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Papenhuyzen stars as Storm dismantle Eels 56-18 in Melbourne

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Melbourne Storm defeat Eels
Melbourne Storm run riot to defeat Eels

Melbourne Storm put on a first-half masterclass to open their 2025 NRL campaign in emphatic style, thrashing the Parramatta Eels 56-18 at AAMI Park.

Craig Bellamy’s side wasted no time flexing their premiership credentials, piling on eight tries in the opening 40 minutes to extend their remarkable Round 1 winning streak to 23 seasons.

For new Eels coach Jason Ryles, it was a brutal initiation into life as a head coach, with his team overwhelmed from the outset.

Ryan Papenhuyzen was electric, scoring two tries and playing a key role in several others, as he tormented Parramatta’s shaky defence.

“That first half, that was probably the quickest and slickest he’s looked since he’s come back,” Bellamy said post-match.

“He’s had a horrific run with injuries. To come back how he has just goes to show the amount of work he’s willing to put in. His first half was outstanding.”

Papenhuyzen opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a touch of luck, regathering his own pass after it was knocked down by Ronald Volkman.

From there, the floodgates burst open for the $1.10 bookmkaer favourites.

NRL Round 1: Storm v Eels highlights

Cameron Munster orchestrated the onslaught, setting up Josh King for a try before Xavier Coates produced one of his signature aerial finishes.

Eliesa Katoa followed with a 50-metre solo effort, fending off defenders and stepping through Parramatta’s last line to extend the lead.

Harry Grant, Nick Meaney, and Coates again added to the tally before Papenhuyzen completed his double just before halftime, taking Melbourne to a staggering 46-6 lead.

The Eels finally found some joy late in the first half through Jake Tago, but the damage was already done.

Parramatta managed to tighten up in the second half, even outscoring the Storm 12-10, but it was little consolation.

Will Warbrick brought up Melbourne’s 50th point with an 85-metre intercept try, while Jahrome Hughes crossed minutes later to cap off the Storm’s night.

Tries to Will Penisini and Isaiah Iongi gave Eels fans something to take away, but their defensive frailties remained glaring.

Ryles acknowledged the tough night but insisted there were positives to build on.

“I thought a lot of things improved for us in the second half, and it was based around our intent into contact,” he said.

“They made us pay for our little errors, but at the end of the day, I think there’s some real, dare I say, positives to come out of it.”

Bellamy, meanwhile, was full of praise for his squad but warned against getting carried away.

“I thought our first half was exactly the way we wanted to start, and then we just continued on with that for the rest of the 40 minutes,” he said.

“But it’s Round 1. We’ve still got plenty to work on.”

Melbourne Storm now have the bye in Round 2 before a blockbuster clash with the Panthers.

The Eels, however, face a crucial early-season test against the Tigers as they look to regroup from an opening-round hammering.

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Topics: Featured, Melbourne Storm, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Rugby League

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