NRL Season 2023 begins this Thursday with a blockbuster clash between the Eels and Storm. Two teams who have featured in high quality contests over the past few years will hopefully set a great standard of what to expect this year.
The NRL season can be a long one but if also provides punters with plenty of winning opportunities. Before You Bet will be here previewing every match of every round. Not only do we love the game, but we also love winning. Make sure you check out our NRL betting previews ahead of each match.
And if you're keen to punt on the NRL this season, why not use the Betfair exhange? At Betfair you can back or lay bets and you'll constantly get some of the best odds in the industry!
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Betting Tips
Thursday 2nd March, CommBank Stadium, 7:50pm (AEDT)
The Eels were defeated in the Grand Final last year by the Panthers and with that, many believe their Premiership window has closed. The departure of several players, most notably Reed Mahoney, contributes to this thought but it isn’t necessarily true. They still possess a strong roster and have quality players in key positions.
The Storm have also lost several (aging) key players. They differ from the Eels in that their system has been set up over many years to deal with such challenges. They always seem to have another player waiting in their production line that, when unearthed, turns out to be just as good (if not better) than what they had. They are a dangerous team and with one of the best spines in the competition (minus Papenhuyzen for the first few weeks), they are going to be up the top end of the ladder yet again. It is an exciting challenge for both teams to start the season.
This promises to be a great match. The Eels have won 5 of the past 6 matches against the Storm and have a superior (63% vs 47%) record at this ground; yet they still find themselves as outsiders for this contest ($2.10 vs $1.74). Much of that can be put down to the Storms amazing record of never losing the first game of the season under coach Bellamy. If there was an ideal opportunity, the Eels must believe that this is it. A lot still must go right for them to win this match.
The Storm have a strong pack of forwards that will be fast through the middle. Watch for Hughes and Munster to take full advantage of this, along with Grant. They are 3 quality players that can cause the Eels issues if they’re not careful. This isn’t the game where defensive errors will go unpunished.
The Eels are a capable team, but confidence is low against a team like the Storm. The visitors should be able to cover the line and get the season off to a positive start for punters.
Prop Bets
Sivo & Coates to score @ $3.60 – 0.5 units (Bet365)
Storm 1-12 @ $3 – 0.5 units (Bet365)
Melbourne Storm -2.5
$2.02 (2 Units)
