Round 3: Storm v Eels preview
Storm look to maintain the rage against the Eels
Melbourne looks to maintain their undefeated start to the 2022 season when they take on the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on Saturday night as part of the NRL's Multicultural Round festivities.
Melbourne's last start capped their return to AAMI Park with a heart-stopping 15-14 win in golden point against a determined South Sydney side. Craig Bellamy would've been impressed with his side's opening 65 minutes last Thursday; the cracks came about when Justin Olam was sin-binned. Souths ran in three quick tries down the missing centre's edge to force golden point extra time.
There's no doubting that the master coach would be addressing defence when down a player particularly on the edges this week. What Bellamy would be pleased with was how his side was able to compose themselves when the going got tough. The big game experience of Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes shone through for the Storm as they marched down field and allowed Ryan Papenhuyzen to nail the clutch field goal.
As far as team news is concerned, there were no injuries to come out of Thursday night which will be a big sigh of relief for Melbourne supports, after the shock of losing three starters in one hit in Round 1. Look for Xavier Coates to continue to build on his combination with Munster and Hughes as he looks to play himself into a potential origin recall this season. Brandon Smith is named in the reserves and is an outside chance of returning from a broken hand. Melbourne will be down on number 9's with Harry Grant testing positive for COVID and missing Saturday's game.
Parramatta will be disappointed that they threw away victory at the final moment last weekend. With the game in the balance, a split second cannonball tackle allowed the Sharks to go downfield and score with no time remaining. Parramatta was disappointing in attack at times last week asking very few questions of the Sharks defence. It took some magic from Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson to ensure they didn't return to the sheds with a duck egg. Coach Brad Arthur noted his team's attack was "a bit lateral" and will have to be a significant point of emphasis this weekend against a determined Storm outfit.
Mitch Moses was targeted heavily when he was kicking last week which saw the Eels lodge a complaint with the NRL about how he was treated by the match officials with an apparent lack of action on several incidents. It will be interesting to see how the officials adjudicate any late contact on Parramatta's main playmaker should it arise this weekend. Ray Stone was charged for Grade 1 Dangerous Contact for his late cannonball tackle but will escape with just a $1000 fine and will be free to take his place on the bench.
One area of debate has been the selection of Jake Arthur on the bench in the last two weeks by Brad Arthur. With Ray Stone already playing that utility role, the selection hasn't made sense. Luckily for Paramatta supporters, he's been dropped this weekend. Brad Arthur opting for big forward Wimeru Greig on the bench. Marata Niukore is left out of the squad still with a calf complaint and Ryan Matterson is still a week away from returning.
Last meeting: Round 24 2021 - Storm 10 Eels 22
Who to watch: Melbourne has always had a reputation of turning middle of the road players into first-grade superstars. Former Newcastle forward Josh King is no exception. King has had a great start to his first year in Melbourne and has been consistently one of Melbourne's best in their two previous outings. King has tackled with impressive efficiency so far completing 98% of his tackles. Watch for his work-ethic to lift throughout the year as he settles into the Melbourne system and seamlessly replace the ever-reliable Dale Finucane.
One player that has remained on an upward trajectory in terms of development has been Parramatta's Reed Mahoney. In recent seasons, the only thing that's gotten in Reed's way of playing State of Origin is a shocking timing of injury. Mahoney sustained a shoulder injury in the middle of last season robbing him of a potential debut. Then upon return late last season, Mahoney again injured his shoulder and that was the catalyst for Parra's 2021 season derailing. Mahoney will need to be at his best to steer the team around against the Storm on Saturday night through bone-crunching defence and crisp service to allow his forwards to lay the foundation to get his fellow spine members some quality ball in good field position.
The favourite: No surprise that the Storm are raging favourites in this one. However, Parramatta was the only team to complete a season sweep of Melbourne last season including snapping Melbourne's 19 game winning streak much to the delight of the 1975 Eastern Suburbs side.
My tip: Although the head to head record of recent seasons suggests Parramatta are Melbourne's bogey team. Parramatta's record in Melbourne leaves a lot to be desired with the Eels last winning there in 2017 (albeit in origin period). The Storm will want to set out and put in a good performance in front of their home fans who have been starved of footy for the past two seasons. Expect the Storm spine to be firing now they've played a game together. Parramatta will try hard, but I feel that the star power and quality of Melbourne will overpower the Eels in the final wash-up. Storm by 14.
