NRL: Storm aim to avoid back-to-back defeats

Melbourne Storm suffered just their second defeat of the NRL season last week and will be keen to bounce back against Parramatta Eels.

The Storm have been in great form but came unstuck against fellow premiership hopefuls Cronulla Sharks, losing by seven points.

It is important they bounce back against the Eels and they do have a good record when it comes to playing Magic Round.

Meanwhile, Parramatta continue to struggle and have lost their last three games on the bounce.

They may sit in 13th spot on the ladder, but all is not lost just yet as they are just four points away from the top eight and a place in finals.

However, the revival will need to start quickly and it does not get much tougher than a clash against the high-flying Storm.

Magic Round continues and this could be the game of the day.

. What: Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 17:05, Sunday 19th May 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Melbourne Storm 1.30, Parramatta Eels 3.60

Storm love playing at Suncorp

Storm need to bounce back from the defeat to Cronulla and history suggests that Suncorp Stadium is the place to do it.

The Brisbane venue has been a happy hunting ground for them down the years and has almost become like a second home.

During their four Magic Round appearances at Suncorp they have piled on 126 points, more than any other team.

Their chances of another big win have been boosted further by the news that Xavier Coates looks set to make a return from injury.

Coates is a huge threat on the wing and can be backed at 7.00 to score the first try of the game or 1.77 to score at anytime.

Hooker Harry Grant is a bigger price at 4.25 to score at anytime and is in good touch after grabbing a try in each of his last three games.

The Storm have won the last two meetings between the two sides, including a 30-point win in July last year.

Craig Bellamy’s men can be backed at 9.00 to win by 26-30 points on this occasion as well.

Eels waiting on Moses return

The Eels are desperate to get star playmaker Mitchell Moses back in the side, but they will have to wait a while longer.

Parramatta have won just one game since he has been missing with a foot injury and his return cannot come soon enough.

There is some positive news on the injury front however, with Bryce Cartwright set to return on the interchange.

If the Eels are to cause an upset, they will need Maika Sivo to continue his impressive record in Magic Round fixtures.

The powerful winger has scored five tries in three appearances and is 9.00 to score the first try or 2.05 to score at anytime.

Parramatta have won just one of their four Magic Round games and have work to do to make it two.

However, upsets do happen and they can be backed at 4.75 to win by 1-12 points.