Parramatta Eels skipper Clint Gutherson has praised the form of Shaun Lane and Dylan Brown ahead of their blockbuster clash tonight against Melbourne at Commbank Stadium.

Speaking on SEN Sydney, Gutherson heralded the consistency of two unsung heroes of the blue and gold.

“Knowing what Lane is going to bring each week is the same as giving Dylan a lot of confidence,” Gutherson said.

“It’s then allowing Mitch (Moses) to deal with the players on both sides of the ball. That’s been the biggest improvement for us as a team. We are in a better position now than we were in the past couple of years.”

Meanwhile the Storm will be without their star Kiwi halfback Jahrome Hughes for the clash with calf tightness.

Cooper Johns comes into the team and will partner Cameron Munster in the halves.