Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 1 clash between the Storm and Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Melbourne Storm Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Date: Sunday March 9th, 4:05pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
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
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
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Storm will aim for their 23rd consecutive Round 1 victory when they host the Eels at AAMI Park. Meanwhile, Parramatta will look to kick off Jason Ryles’ coaching tenure with a statement win against his former club.
Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates, and Ryan Papenhuyzen have all shaken off injury concerns to take their place in a near full-strength Storm side. The biggest addition is Stefano Utoikamanu, who makes his club debut in the forward pack.
For the Eels, several new faces will feature, including Isaiah Iongi, Zac Lomax, Jack Williams, and Ryley Smith. However, the major talking point is Mitchell Moses’ absence due to injury, with Ronald Volkman stepping in at halfback—a significant test of the Eels’ depth.
There are a range of exciting match-ups across the field that will shape the game’s result. Papenhuyzen and Iongi will go head-to-head in an exciting battle of fast-paced, attacking fullbacks. Papenhuyzen’s experience and dynamic playmaking will test the young Iongi, who will be eager to prove himself on the big stage.
On the edge, Will Warbrick’s sheer power and ability to rack up metres will be a challenge for Zac Lomax, whose defensive reads and aerial skills could be crucial in containing the Storm winger.
In the forward pack, Utoikamanu is up against Junior Paulo, a seasoned enforcer who has trimmed down in the off-season to regain his explosive best. Their battle in the middle will set the tone for the contest.
The Storm’s Round 1 dominance under Craig Bellamy is well-documented, and their settled squad makes them clear favorites—especially with Moses sidelined. However, Ryles’ influence, particularly in defense, could see the Eels grind out a tougher contest than expected. While the Eels may put up a fight, the Storm’s class and experience should prove decisive.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Storm by 10 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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