Round 1 wraps up with a major mismatch according to betting with the Storm 17.5-point favourites over an Eels team sans Mitchell Moses.
Best Bet
The gap between Melbourne and Parramatta is large but we are in almost unprecedented territory with a line of 17.5 points and growing.
This is only the third Round 1 game since 2008 to have a line of 16 or larger. On both prior occasions, the underdog not only covered but won both games off the stick. While the Eels are unlikely to make it three on the trot for huge underdogs, this is a monster line to cover.
Melbourne are near unstoppable in Round 1 having not lost in two decades but they rarely put teams to the sword. The Storm have just one win bigger than 10 points in Round 1 since 2013 with their bigget win being 18 points.
The Eels have covered three of their lat four getting 6.5 or more.
This game is in the hands of the Storm but they very much prioritise defence rather than attack early in the season. Expect them to win and win easily but the line is too big so we have to be with the Eels plus.
Same Game Multi
Eliesa Katoa comes a very good trycoring season with 12 tries in 25 games. He has scored in two of his last three against the Eels.
Jack Howarth is a quality player who got better as last season went on. Scored four tries in 12 games when starting at centre.
Value Bet
Parramatta are not a strong defensive team and Harry Grant is an excellent tryscorring hooker. He scored 12 tries in 23 games last year and has 28 in 69 games across the last three seasons. He has thrived against the Eels too, crossing in five straight games with two doubles in that run.
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