Eels vs Storm Prediction: Melbourne to prosper in Sydney

Round 22 of the 2025 NRL season kicks off on Thursday as the Parramatta Eels play host to Melbourne Storm at the CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

The Storm are in a good position heading into the final few months of the season as they sit third on 32 points. Melbourne are only four points off the top of the table, with the Canberra Raiders currently sitting pretty at the top. Sadly, the same cannot be said for hosts Parramatta, who are 14th and only two points off the bottom and the dreaded wooden spoon.

Below you can find my Eels vs Storm predictions. 

Team news

Eels coach Jason Ryles has named the same 17-man squad that beat the Brisbane Broncos 22-20.

Kelma Tuilagi has served his three-game suspension for a crusher tackle and has been named in the extended squad alongside Dylan Brown and Bailey Simonsson.

Melbourne playmaker Jahrome Hughes will miss Thursday's contest and also the next month of action due to a shoulder injury.

The good news for the Storm is that Cameron Munster is back from personal leave, while full-back Ryan Papenhuyen is available after recovering from a calf injury.

Eels vs Storm Odds

Despite their shock win over the Broncos last week, the Eels are 13/5 outsiders this week. The draw is priced at 22/1, while Melbourne are as short as 3/10 to win the match winner market.

The handicap line has been set at +/-10, with Melbourne 20/21 to cover that line as they look to rack up the points.

Readers who expect a high-scoring match can back over 47.5 points at 10/11, while Melbourne are 5/6 to cover the -5.5 first-half handicap line.

Melbourne Storm -10 @ 20/21

Parramatta snapped a three-match losing streak with their win over Brisbane and, with Mitch Moses and Zac Lomax in form, Eels fans will feel that their team can at least avoid the wooden spoon.

Last week's success will have given everyone a lift in the Eels camp, but it is difficult to see them beating Melbourne.

While only three places separate Brisbane and Melbourne, Craig Bellamy's team have won seven of their last eight.

Parramatta have lost all five games they have played against top-four opposition this season and Melbourne have won their last five against the Eels.

Munster's return should inspire Melbourne after his heroics in Queensland's State of Origin success earlier this month and all signs point to an away win.

Hughes' absence is a blow, but Bellamy has built a winning machine in Melbourne and they will punish any mistakes from their hosts.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.