Storm vs. Eels Predictions – NRL Round 1 2026

The NRL continues with Round 1 action between the Storm vs. Eels on Thursday 8:00pm at AAMI Park.

One of the best rivalries in the NRL is Storm vs. Eels, as the Eels look to end the Storm’s impressive Round 1 record.

Storm vs. Eels Predictions

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Best Bet

It’s tough to bet against the Storm’s insane first round record, but there are some concerns for the home side, so we’re backing the Eels +5.5.

Melbourne has lost a few players during the off-season, and with Zac Lomax not allowed to play for the Storm just yet, they are thin on the wings. They still have a good spine with Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, and Harry Grant, but not the same attacking weapons in the back line.

The Eels will need to play their best to cover the spread on the road, but they tend to give the Storm something to worry about. Mitchell Moses is their key player, and if he has a good game, it should be a tight contest at AAMI Park.

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Same Game Multi

Punters get value odds for Brian Kelly to score a try, and given his recent record, those odds are generous. He has four tries from his last three games, and $2.95 is a lovely price to include in NRL same game multis.

The odds for Will Warbrick to score aren’t as generous at $1.71, but he should cross the line for a four pointer. He has a try in each of his last four games, and he’s the best attacking threat the Storm have out wide.

Under 44.5 points is worth including in picks. Defence always plays its part when the Storm and Eels meet, so it could be a low-scoring affair.

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Best Value Bet

As we saw with the two Las Vegas games on Sunday, it’s hard to establish a big first half lead in the first round of the season.

The halftime margins in those games were tied and two points, so there is every chance of the Eels taking a halftime lead to the sheds.

Punters get $2.60, so include it in NRL picks this week.