Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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CommBank Stadium will open the round with a Thursday night blockbuster as the struggling Parramatta Eels host the high-flying Melbourne Storm.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Parramatta Eels team news
For the Parramatta Eels, coach Jason Ryles has named an unchanged 17, keeping faith in the squad that knocked the Broncos off. The onus will be on captain Mitchell Moses and the forward pack, led by Junior Paulo, to control the tempo against a formidable Melbourne middle. Kelma Tuilagi's return from suspension adds valuable depth to the interchange.
Squad: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Jordan Samrani 19. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Toni Mataele 22. Dylan Brown
Melbourne Storm team news
The Melbourne Storm receive a monumental boost with the return of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and five-eighth Cameron Munster from injury. Their inclusion forces a reshuffle, with Nick Meaney shifting to centre and Tyran Wishart moving to halfback to cover for the injured Jahrome Hughes.
Squad: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Tui Kamikamica 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Bronson Garlick 17. Joe Chan 18. Kane Bradley 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 21. Josiah Pahulu 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm prediction
The Parramatta Eels (14th) are in a tough position, having won just one of their last five matches. Their most recent outing was a spirited 22-20 upset win over the Brisbane Broncos in Round 21.
The Melbourne Storm (3rd) continue their charge towards the finals, having won four of their last five games. They arrive in Parramatta following a tough 34-30 victory over the Sydney Roosters, a match that tested their resolve.
Eels forward J'maine Hopgood has been a beacon of resilience in a tough season, leading the Eels with 643 tackles.
Storm winger Xavier Coates is one of the league's most dangerous finishers, sitting equal-fifth on the NRL try-scorers list with 13 for the season.
Melbourne has dominated this fixture (29 wins) and has won the last four meetings by an average margin of over 32 points, including a 56-18 demolition in Round 1.
The return of Papenhuyzen and Munster spells immense trouble for the Eels side. The Storm's momentum and overwhelming star power point towards a comfortable victory.
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm tip: Melbourne Storm to win by 10+ points
