The Stats Zone
· Ash Wheldon

2018 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Friday 17th August, 10:55 (UK)

Where? AAMI Park

What channel is it on? UK - Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels will not be televised live in the UK
Australia - Nine Network, Foxtel, LIVE PASS

Where can I stream the match? UK - N/A
Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer

Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=STORM2318

THE STATISTICS

THE LOWDOWN

STORM

Head Coach: Craig Bellamy

Starting 13: Slater, Vunivalu, Chambers, Scott, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, Stimson, Finucane – Interchanges: Blair, Glasby, Welch, K. Bromwich – Reserves: Kamikamica, B. Smith

Unavailable: Sam Kasiano, Ryan Hoffman, Jahrome Hughes

  • Melbourne were defeated in a brilliant contest against Cronulla last week. The Storm had their chances but came up against a solid Sharks defence

  • Ryan Hoffman’s career could be over after suffering a hamstring injury last week. He is replaced by Cheyse Blair who comes onto the bench. Jahrome Hughes is a late scrub so Brodie Croft comes into the side at halfback.

  • The Storm have lost back-to-back games but are still in with a shout of winning the minor Premiership although that task will look difficult if they lose a third straight game.

EELS

Head Coach: Brad Arthur

Starting 13: Norman, Hayne, M. Jennings, Gutherson, G. Jennings, Salmon, Moses, Vave, Mahoney, Mannah, Niukore, Moeroa, Brown – Interchanges: Kaufusi, Terepo, Gower, Takairangi – Reserves: Stone, King

Unavailable: Tony Williams, Manu Ma’u, Kaysa Pritchard, Daniel Alvaro, Will Smith

  • Parramatta produced their best performance of the season as they hammered St George last week. The Eels ran in seven tries whilst restricting the Dragons to just the solitary effort in a 40-4 win.

  • Tim Mannah comes straight back into the side, replacing Kane Evans. Will Smith is out so Oregon Kaufusi comes onto the bench for his debut.

  • The Eels’ win last week saw them climb off the bottom of the NRL ladder for the first time this season. They have won two games in a row but face a stiff test in Melbourne to make it three consecutive wins.

THE PREDICTION

Melbourne suffered their second straight defeat as their bid for the minor Premiership falters but they host lowly Parramatta in a game that could see the Storm return to the top of the NRL ladder. However, the Eels have won back-to-back games and are finally off the foot of the table. They hammered the Dragons last week in an impressive win which was their best performance of the season by far. The Storm lost a close game against the Sharks who defended their line superbly to condemn Melbourne to back-to-back defeats. Although the Eels will be full of confidence, they will face a much tougher test this week and will succumb to defeat.

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