Eels v Storm: Moses riding high; Faalogo right to go
Two of the best halfbacks in the game are set to go head to head as the Eels prepare to face Melbourne on Saturday night.
The clash marks the prime-time slot on the second day of Magic Round, with more than 50,000 fans to cram into Suncorp Stadium to watch Mitchell Moses take on Jahrome Hughes.
Both men starred for their clubs last week, Moses nailing a golden-point field goal to lead Parramatta past North Queensland, while Hughes was back to his best for the Storm in his return from concussion.
The Dally M winner helped Melbourne snap a seven-game losing streak in their 44-16 victory over the Tigers. Five-eighth Cameron Munster was also instrumental in the win and is finding form in the lead up to the State of Origin series.
It's so far been a tough campaign for Melbourne but Craig Bellamy's men hope last week's victory is a turning point and they're eager to keep building in Brisbane.
As for Parramatta, Moses continues to orchestrate an attack boasting try-scoring star Josh Addo-Carr and emerging fullback Joash Papalii.
Hooker Tallyn Da Silva is developing into a dynamic ball-running No.9 and will look to put his side on the front foot.
Match: Eels v Storm
Round 11 -
home Team
Eels
13th Position
away Team
Storm
14th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Eels: Ronald Volkman is set to retain a spot in the starting halves despite Jonah Pezet's return from suspension. Volkman has impressed throughout the past month, with Pezet instead listed in the reserves and named to play halfback in NSW Cup. Hooker Ryley Smith remains at least a week away from returning from a sternum injury, with Tallyn Da Silva to again start at hooker. No changes in Friday's 24-hour update.
Storm: Sua Faalogo is set to take his place at fullback after being cleared of a facial fracture earlier this week. No such luck for young gun Hugo Peel, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Moses Leo comes on to the wing as a result. The extended bench features Round 10 debutant Stanley Huen, while Josiah Pahulu remains in contention for his first Storm game.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Joash PapaliiFullback for Storm is number 1 Sualauvi Faalogo
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Brian KellyWinger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Jordan SamraniCentre for Storm is number 3 Jack Howarth
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean RussellCentre for Storm is number 4 Nick Meaney
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Storm is number 5 Moses Leo
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Ronald VolkmanFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Luca MorettiProp for Storm is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Eels is number 9 Tallyn Da SilvaHooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
-
Prop for Eels is number 17 Charlie GuymerProp for Storm is number 10 Josh King
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore
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2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Jack Williams2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Ativalu Lisati
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Jack De BelinLock for Storm is number 13 Trent Loiero
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloInterchange for Storm is number 15 Cooper Clarke
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Dylan WalkerInterchange for Storm is number 16 Davvy Moale
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Saxon PrykeInterchange for Storm is number 17 Joe Chan
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Toni MataeleInterchange for Storm is number 18 Stanley Huen
Reserves
-
Reserve for Eels is number 18 Apa TwidleReserve for Storm is number 14 Trent Toelau
-
Reserve for Eels is number 19 Teancum BrownReserve for Storm is number 20 Josiah Pahulu
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won their last two games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Storm have won their last seven games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr is the leading Magic Round try scorer, with eight.
- Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored 10 tries in his last eight games against the Eels.
- The Eels have lost five of their six Magic Round games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
