NRL Round 25 Preview and Prediction - Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ AAMI Park
Melbourne Storm (1st) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (11th) @ AAMI Park
Preview - The Rabbitohs face their stiffest test of their past month as they go in search of a 4th straight win against the runaway Minor Premiers in the Melbourne Storm. The Rabbitohs suffered a slow start against the Warriors, before running away with a 36-18 victory, as they continued their late season resurgence despite missing the finals for the 2nd straight season. The Storm wrapped up the Minor Premiership, going 3 games clear at the top of the table, with a convincing 38-12 victory over the Knights in Newcastle. It was the Storm's 2nd straight Minor Premiership, and they are now the clear favourites for the Premiership title.
History - There has not been much to cheer about for Souths fans against the Storm over the past 5 seasons having lost nine of their last 10 last matches against Melbourne. Last season when the sides met at AAMI Park at a similar time year in Round 22 the Rabbitohs pushed the Storm all the way before losing in Golden Point before losing 17-16. Overall the Storm have been completely dominant winning 23 from 27 against Souths overall.
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - Only the Melbourne Storm could afford to drop a player who scored 3 tries and was Man of the Match last week, with Brodie Croft making way for the returning Cooper Cronk at halfback, after Cronk was rested last week. Tim Glasby is a big chance to come back in to the 17, despite being named on an extended bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The Bunnies have lost Alex Johnson to a hamstring injury for the rest of the season, with Bryson Goodwin moving into the fullback role. Cameron Murray is a young forward on the rise, with another powerhouse performance last week capped with a try. Sam Burgess will be looked at during the week, but is a good chance to return from the rib cartilage injury that ruled him out of Round 24.
Verdict - Storm by 10-18
Hard to see the Storm dropping this game, despite the fact I think they will rest a couple more of their stars. The Storm are an unbelievable Club, who are now developing a solid team without the so-called Big 3, with depth in key positions. Souths have really impressed me the past few weeks with their young players and their style of play and energy. However, they have been playing sides that have been struggling. I don’t see this being a complete blowout, however I think the Storm will win fairly comfortably as they continue on their merry way.