Storm wary of Parra’s abilities

MELBOURNE is all too aware that Parramatta were the last team to lower their colours at AAMI Park and believe their Storm fortress holds no fears for the Eels in Saturday’s qualifying final.

Parramatta won their round 18 encounter 22-6 back in July, although Melbourne were missing six stars through State of Origin duty.

Bustling Eels winger Semi Radradra did the most damage, running 201 metres and picking up a try.

Storm backrower Tohu Harris said his team wouldn’t be underestimating the Eels, who also upset an understrength Melbourne at AAMI Park in 2015.

“They won because they’re a good team - from one to 17 they’ve got quality players,” Harris said. “Like any team you have to prepare as well as you can otherwise they can come out and beat you and the last two times we haven’t been good enough.”

Harris has had an injuryinterrupted season and with his Storm games dwindling before a move to the Warriors, said he was grateful to be in another finals campaign.

“With players like Joe Stimson, Felice Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich all playing so well there was a question about whether I could make it back into the side so I’m lucky to be a part of the team this week,” he said.

He felt the 12 Storm players who tasted grand final defeat last season would be better for the experience, but that they wouldn’t use it for motivation heading into this finals series. “We can’t afford to,” he said.