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\u2019s Round 1 domination.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The bitter battle between Melbourne and Parramatta exploded in the opening exchanges, with Eels star J\u2019maine Hopgood sent to the sin bin after just 36 seconds.<\/p>\n
Many fans were expecting a fiery encounter after their legal battle over Zac Lomax, and the Eels delivered just that early.<\/p>\n
While it originally appeared to be a head clash, replays showed direct contact from Hopgood\u2019s shoulder to MacDonald\u2019s head, and he was given his marching orders.<\/p>\n
You can watch the high shot in the player above.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s heavy contact, he is in big trouble,\u201d Michael Ennis said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was instantaneous. You just saw him completely just lose all motion poor Alec MacDonald, who is as tough as nails.<\/p>\n
However, the Eels struck first with winger Sean Russell scoring in the corner, but that was their last bit of joy.<\/p>\n
The Storm ran them ragged, carving them apart through the middle, down the left and up the right.<\/p>\n
It had Andrew Voss looking for superlatives for the Storm and words to describe just how terrible the Eels were.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no words for Parramatta. I have plenty for Melbourne,\u201d he said in commentary for Kayo Sports.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Parramatta. It\u2019s not unfair for the Eels to lose by 50.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are in awe of Melbourne. But never has back to the drawing board been more appropriate than right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NRL world, however, had no problems describing the display.<\/p>\n
\u201cStorm masterclass in ruck recognition here. The Eels can\u2019t complete a set, can\u2019t tackle, can\u2019t wrestle, can\u2019t defend at marker,\u201d one wrote on X.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Storm are loving doing this to Jason Ryles and the Eels ,\u201d another said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Parra Eels forwards are what I feared. Very small & struggling. If Hopgood is your starting prop \u2026 interesting pack. Teams will take them on up the middle, they\u2019ll give away 6 agains and will buckle. This is arguably the weakest Storm team of the Bellamy era. Ooft!\u201d a third wrote.<\/p>\n
While a fourth simply commented: \u201cRevenge is sweet\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Eels now have a week to prepare for a clash with the reigning premiers at their fortress, Suncorp Stadium.<\/p>\n
And if that performance is anything to go by, maybe make other plans, Parramatta fans.<\/p>\n