NRL Round 21 Preview - Storm v Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview – It’s a blockbuster at the top of the table as the Rabbitohs and Storm collide on Friday Night Football at ANZ Stadium. With these sides sitting 1st and 2nd on the ladder, it could be a Grand Final match-up come early, with the Storm looking to defend their premiership, and the Rabbitohs emerging as the big surprise packet of 2018 in the title race. Last week the Storm were dominant against the Raiders, thumping them 44-10 at home, whilst the Rabbitohs were forced to come from 20-6 down to beat the Eels 26-20 at ANZ Stadium, to rebound from their loss to the Tigers. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The Rabbitohs have named an unchanged side from the one that beat the Eels last week. Captain Greg Inglis remains one or two weeks away from returning from a broken hand. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - Veteran Ryan Hoffman is back in the side from injury, with Joe Stimson dropping to the bench. Dale Finucane starts at lock, with Kenny Bromwich moving back to the bench.
 
Verdict - Storm by 1-6 in a high quality game

I see this as essentially the battle for the Minor Premiership, so expecting both sides to put everything into this one. The Storm have won 11 of their past 12 games against the Rabbitohs so I will give them the edge here, despite being on the road. Expecting a very physical encounter that is close throughout, but the Storm to have a little better defensive resolve on the goal line being the difference in the end.