Good win for the Storm – definitely the better side on the night and handled Souths’ big names well. Jesse Bromwich and Ryan Hoffman had big games up front, but it was the usual suspects of Cronk and Slater who came up with the goods when it mattered. Slater nabbed another double and was involved in the other two tries – he was probably the best on field tonight. Cronk took control at the back end with a field goal to put the game out of Souths’ reach when they were coming home strong.
Reynolds and Sutton combined for a nice try in the second half but other than that did very little to put their hands up for a NSW Origin jersey – definitely can’t see them getting a starting spot on that performance. Maybe Sutton off the bench.
Didn’t help that Souths lost Kyle Turner early, but overall the Storm were just too good tonight and deserved winners.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Melbourne Storm as both sides look to gather momentum heading into the Origin period. Join us this evening for live scores and commentary from 7:40pm AEST .
After an early-season form slump the Rabbitohs are warming to the task in 2014, four wins from their last five games bringing them to fifth place on the NRL ladder.
They were close to their best last week against the Titans, with the Burgess boys leading from the front and a new-look backline featuring youngsters Dylan Walker, Kirosome Auva’a and Alex Johnston all in top form.
Adam Reynolds and John Sutton are plying their trade capably without hitting top form just yet.
With NSW Origin jerseys on the line they’ll be looking for standout performances, especially up against three-quarters of the Queensland spine in Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith.
The Storm, meanwhile, have endured a nail-biting season thus far, seven of their first nine games being decided by a converted try or less.
To their credit, they’ve still emerged with five wins from those battles thanks to the class of the Big Three and, in particular, Cronk’s ability to come up with the right play when it matters.
Joel Romelo makes his Storm debut at five-eighth tonight in place of the suspended Ben Hampton, but both sides remain otherwise unchanged from last week.
Apisai Koroisau escaped suspension for a tackle on Greg Bird and will take his place at hooker for the Rabbitohs, which is fortunate considering first-choice rake Issac Luke is still recovering from injury.
A win from either side here will be enough to push them into the top four on points at least, which is where both outfits no doubt feel they belong.
The Rabbitohs have a horrendous record against the Storm with just four wins from 23 games, although they were 20-10 winners last start in the first 2013 Qualifying Final.
The Bunnies have more momentum on their side at the moment, and will be too strong for the Storm tonight.
Rabbitohs by 10
Brendan
Guest
I agree with Fil here. Mitchell Moses got pinged, why cant Bellamy?
Rick Karaitiana
Guest
I agree it was pleasing to watch, although I had Souths to win, the Storm is still a chance, will probably make the 8 but in a period of rebuilding making the Final is a step to far.
Fil
Guest
Oh my god! What a total loser you are! Go back to bed and hug your storm blankie.
Vivalasvegan
Guest
I agree about Sutton. Good player, big lad, but not the top drawer player people speak of. Bunnies beat a poor team better than anyone one in the comp but mentally look fragile under pressure. They will struggle without Sam's leadership.
Vivalasvegan
Guest
This is your best yet Fil! He is in a glass box, with adults around him, watching his side that he works 60+ hours a week to play better. He is passionate. The TV decide to show him, the commentators decide to comment. Go and get a meds review Fil.
Fil
Guest
Why is he allowed to slap a player in the face repeatedly without any getting spoken to? The refs are too cowardly to lay down the law to the so-called 'big three'. And bellamys behaviour was disgusting last night. My 8 year old nephew was watching the game and at the point when Bellamy was obviously obviously uttering 'f**k'in the coaches box, he said to me, 'he's really swearing, isn't he?' Family game? Not if that behaviour is televised and condoned. He is a disgrace. But hey, his little dummy spit from last week worked. No more policing of the storm tackle technique, gang tackles and twirling players around in the air. Heck! No policing of the storm in anything!
Muzz
Guest
VOR - Not everything is NSW v QLD. Smith used this ploy often last season to slow down the play, give his side a breather and a chance to reset their line. What club team do you support?
V.O.R.
Guest
Probably because he rarely does it..unlike Gallen who suffers from the boy who cried wolf syndrome and whinging at every chance..so instead of putting a wall up like the officials do with Gallen, they actually give Smith the time of day. Not saying it is right.
SteveG
Guest
The refs always have to make their mark on any game, RL has been like this forever, its frustrating and so annoying, they don't let the game flow they always give an advantage to a team when the game is at its most entertaining and even, this happened throughout the Titans & Broncos game last night and guess who got the advantage? the Broncos.
Muzz
Guest
I would like to know why Cam Smith was permitted to stand next to the Referee and have a committee meeting when this is now against the rules.
Jacksyd
Guest
Fact- Souths errors in 1st half resulted in massive possession for Storm and was a big ask for a comeback in the 2nd. Fact- Despite Storm playing at their optimum last night, in the end it was 4 tries to 3 not 8-3. At 26-14, there was still a sense that Souths were still in it, Craig Bellamy knew this as well by his behaviour in the box. It has been that type of year for all teams, a week to week proposition including the Bulldogs who have won 3 games by 1 point, including against teams that have been thrashed by others the previous week and the week after playing them. Can the Rabbitohs still win the premiership? Yes.
Glory Glory
Guest
His goalkicking last night, which is usually fantastic, was awful. Not a big game player. Two dumb guys playing half and 5/8 is an anchor.
Glory Glory
Guest
It's not talent, ability, or physicality that is lacking at Souths. It's IQ. Dumbest in the RL, individually and collectively.
TGGOA
Guest
Slater was unbelievable, like lightning. Disappointing game from Adam Reynolds last night, I had him in my NSW side but not after last night, blew his chance, Storm were on fire though, but the early knock on from George Burgess set the tone for the rest of the night.
Muzz
Guest
I don't care who QLD picks!!!
V.O.R.
Guest
Astounds me how people could write this team off so early in the season. Too good.
V.O.R.
Guest
Still think Inglis should be QLD's fullback?
V.O.R.
Guest
Well tonightSlater emphatically put to bed any question mark over his status as fullback for QLD. One less baseless story for the southern press to prattle on about. Slater was everywhere.
V.O.R.
Guest
+ 1
Marty
Guest
Wats wrong at souths ? Good fwd pack . Speed out wide. G inglis . But the transition from Fwds 2 bcks is shocking , Kick plays shocking, running through the middle of the field from the first hit up to the last . Is it just me or r is our brand of footy becoming a bit predictable? I know we r better than this but why so inconsistent ? Attitude or laziness ? Wat ever it is I hope we can solve it soon.