MELBOURNE STORM v PARRAMATTA EELS
2025, SUNDAY, MARCH 9th
AAMI PARK MELBOURNE
Eels Eye Strong Start Under Ryles, but Storm’s Unbeaten Opening Record Poses Tough Challenge
The Eels will be eager to get off to the best possible start under new head coach Jason Ryles. Having previously been part of the Storm’s coaching staff, Ryles brings valuable insight and strategy to take on his former club. However, if anyone understands the challenge ahead, it’s him—after all, the Storm have never lost a season opener under Craig Bellamy.
Last season, the Storm fell short in the Grand Final against the Panthers, but they are determined to use that disappointment as fuel for a title charge this year. That said, history suggests that teams defeated by the Panthers in the decider often struggle the following season. Still, it’s hard to imagine a club as professional as the Storm making the same mistakes. They’ll be going all out for victory in the opener, aiming to dominate their opponents in front of a passionate home crowd.
Storm’s Unbeaten Opener Record Puts Eels’ Challenge to the Test Under Ryles
A Storm side coached by Craig Bellamy losing a season opener? Highly unlikely. Their first opponent of the year is a heavily revamped Eels squad, led by new head coach Jason Ryles, who will be eager to make an immediate impact.
Ryles knows the Storm’s system inside out after years with the club, and he may have a trick or two up his sleeve against his former team. But that’s not the real issue. The bigger question is whether the Eels even have the firepower to take down Melbourne in the first place. Expecting an upset might be a stretch.
Storm Head into Season Opener at Full Strength, with Key New Recruits Ready for Action
Great news for the Storm. Jahrome Hughes (neck), Xavier Coates (ankle), and Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle/knee) have all been cleared to take the field in peak condition for the season opener.
There’s also plenty of interest in the club’s new recruits. Former Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu will make his club debut in the front row, marking the only change to the starting lineup from last year’s Grand Final. Meanwhile, Tui Kamikamica, who started in the decider, will begin the season from the bench. Sua Fa’alogo has been named in the reserves, while Grant Anderson takes the 18th man spot.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero , 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu , 18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick, 20. Joe Chan , 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Kane Bradley
Ryles’ Eels Debut Features Exciting New Talent and Key Changes for Season Opener
Jason Ryles’ first match as head coach of the Eels will feature a host of exciting players. At fullback, the electrifying Isaiah Papali’i will look to thrill fans with his dynamic play, while in the centers, highly anticipated new signing Zach Lomax will make his debut. With Mitch Moses sidelined due to a foot injury, Ronald Volkman has been selected at halfback.
In addition, veteran Junior Paulo has been appointed captain and will lead the team as he recovers from a Lisfranc injury. Hooker Riley Smith will make his NRL debut from the bench, while the reserves list includes Matt Dooley, Ryan Madison, and Charlie Gilmour. Former Sharks player Jack Williams is also set to make his club debut in the back row. Under the new head coach, all eyes will be on how the fresh talent performs on the field.
Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jake Tago 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams, 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J’maine Hopgood , 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 16. Ryan Matterson , 17. Charlie Guymer, 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Jordan Samrani 20. Toni Mataele 21. Sam Tuivaiti , 22. Joey Lussick
Referee. Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges. Matt Noyen, Phil Henderson ,Bunker. Grant Atkins
Prediction
Too much class for me, the Storm in a canter.
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