Round 21: Eels v Storm preview
Playing at home against premiership heavyweights Melbourne, 16th placed Parramatta are in for a challenge.
After having the week off, Parramatta are looking for their first win in more weeks than I can count on one hand. Round 19 was the last time the Eels played and lost 24-16 to the Titans at CBUS Super Stadium. Being at the bottom of the ladder doesn't help their chances, along with the fact Moses' season ended in the dying minutes of Origin III. However, Clint Gutherson will play his 200th match for the Eels, which should provide an electric atmosphere.
There is no better feeling for the Storm than winning at AAMI Park 24-8 over old foes Sydney. Even with no superstars like Coates, Munster, Welch and Asofa-Solomona, the Roosters did not phase the Storm at all. Emerging players proved why the Storm can win in any situation, no matter who is on the field. Howarth and Anderson were standouts (especially with the best no-try in Melbourne history), along with the spine dominating as usual.
For the Eels this weekend, Sean Russell returns on the wing, along with Wiremu Greig, Joey Lussick and Makahesi Makatoa who also return. Charlie Guymer is out of the team after attaining a season-ending injury and Lorenzo Mulitalo is out due to suspension, while Matt Arthur and Matt Doorey move to the reserves list. Forwards Bryce Cartwright and Shaun Lane are named to start after coming off of the bench last game.
The Storm are sure to have a boost with the inclusion of Cameron Munster among the extended reserves and Grant Anderson back on the wing after his knee is cleared of any damage. Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona return to the bench after missing last game due to injury and Alec MacDonald misses out this game after suffering a shoulder injury. Joe Chan is suspended following a dangerous contact charge, otherwise the bench stays the same.
Last meeting: Round 11 2024 - Storm 48 Eels 16
Who to watch: In what is being heralded as a "Dally M season" by the ABC Sport team, Jahrome Hughes is hard not to watch. In a standout season, Hughes has been instrumental in every game he has played, whether it be through try assists or offloads that lead to more Melbourne magic, his leadership helps guide the team. Take last week's stats for example, 11 tackles, 2 offloads and 13 kicks for 386 kicking metres, which show how efficient he is in all areas on the field. This week Jahrome will just need to play it cool to ensure the team sticks together to drown out the Eels.
Parramatta's king Clint Gutherson is aiming to lead his team to a win at home. In what will be his first game against the Storm this year, Gutho is sure to be as slippery as ever and put on the four pointers, as he did the last time he played. Having the most run metres last game at 265 metres and a line break, Gutherson is a vital part of the spine and of the Eels fabric. It is hard to pinpoint what the Eels' downfall is, maybe $4.5 million worth of players on the sideline, so it feels unfair to blame it all on Gutho, but he should encourage the rest of his team to step up to become the Grand Final team we saw in 2022.
FAVOURITE: No surprise Melbourne are clear favourites.
MY TIP: Melbourne is on top of the ladder, it's a no brainer. Storm by 18.
