Christopher Rooney reviews a massive clash at Suncorp Stadium: Melbourne can seal the minor premiership, while Parramatta can stay in touch with the top four. Here’s how the game went.
SCOREBOARD
Eels 22
Tries: Blake Ferguson (10, 51), Haze Dunster (38), Joey Lussick (63)
Goals: Mitchell Moses (11, 45 pen, 64)
Player of the Year Points
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
2 pts – Isaiah Papali’i (Parramatta Eels)
1 pt – Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty Images1st Half
The first half felt like a finals match between the two sides. The Eels had outstanding ball control throughout the first half and put plenty of pressure on the Storm. They were first to score with Blake Ferguson scoring in the corner.
The Storm were next to score, with Reimis Smith and Isaac Lumelume scoring to give the Storm a narrow lead.
The Eels were able to score another try to Haze Dunster to level the score at 10-all going into the second half.
HALF-TIME: Melbourne Storm 10 Parramatta Eels 10
Embed from Getty Images2nd Half
The second half started perfectly for the Eels. They continued to dominate possession and their ball control was excellent compared to the Storm.
The Storm were the own worst enemy in the second half: poor ball control and no discipline in attack or defence.
Ferguson scored a double, looking strong at the back, and there was a rare try to Joey Lussick.
The Eels outplayed the Storm in every category tonight and it makes the match next week against the Panthers even more interesting.
The Storm will be nervously waiting on the outcomes on Jesse Bromwich, Harry Grant, and Brandon Smith at the judiciary.
FULL-TIME: Melbourne Storm 10 Parramatta Eels 22
Injuries
to be advised
Match Review Committee
to be advised
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