Round 24: Melbourne v Parramatta preview
The Storm will be gunning to become the first team in premiership history to win 20-straight games on Saturday night.
The records continue to tumble for Craig Bellamy's men and they are showing no signs of slowing down with victory on the weekend securing the minor premiership.
Melbourne did get a brief scare in its last-start win over the Titans, heading into the sheds trailing 16-12 at halftime.
A rocket from Bellamy though was all it took to spark the Storm, and Cameron Munster in particular, to life.
Melbourne are only going to get even better this week with Brandon Smith, Justin Olam and Jahrome Hughes returning while Tui Kamikamica is also a chance of being a late inclusion.
Hughes' return sees Ryan Papenhuyzen snare the starting fullback role with Nicho Hynes on the bench.
Hynes though may get more game time should Melbourne skip out to a big lead in the first half.
That is what most are expecting the Storm to do against an Eels side that looks a shadow of its former self.
Parramatta are one of just two teams to beat Melbourne this year but that was all the way back in round two.
The Eels may have snapped a losing skid last week but it was less than convincing - a 32-16 win over the Cowboys.
It certainly was not the runaway victory to assure anyone Parramatta is capable of going deep into the finals but it was much-needed for the playing group's confidence.
The win did come at a cost though with Maika Sivo ruled out for the season with a knee injury and replaced by Blake Ferguson.
Last meeting: Round 2 2021 - Eels 16 Storm 12
Who to watch: Ryan Papenhuyzen has been slowly increasing his involvement and contact since returning from lingering concussion concerns. Now though it has become clear he is Melbourne's first-choice fullback moving forward and this is his perfect chance to lift his game one step further heading into the finals. Papenhuyzen told media earlier this week he knows he will be targeted by opposition teams and is getting more confident in embracing contact instead of shying away from it. An Eels team struggling for form shapes as the perfect chance for Papenhuyzen to better assert himself on the contest, particularly if Parramatta fall behind and the game opens up.
Mitchell Moses had his best game in months last week against North Queensland but he still needs more from halves partner Dylan Brown. The Parramatta five-eighth was targeted heavily in defence last week, limiting his opportunities in attack but it is an issue Brown will need to overcome if the Eels are going to do anything in the finals. Brown has just two try assists this season but he has never been the flashy type setting up tries, with just 10 assists in his past years at Parramatta. That role is usually left to Moses, Clint Gutherson and Reed Mahoney. With the latter injured though there is a greater need for Brown to step up and his running game shapes as the best chance to spark Parramatta in attack.
The favourite: Melbourne is well-backed here to get the job done with ease.
My tip: The Eels picked up a much-needed win last week but there is little to suggest they can compete with this unstoppable Storm unit. Melbourne by 30.
