enough to earn him another Blues jersey.

In a thrilling battle, the attrition rate was high. Ryan Hoffman lasted just three minutes before he was assisted off with concussion. As if Laurie Daley hasn't got enough problems already. Both teams lost their hookers, Isaac De Gois to a fractured cheekbone and Thomas Leuluai to a potentially serious knee injury.

But the biggest blow was that landed by Thompson. The Warriors stated a few weeks ago that a key goal of theirs was to pick up four points from the away games against the Sharks and Eels and Thompson's try meant it was mission accomplished.

For the sake of Warriors coach Andrew McFadden's blood pressure, the wins could come easier than the last two, but there's no denying they're a team to get excited about.