The Melbourne Storm will look to continue their astonishing Round 1 record when they host the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on Thursday night.

Chasing a 24th straight opening-round win, last year’s runners-up begin 2026 looking for redemption and have started life without Ryan Papenhuyzen, naming Sua Fa'alogo as their now-permanent No.1.

With Xavier Coates injured, Nick Meaney will start on the wing and union convert Moses Leo makes his NRL debut in the centres.

Joe Chan, Ativalu Lisati and Alec MacDonald form a new second row with Trent Loiero suspended, Shawn Blore injured and Eli Katoa ruled out for the season after a scary neurological episode.

The Eels have named former Storm man Jonah Pezet for his club debut at five-eighth, with fellow newcomers Jack De Belin and Brian Kelly also in the run on side.

Parramatta will be looking to improve on last season’s efforts as they finished 2025 with a 10-14 record, with two of those 14 losses coming against the Storm.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Thursday night showdown, check out our Storm vs Eels tips and predictions below.

Storm vs Eels Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The powers that be have decided that this year it’s the Eels turn to be the Storm’s sacrificial lamb, because if you didn’t already know, Melbourne don’t like losing in Round 1.

They are so averse to tasting defeat to start a season, that they have never done so while Craig Bellamy has been their head coach.

For those at home keeping score, that has been 24 years. As impressive as the Eels have been recently, they won the 2026 Pre-Season Challenge after all, we simply can’t see them snapping the Storm’s streak.

Particularly on the road, and particularly without the services of their 2025 top scorer Josh Addo-Carr who is out with a thumb injury.

There is one final piece of damning evidence against the Eels too, Melbourne have won each of their last five matches against Parramatta.

Betting tip: Melbourne Storm.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Not many players enjoy playing the Melbourne Storm on their own patch, but brand-new Parramatta recruit Brain Kelly is the exception to the rule.

Kelly has scored a try in each of his last four away appearances against Melbourne and opening the scoring on his debut for his new club would be quite the way to announce himself to the Parra faithful.

Betting tip: Brian Kelly.

Over/Under Prediction

Twelve of the last 18 matches between Melbourne and Parramatta have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (43.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Parramatta have covered the line in each of their last four matches as an underdog.

Betting tip: Parramatta Eels (+7.5) line.

Storm vs Eels Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Will Warbrick

Will Warbrick has scored a try in each of Melbourne's last four matches.

Harry Grant

Harry Grant has scored at least one try in six of Melbourne's last seven matches against Parramatta.

Jahrome Hughes

Jahrome Hughes has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances at AAMI Park.

Storm vs Eels Teams

Melbourne Storm Team List

1. Sua Fa'alogo 

2. Will Warbrick

3. Jack Howarth

4. Moses Leo

5. Nick Meaney

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Harry Grant (c)

10. Josh King

11. Joe Chan

12. Ativalu Lisati

13. Alec MacDonald

14. Tyran Wishart 

15. Cooper Clark

16. Tui Kamikamica

17. Davvy Moale

18. Preston Conn

19. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown

Parramatta Eels Team List

1. Isaiah Iongi 

2. Bailey Simonsson

3. Will Penisini

4. Brian Kelly

5. Sean Russell

6. Jonah Pezet

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. J'maine Hopgood

9. Ryley Smith

10. Junior Paulo

11. Jack Williams

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack de Belin

14. Dylan Walker

15. Sam Tuivaiti

16. Matt Dorey

17. Tallyn Da Silva

18. Kelma Tuilagi

19. Joash Papali'i

Storm vs Eels Match Details

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne.