NRL, ROUND 21, MELBOURNE STORM V PARRAMATTA EELS

FRIDAY, JULY 26th, 2024 8:00 pm COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY.  

Storm Set to Extend Lead with Clash Against Eels at CommBank Stadium

The Storm, looking poised to secure the Minor Premiership, face off against the struggling Eels in Parramatta this Friday night.

Eels’ Challenge: Building for the Future Amidst Current Struggles

For the Storm, it’s an opportunity to further the gap between themselves and the rest, while the Eels will be hoping to continue to build for next year, while also giving their fans something to cheer about.

The Eels are coming off of a bye. Prior to that, they lost a match that was surprisingly close. It’s clear from their team selections that the Eels are focusing on giving new players NRL experience, with the season almost written off. Consequently, their opponents have often exploited this inexperience to score points.

Eels Face Injury Blow as Mitchell Moses is Ruled Out for the Season

The Eels had a break last week but lost their star halfback, Mitchell Moses, to a torn bicep during the State of Origin decider.

Unfortunately, the Eels paid the ultimate price for Moses’ outstanding State of Origin series, with their star halfback sustaining a season-ending bicep injury in the decider. As such, Daejarn Asi will fill in for him. Furthermore, Bryce Cartwright and Shaun Lane have been named to start, Sean Russell returns to the wing and both Joey Lussick and Makahesi Makatoa to the bench.

Storm’s Dominance: Commanding Victory Over Roosters

The Storm demonstrated their well-deserved position atop the NRL ladder with a commanding victory over the Roosters.

Eels.  

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Blaize Talagi 4. WIll Penisini 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig, 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson , 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue , 16. Luca Moretti 17. Makahesi Makatoa , 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Matthew Arthur 20. Matt Doorey , 21. Morgan Harper 22. Dan Keir

Storm.

 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero , 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Christian Welch , 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Lazarus Vaalepu, 18. Dean Ieremia 19. Tepai Moeroa , 20. Cameron Munster 21. Chris Lewis 22. Reimis Smith

Storm’s Consistency: A Testament to Their Dominance

Meanwhile, the Storm have maintained their unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s hard to recall a time when they weren’t at or near the top of the table.

Recent Form: Storm Overpower Roosters in Top-Four Clash

Last week, they secured a comfortable 24-8 victory against the Roosters, a fellow top-four team. Though they haven’t always been at their best this year, winning is ingrained in their DNA.

Injury Updates: Munster, Welch, and Asofa-Solomona

Cameron Munster is listed as a reserve, and may or may not be a late call-up. Additionally, both Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona return from injury.

Eels Face Uphill Battle Against Formidable Storm

Based on current form and the strength of both teams, the Eels will find it challenging to keep up with the Storm. It may well be tight for a period of time, however with fatigue, the likes of Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen will find points against a struggling Eels team.

Referee. Liam Kennedy ,Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Matt Noyen, Bunker. Gerard Sutton.

Key Stats and Insights: Eels vs Storm

The Eels have won three of their last four games against the Storm at CommBank Stadium.

The Storm have amassed 94 points in their previous two encounters with the Eels.

Eels fullback Clint Gutherson is set to play his 200th game for the club.

Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored six tries in his last four games against the Eels.

Eels centre Blaize Talagi has notched four tries in five games at CommBank Stadium.

Prediction.

The Storm are just mechanical in the way they pull even the best teams apart. Halfback Jarome Hughes is exceptional, Harry Grant expertly manages the play around the ruck, and Ryan Papenhuyzen is a constant threat. Supporting cast players consistently deliver impressive performances, contributing to Craig Bellamy’s masterful strategy.

The Eels have all but given up hope of making the finals, and a final blow came with the loss of their inspirational star, Mitchell Moses, to a season-ending injury during the State of Origin decider. While they should put up a strong performance at home for their loyal fans, it may not be enough to overcome the Storm.

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