Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The final match of the opening round of the 2025 NRL season takes place on Sunday as the Melbourne Storm welcome the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park
Start date/time: Sunday 9th March, 2025, UK – 5:05am / Local – 4:05pm / US ET – 12:05am / Saturday 8th March, US PT – 9:05pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Matches are shared between Channel Nine & Fox League / USA – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / USA – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Melbourne Storm Team News: Great expectations for last season’s grand final runners-up
Melbourne's lineup remains largely unchanged from last year's grand final, with the notable addition of the impressive Stefano Utoikamanu in the front row. The return of key players such as Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen from injuries bolsters their options. Papenhuyzen, in particular, will be a key figure for the Storm as he aims to reclaim his fullback position and showcase his explosive speed and talent.
Parramatta Eels Team News: Optimism for the Eels under new head coach Jason Ryles
The Eels have undergone significant changes in the off-season under new coach Jason Ryles, a former Storm assistant. They will be without captain Mitch Moses due to a foot injury, which sees Ronald Volkman stepping in at halfback. New recruits Isaiah Iongi, Zac Lomax, and Jack Williams will make their club debuts, adding fresh energy to the team but they will need to hit the ground running against an impressive Storm team.
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels Prediction
Melbourne Storm are on a mission this season and after coming close to glory in 2024, they are hungrier than ever to have a successful season in 2025. They have arguably strengthened compared to last year and they will be fired up to make a strong start to the season.
They have been handed a kind opening match against the Eels who are in something of a transition phase. They have a new coach and have made numerous changes to their squad but it will not be easy to hit the ground running especially against such a talented team as Melbourne.
The hosts should win this match and the 19.5 spread suggests the bookies expect a heavy home win. It is hard to see anything other than a home win but take them to be winning at HT and FT for a little extra value.
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels Tip: Melbourne Storm to be winning at HT and FT
