Preview: Storm v Eels
Scott Brooks
Sportal
Venue & Time: Telstra Dome, 4:00pm AEST, Sunday September 23, 2007
Head To Head Overall: Played 18, Storm 11, Eels 7
Head to Head in 2007: Storm 14 - Eels 10 at Olympic Park, round 23
Walking Wounded:
The Storm went into week one of the finals minus five-eighth Greg Inglis (back) and prop Ben Cross (hamstring), but both have been named in the team and are specials to take their place.
The Eels are resigned to the fact that backs Ben Smith and Luke Burt will not play again this season - both suffering knee injuries. Burt was hopeful of being right for the Grand Final if the Eels make it, but that possibility is extremely remote. Five-eighth Brett Finch (ankle) and interchange hooker PJ Marsh (thumb) are certainties to play.
Form:
The Storm take a six-match winning streak into this preliminary final clash, including a 40-0 demolition of the severely depleted Broncos in week one of the play-offs. They really haven't been challenged since round 23 when, ironically, it was the Eels who took them to the brink in a dour struggle. The minor premiers have racked up a whopping 128 points in their three previous encounters.
The Eels have really only struck consistency over the last three weeks with victories over the Broncos, Warriors and the Bulldogs. But in that time we have seen Michael Hagan's men win pretty, gritty and ugly which tends to suggest they will be primed for what ever situation is thrown at them come Sunday. They were by far the better side against the Bulldogs last Saturday night and could have won by plenty more had their error count been reduced.
Who's Hot:
The Storm had stars all over the paddock against the Broncos a fortnight ago, but it was the form of right-side pairing Israel Folau and Steve Turner that is sure to have Parramatta on red alert going into Sunday's clash. The hulking Folau continued his Mal Meninga impersonations with several damaging runs, while Turner displayed his fine finishing skills to cross the line on no less than three occasions.
The Eels needed to stand up in the forwards to beat the Bulldogs last weekend and it was colourful prop Fui Fui Moimoi who led the charge with 166m from 19 hit-ups. Special mentions must also go to five-eighth Brett Finch and hooker Mark Riddell for their up-beat performances throughout the game to keep the Eels on the front foot.
We Think
The fact the Storm won't be playing at their usual head-quarters of Olympic Park may give the Eels some extra confidence going into this clash, but it won't be enough to topple a gun side still smarting after last year's Grand Final loss. When it comes to clinically disposing of an opposition and possessing class players in key positions, the Storm have the Eels covered in almost every aspect. Those expecting a free-flowing affair may be in for a surprise with the minor premiers certain to revert back to their clinical domination of the ruck area in the hope of frustrating the Eels out of the match and ultimately the premiership race. Let's hope 40,000 plus are on hand at the Telstra Dome to give this highly anticipated contest the atmosphere it deserves. Storm by 10.
