Smith's boot leads Melbourne to golden point victory

v BYE

Cameron Smith snapped an 84th minute field goal in golden point to secure the Melbourne Storm a 15-14 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park.

The Rabbitohs went toe-to-toe with the Storm as they kept them at bay, despite forecasts pre-game of Storm comfortable win. History was against the Rabbitohs as they had never won down south. 

Melbourne had several opportunities in the first half which weren't executed in typical Storm fashion. However, credit to the Rabbitohs defence which held the attack under wraps when put under pressure on the goal line. 

It was not until the 36th minute the scoreboard attendant was troubled as Alex Johnston collected an Adam Reynolds cross field kick to fly into the eastern corner. South Sydney converted through Reynolds to hold a 6-0 lead into the break.

The second half saw a stronger performance from the hosts as Marika Koroibete opened Melbourne's account in the 45th minute. He was guided into the corner via a pin-point Cameron Munster pass to lock the game at 6-all.

In a similar play, Melbourne took a 12-6 lead at the 53rd minute as Cheyse Blair managed to dance near the corner post to plant the Steeden down for the Storm's second try. 

Adam Reynolds added a penalty goal inside the final 10 minutes to give his side a 14-12 lead after John Sutton suffered a crusher tackle. Souths fans on the edge of their seats hopeful of an glorious upset.

Come the 79th minute, Damien Cook upended Cameron Munster in a dangerous tackle to concede a penalty which presented Cameron Smith a shot to send the game into extra time. From 39 metres out, captain Smith slot the penalty goal to lock the game at 14-all at the end of regulation time.

After the shambles that was the coin toss last round which involved Cronulla's Wade Graham, referees ensured the captain's called their head or tail before the coin flipped. No controversies came as the Storm won the toss and had first use of the ball.

Both Cooper Cronk and Adam Reynolds took shots for the game winner but were unsuccessful. It wasn't until the 84th minute where Cameron Smith snapped a brilliant field goal to claim the two Premiership points. 

Next week the Storm travel north to the Nation's capital as they face a red hot Raiders outfit at GIO Stadium in Monday Night Football. Meanwhile the Rabbitohs will head east to New Zealand as they clash with the Warriors on Saturday evening.