Two of the best halfbacks in the game are set to go head to head as the Eels prepare to face Melbourne on Saturday night. 

The clash marks the prime-time slot on the second day of Magic Round, with more than 50,000 fans to cram into Suncorp Stadium to watch Mitchell Moses take on Jahrome Hughes. 

Both men starred for their clubs last week, Moses nailing a golden-point field goal to lead Parramatta past North Queensland, while Hughes was back to his best for the Storm in his return from concussion.

The Dally M winner helped Melbourne snap a seven-game losing streak in their 44-16 victory over the Tigers. Five-eighth Cameron Munster was also instrumental in the win and is finding form in the lead up to the State of Origin series. 

It’s so far been a tough campaign for Melbourne but Craig Bellamy’s men hope last week’s victory is a turning point and they’re eager to keep building in Brisbane. 

As for Parramatta, Moses continues to orchestrate an attack boasting try-scoring star Josh Addo-Carr and emerging fullback Joash Papalii. 

Hooker Tallyn Da Silva is developing into a dynamic ball-running No.9 and will look to put his side on the front foot. 

Team News

Eels: Ronald Volkman is set to retain a spot in the starting halves despite Jonah Pezet’s return from suspension. Volkman has impressed throughout the past month, with Pezet instead listed in the reserves and named to play halfback in NSW Cup. Hooker Ryley Smith remains at least a week away from returning from a sternum injury, with Tallyn Da Silva to again start at hooker. No changes in Friday’s 24-hour update.

Storm: Sua Faalogo is set to take his place at fullback after being cleared of a facial fracture earlier this week. No such luck for young gun Hugo Peel, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Moses Leo comes on to the wing as a result. The extended bench features Round 10 debutant Stanley Huen, while Josiah Pahulu remains in contention for his first Storm game.

Stat Attack

The Eels have won their last two games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Storm have won their last seven games against the Eels.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr is the leading Magic Round try scorer, with eight.
Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored 10 tries in his last eight games against the Eels.
The Eels have lost five of their six Magic Round games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.