After a great weekend of rugby league in Las Vegas, the remainder of the NRL competition begins this weekend on Thursday. The first match of the split round will head to Melbourne, where the Storm host the Eels. It is a replica of the first game for each team in 2025, but both are vastly different from a year ago. Each will be out to make a statement with a strong performance here and it makes for intriguing viewing. We bring you our thoughts and tips for the clash below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Storm vs Eels Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 1 2026
New(ish) Storm squad, same expectations
The Storm have undergone plenty of changes in the off-season and it is evident in the team they have named this week. Some regular names have departed their club, and other players are now responsible for filling the void left by them. Fa’alogo is one at fullback, with a new look back row and new faces on the bench providing an idea of what is ahead of the Storm. If one thing is for sure, the incoming players will be determined to maintain the high standards of this club. The Storm have built a reputation on getting the best out of players and regardless of the changes in personnel, it should make them a challenge to defeat each week.
Eels rebuild continues
Since acquiring the services of Ryles as coach, the Eels have been slowly rebuilding this club. This is no different in 2026 as they continue along this journey. Looking at their team, there is no doubt that they have not yet reached their destination. That isn’t to suggest they won’t be competitive; Ryles instilled this in his team last year and one wouldn’t survive at the club if they were not prepared to do the same. Pezet will partner Moses in the halves, adding a new halves combination which frees up others to fill different positions. There are questions marks lingering around the strength of their pack but again, they are expected to be tough.
Stats that matter
- The Storm have won their past 23 straight Round 1 fixtures. They defeated the Eels 56-18 at this ground last season. The Eels last defeated the Storm in Round 25, 2022.
- The average margin of victory in the past 5 matches is 24.8 points. Only once has the margin been below 18 points. The average total of points in the same matches is 54.
- The Storm are challenging to defeat at home. They have a 76% win record here. The Eels have won just 3 games in 10 attempts, sitting at a 30% strike rate.
Death, taxes, and the Storm winning in Round 1
Few things are guaranteed in life, especially in 2026, but the Storm should be winning this game to continue their terrific form on Round 1 match, as well as their record against the Eels. Despite a few injuries and players leaving, they are still expected to perform well this season. That isn’t to discredit the Eels. They’re expected to be stronger this season. A lot must improve for them if they’re to be consistently competitive, but they have the chance to make a statement in this fixture. Unfortunately, the home ground advantage is also counting against them. As it is still early in the season, it is preferred to play it safe and invest on the line; anything can happen, and the safer option is to also lower your stake in the opening rounds of the season.
Storm -5.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Storm vs Eels Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 44.5 – history between these two sides suggests another high scoring game is ahead. The perfect dry conditions should deliver that to both sides with the home team having the firepower to run up a tally and have their opponents chasing.
Leg 2 = Warbrick to score – hoping for a regular spot in this team and to avoid injury, many could be forgiven for forgetting how good this guy is. He has scored in each of his past 4 games against the Eels and will be a threat both in the air and on the ground for his team.
Leg 3 = Grant to score – a noted ‘sniper’ and try scoring merchant, Grant seems to score a lot against the Eels. Despite not scoring in his last game against them, he has 6 tries in the past 5 games. He will again be out to ensure his team has the best opportunity to win.
Same Game Multi Odds: $8.32 at Neds (0.5 units)
Storm vs Eels Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 5th March
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Time: 8pm (AEDT)
Odds: Storm $1.46 vs Eels $2.75
Line: -5.5
Points: 44.5
Where to Watch Storm vs Eels
Watch the Storm vs Eels match live on Channel 9 as well as ad free on Kayo Sports.
Tail our Storm vs Eels Tips at Neds!
Not familiar with Neds or want to learn more? Check out our full Neds review here, or by clicking the banner below.
