The Storm get their first chance to address the hurt of their grand final loss when they host the Eels for their season opener at home.
They will also be aiming to keep their remarkable opening game winning streak intact, having won 22 consecutive Round 1 matches.
The home side will be aiming to run out a settled line-up with the retirement of loyal servant Christian Welch and recruitment of Stefano Utoikamanu the major personnel changes.
The Eels however will have a new look to them, starting with new coach Jason Ryles. The former Storm assistant coach will come up against mentor Craig Bellamy with a point to prove and will be counting on new recruits Zac Lomax, Isaiah Iongi and Jack Williams to help set a winning tone.
Match: Storm v Eels
Round 1 –
home Team
Storm
away Team
Eels
Venue:AAMI Park, Melbourne
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Storm: Good news for the Storm with Jahrome Hughes (neck), Xavier Coates (ankle) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle/knee) all right to go in the season opener. Former Tiger Stefano Utoikamanu makes his club debut in the front row in the only change to the starting side from last year’s grand final. Tui Kamikamica will come from the bench after starting in the decider. Sua Faalogo is listed among the reserves and Grant Anderson is 18th man.
Eels: Jason Ryles’ first side as coach features excitement machine Isaiah Iongi at fullback and star recruit Zac Lomaz at centre while Ronald Volkman gets the nod at halfback with Mitch Moses sidelined by a foot injury. Veteran prop Junior Paulo has overcome a Lisfranc injury and will captain the side. Hooker Ryley Smith makes his NRL debut off the bench alongside Matt Doorey, Ryan Matterson and Charlie Guymer. Former Shark Jack Williams also makes his club debut in the back row.
Match: Storm v Eels
Round 1 –
home Team
Storm
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Eels is number 1Isaiah Iongi
-
Winger for Storm is number 2Will WarbrickWinger for Eels is number 2Sean Russell
-
Centre for Storm is number 3Jack HowarthCentre for Eels is number 3Will Penisini
-
Centre for Storm is number 4Nick MeaneyCentre for Eels is number 4Zac Lomax
-
Winger for Storm is number 5Xavier CoatesWinger for Eels is number 5Jake Tago
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6Dylan Brown
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7Jahrome HughesHalfback for Eels is number 7Ronald Volkman
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Eels is number 8Joe Ofahengaue
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9Harry GrantHooker for Eels is number 9Brendan Hands
-
Prop for Storm is number 10Josh KingProp for Eels is number 10Junior Paulo
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11Shawn Blore2nd Row for Eels is number 11Jack Williams
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Eels is number 12Kelma Tuilagi
-
Lock for Storm is number 13Trent LoieroLock for Eels is number 13J’maine Hopgood
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14Tyran WishartInterchange for Eels is number 14Ryley Smith
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15Alec MacDonaldInterchange for Eels is number 15Matt Doorey
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Eels is number 16Ryan Matterson
-
Interchange for Storm is number 17Lazarus VaalepuInterchange for Eels is number 17Charlie Guymer
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 18Grant AndersonReplacement for Eels is number 18Joash Papalii
-
Reserve for Storm is number 19Bronson GarlickReserve for Eels is number 19Jordan Samrani
-
Reserve for Storm is number 20Joe ChanReserve for Eels is number 20Toni Mataele
-
Reserve for Storm is number 21Sualauvi FaalogoReserve for Eels is number 21Sam Tuivaiti
-
Reserve for Storm is number 22Kane BradleyReserve for Eels is number 22Joey Lussick
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won 22 consecutive Round 1 games.
- The Eels have conceded 142 points in their past four games against the Storm.
- Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored seven tries in his last five games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Bailey Simonsson has scored six tries in his last seven games against the Storm.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 29 tries in 27 games at AAMI Park.
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