NRL Round 16 Preview and Prediction - Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels @ AAMI Park
 
Preview - A heavily depleted Melbourne Storm will have their backs against the wall when they take on a near full strength Parramatta side at AAMI Park on Saturday night. The Storm were devastating last week at close to full strength as they demolished the Broncos 42-12 on their own home pitch at Suncorp Stadium. The Storm’s attack was dynamic and they showed that in 2017 they are not just an excellent grinding style of side, but a team capable of scoring points with strike weapons galore and a pleasing style of football on the eye. The Eels managed to squeeze out an ugly but vitally important 13-12 Golden Point over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium. The Eels looked like they were going to run away with the game at 12-2 up at halftime, however frittered away far too much possession in the second half. The win sees the Eels now 2 games clear of the teams outside the Top 8 as they look to reach their first finals’ series since 2009. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm are forced into a number of changes once again as Origin continues to bite the Club. With Billy Slater, Will Chambers, Cameron Munster, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Tim Glasby all on Origin duty, the Storm bring back a number of the young players who put in starring performances against both the Cowboys and Roosters. Jahrome Hughes goes to fullback with Curtis Scott pairing with the experienced Chase Blair in the centres, Ryley Jacks and Brodie Croft get another chance to show their wares in the halves whilst Slade Griffin starts at hooker. Both Tohu Harris and Jesse Bromwich have been named to play despite failing to finish last week’s clash against the Broncos with niggling injuries. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels have had minimal disruption compared to the Storm and will see this as a massive opportunity to consolidate their spot in the finals. Kenny Edwards made a number of poor errors last week against the Bulldogs and he is replaced in the starting side by Tepai Moeroa, with Edwards dropping back to the bench. Manu Ma'u is named to play despite only lasting 15 minutes last week. The Eels appear to have settled on their best combination with Clint Gutherson slotting back to fullback and Bevan French starring on the wing with a brilliant solo try. Mitchell Moses appears to be finding his feet after a rough star, kicking the winning field goal in Golden Point.
 
Verdict - Parramatta by 1-8 in a low scoring game

I think Parramatta can get a win here against a Storm side with so many changes. Despite the Storm’s youngsters and rookies being so impressive, one difficult thing in the NRL is to do it week in, week out, and to expect a third great performance in 4 weeks might be asking a bit much. Parramatta, to me, look like a side that, whilst failing to be spectacular, are starting to come together as a unit, and they have an experienced and solid First Grade side. I think Brad Arthur and his men will be desperate to make their first finals’ appearance since 2009, and they would have circled this game as a must win given Melbourne could be missing anywhere between 6 and 8 regular, quality, first graders. As always with the Storm, I'm sure they will be competitive, however I think the experience of the Eels will get them home in a relatively low scoring and close game.