Matchday Details
Saturday, 16th May – 7:45pm (AEST) – Suncorp Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Peter Gough | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Parramatta Eels: 1. Joash Papalii, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Jordan Samrani, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Tallyn Da Silva, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Jack Williams, 13. Jack De Belin, 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Saxon Pryke, 16. Toni Mataele, 17. Charlie Guymer, 18. Apa Twidle, 19. Teancum Brown, 20. Harrison Edwards, 21. Araz Nanva, 22. Jonah Pezet
Melbourne Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo, 2. Will Warbrick, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Moses Leo, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Harry Grant (c), 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Ativalu Lisati, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Trent Toelau, 15. Cooper Clarke, 16. Davvy Moale, 17. Joe Chan, 18. Stanley Huen, 19. Preston Conn, 20. Josiah Pahulu, 21. Manaia Waitere, 22. Angus Hinchey
Match Preview
Two teams pinned to the wrong side of the ladder meet again at Magic Round, both hoping to spark a mid-season run that keeps their finals hopes alive.
The “home” team for this round, the Eels, come into the clash off the back of a string of brave performances that finally culminated in an upset win over the Cowboys. Still depleted, particularly in the forwards, they dug deep and found a way to win against all odds. With the bye next round and most of their troops expected back by Round 13, one more undermanned victory would go a long way towards reviving their season.
Their opponents, the Storm, also bounced back last week, reminding the competition of their class with a 44-16 win over the Tigers. They are far too good a side to remain anchored near the bottom of the table, and that performance may prove to be the confidence boost they needed.
The Eels have retained the same line-up that won last week, a rare luxury in a season disrupted by injuries. Jonah Pezet is available again; however, Ronald Volkman’s strong performances have seen him keep his place in the side. Meanwhile, the Storm have made just one change, with Moses Leo shifting to the wing to cover for Hugo Peel.
Last week, Jason Ryles took a gamble with his forward rotation and it paid off. Junior Paulo started from the bench, allowing the Eels to inject a fresh big body into the game later rather than exhausting him early. The risk came in starting the much smaller Luca Moretti and Charlie Guymer at prop, a move that could easily have backfired had they lost the middle battle. Instead, the Eels held firm and the tactic proved successful. Although Paulo has been named to start this week, Ryles may again opt for a similar approach as he continues to manage a depleted forward pack.
That said, Storm captain Harry Grant returned to form in emphatic fashion last week, carving through the middle and exposing lazy markers with his speed around the ruck. Worryingly for the Eels, it was a sight not seen since the last time these two sides met in Round 1, when Grant similarly tore Parramatta apart through the middle. If the Eels’ forwards struggle to keep pace with the game and fatigue begins to creep in, as it inevitably will, Grant is likely to find plenty of opportunities again.
These sides have met twice previously at Magic Round, with the Storm winning both encounters by a combined score of 112-26. If history is any indication, the Eels face another tough night.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Storm by 10
Bold call: Cameron Munster gets Man of the Match in his final hit-out before State of Origin.
Related
- NRL Round 10 Review
- NRL Round 11 Predictions
- NRL Round 11 Team Lists
- NRL Round 11 Hub
- NRL Injury List
- NRL Match Review Tracker
- Magic Round Historical Stats
