The availability of Cameron Munster, a standout five-eighth who was hurt during Melbourne’s 48-16 victory against the Parramatta Eels on Sunday afternoon, will be closely watched by the Storm and Queensland Maroons.
Munster was seen gripping his groyne late in the first half and later on, resting on the ground in pain after aggravating the problem during another tackle. Due to a groyne issue, the 29-year-old was forced to miss competition until Round 5.Munster was seen gripping his groyne late in the first half and later on, resting on the ground in pain after aggravating the problem during another tackle. Due to a groyne issue, the 29-year-old was forced to miss competition until Round 5.
With Munster joining Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen on the sidelines, the second half was expected to be a solid test of Melbourne’s famed system and the resolve of Craig Bellamy’s side.
They ended up passing it with flying colours as Parramatta dropped four consecutive games for the first time in a season since rounds 19 to 22 in 2021.
The Eels put themselves under plenty of pressure early in Sunday’s game, with Blaize Talagi failing to defuse Melbourne’s first last-tackle kick of the game while Will Penisini later coughed up possession close to the Parramatta line.
The visitors were able to weather that early storm but another turnover, this one on an unnecessary offload, saw Harry Grant later send Tui Kamikamica over for the opening try.
Nick Meaney’s conversion went wide, leaving the score at 4-0 after eight minutes, but Paramatta tied things up soon after after capitalising on an error from Melbourne.
On that occasion it was Will Warbrick spilling a bomb, with some subtle ball-playing from J’Maine Hopgood opening up space for Bailey Simonsson to score in the 16th minute.
Sean Russell’s unsuccessful conversion left the game level before Warbrick made up for the mistake in the 26th minute, scoring a sensational solo 40-metre try as he swatted away defenders.
Suddenly the Eels found themselves trailing 16-4 after the Storm scored off their next set, with quick hands sending Xavier Coates down the right touchline and he found Harry Grant trailing in support.
Parramatta looked on the brink of being blown away but were able to hit back in the 34th minute as Talagi caught out the Melbourne defence off a scrum play, scoring what was a relatively simple but well-executed sweeping play.
Munster was seen gripping his groyne late in the first half and later on, resting on the ground in pain after aggravating the problem during another tackle. Due to a groyne issue, the 29-year-old was forced to miss competition until Round 5.Munster was seen gripping his groyne late in the first half and later on, resting on the ground in pain after aggravating the problem during another tackle. Due to a groyne issue, the 29-year-old was forced to miss competition until Round 5.
Melbourne’s eighth try of the match was scored by Eli Katoa, who leaped over Maika Sivo. The Eels winger went over late, and rookie fullback Talagi gave another example of his talent by creating a looping try assist. Next week, the Storm play the Sea Eagles, while Parramatta play South Sydney.
Melbourne Storm 48 – Parramatta Eels 16
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal
Crowd: 0
Halftime Score: Melbourne Storm 16 Parramatta Eels 10
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points – Harry Grant
2 points – Sualauvi Faalogo
1 points – Eliesa Katoa
MELBOURNE STORM (48)
Tries: Tui Kamikamica, William Warbrick, Harry Grant (2), Reimis Smith (2), Xavier Coates, Eliesa Katoa
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Nick Meaney (5/6), Reimis Smith (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Nick Meaney (1/1)
PARRAMATTA EELS (16)
Tries: Bailey Simonsson, Blaize Talagi, Maika Sivo
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Sean Russell (1/2), Daejarn Asi (1/1)
Penalty Goals:
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