Eels v Storm
CommBank Stadium, Sydney,7.50pm.
Eels Ride Wave of Confidence After Suncorp Shock, Eyeing Back-to-Back Triumphs at Home
The Parramatta Eels return to CommBank Stadium this week with a renewed sense of belief and a fire in their bellies. Just days ago, they pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the 2025 season—toppling the Broncos at their fortress, Suncorp Stadium.
It was a statement win, sparked by the electric return of star halfback Mitch Moses. Fresh off the injury list, Moses looked like he’d never missed a beat, orchestrating the attack with trademark flair. Outside him, Zac Lomax was unstoppable, continuing his red-hot run of form with another standout performance. Together, they led the Eels to their most significant victory of the year—one that lifted them two points clear of the wooden spoon race and injected fresh hope into a challenging campaign.
Coach Jason Ryles isn’t changing a winning formula. He’s sticking with the same 17 that brought down the Broncos in Round 21. There’s also good news on the depth front: back-rower Kelma Tuilagi has completed his three-match suspension for a crusher tackle and joins Dylan Brown and Bailey Simonsson on the extended bench, giving Ryles options should he choose to reshuffle the deck.
Eels
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
Unchanged.
Storm Brace for Life Without Hughes as Tough Road Ahead Begins
With a top-four finish all but locked in, the Melbourne Storm now face a new kind of challenge—navigating the weeks ahead without their heartbeat in the halves, Jahrome Hughes.
The Kiwi maestro was forced from the field early in the second half of last Friday’s clash with the Roosters, and while the Storm managed to rally and grind out a gutsy win, the road ahead won’t get any easier. In the next month alone, Melbourne will face the Broncos twice, the reigning premiers Penrith, and a dangerous Bulldogs side—all without their star No.7 steering the ship.
But the cavalry is arriving just in time. Ryan Papenhuyzen makes his return at fullback after missing four games with a calf injury, injecting speed and spark into the backline. His comeback sees Nick Meaney shift to the centres, Grant Anderson pushed to the wing, and Kane Bradley named as 18th man. In a further boost, five-eighth Cameron Munster returns from personal leave and will partner Tyran Wishart in the halves as the Storm reshuffle their spine to cover Hughes’ absence.
Up front, Tui Kamikamica earns a start at lock with Origin back-rower Trent Loiero given a well-earned rest. Jonah Pezet is the fresh face on the bench, while Alec MacDonald remains in the reserves as he eyes a return from a rib injury.
It’s not the smoothest run-in, but if there’s one thing Craig Bellamy’s men know how to do, it’s adapt under pressure.
Storm
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
Out: Jahrome Hughes (halfback), Trent Loiero (lock). Kane Bradley (wing to reserve)
In: Ryan Papenhuyzen (fullback), Cameron Munster (five-eighth), Jonah Pezet (bench)
Changes: Nick Meaney (fullback to centre), Grant Anderson (centre to wing), Tyran Wishart (five-eighth to halfback), Tui Kamikamica (bench to lock)
Key Stats
The Eels have lost all five games against top-four opposition this season.
The Storm have won their last five games against the Eels.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored five tries in four games against the Storm.
Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored eight tries in his last six games against the Eels.
Eels winger Zac Lomax has scored five tries in his last four games.
Eels Dare to Dream as Storm Face a Test Without Hughes
Parramatta’s stunning upset over Brisbane last week has breathed new life into their season—and with Mitchell Moses back pulling the strings, Eels fans have every reason to believe the best may be yet to come.
Their victory over the Broncos came by the slimmest of margins—an offside call that tipped the scales their way—but it was a gutsy, galvanizing performance that showed just how dangerous they can be with Moses at the helm. Now, with the wooden spoon threat receding, the Eels are out to rattle a few cages on the run home.
But the challenge this week is steep. They face a Melbourne Storm outfit that, while sitting comfortably inside the top four, will be navigating without their chief playmaker, Jahrome Hughes, who suffered a shoulder dislocation in last week’s bruising battle against the Roosters. Despite the absence of their No.7, the Storm found a way—Harry Grant stood tall in the clutch and now regroups with reinforcements on the way.
Cameron Munster returns from personal leave and Ryan Papenhuyzen is back from injury, reshaping the Storm’s spine and giving Grant the support he’ll need to steer the side through this tricky patch. Melbourne remain favourites according to the numbers—but without Hughes controlling the tempo, cracks could appear.
Parramatta will be hoping to exploit them. With a wet old night in Sydney, Moses will be on song. Watch for an ambush.!!!
Match Officials
Referees, Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Chris Butler.
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