Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels NRL betting tips | Round 1

Storm v Eels NRL R1 best bets

NRL Round 1: Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels preview

The Melbourne Storm will kick off their 2025 NRL campaign with a home clash this Sunday against the undermanned Parramatta Eels, who are missing star halfback Mitchell Moses.

With Craig Bellamy’s incredible Round 1 record of 22 straight wins, it’s hard to see the Eels pulling off an upset — especially in Melbourne, where the Storm have been one of the most dominant home teams in NRL history.

The Storm enter the season as $3.80 premiership favourites with the top rugby league betting sites, while they are heavily supported at $1.10 to extend their impressive first-round winning streak.

The Melbourne Storm squad remains largely unchanged, with Stefano Utoikamanu the only new face in the starting side, replacing the retired Christian Welch.

Meanwhile, Parramatta are fielding a new-look spine under rookie coach Jason Ryles, with Ronald Volkman stepping in at halfback alongside Dylan Brown, while Isaiah Iongi makes his NRL debut at fullback.

Parramatta’s form heading into this clash has been mixed, while the Storm will be eager to make a statement early in the season.

The Eels have historically troubled Melbourne, winning five of six meetings from 2020-22, but the Storm have flipped the script to win their last four clashes –including three by 18 points or more.

Storm v Eels Rd 1 team news

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Lazarus Vaalepu

The Storm are near full strength, with Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates, and Ryan Papenhuyzen all fit after minor pre-season injuries. Stefano Utoikamanu makes his club debut, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona is still suspended.

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Parramatta Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Sean Russell
3. Will Penisini
4. Zac Lomax
5. Jake Tago
6. Dylan Brown
7. Ronald Volkman
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Jack Williams
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Ryley Smith
15. Matt Doorey
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Charlie Guymer

The Eels will be without Mitchell Moses, while Isaiah Iongi debuts at fullback. Josh Addo-Carr (suspension) and Bailey Simonsson (injury) are also missing, forcing Zac Lomax and Jake Tago into starting centre-wing roles.

Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels betting predictions

The Storm’s Round 1 dominance is well established, and with Parramatta missing key players, this looks set to be another one-sided affair at AAMI Park. Melbourne’s star-studded spine will ensure they control field position, while their defence remains among the most disciplined in the NRL. With Parramatta relying on an inexperienced spine, it’s difficult to see anything but another Storm win by 13 or more points at -111.11 with BetOnline.

Storm skipper Harry Grant is one of the best attacking hookers in the game, and he has an incredible tryscoring record against the Eels, crossing in five straight matches against them — including two doubles in that span. With Melbourne expected to dominate possession and field position, Grant’s dummy-half runs close to the line will be a huge weapon, especially against an inexperienced Parramatta defensive line. Given his agility and strength near the try line, +145 on offer with BetOnline for Grant to score is an easy choice.

Despite Melbourne’s attacking firepower, Round 1 games tend to be lower-scoring, especially when one side fields an unsettled lineup. Rain is forecast in Melbourne, which could impact attacking execution and handling, while the Storm’s defensive structure and physicality in the middle should stifle Parramatta’s inexperienced attack. With the home side likely to prioritise control over flamboyance early in the season, the under 44.5 total points with BetOnline looks like a strong bet.

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