Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster admits the Storm were rattled by a bustling Parramatta in last weekend's qualifying final and believes the Eels are a good chance to go all the way to the NRL decider.
The minor premiers did it tough on Saturday against the fourth-placed Eels before escaping with a 18-16 victory to book a preliminary final against either Brisbane or Penrith on Friday week at AAMI Park.
Parramatta's big bodies got up in the face of the Storm's playmakers, particularly Munster and Billy Slater, to shut down their potent attack.
Melbourne were left battered and bruised and thankful their narrow victory meant they get this week off to recover before their grand final qualifier.
Munster said the Storm knew Parramatta would be up for the challenge but were still caught out as the Eels built a 10-4 half-time lead.
"They had really good line-speed and we went away from our game plan which was different for us," Munster said on Tuesday.
"They came out hard for us and we weren't ready for it and were a bit rattled to be quite honest but hopefully next week will be different."
The 22-year-old, who is playing in his third finals campaign, rated the hungry Eels as grand final contenders.
"It felt like a grand final for me; the speed and the physicality of the game, it was the same as what I had last year against the Sharks in the grand final.
"The Eels are big contenders for the grand final - they're playing good football and we need to play better and be more composed."
Sinbinned in the 23rd minute for a professional foul when he tackled a charging Kenny Edwards from an off-side position, Munster was forced to watch Parramatta score twice.
He felt he'd let his team down, particularly his captain Cameron Smith, who was playing a record 356th NRL game.
"I felt pretty bad," Munster said.
"It was a pretty tough game for us and a big thing for us to get the week off.
"They scored 10 points while I was off so it was a crucial part of the game for us so hopefully it doesn't happen again."
After starring for Queensland in the deciding State of Origin clash, Munster has been troubled by an ankle problem which he admitted was still giving him grief.
"My body is a bit sore at the moment so having this week will help me ," he said.
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