The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will go head to head with the Melbourne Storm this Sunday afternoon at Pirtek Stadium for their Round 9 clash.
The Storm currently sit in third position on the NRL Telstra Premiership ladder, how the Eels (15th) are just two wins away from them on the ladder. With both teams coming off a bye last weekend, expect a physical and tough afternoon clash at Pirtek Stadium.
Head Coach Brad Arthur has made several changes to his side with the Eels boasting a new look wing combination for the clash; with the Fijian flyer Semi Radradra returning to action after suffering a knee injury early in the season and Ryan Morgan moving into the right wing.
Radradra and Morgan replace Bureta Faraimo and John Folau who drop back to the NSW Cup to play for Wentworthville Magpies.
Brad Arthur has also named an extended bench with Tepai Moeroa recalled to the squad after earning a Man of the Match performance for the Junior Kangaroos in their thrilling 22-20 victory over the Junior Kiwis on the weekend. Moeroa had a standout performance that included the match winning four-pointer.
The Eels return to Pirtek Stadium, where they boast a good record, and the Blue and Gold will be looking to continue that on Sunday. With nine victories from their past twelve appearances and four wins from five against the Storm, the Eels will be confident about playing at home.
The Storm who suffered a loss to the bottom-placed Manly two weeks ago, welcome back Billy Slater, who returns from a shoulder injury which forces Cameron Munster onto the Storm’s extended bench.
Storm youngsters Felise Kaufusi and Nelson Asofa-Solomona were handed suspensions over Rep Round, with Dayne Weston and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs recalled into the side.
The Round 9 clash falls on Mother’s Day where families can access a general admission family ticket from only $20.
Thanks to our game day partners, Dyldam, we will be celebrating at our game on Mother's Day with a yellow rose giveaway for the first 400 mums in the Parramatta Motor Group TryLine City precinct. Head to our community tent to collect a rose for your mum on the day!
Parramatta Motor Group TryLine City will also host a pamper tent on Sunday, offering a choice of:
· 10 minute express manicures
· 10 minute hand massages
· 6-10 minute mini shoulder and back massages
Get your tickets to the game here!
Match Details: Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm, Pirtek Stadium. Sunday 10 May, kick off at 4pm.
Televised: Channel 9, Live, 4pm.
The History: Played 28; Eels 11, Storm 17. The Eels have won just one of the last five clashes, however the Storm do not like travelling to Pirtek Stadium with the Blue and Gold coming away victors in four of the last five clashes here.
Last time we met, the Eels suffered a 20-46 loss at AAMI Park (Round 15, 2014).
Eels Squad:
1. Reece Robinson 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Danny Wicks 9. Nathan Peats 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. David Gower 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. Isaac De Gois 15. Joseph Paulo 16. Richie Fa'aoso 17. Peni Terepo 18. Tepai Moeroa
Storm Squad:
1. Billy Slater 2. Mahe Fonua 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Tim Glasby 16. Dayne Weston 17. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 18. Cameron Munster
Eels Dangers: Semi Radradra. The Fijian Flyer returns to the action this week and the flying winger will look to return with a bang. Radradra already boasts four tries this season, the most four-pointers out of the named squad, and the Blue and Gold will be looking for the try-scoring machine to finish off their backline movements.
Storm Dangers: Marika Koroibete. A battle of the Fijian flyers this week and the Eels will be wary of the lighting quick right winger. Koroibete has been in strong form in 2015, crossing for six tries this season and is returning off an impressive display in Saturday night’s Pacific Test against PNG.
Match Officials: Referee - Gerard Sutton, Assistant Referee – Alan Shortall, Touch Judges – Brett Suttor, Nick Beashel, Video Referee – Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten.
