Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Tips, Odds and Free Bonus Bets – NRL 2023

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

A belter to get the 2023 season underway as Parramatta and Melbourne both look to prove early that a slew of off-season departures won’t dent their heavyweight status.

The Storm, perhaps surprisingly, are slight favourites on the road – despite trial injuries to Justin Olam, Dean Ieremia and Tui Kamikamica compounding the absence of Ryan Papenhuyzen and the exit of the Bromwich brothers, Felise Kaufusi and Brandon Smith.

Nick Meaney remains at fullback for Melbourne, with Young Tonumaipea plugging a centre gap and Rugby Sevens star Will Warbrick getting a debut on the wing.

Eliesa Katoa plays his first game for the club in a pack that includes new skipper Christian Welch, who hasn’t played since Round 1 last year.

The Eels’ engine-room is missing departed trio Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore, the injured Shaun Lane and the suspended Ryan Matterson.

Josh Hodgson is the new No.9, Bryce Cartwright, Matt Doorey and J’Maine Hopgood form a makeshift back-row and the bench is very green.

Both clubs racked up convincing final trial wins over expected also-rans and retain all-star spines.

Meanwhile, one of the NRL’s most remarkable streaks goes on the line: Craig Bellamy has never lost in Round 1 in 20 seasons in charge of the Storm, while the Eels have won their last four Round 1 games.

The Eels are on a four-match winning streak against the Storm – including a memorable golden point win in Melbourne and a 22-14 final-round victory at home last year – and are 3-0 in the clubs’ matches at CommBank Stadium.

But the blue-and-golds’ recent rivalry dominance is negated by the Storm’s Round 1 record, a severely depleted pack and likely early teething problems with Hodgson.

The Storm’s depth will come to the fore with Cameron Munster and Harry Grant primed to make a season-opening statement.

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