Eels in form
The Parramatta Eels currently sit second last on the competition ladder but they are playing like a top four team. The Eels have won three of their last four games, with their only defeat coming in narrow fashion to the second-placed Rabbitohs. Jarryd Hayne seems to have found his groove, as he showed last week when he scored a first half try against the Dragons. Hayne, Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses are just some of the attacking weapons Parramatta have at their disposal which the purple wall will need to watch closely.
Match: Storm v Eels
Round 23 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Eels
16th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
What is at stake
It is a delicate situation at the moment. Melbourne head into Friday night's showdown looking to overturn a run of back to back defeats. Depending on other results across the round, a win could have Storm back inside the top two or on the contrary another defeat will have the rest of the eight breathing down their neck for a top four berth. At the business end of the year these are the games you love. High stakes, at home, under the bright lights - bring it on.
Brodie Croft back to halfback
Jahrome Hughes has been given a week to recover with a medial strain to his knee. The short turnaround meant he has been given the week to recover and will be ready to return next week against the Titans. His absence has seen the coaches turn to Brodie Croft to fill the halfback duties. The 21-year-old has been in form, his last four games in the Intrust Super Cup have produced two tries, three line breaks and 15 tackle busts.
Thunderbolts are back
Make sure you get in early on Friday night. Gate 7 will be open from 5pm in time to allow Storm fans the chance to see the Victorian Thunderbolts in action on AAMI Park. Get a look at the Storm players of the future as they take on the Ipswich Jets to try and book a spot in the finals.
