Round 25: Eels v Storm preview
Top 4 spot on the line between two rivals
A place in the all-important top four is on the line between two rivals to kick off the final round of the regular season, with the Parramatta Eels taking on the Melbourne Storm.
As I wrote last week, it's been a season riddled by inconsistency for the Parramatta Eels, but it seems that they're hitting their straps at the right end of the season. Winning four out of their last five with that blowout loss at the hands of the Rabbitohs appearing to be centuries ago now. With a dominant victory last start under their belts and their own destiny in their hands, expect the Eels to be at their electric best.
Last weekend was the type of game you'd expect Parramatta to fall apart in, heavy favourites against a Brisbane side who's pride was completely tarnished six days before. But, the Eels were electric putting the Broncos firmly under the blowtorch with a 47 point hiding. Their forwards isolated Payne Haas and the rest of their dynamic pack did the rest. This week, they have to go up against a Melbourne pack battered, bruised and defeated by the in-form Roosters last week. Melbourne's forwards will want a statement victory, the question is can Parramatta repel this strong pack. Coach Brad Arthur has opted to make no changes after his side's slaughter of the Broncos, but don't be shocked if Ryan Matterson and Marata Niukore switch their positions as has been the case in recent weeks.
Melbourne have been dominant all season, despite their heavy injury toll. Craig Bellamy's men are primed for a deep finals run… that's what it seems. Although it could potentially be the first time since 2014, that the Storm will have to play knockout footy every weekend should the result not go their way on Thursday night.
Last weekend was one of the more brutal games of the season where the Storm were facing their battle scars. In reality, it's a game where Melbourne should've won and sealed their spot in the four. But ultimately, the Roosters defence answered every call Melbourne had. If they're to cement their second chance, their attack needs to be switched on from the opening whistle taking advantage of any defensive inefficiency that comes up from the Eels and believe me, there's a few that come up from time to time. On the team front, Tom Eisenhuth will miss the remainder of the season after being on the receiving end of an awkward tackle last week with Chris Lewis coming in on the bench. Brandon Smith and Josh King switch places but knowing Bellamy expect the same switch to happen an hour before kickofff.
Last meeting: Round 3 2022 - Storm 24 Eels 28
Who to watch: With a spot in the top four up for grabs, all eyes are going to be focused on Clint Gutherson. King Gutho as the home fans like to call him, he has been immense for the Eels this season. In his 23 games, Gutherson has crossed the stripe 14 times, set up the same amount and broken 68 tackles as well as running for over 150m a game on average. If Parramatta get the victory on Thursday, expect the man in the number 1 jumper to have a lot to do with it.
He's been in the headlines recently for his on-field behaviour, but Nelson Asofa-Solomona is one of the games premier forwards. With an intimidating frame that makes defenders shake in their boots, NAS has broken 78 tackles and caused carnage with 33 offloads repeatedly putting Melbourne on the front foot in attack. Add an average of 120m a game to that impressive stat sheet and you have one of the game's best forwards. Make what you want about the way he plays the game, but he'll be the difference if Melbourne are to win.
The favourite: Melbourne are the favourites for this clash of finals bound contenders. Since 1998, Melbourne have won 24 of the 41 clashes between these two sides. In their earlier meeting this year, it was an epic arm-wrestle which Parramatta won in golden point thanks to a determined chase by Ray Stone off a field goal that hit the upright.
My tip: Melbourne rarely lose two on the trot, although we've seen them go on some deep slides this season. For me, they get up in this one purely on the back of their forwards. Last week was one of those games where they were matched physically through the middle and threw every punch at the Roosters and they kept getting up. If they can match and dominate Parra's at times leaky middle third then a spot in the top 4 is theirs to lose. Melbourne by 6.
