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Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Tips - Papenhuyzen to lead Storm victory
- Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm predictions for Thursday’s NRL game
- Parramatta Eels have lost 5 of their last 6 games against Melbourne Storm
- Preview, predictions, stats & team news
Melbourne have won 5 of their last 6 games against Parramatta (Getty Images)
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Tips
Parramatta took advantage of a number of injuries to the Broncos in Round One. The Eels beat an understrength Melbourne at Bankwest Stadium last season but the Storm should be too good here.
Ryan Papenhuyzen scored twice in Round One and has scored four tries in his last four games against the Eels.
- Parramatta Eels have lost 5 of their last 6 games against Melbourne Storm.
- Melbourne Storm have won by 12 or more points in 4 of their last 5 games against Parramatta Eels.
- Melbourne Storm have won 16 of their last 18 games.
- Melbourne Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored 6 tries in his last 4 games.
- Melbourne Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored 4 tries in his last 4 games against Parramatta Eels.
Head to Head
Melbourne Storm have a 24-14 advantage against Parramatta Eels in 38 games.
The Storm have won five of the last six encounters including a 36-24 victory in the qualifying final last season.
Parramatta Eels Form
Parramatta Eels finished with a 15-5 record last season. They lost 36-24 to Melbourne Storm in the qualifying final and 38-24 against South Sydney Rabbitohs in the semi-finals.
Their 2021 campaign got off to a rough start against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. They trailed 16-0 at half time, but wit Brisbane players falling to injury, they regrouped in a 24-16 win after scoring four unanswered second half tries.
Reed Mahoney, Clinton Gutherson, Blake Ferguson and Junior Paulo all crossed the line. Forwards Reagan Campbell-Gillard (118 metres from 12 hit-ups) and Isaiah Papali'i (180 metres from 15 hit-ups) laid the foundation for the come back.
Parramatta completed 73% of their sets (33/45), made 15 errors and conceded just 1 penalty.
Parramatta Eels Team News
Marata Niukore is available after suspension and Ray Stone could feature after overcoming a knee injury.
Bryce Cartwright (broken jaw) and Michael Oldfield (knee) are expected back between rounds 4-6.
Michael Jennings is suspended indefinitely after a possible performance-enhancing drugs violation.
Parramatta Eels Predicted Line Up
1. Clinton Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Tom Opacic
4. Waqa Blake
5. Blake Ferguson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Ryan Matterson
13. Nathan Brown
Interchange
14. Oregon Kaufusi
15. Isaiah Papali’i
16. Keegan Hipgrave
17. Will Smith
Reserves
18. Haze Dunster
19. Joey Lussick
20. Jordan Rankin
21. David Hollis
Melbourne Storm Form
Melbourne Storm won the NRL premiership last season, defeating Penrith Panthers 26-20 in the Grand Final.
Craig Bellamy's side got the new campaign off to a winning start. The Storm beat South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-18 at AAMI Park after racing to a 22-0 lead.
Cameron Munster, Justin Olam and Ryan Papenhuyzen (2) scored in the opening 30 minutes to lay the platform. Papenhuyzen was impressive, running for 174 metres in a standout individual performance.
Melbourne completed 78% of their sets (32/41), made 11 errors and conceded just 2 penalties.
Melbourne Storm Team News
Melbourne’s Brenko Lee (hamstring) could be available but Harry Grant (knee) is out for a few more weeks. Brandon Smith will continue to start at hooker.
Dale Finucane (calf) is expected back in round 5 with Max King (achilles) out for around two months.
Melbourne Storm Predicted Line Up
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. George Jennings
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Brandon Smith
10. Christian Welch
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Interchange
14. Chris Lewis
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Tom Eisenhuth
17. Nicholas Hynes
Reserves
18. Darryn Schonig
19. Cooper Johns
20. Trent Loiero
21. Tyson Smoothy
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm FAQ
Where can I watch the Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm live stream.
Where is Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm being played?
The Round 2 clash is being played at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on Thursday, March 18.
Verdict
Parramatta Eels took advantage of a Brisbane Broncos injury crisis to overturn a 16-0 deficit in Round One. Melbourne will prove a tougher test and with Ryan Papenhuyzen in sensational form, the Storm are backed to win in Sydney.
