The South Sydney Rabbitohs have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at AAMI Park, as the Melbourne Storm claimed a one-point victory in golden point.
» Re-live all the action with our live blog
The Rabbitohs held the lead with mere seconds on the clock, but couldn’t force a repeat set and then Cameron Munster was dumped on his head, with Cameron Smith slotting the penalty goal from 40 metres out and about halfway to the sideline to tie the game.
The golden point period was back and forth for a few minutes with both teams struggling for metres, the energy from Souths clearly dropping off. However, they were the first to get into position for anything of note with a big break down the left hand side, but Reynolds snapped for field goal a tackle early and off balance, with it going dead.
From the impending seven-tackle set for the Storm, they struggled to get upfield, but ended up in position with Smith, the hero from regular time snapping a field goal over from dummy half surprising everyone.
Earlier in the match though, Souths surprised everyone with just how well they were able to play and hang onto the Storm. After being demolished by Canberra last week, it was an impressive performance and turn around from the Rabbitohs.
Sam Burgess led a strong forward effort with everyone putting in while Adam Reynolds’ kicking game, particularly during the first half, helped them assert some dominance over the game.
Melbourne’s execution early in the piece was poor to say the least with Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Blake Green and Cameron Munster struggling to control the game, and making far too many poor decisions and errors.
However, the first half was characterised by penalty after penalty. There were 14 by halftime in fact, with the game never looking like it would be allowed to flow or gain any momentum with a stack of errors as well.
For a long time it was looking like it might have ended up a scoreless first half, and that perfectly reflected the game. Alex Johnston would break the deadlock though, scoring off an Adam Reynolds chip kick, jumping over Marika Koroibete.
The second half got underway with the Storm looking like a completely different team, putting up the first try through Marika Koroibete as he scored off a great cut out ball and a poor defensive spread in the corner to tie up the game.
Cheyse Blair would score Melbourne’s second try and send them to the lead just a couple of minutes later with a floating pass going over the top, and an obstruction being cleared by the bunker.
The Rabbitohs would then quickly hit back through Angus Crichton off an Adam Reynolds cross-field kick to once again tie the scores.
Adam Reynolds would then slot a penalty goal about 13 minutes from time, with neither team able to create any meaningful opportunities from that point through to the end when Smith slotted his penalty goal to send it off to golden point.
In the end, the Storm take victory and go top of the table but it was less than a perfect performance, and they will be looking to get back to their best next week.
Final score
Melbourne Storm 15
South Sydney Rabbitohs 14
1. Tigers earning their stripes The Tigers played Souths last year when the Bunnies were at their very highest point. Tim Sheens coached them…
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
Death, taxes and the Storm defying pre-season predictions that this year will be the one when they slip down the ladder. Inevitably, seven rounds…
Cameron Ciraldo must wonder what to say to his players at times like this. Against the best teams in the league, Canterbury have performed…
1. Sea Eagles see no evil The Manly Sea Eagles are a loveable bunch, which is why they famously don’t have to carry banners…
Playing talent is always important, yet creating a winning culture even more so.
