Eels v Storm preview

Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm
Pirtek Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

Can Parramatta's inconsistent season turn the corner? Or will the Big 3 guide Melbourne back into the winner's circle?

Parramatta's struggling 2015 campaign moves back to Pirtek stadium on Sunday afternoon where they will host rivals Melbourne the same side that beat them in the 2009 grand final. Parramatta have been an enigma this season. They have strung together impressive wins against Souths, Newcastle (away from home) and Manly. However they have also dropped games and made costly errors in defeats to the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Canterbury. The question that footy fans all over will be asking is what Parra team will turn up on Sunday afternoon, Brad Arthur needs some consistency from his troops if they are to realise their full talent and challenge for top 8 honors in 2015.
Parramatta have made a few tweaks to the side that lost to Brisbane last time out. Semi Radradra and Ryan Morgan make up a new look wing combination in place of Bureta Faraimo and John Folau, and Isaac De Gois replaces Pauli Pauli on the bench to give the Eels some versatility. Faraimo can count himself a tad unlucky after scoring a hat trick last time out against the Broncos. Who was the last player dropped after scoring a hat trick the week before??

Melbourne were brought crashing back to reality in Round 8 with a surprise 2 point defeat to bitter arch rivals Manly. The Sea Eagles managed to come back from 10-0 down in the driving rain against a tired Storm outfit. Coach Craig Bellamy was less than impressed with Melbourne's effort particularly their finish to the game. Having had two weeks to fix some little errors up, there is no doubt that Melbourne will be amped for this game on Sunday. Melbourne, who are currently 3rd in the competition and who have the 2nd best defense, will be vying for their 6th win of the season.
Melbourne have star fullback Billy Slater back in replace of Cameron Munster and also have Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Dayne Weston coming onto the bench to replace Kafuisi and Solomona respectively.

Last meeting: Round 15 2014 - Melbourne Storm 46 Parramatta Eels 20

Who to watch: Parramatta's Danny Wicks is a real feel good story in the NRL. After being charged with drug trafficking and being punished through going to prison, the big man has got his life back on track with the Parramatta side. He is now their starting prop and is starting to have some pretty good stats. His ability to get an offload away and get some second phase play going really helps Parramatta's attacking options and gives their halves some much needed space. Second phase play will be vital to their success on Sunday against the Storm's number 2 ranked defence.

Wicks is coming off a solid display against Brisbane, in 39 minutes he compiled 30 tackles and made 11 strong carries for 128m. Parra will be hoping for his intimidating presence in the middle of the field on Sunday afternoon.

For the Storm, returning fullback Billy "the Kid" Slater is a huge inclusion. His experience, let alone his freakish ability to do crazy things and score tries consistently, is such an asset to this Melbourne Side. The Storm have certainly missed him and look for his link up play with both Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk on Sunday. Billy could be dangerous.

Before his injury Slater had run for 510 metres, 15 tackle busts, 7 offloads, 2 Line Breaks and 2 Line Break assists. Look for more of that in the coming weeks, as well as his passing to Marika Koroibete who is in outstanding touch.

The favourite: Even despite the loss to Manly, Melbourne are deserved favourites in this clash.

My tip: Melbourne. Sorry Parra fans, with the return of Slater and Bellamby giving the Storm players a butt up the backside I think they'll turn up and get the 2 points. That said, it's going to be very tough as Parra's form at home has been pretty good and Chris Sandow seems to like playing at Pirktek Stadium. Should be a cracker.
Storm by 4 in a thrilling game.

1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Danny Wicks 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. David Gower 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. Isaac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Richie Fa'aoso 17. Peni Terepo 18. Tepai Moeroa

1. Billy Slater 2. Mahe Fonua 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Tim Glasby 16. Dayne Weston 17. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 18. Cameron Munster

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;

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