Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm: Live blog, updates and highlights
Will Craig Bellamy and Melbourne Storm’s love affair continue with the opening round of the NRL season when they take on Parramatta on Thursday night, or will it finally end?
The visitors have not lost a first-round game since Bellamy took charge over two decades ago. Indeed, one has to go back as far as 2001 to find an opening-day defeat by Canterbury for the Victorians.
It’s an incredible record, but it’s on shaky ground with a whole host of experienced strikers leaving the club, leaving them light up front and in something of a transitional period.
The Eels will be keen to up their game after being beaten by arch-rivals Penrith in last year’s Grand Final.
Brad Arthur has also seen a significant drain of talent from his team and has had to deal with a series of injuries and suspensions to get the campaign started.
Although Parramatta has had a great record against Bellamy’s forces lately, winning her last four matchups against her. So they should go into their duel at CommBank Stadium full of confidence.
The sports news offers the latest updates from the blockbuster fight to kick off the new NRL season.
A new story begins now in the Stan Original documentary series Dawn Of The Dolphins. Premiering on Monday, only at Stan’s
live result
| Parramatta eels | – |
| Melbourne Storm | – |
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm live blog, updates and highlights
Before the game: Hello and welcome The sports news Live coverage of the opening round clash between Parramatta and Melbourne. Kick-off is planned 8 p.m AEDT with the named end teams.
Eel’s confirmed team:
1.Clint Gutherson
2.Maika Sivo
3. Will penisini
4. Waqa Blake
22. Isaac Lumelume
6. Dylan Brown
7. MitchellMoses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9.Josh Hodgson
10.Junior Paulo
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Matt Doorey
13. J’maine Hopgood
14.Jira Momoisea
15. Jack Murchie
16. Wiremu Greig
17. Makahesi Makatoa
18.Jake Arthur
Eels Team News:
Bryce Cartwright And Matt Doorey were named in the margins for replacement Isaiah Papali’i And Shaun Lane (jaw) while J’maine Hopgood starts at lock instead of Ryan Matterson (Suspension) in an all new back row for the Eels.
Former Canberra captain Josh Hodgson replaced Reed Mahoney at the whore, while there are places on the bench for other new recruits Jack Murchie And Jirah Momoisea.
Bailey Simonson (Shoulder) was initially named in the page on Tuesday, but was replaced by Isaac Lumelume 24 hours before kick-off.
Storm confirmed team:
1.Nick Meney
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Young Tonumaipea
5.Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jarome Hughes
8. Nelson Asofa Solomona
9. Harry Grant
10. Christian Walch
11. Trento Loiero
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Josh King
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec McDonald
17.Jordan Grant
19. Bronson Garlic
16.Chris Lewis
Storm Team News:
The core of the squad remains the same, but losing most of Storm’s veteran forward squad will leave a big hole.
Craig Bellamy has decided to re-sign Eliesa Katoa a starting place in the back row Trento Loiero named on the opposite edge. josh king takes over at lock after exit from BrandonSmith.
Will WarbrickHis strong form in the tests was rewarded with a start on the outside lane Young Tonumaipea claims a place in the centers instead of Justin Olam who suffered a broken arm during the trial.
Ryan Papenhuyzen (Knee) will be joined on the sidelines by an experienced trio Tariq Sims (Calf), Tepai Moeroa (toe) and Tui Kamikamica (Tendon).
Bronson Garlic will make his NRL debut after coming on the bench late. Chris Lewis falls back to the 18th man.