Eels Blogs

Round 1 Team List v Melbourne Storm

Posted by ParramattaLurker on March 3, 2026 at 3:58pm

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Bailey Simmonson

3. Will Pensini

4. Brian Kelly

5. Sean Russell

6. Jonah Pezet

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. J’maine Hopgood

9. Ryley Smith

10. Junior Paulo

11. Jack Williams

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Belin

Interchange:

14. Dylan Walker

15. Sam Tuivati

16. Matt Doorey

17. Tallyn Da Silva

18. Kelma Tuilagi

19. Joash Papaili

Reserves:

20. Jordan Samrani

21. Charlie Guymer

22. Teancum Brown

Referee: Todd Smith

Mitch Moses joins forces with former Storm man Jonah Pezet in the halves while Jack de Belin and Brian Kelly also make their debut in Eels colours. The loss of Josh Addo-Carr (thumb) sees Sean Russell shift to the wing and Kelly line up at centre. Junior Paulo leads a full-strength forward pack that will look to pick up where it left off in an impressive pre-season win over the Roosters two weeks ago. Kelma Tuilagi and Joash Papalii are the No.18 and 19 on the six-man bench.

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Replies

Rabz S March 3, 2026 at 4:04pm
parra supporter March 3, 2026 at 4:05pm

Only surprise is no moretti on the extended bench
- Gucci > parra supporter March 3, 2026 at 4:11pm
  
  The others have deserved their spot on the bench. Moretti unlucky timing for an injury. He will eventually be back in the squad should his form show it.
  - LB > Gucci March 3, 2026 at 5:51pm
    
    Shows the value of getting an opportunity and taking it. Teancum Brown took the chance and jumped Moretti.
    
    Could we see Moretti at Newcastle by years end? Or is it simply being strict on getting his fitness right?
macybrown March 3, 2026 at 4:18pm

Surprised no Samrani. Esp within a six man bench...no spare outside backs. Argh well.
- Richard Jackson > macybrown March 3, 2026 at 4:26pm
  
  You're spot on with Samrani Mace. I fear he would be better able to defuse the bombarment thats coming his way
  - Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin > Richard Jackson March 3, 2026 at 4:39pm
    
    Yea its a surprise, but I think Ryles wants to give Samrani a hit out in reserve grade, as he is next cab off the rank if injury hits our backs.
    
    Samrami under normal circumstances would be in the top 19.
- Coryn Hughes > macybrown March 3, 2026 at 6:06pm
  
  Joash is that guy if anything the guys we have playing centre and wings are interchangeable if needs be and if Iongi goes down Joash slots right in.
  - macybrown > Coryn Hughes March 3, 2026 at 7:16pm
    
    Yeah our centres and wingers are interchangeable. Do you know if Joash has had any previous experience on wing or centre?
    It sure is a relief to have a fb replacement at ready if unthinkable happens, coz that was always a huge concern and gutho played on numerous times when prob needing to sit out I'd reckon.
    - The Badger > macybrown March 3, 2026 at 9:15pm
      
      Debuted as winger last season. Not sure if he played more than off the bench though before moving to FB and 5/8.