This Friday night, the reigning premiers, the Storm, face off against one of the favourites for this year’s title, the Rabbitohs, in what will surely serve as a prelude to September.
The decision by captain Cameron Smith to retire from all representative duties has paid off handsomely, Melbourne having won eight consecutive matches, including victories over top-four rivals the Roosters, whom they defeated by just 9-8 at the Adelaide Oval in Round 16, followed by a 52-30 win over the Dragons at home the round thereafter.
They couldn’t have been more impressive than they were in their 44-10 win over the Canberra Raiders last week, in which centre Curtis Scott scored two tries and Smith kicked eight out of nine conversions.
Over ten weeks have passed since their last loss, 24-4 against the Sea Eagles at home, and Smith was absent from that match due to suspension.
Cameron Smith (AAP Image/Craig Golding)
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs have stumbled in recent weeks, firstly going down to the Wests Tigers and then having to come from behind to defeat the last-placed Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium last Saturday night.
First-year coach Anthony Seibold led the Bunnies to nine straight wins, including going undefeated during the dreaded State of Origin period, to shoot to the top of the ladder.
However, their underwhelming performances in the past fortnight have seen them drop to second, behind the Storm on percentage, with the absence of captain Greg Inglis due to a thumb injury not helping their cause.
A further hurdle is their dismal record against the Storm, whom they haven’t beaten since the 2013 qualifying final, and not in a regular season match since mid-2010.
The pair’s last meeting, in Round 25 last season, saw Melbourne record a landslide 64-6 win at AAMI Park, with winger Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr each scoring three tries. It proved to be one of the final nails in the coffin for former coach Michael Maguire, who was dismissed at season’s end.
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But, despite having a largely unchanged playing roster, save for the arrival of Dane Gagai, the side will fancy their chances here against a side considered the benchmark of the competition.
Both the Storm and Souths have won 14 games and lost five this season, though Craig Bellamy’s side currently top the ladder by way of their superior points differential (+174 to +130). In attack, the Rabbitohs have scored one more point than their opponents (457 to 456).
However, even if the cardinal and myrtle win by exactly 22 points, the Storm would still remain on top of the ladder by way of having conceded fewer points (282 to 327).
Regardless of the maths, the winner will surely assume outright premiership favouritism with four rounds still to play after this weekend.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think the Rabbits will get up for this game. Most teams do when they play the Storm even when they're not Premiers. Siebold who has been in the Melbourne coaching system is a very good coach and will have them ready with a game plan. I think the key for the Bunnies in this game will be the Burgess bros and Adam Reynolds kicking game. If the Burgess boys get on a roll Cook will take full advantage. Reynolds kicking game to get them field position and repeat sets. The way the Rabbits attack is firing this year its very difficult to hold them out on multiple sets. For the Storm it will be Smith and Munster. They pull the strings for the Storm and majority of the attack will come off them. If their influence can be limited the Bunnies can win. I like the wing matchups in this game. Jennings has been a revelation and leading the try tally count. Suli won that award two years running and JAC is in contention this year. Graham may be the one flying under the radar but he is a big tall body with great finishing skills both on the end of plays and kicks. Looking forward to this game.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
I'll only consider a team as a premiership contender if they can beat Melbourne from this point forward. At the moment, it's the Storm's back-to-back title to lose!!
Avatar
Roar Guru
Whoops, you're right. Thanks for the pick-up.
Caractacus
Guest
Souths have looked a bit disinterested of late but playing the Storm must surely get them up for the game. They need to at least be competitive this week and against the Roosters or I fear their confidence may be shot to pieces. Obviously when GI returns they'll get a massive boost but it would be even bigger if that comes after a couple of wins. If we play like the last couple of weeks we'll get smashed and could end up out of the top four.
Steph
Guest
“However, even if the cardinal and myrtle win by exactly 22 points, the Storm would still remain on top of the ladder by way of having conceded fewer points (282 to 327).” This is not true if Rabbitohs win by just 1 point they will be top of the ladder as they would have more points than the storm
rossco
Guest
Souths are the only team not to be beaten by more than 16 points this year, and that 16 point defeat was two weeks ago. If the refs don't allow Melbourne's usual wrestling tactics to control the game then Souths have a chance but if they get away with slowing it all down through gang tackles and slow peel-offs then they can't win. With Klein as referee Melbourne will get away with whatever they want.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Imagine how people felt about St George 1956-66.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Come on Rabbits, sick to death of the Storm. In other news, Cameron Smith needs 75 pts to surpass El Magic. With 8 (or 9) games to go, he could conceivably notch it up in the grand final.
steveng
Roar Rookie
I want to be realistic if GI was playing Souths could be a chance. Souths haven't been playing well in the last fortnight, I can't see them winning, the team has to lift 100% for Souths to win! Lets see what happens?
Chris
Roar Pro
Souths' speed in the play the ball will trouble my Storm, as shown against Manly only three weeks ago. I rate Souths as a very big chance here as long as they keep their error rates down.
Paul
Roar Guru
The winner will surely NOT assume premiership favouritism. Surely it depends on more than the outcome of the game, eg how each side plays, most importantly how each side defends, etc. Sure if one side flogs the other, it s a different matter, but if it's a close game and one side wins by a lucky bounce, who could say with certainty the winning side should be favourites