NRL live updates: Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels, Round 1

But he’s in a bit of trouble, the winger.

His right arm is hanging loosely by his side as a ball gets kicked his way and, given that caveat, there’s little wonder he fumbles it on the sideline.

The Storm have field position for the first time in the half.

That was lovely from Jack Williams.

The former Shark got through a gap and found himself in clear air behind the defensive line.

He took on Papenhuyzen but his support runner was crushed by the swarming Melbourne defence.

A little chip ahead from Ronald Volkman
sees the Eels earn a goalline drop out.

That drop out doesn’t go 10 so the Storm are under pressure.

But the defence holds firm and a nothing kick from Ronald Volkman
sees Papenhuyzen clean up at the back.

That’s poor from Nick Meaney, not the first handling error from him this match – dropping a pass into an Eels hands.

It didn’t hurt Melbourne too much though — Harry Grant instantly stole the ball back off Kelma Tuilagi.

It’s been like shooting Eels in a barrel so far for the Storm.

Will they continue with this intensity?

Just moving away from today’s match and St George Illawarra has released a statement regarding a video on social media that shows antisocial behaviour taking place at yesterday’s game at Kogarah Oval.

“The Dragons are aware of a video circulating on social media depicting antisocial behaviour from a Dragons fan at last night’s match against the Bulldogs at Nestrata Jubilee Stadium,” the statement reads.

“The Dragons condemn any such behaviour in the strongest terms and will assist the NRL in relation to any breaches of the NRL Spectator Code of Conduct.

“The Dragons would like to sincerely apologise to the Bulldogs fan impacted by the incident. We will work with the Bulldogs to contact the fan and pass on our apologies directly.

“As a club, we want all fans, both home and away, to always feel safe at our games. Any behaviour that causes others not to feel safe will be acted upon.

“The Dragons would also like to stress that the behaviour of one individual should not detract from what was overall a very respectful sellout crowd with fans of both clubs supporting the match in a great spirit.”

The Dragons lost a heated clash against their near rivals 28-20 in front of a raucous crowd.

Remember yesterday when we said how the Cowboys must be feeling rotten after being toweled up by the Sea Eagles in the first half at Brookvale?

Well, that was 24-0.

The Eels are down 46-6.

I wonder how first-year coach Jason Ryles is feeling at the moment?

I’m aware that I’m starting to become obsessed…

Utter domination.

Melbourne’s stars have been incredible and they are ripping the Eels apart.

It’s not so much that the Eels haven’t been good – they’ve barely had enough ball in promising positions to be bad!

Every time the Storm have got the ball in their hand it looks like they’re going to score. It’s remarkable.

It’s 46-6 at the break and the Storm will be spewing that they didn’t get 50 — because they should have.

A set play played to perfection by the Storm and Ryan Papenhuyzen.

Harry Grant gets the ball out the scrum, Jahrome Hughes switches from behind the scrum with Papenhuyzen on his inside.

Papenhuyzen gets the inside pass and scoots over, dubiously-coloured hair flowing in the breeze behind him.

Magic.

The kick is good and the lead is 46-6.

What a lovely score from the Eels!

An error from the Storm’s Alec MacDonald off the kick off gives the Eels another chance in great field position.

Matt Doorey
is held up over the line with the first attempt.

The Eels recycle though and put boot to ball through Brown – another brilliant kick it has to be said – Jake Tago
leaped high, unopposed, caught the ball and dotted down.

Lomax adds the extras and it’s 40-6.

Oh this is ridiculous now.

Parramatta is enjoying its best spell of pressure in the game, but a pass goes to ground almost on the Storm tryline and away went Nick Meaney!

It was a really poor pass to nobody from Ryley Smith but the punishment is as severe as it comes.

100 metres up the field and Meaney has another.

The Storm has another.

The kick is good and the Storm have 40 points IN THE FIRST HALF!

It is so easy for Melbourne when they’re in this kind of mood.

They are irresistible.

The Storm move the ball up the field and suddenly Nick Meaney is passed into a gap and it through behind the defence.

There is support, with Harry Grant to his left, the pass is good and he’s over untouched.

Meaney lands the conversion from bang in front and it is now 34-0.

The Eels are on the ropes but there’s nobody there to throw in the towel!

A burst of a run down the line from Jack Howarth thanks to a really nice burst of pace out wide from Papenhuyzen.

Howarth is being crowded in the left touchline so throws a stunning pass inside to Coates in stride how dives over to score.

It is magic from the Storm in the sunshine.

They lead 28-0.

Eliesa Katoa goes 50 metres through the Eels line to score!

He gets the ball on half way, punches through the splintered Eels line and races for the line after a delicious fend on Dylan Brown.

There was support inside, Eels were getting their defence back too so the dummies don’t work and he has to take a step to get past Isaiah Iongi.

Will Penisini has got back and makes a tackle as Katoa runs over him – he reaches out and scores.

Incredible.

The Storm leads 22-0!

Oh this man is ridiculous!

Another absolutely ridiculous leaping catch and put down from Xavier Coates.

A brilliant kick from Cameron Munster to the corner.

Xavier Coates is in full flight down the sideline, he leaps, catches the ball, puts his foot down about 10cm away from the dead ball line and dots down between his feet.

Insane.

It’s just insane.

The microscope is on the Eels, and they’re starting to shrivel up and burn in this hot Melbourne sun.

Ronald Volkman
just sent a kick out of hand over the sideline on the full – another error from the Eels.

Yep. Guilty.

I’d take his feet too, to be fair.

And speed.