Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles reflected on the team’s dismal first-half performance against Melbourne Storm last season during a recent members’ forum. “What surprised me? I’ll share something amusing now, though it wasn’t funny then,” Ryles told the audience. “That first half in Melbourne. We can laugh about it today, but not at the time.”
Repeat Nightmare for Parramatta
The Eels faced an even worse fate in their 2026 season opener, suffering a 52-4 thrashing at AAMI Park on Friday night. This loss tops last year’s 56-18 opening-round defeat to the Storm, raising serious concerns.
Parramatta entered the match with strong momentum. The team finished 2025 with five wins in their last seven games, including victories over the Broncos and Roosters. They also claimed the NRL pre-season challenge prize of $100,000, beating the Sharks and Roosters. Off the field, they blocked the Storm’s bid to sign Zac Lomax, boosting club unity and rival respect.
Storm Dominates Despite Absences
Melbourne fielded a seemingly weakened lineup without Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Eli Katoa. Former Storm half Jonah Pezet now plays for Parramatta, and Storm lock Alec MacDonald left early due to concussion. Yet, the Eels only competed in the opening 10 minutes.
Critical issues plagued Parramatta, especially ruck control. Storm captain Harry Grant exploited quick play-the-balls, often without two markers set. This led to constant defensive retreats and a staggering 38 missed tackles. With a 63% completion rate against a team unbeaten in openers, defeat was inevitable.
Storm’s elite spine—Grant, Jahrome Hughes, and Cameron Munster—dictated play. “They feature three Test stars in the spine,” Ryles said post-match. “Poor tackling and too many chances given to them lead to deserved results.”
Ryles Assesses Preparation Shortfalls
Ryles admitted the outcome shocked him. “Before the game, I wouldn’t have predicted this,” he stated. “I must review our preparation, identify strengths, and address weaknesses. Ultimately, we failed to compete effectively.”
Compounding issues, Eels prop J’maine Hopgood faces a one-week suspension after a high shot on MacDonald, resulting in a sin-bin.
Path Forward in Long Season
Hope remains in the grueling NRL campaign. The debut of halves pairing Mitchell Moses and Pezet offers growth potential despite Pezet’s tough night against his old club. Video analysis will target pushed passes, panic decisions, and lax defense ahead of Thursday’s clash with premiers Brisbane.
“It’s just round one—keep perspective,” Ryles urged. “We dropped below our standards. We’ve gained valuable lessons and need a dose of reality before moving on.”
Parramatta and Melbourne, both absent from the inaugural Las Vegas double-header, eye a 2027 season opener at Allegiant Stadium.
