Storm defeat Eels, master defeats apprentice

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Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels

Craig Bellamy's unbeaten opening round record has continued with the Melbourne Storm obliterating the Parramatta Eels 56-18 at home.

In a contest pitting Bellamy against his former assistant Jason Ryles, the veteran mentor oversaw a stunning performance with last year's beaten grand finalists scoring ten tries to the delight of 23,369 supporters at AAMI Park.

The damage was done for the Storm in the first half with eight tries before the intensity subsided to allow the Eels to win the second half.

Taking little time to assert their authority on the scoreboard with a try to Ryan Papenhuyzen (5th minute), the Storm reached double digits with Cameron Munster sending Josh King (11th minute) into a yawning gap next to the posts.

Making metres at will and strangling their opponents into self-inflicted errors, a rush of tries to Coates (21st minute), Katoa (24th minute) and Coates (26th minute) saw the score go from 12-0 to 28-0 without the Eels touching the ball.

Continuing the onslaught with Harry Grant (30th minute) and Nick Meaney (34th minute) bringing up 40 points with time to spare in the half, a try against the run of play to Jake Tago (37th minute) spared the Eels the ignominy of being held scoreless.

Finishing the half as it started with a solo effort to Papenhuyzen (40th minute), the Storm headed to the sheds up 46-6.

Hitting the half century mark with Will Warbrick (55th minute) racing the length of the field in his 50th game for the club, a blockbusting run by Jack Howarth was finished off by Jahrome Hughes (59th minute) who earned an early shower with a quarter of the game remaining.

A late consolation try to Will Penisini (68th minute) saw the blue and golds hit double figures, while a final four-pointer to Isaiah Iongi (76th minute) saw the visitors "win" the second half.

Next week, the Storm will have the bye, while the Eels will host the Wests Tigers at home next Sunday.