Eels v Storm R21 betting tips & top NRL odds | Friday, July 26

Eels v Storm NRL betting picks

Round 21: Eels v Storm match preview

The table-topping Melbourne Storm will be looking to continue their excellent season this Friday night as they face the struggling Eels at CommBank Stadium in round 21 of the 2024 NRL Premiership.

After losing five matches in a row, Parramatta had a much-needed bye last week. Sitting 16th on the ladder, they have won just one game since sacking coach Brad Arthur back in May, and it is no surprise to see them as heavy underdogs for this clash at $6.25 with PlayUp.

NSW halfback Mitchell Moses leads a host of changes for the Eels this week, with Lorenzo Mulitalo, Matt Arthur, Matt Doorey and Charlie Guymer also out of the side. Sean Russell, Shaun Lane and Bryce Cartwright move into the starting 13, while Makahesi Makatoa and Joey Lussick join the bench.

The Storm secured a comfortable 16-point victory last Saturday, beating the similarly high-flying Roosters at AAMI Park. Despite missing most of their State of Origin players, the Storm were far too good as they held Sydney to just two tries.

Craig Bellamy’s men have won six matches in a row to sit two games clear at the top of the NRL ladder. As such, they are such strong favourites for this clash at $1.16 with Unibet.

In a further boost, the Storm are set to regain forward pair Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona on the bench. Joe Chan misses through suspension, while Alec MacDonald is the other change.

There could also be a late addition for the visitors, as Cameron Munster is listed among the reserves. The superstar five-eighth is working back from a groin injury that has kept him out since the Storm’s 32-point win over the Eels back in round 11.

Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm team lists

Parramatta Eels

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Jake Tago
3. Blaize Talagi
4. Will Penisini
5. Sean Russell
6. Dylan Brown
7. Daejarn Asi
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Brendan Hands
10. Wiremu Greig
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. Ryan Matterson
14. Joey Lussick
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Luca Moretti
17. Makahesi Makatoa

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Grant Anderson
6. Tyran Wishart
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Sualauvi Faalogo
15. Christian Welch
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
17. Lazarus Vaalepu

Eels v Storm R21 betting strategy

Despite playing on the road, this should be a comfortable victory for the Storm. They have won the past two matches between the sides by over 30 points, so back Melbourne to cover the handicap of 16.5 points at $2 with Bet365.

As the second-best attack in the NRL faces the second-worst defence, expect the Storm to pile on plenty of points. Although the Eels have lost their last five fixtures, they still average over 18 points per game across that stretch. Expect this one to have plenty of scoring, clearing the line of 52.5 points at $1.91 with rugby league betting sites.

Despite an injury-affected campaign, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is still the Storm’s leading tryscorer in 2024. The former Tiger has five tries in his last five matches and averages better than a linebreak per game. With the Parramatta defence expected to leak points, back Papenhuyzen to score two or more tries at $3.30 with leading NRL bookies.

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