NRL Finals 2020: Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels player ratings | Who starred and who stunk?

It was all about Ryan Papenhuyzen in the Storm’s big win over the Eels, but an unsung hero in the backline was almost just as good. FULL PLAYER RATINGS

Justin Olam was the Storm’s unsung hero. Picture: Getty Images

Flying Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has produced arguably the greatest game of his NRL career, as the Storm qualified for their sixth consecutive preliminary final with a 36-24 disposal of the Eels in the qualifying final at Suncorp Stadium.

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Ryan Papenhuyzen scored two tries and had his hand in three others as he produced one of his best ever performances. Picture: Getty Images.

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STORM

—Peter Badel

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 9

Genius. Terrorised the Eels all night with his speed and energy. Set up three tries and scored two himself in a best-on-ground display.

2. Suliasi Vunivalu 7

Made some important runs early to try and lift the Storm. Always looked likely. Scored their opening try.

3. Brenko Lee 7

Two handling errors but atoned with a smart pass for Vunivalu’s try. Finished off the Eels when he crashed over in the 58th minute.

4. Justin Olam 8

The unsung hero of Storm’s backline. Some brutal defence, a clever strip on Mitch Moses and a smart pass for Papenhuyzen’s try. Read about Olam’s incredible journey here.

5. Josh Addo-Carr 7

Two handling errors but a constant threat with his blistering speed. His second-half try got the Storm rolling.

6. Cameron Munster 8

Looked frustrated in the first half with stray passes but came alive after the break with a big bust and two superb balls for tries.

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7. Jahrome Hughes 5

Never really got into the game. Needs to lift in the preliminary final to prove he is a big-match halfback.

8. Jesse Bromwich 6

Only 45 metres in the first half but ran an excellent line to crash over in the 55th minute.

9. Cameron Smith 7

Struggled for dominance in the first half but the master slipped into the groove nicely after the break.

10. Christian Welch 8

Mr Consistency from the opening minutes. Some tough hit ups and ran for 149 metres in a gutsy display.

11. Felise Kaufusi 6

No signature moments from the Origin ace but held his own and no major mistakes.

12. Kenny Bromwich 8

What a performance. Busy all night, threw a nice pass for a try and ran a brilliant line for Addo-Carr to cross.

13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 7

Largely well-contained but still managed more than 100 metres with four tackle busts.

14. Brandon Smith 7

A typically busy display from the pocket rocket. Four tackle busts and relished the tough stuff.

15. Tino Fa’asuamaleuai 6

Didn’t quite tear the Eels apart but played his part in the second-half fightback.

17. Nico Hynes - No rating.

22. Chris Lewis - No rating.

Kenneath Bromwich was another close contender for man of the match, playing a role in several Storm tries. Picture: Getty Images.

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EELS

—Travis Meyn

1. Clint Gutherson 6

The heart and soul of Parramatta tried his best but was completely outplayed by Melbourne rival Ryan Papenhuyzen.

2. Maika Sivo NO RATING

Suffered a knee injury within 10 minutes and didn’t return.

3. Michael Jennings 6

Produced a Benji Marshall-like flick pass in Parramatta’s sensational first half try to prove he still has plenty of tricks but his edge was exposed.

4. Waqa Blake 4

Too quiet with only 46m and had little impact.

5. Blake Ferguson 6

Scored a try and threw the last pass for another but produced a trademark brain explosion and finished the game injured.

6. Dylan Brown 5

First game in a month following ankle surgery and was steady without having much impact.

7. Mitchell Moses 6

Took control of the Eels in the first half but struggled when the Eels lost momentum.

The Eels were on top of the game in the opening half but struggled to keep up as the game went on. Picture: Getty Images.

8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 7

Racked up 90m in a big first half to get Parramatta on the front foot and had a solid game.

9. Reed Mahoney 7

Gutsy dummy-half did plenty of defensive work and produced a clever kick for Ferguson to score.

10. Junior Paulo 6

Average game with 96m as Melbourne’s big men dominated in the middle.

11. Shaun Lane 7

Crucial charge down led to Parramatta’s first try and scored late in the game.

12. Ryan Matterson 6

Threatening with the ball and made a team-high 40 tackles but his edge was terrorised by Kenny Bromwich.

Ryan Matterson made an impressive 40 tackles, but it still wasn’t enough to contain the Melbourne Storm. Picture: Getty Images.

13. Nathan Brown 6

Scored the opening try but didn’t impose himself on the contest like he can.

14. Will Smith 3

Warmed the bench for most of the game.

15. Andrew Davey 4

Appeared to suffer a serious head knock but was cleared to return to the game.

16. Kane Evans 5

Made 79m off the bench but didn’t produce anything special.

17. Marata Niukore 4

Placed on report for a crusher tackle which could spell the end of his season.

Originally published as NRL Finals 2020: Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels player ratings | Who starred and who stunk?