There's always someone that spoils the party and for the Melbourne Storm it was the Parramatta Eels - who ended their 19-match win-streak with an impressive 22-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Parramatta had looked out of sorts in recent months but everything looked as if it had clicked for them this week as their attack and defence looked absolutely on song. It was the return of Blake Ferguson that started the roll for the Eels when Mitch Moses who also looked on-song again threw a magnificent cut-out pass to find Fergo to score.
Things weren't fully the White & Gold's way as they were tonight, Melbourne were having fun down their right as they were able to get on the outside of Parramatta repeatedly and Isaac Lumelume got on the outside of Haze Dunster twice only to have one effort denied by the bunker for going into touch. The first effort though was green lights for the Storm as Lumelume got around Dunster and threw the ball back infield with Reimis Smith on the spot to clean it up and score.
Although Parramatta had the field position and looked more dominant, the Storm continued to pile the pressure down the right and again Isaac Lumelume was able to get over this time and Melbourne were able to take the lead.
The Eels were able to level things up on the stroke of half time when the it was Parramatta who took advantage of the space on the outside and Haze Dunster scored for the Eels. Mitch Moses kick was waved away and scores were level at 10-10 at the break.
If there was an awarded for beating a team at their game, Parramatta would win it for the decade as they would essentially out-Melbourne the Storm. The second half was all about suffocating the Storm and despite the Men in Purple having chance after chance, the Eels were able to see them off.
The Eels took an early second half lead after Mitch Moses slotted a penalty goal from close range after the Storm were called offside by referee Gerard Sutton. The Eels then took advantage of the fragility on the left side of the Melbourne defence as quick hands set up Blake Ferguson for his second.
Melbourne were denied a try by the bunker after Justin Olam's efforts were knocked back by initially the live decision and then bunker confirming an obstruction from Kenny Bromwich on Mitch Moses. The Eels took advantage when they went left and got on the outside of the defence and the ball came back into the middle to Joey Lussick for his first try in 4 years.
The victory reignites the hopes for the Eels this season and helps their Western Sydney neighbours the Panthers in their minor premiership hopes, who are the Eels opponent's next weekend on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Storm who need a win to ensure their minor premiership win take on the Sharks in the 6pm game.