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The Melbourne Storm need to start stringing wins together at home but face a Parramatta Eels outfit well in the running for a top four berth. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.00pm AEST.
Both the Eels and Storm are coming off vital wins last week and will approach this game with plenty of confidence. The pressure is on Melbourne to win though, given they remain on the cusp of the top eight.
In good news for the Storm, Billy Slater made a successful return from injury in Origin 2 and will take his place at fullback. His inclusion should make the Storm’s attack infinitely more dangerous. Slater has missed the past three games for Melbourne and the Storm’s offensive play has suffered as a result.
With Cameron Smith and Slater orchestrating the attack for Melbourne, the Storm will certainly test an Eels defence that has improved out of sight this season.
Melbourne will have to keep an eye on Jarryd Hayne, who is coming off a terrific Origin victory with NSW midweek. Hayne is in great form and is beginning to replicate the star performances he produced in 2009.
Chris Sandow is also in great nick for the Eels. He starred against the Bulldogs last week playing at fullback and will certainly ask plenty of questions of Melbourne’s defence.
With both teams desperate for a win, today’s contest promises to be one of the matches of the round. The Storm need to start firing if they hope to secure a top eight berth but won’t get any favours from the Eels.
In a tight one, the Storm may just prevail on the back of Slater and Smith’s performances.
Storm by 6.