Rugby League
2025-03-09 - Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels
A Sports Betting Pick by Stu
Rugby League : Australia : NRL 2025
Sunday 9th March 2025 - KO 1600 AEST
Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm are known for their solid defensive structure, making it difficult for opponents to attack like they would against other lesser teams and seasoned professionals like Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, they have a wealth of experience on the field.
Playing at AAMI Park also gives them a significant boost, as they have a strong home record and an even better record in the opening match of the season, Melbourne has never lost his opening match of any NRL season winning 22 straight openers, making the home ground advantage even more likely to produce a victory.
Melbourne Storm Team News - Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen all return from injury for the season opener and new recruit with a big future, Stefano Utoikamanu makes his club debut.
Parramatta Eels
Parramatta were not in finals contention last season amassing just 20 points in 24 matches to finish 15th out of 17, only 2 points ahead of last place.
Stalwart, Clint Gutherson has been moved on to the Dragons and sadly for eels fans at least, Mitchell Moses is not available for selection through injury and given his great form last season was one of the only highlights, this could be a very tough outing and season for Parramatta. Ex Storm assistant coach, Jason Ryles starts his head coaching career against his former club making for a spicy start to 2025.
As underdogs, the Eels often play with a lot of heart and determination, but this looks a touch out of reach especially this early in the season when the Storm are low on injuries after a strong pre-season. Their defence can be vulnerable, especially against top-tier teams like the Storm, the Eels winning just 3 matches all season 2024 against top 8 teams.
Parramatta Eels Team News - start centre Zac Lomax makes his club debut along with Isaiah Iongi and Jack Williams are all the new additions, while Hooker Ryley Smith makes his NRL debut off the bench alongside Matt Doorey.
Odds
The bookies have completely written off the Eels here, $1.10 to $7.00, combined points 44.5 and 18.5 points start.
The Betting Verdict
The Storm won 4 out of their last 5 matches to end last season, the loss of course was in the Grand Final which demonstrates their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Last season the Storm had victories against the Eels twice, winning 14-32, and 48-16 in the home matchup making it 4 in a row against Parramatta.
Papenhuyzen gets the nod at fullback, he will hoping for a sustained injury free run after 2 seasons with some major setbacks, if he gets back to his electric best the Storm will once again be close to the Grand final prize again.
Parramatta finished the season with 2 high scoring wins against a couple of other cellar dwellers, the Dragons and Tigers but these wins broke a 3 match losing streak. The addition of Lomax will make a difference to the Eels this season, but without Moses running the team, his replacement Volkman will have to play out of his skin to get anywhere near the quality that Moses possesses. His halves partner Dylan Brown holds all the hopes of the Eels here.
Making the assumption the Storm win here, who look very likely to start the season with another round one victory, what are the best betting options?
The Storm should be strong enough to claim this fixture 13+ returning $1.53 with Parramatta conceding 142 points in their past four games against the Storm for an average of 35.5 ppg. You can also expect Xavier Coates to score a try $1.80 as he averages more than a try per match at this venue.
Storm to win by 20.
The Pick :
Melbourne Storm 34 - 14 Parramatta Eels
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Suggested option: Take the Storm to win 13+ and Coates to score returning a juicy $2.55 Bet365
