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 |
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.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:55pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park
TV: Fox Sports, Channel Nine
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, 9Now, NRL Live Pass
Teams
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
StuO
Roar Rookie
I felt the Bunnies were the better team for much of that game, but that means nothing considering the final score. Too many errors! Failure to find touch on a penalty from Reynolds early in the second half was not only unforgivable, but a turning point. Full credit to Papenhuyzen for his superhuman effort.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Not just South's - been the case in almost every game since the restart. Touchies have got to earn their money & police it.
Nat
Roar Guru
Melbourne just done what they've been doing for years. Decent teams feel like they in the game, and they are, but between the 20s and not crossing the line. Aside from the brutal bounce that resulted in Vuni's try, they were well structured, to the point they only used JAC in try scoring situations (in the 2nd 40). Looks like Munster is liking this faster format.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Dusty game in the end Souths way too many simple errors and Melbourne who weren’t grea5 were able to grind them down Su’a played the best game I’ve seen him play and Mitchell had his best game at fullback by a fair way. Still has a lot of work to do but creating opportunities when he comes into the line and trying to get more involved
thomas c
Guest
Souths had execution problems and Melbourne succeeded in slowing things down. I think the refs tolerated a lot of slow play the balls and let some stuff go that should have resulted in repeats. A different night and I think souths would have won on momentum. Execution is only something you can manage if you aren't dead tired, so i don't think it would have taken much for some of the slicker touches from melbourne to fall apart. Souths looked better but didn't demo that they have finishing. Munster was really good. There were points last year where I thought he looked short on ideas, but solid game.
Nathan Absalom
Roar Guru
Well, at least we know the groundskeepers at AAMI diligently followed State Government instructions to work from home the last few months. From about the 25th minute players were slipping and sliding all over the place!
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Based on that game, neither team would have a prayer against the Roosters. Thanks to all who contributed - an adaptation we'll have to get used to it seems.
danwain
Roar Rookie
Thought it was a good game of footy also, confused by all the negativity on here tonight. I think both teams are in the second rung, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a good, hard foght contest.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
But if you lose by playing bad at least you have room for improvement
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Storm too good but South's really had a go. They will be OK.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
They keep giving the opposition a chance. Good opposition will always take advantage of that
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
They just couldn't complete a set. Effort top notch. They looked really good in patches but you have to be better in Melbourne.
Rob
Guest
That was lovely play. Run hard, offload, back up, flick pass, out to the wing back inside to the centre.
78
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Flashes of the real storm in the second half defence has been great, but attack way to clunky. Need to really work on it of they are a chance.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The score will show the Storm had a convincing win but it was anything but that - Souths just happened to be worse than they were
77
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Titans will be pencilling in a win for next week
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I thought it was a good game. Congrats Stormy and the Melbourne supporters. Heads up Souths, your boys are getting better, 'twill be there at the end. Cheers gang.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Far out - Souths don't deserve to win this - but strangely the Storm don't deserve it either