The returning Semi Radrada will be hoping to turn around the fortunes of the Parramatta Eels as they host the third-placed Melbourne Storm at Pirtek Stadium.
Join The Roar from 3.50pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage, and feel free to let me know your thoughts on the game in the comments section below.
Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater is also set to return for his side after a month on the sidelines. Last weekend’s representative round was hardly a break for either side with 11 Eels players and 16 Storm players involved in fixtures.
Slater’s return means his impressive deputy Cameron Munster has been named as the 18th man. Munster has played well in Slater’s absence, and will get more opportunities in the top grade.
Like the Titans situation with Greg Bird, the Storm have seen a couple of their players suspended over indiscretions in the representative round. Felise Kaufusi (one week) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (five weeks) will be replaced by Dayne Weston and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
Semi Radradra will form one half of a new wing combination for Parramatta along with Ryan Morgan, who come in for Bureta Faraimo and John Folau. Isaac De Gois comes in for Pauli Pauli on the bench.
Parramatta’s defence once again remains a big issue in 2015. Having conceded a league-worst 24.5 points per game, Billy Slater will fancy his chances of breaking his seven-game try scoring drought.
Prediction:
Melbourne have won four of their past five meetings with Parramatta by an average of 32 points.
However they have won just once on their last five visits to Pirtek Stadium.
Despite the Storm’s big three being all together once more, the Storm’s preparation for this game has been limited by the ANZAC test reshuffle which involved six of their players.
Eels by 6.
In any case, it should be compelling viewing so join The Roar from 3:50 (AEST) to follow our live scores and coverage, and remember to leave your comments as the game progresses.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Yep, noticed that.. and the massive beer gut.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Anyone else catch Cameron smith kick the ball at an Eels fan shouting what I assume would be cheat related abuse? Best part of the whole game.
E-Meter
Guest
So will Parramatta. For the wooden spoon. I don't think I've ever seen such a clueless bunch of muppets playing in the NRL.
Joey Johns
Roar Guru
thanks for the great commentary and calling mate! much appreciated
James Silver
Roar Guru
Billy Slater had a wonderful return to action today, with two first half tries, and an assist late on to Chambers. After an even first half, The Storm wore them down, with far more possession and penalties. Kevin Proctor and Will Chambers had very solid games, as did Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater as they so often do. Slater has been announced as the Channel Nine Man of the Match. For the Eels, their error counts, missed tackles and penalties conceded were far too high. Arthur will no doubt, be disappointed with the 2nd half performance Cameron Smith: 'We needed that one off the back of our last game against Manly.' That's all from me today, thank you for joining me on The Roar! Eels 10 Storm 28
Bill Larkin
Guest
Storm will challange this year.
James Silver
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Knock on from Will Hopoate and neither side is interested in packing down the scrum, as the players decide to have an early hand shake instead. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' Penalty against Kenny Bromwich. It's the Eels' first penalty of the half. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
78' Cronk kicks from inside his 40 on last tackle but it's just short of a 40/20. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
77' Robinson knocks Green over with a big shove in back-play. Sandow tries a grubber on the last but Koroibete beats his despairing dive to the football. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
76' Green and Bromwich go close to scoring. A failed last tackle play sees Smith throw the ball onto Finucane's back as the Eels come away with it. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
75' Penalty for Melbourne, as Sandow is adjudged to have shoulder charged Hinchcliffe who was going down a rampaging run down the left touchline. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
74' Knocked on from Ma'u, as Melbourne go on the attack once more. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
73' Smith kicks low, Robinson fields it and spreads across to Radradra who is brought down by the very impressive Proctor. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
72' Eels have missed 22 tackles compared to Melbourne's 12. Slater fields Sandow's chip under no pressure. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
71' Reece Robinson returns the Storm kick to 40m out from his own line. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
69' CONVERSION Smith has no problems from just to the right of the uprights. Eels 10 Storm 28
James Silver
Roar Guru
68' TRY Finucane looks to have scored a try here to seal the game for the Storm. A grubber kick is missed by Radradra. Finucane and Radradra look to have planted the ball down at exactly the same time. A simultaneous put down means it is a Storm Try. Game over. Eels 10 Storm 26
James Silver
Roar Guru
67' Korobiete puts on a solid hit on Hopoate, Melbourne with all the territory after some good defence and will start this one in their opponents half. Eels 10 Storm 22
James Silver
Roar Guru
66' High shot from Fa'aoso not penalised by the officials. Storm threatening now, a couple of offloads don't lead anywhere. Cronk chips for Korobiete again, Hopoate catches it once again. Eels 10 Storm 22