It looks like you may be using adblocking software to view this site.
Many features on the site, such as video playback, may not work properly when using adblocking software.
Please whitelist our domain or disable your adblocker to access all features and videos.
Storm v Eels: Round 1 masters; Smith, Tuivaiti to debut
The Storm get their first chance to address the hurt of their grand final loss when they host the Eels for their season opener at home.
They will also be aiming to keep their remarkable opening game winning streak intact, having won 22 consecutive Round 1 matches.
The home side will be aiming to run out a settled line-up with the retirement of loyal servant Christian Welch and recruitment of Stefano Utoikamanu the major personnel changes.
The Eels however will have a new look to them, starting with new coach Jason Ryles. The former Storm assistant coach will come up against mentor Craig Bellamy with a point to prove and will be counting on new recruits Zac Lomax, Isaiah Iongi and Jack Williams to help set a winning tone.
Match: Storm v Eels
Round 1 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Eels
17th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Team News
Storm: The Storm are 1-17 with no late changes. Halfback Jahrome Hughes (neck), winger Xavier Coates (ankle) and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle/knee) are all right to go in the season opener. Former Tiger Stefano Utoikamanu makes his club debut in the front row in the only change to the starting side from last year's grand final. Tui Kamikamica will come from the bench after starting in the decider. Grant Anderson is 18th man.
Eels: No game day changes after Ryan Matterson was removed from the bench on Saturday with Sam Tuivaiti promoted from the reserves for his NRL debut. Earlier in the week, Ryles had named excitement machine Isaiah Iongi at fullback and star recruit Zac Lomaz at centre while Ronald Volkman gets the nod at halfback with Mitch Moses facing six weeks out with a foot injury. Veteran prop Junior Paulo has overcome a Lisfranc injury and will captain the side. Hooker Ryley Smith makes his NRL debut off the bench alongside Matt Doorey and Charlie Guymer. Former Shark Jack Williams also makes his club debut in the back row.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah Iongi
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Eels is number 2 Sean Russell
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Jack HowarthCentre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick MeaneyCentre for Eels is number 4 Zac Lomax
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Eels is number 5 Jake Tago
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Eels is number 7 Ronald Volkman
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Eels is number 8 Joe Ofahengaue
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Jack Williams
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kelma Tuilagi
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroLock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran WishartInterchange for Eels is number 14 Ryley Smith
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Alec MacDonaldInterchange for Eels is number 15 Matt Doorey
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Eels is number 17 Charlie Guymer
-
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Lazarus VaalepuInterchange for Eels is number 21 Sam Tuivaiti
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 18 Grant AndersonReplacement for Eels is number 20 Toni Mataele
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won 22 consecutive Round 1 games.
- The Eels have conceded 142 points in their past four games against the Storm.
- Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored seven tries in his last five games against the Eels.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 29 tries in 27 games at AAMI Park.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
