NRL ,ROUND 22, JULY 28th, 2023 MELBOURNE STORM v PARRAMATTA EELS
MARVEL STADIUM, MELBOURNE
As the NRL season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at Marvel Stadium on July 28th, 2023. Both teams are hungry for redemption following recent losses, and the race for the finals is reaching a fever pitch.
The Melbourne Storm faced an unexpected setback, tumbling down to fourth place after a shocking defeat in their previous game. With the Raiders, Sharks, and resurgent Cowboys nipping at their heels, Craig Bellamy’s men know they must deliver strong performances against Parramatta and Penrith in the next two weeks.
On the other hand, the Eels had a tough outing in Townsville, missing key players Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo due to suspension. They fell behind by 20 points before staging a late comeback, but the damage was done. Currently holding the eighth spot in the ladder by points differential alone, the Eels face an arduous journey to the finals with games against formidable opponents such as the Storm, Broncos, and Panthers.
The Storm may not have had their usual intimidating form in 2023, but their consistent performance has kept them within the Top 4 for most of the season. Despite a shocking loss in the previous round, it’s hard to imagine the Melbourne side succumbing to back-to-back defeats, especially when playing at their home ground.
The upcoming match promises to be a test of character for both teams, with the Eels facing a grueling schedule of road trips to Townsville and Brisbane in the next fortnight. Their campaign’s success may well depend on how they navigate this challenging period. Meanwhile, the Storm, determined to hold onto their top four position, will be on high alert, closely watching the Raiders and Cowboys in their rearview.
The absence of key players Asofa-Solomona, Sims, Olam, and Smith due to injuries and suspensions creates an opportunity for the Eels to exploit vulnerabilities in the Storm’s defense. The new centre pairing of Seve and Tonumaipea will have their work cut out for them, facing the attacking prowess of Eels’ stars Moses and Gutherson, supported by centre pairing Penisini and Simonnson, who have proven their ability to find the try line.
As NRL fans eagerly await Round 22’s action-packed matches, the clash between the Storm and Eels stands out as one of the most intriguing encounters. The spotlight will be on Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, where these fierce competitors will leave no stone unturned to secure a vital victory in their quest for finals glory.
With both teams determined to bounce back from recent losses, this Friday night primetime clash promises to be an enthralling spectacle. Mark your calendars for July 28th, 2023, as the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels lock horns in a battle that could have significant implications for their NRL campaign. Don’t miss a minute of the action as these two formidable sides go head-to-head in a match that could very well be the highlight of Round 22.
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Tom Eisenhuth 13. Josh King Bench: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Tyran Wishart Reserves: 18. Grant Anderson 19. Chris Lewis 20. Tepai Moeroa 21. Aaron Pene 22. Jayden Nikorima
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Andrew Davey 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood Bench: 14. Luca Moretti 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Joey Lussick 17. Ryan Matterson Reserves: 18. Haze Dunster 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Jack Murchie
The Eels lead the NRL for tries scored (82) and are second for points scored (475).
Eels forward J’maine Hopgood is the NRL’s leading offloader with 41.
The Storm have won six of their past seven games in Melbourne.
The Eels have won four of their past five games against the Storm.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 20 tries in 27 games in Melbourne.
Brad Arthur will reach the milestone of 250 games as Parramatta coach.
The Storm have won three of their past four games against the Eels in Melbourne.
Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
PREDICTION
The Storm very seldom lose two games in a row and if they lose this one you will hear the Melbourne coach in Sydney. So, Melbourne will start as favourites, but are Parramatta more desperate here? The Eels simply have to win or their season is gone. When they start off loading the ball in the tackles they look so dangerous and with big name players out for the Storm I can smell an upset coming. With a 6 point start I will take the Eels.
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