CommBank Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 1 NRL game between Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Parramatta Eels vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday March 2, 2023 at 7:50 pm
Where: CommBank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Odds
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Preview
The NRL 2023 season will commence with a match between the Parramatta Eels and the Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night.
Interestingly, the Storm have not suffered a defeat in a Round 1 game since 2001 and will have the opportunity to test this record against the only team they have failed to conquer over the past two seasons.
In fact, the Eels boast an unmatched record against the Storm, having won their last four encounters.
Nevertheless, both teams will have a new appearance in 2023, with many arrivals and departures, particularly in the forward packs.
Melbourne will be without the services of experienced players Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi, and the Bromwich brothers, who have all moved to rival clubs, while Ryan Papenhuyzen remains unavailable.
Meanwhile, Parramatta will be without Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson due to injury, but the team will welcome newcomers Josh Hodgson, Matt Doorey, J’maine Hopgood, and Jack Murchie, who have all been selected to make their club debuts.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.72 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Nick Meaney at $7.50.
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Teams
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Jirah Momoisea 15. Jack Murchie 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Ky Rodwell 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Mitch Rein 22. Isaac Lumelume
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec Macdonald 16. Chris Lewis 17. Jordan Grant 18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Joe Chan 22. Jonah Pezet