Parramatta came into their Round 1 clash with Melbourne full of expectation, with pundits claiming they were finals-bound and that they were the team to end the Storm’s Round 1 domination.
The last team that defeated the Storm in a Round 1 game is the Bulldogs, in 2001, in what is an incredible record and one that was extended another year after Melbourne blew the Eels off the park 52-4 on Thursday night.
The bitter battle between Melbourne and Parramatta exploded in the opening exchanges, with Eels star J’maine Hopgood sent to the sin bin after just 36 seconds.
Many fans were expecting a fiery encounter after their legal battle over Zac Lomax, and the Eels delivered just that early.
While it originally appeared to be a head clash, replays showed direct contact from Hopgood’s shoulder to MacDonald’s head, and he was given his marching orders.
You can watch the high shot in the player above.
“That’s heavy contact, he is in big trouble,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League.
“That was instantaneous. You just saw him completely just lose all motion poor Alec MacDonald, who is as tough as nails.
However, the Eels struck first with winger Sean Russell scoring in the corner, but that was their last bit of joy.
The Storm ran them ragged, carving them apart through the middle, down the left and up the right.
It had Andrew Voss looking for superlatives for the Storm and words to describe just how terrible the Eels were.
“I have no words for Parramatta. I have plenty for Melbourne,” he said in commentary for Kayo Sports.
“Oh Parramatta. It’s not unfair for the Eels to lose by 50.
“We are in awe of Melbourne. But never has back to the drawing board been more appropriate than right now.”
The NRL world, however, had no problems describing the display.
“Storm masterclass in ruck recognition here. The Eels can’t complete a set, can’t tackle, can’t wrestle, can’t defend at marker,” one wrote on X.
“The Storm are loving doing this to Jason Ryles and the Eels ,” another said.
“The Parra Eels forwards are what I feared. Very small & struggling. If Hopgood is your starting prop … interesting pack. Teams will take them on up the middle, they’ll give away 6 agains and will buckle. This is arguably the weakest Storm team of the Bellamy era. Ooft!” a third wrote.
While a fourth simply commented: “Revenge is sweet”.
The Eels now have a week to prepare for a clash with the reigning premiers at their fortress, Suncorp Stadium.
And if that performance is anything to go by, maybe make other plans, Parramatta fans.
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