Storm
22
Match Complete
Rabbitohs
8
C. Smith | 78 | |||
J. Olam | 77 | |||
C. Smith | 67 | |||
J. Addo-Carr | 65 | |||
C. Smith | 57 | |||
50 | A. Reynolds | |||
S. Vunivalu | 33 | |||
17 | A. Reynolds | |||
16 | A. Johnston | |||
R. Papenhuyzen | 7 |
4 | Tries | 1 | ||
2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Two premiership contenders coming off a loss meet in a Friday-night blockbuster when the Melbourne Storm take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:55pm (AEST).
Neither team were anywhere near their best last week – admittedly against very fine opposition in both matches – but with two of the all-time greats coaching these sides, we can expect far better outings from Souths and the Storm.
Melbourne have a faultless record against the Rabbitohs in their home city, having never lost to the cardinal and myrtle there. With Craig Bellamy sure to have made the necessary gameplan adjustments following their loss to the Raiders – and let’s be honest, he probably dished up a quality hairdryer rant or two as well – it’s going to be hard to stop the Storm from bouncing back here.
Plenty of the discussion around Latrell Mitchell is unjustified conjecture, but genuine questions do remain over his ability to play at fullback. Wayne Bennett is adamant it’s the right position for him, but until we see the supremely talented 22-year-old dominate in the no.1 jersey, both will continue to answer questions about whether he should be playing there or in the centres.
A standout performance at the back against the Storm and their electric custodian, Ryan Papenhuyzen, will go a long way to silencing Mitchell’s critics.
Fortunately for the Rabbitohs, they won’t have to worry about combatting one of the best props in the NRL tonight, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona out of the Melbourne side due to suspension. Unfortunately for Souths, though, they have a couple of notable players missing too, with Cody Walker serving the final match of his two-week suspension and James Roberts still unlikely to play.
Kick-off: 7:55pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park
TV: Fox Sports, Channel Nine
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, 9Now, NRL Live Pass
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Justin Olam, 4. Marion Seve, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Dale Finucane
Bench/Reserves: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui, 16. Ryley Jacks, 17. Max King, 18. Brenko Lee, 19. Albert Vete, 20. Darryn Schonig, 21. Chris Lewis
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Campbell Graham, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Alex Johnston, 6. Troy Dargan, 7. Adam Reynolds (c), 8. Tevita Tavola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Tom Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Cameron Murray, 13. Liam Knight
Bench/Reserves: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Ethan Lowe, 16. Bayley Sironen, 17. Patrick Mago, 18. Bryson Goodwin, 19. Tom Amone, 20. James Roberts, 21. Keaon Koloamatangi
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