Round 2: Storm v Rabbitohs preview
Rabbitohs travel south to bury the Melbourne curse
In a week laced with upsets, if the opening round taught us anything, it's that the script can be thrown away.
Blindsided by an unfancied Broncos, an off-track Rabbitohs looked a shadow of the side that finished within a kick of last season's title.
Now on the road to Melbourne, rookie coach Jason Demetriou faces an awkward reality. With the Roosters and Panthers to follow, it could still be weeks before Souths celebrate their first victory in the post Wayne Bennett era.
As the Adam Reynolds void gets bigger by the week, it was Lachlan Illias who copped the brunt of the Suncorp fallout. But behind a sloppy 66 per cent completion rate, the young playmaker could do little more than tread water.
Latrell Mitchell's return from suspension makes the Rabbitohs look infinitely stronger. With Alex Johnston able to slot back onto his favoured wing, Cody Walker now has a familiar face to target along a lethal left edge.
On Saturday night the Storm didn't have it all their own way against Tigers and as Craig Bellamy prepares for his 500th game in charge, he'll welcome a much friendlier script.
Jahrome Hughes' class and nous proved the difference, but in return for the two points, Melbourne were made to pay with long term injuries to prop Christian Welch, Brandon Smith and George Jennings.
But with an embarrassment of riches, when Melbourne finally hit AAMI Park for the first time since Round 8 last season, it will be with a stronger line-up. Skipper Jesse Bromwich returns at prop alongside a refreshed Harry Grant, while Cameron Munster's return will ease the pressure on Hughes.
Last season on their home turf, the Storm averaged 34 points in five matches. It spells danger even this early in the season given the Storm host five of their next six at their Melbourne home base.
For fans of the red and green it's a horror story only Alice Cooper could love. After 10 attempts at AAMI, Souths are still duck eggs.
Long term the story isn't much better with Melbourne holding the whip in 30 of the 35 meetings since their inception back in 1998.
Last meeting: Round 9 2021 - Rabbitohs 0 Storm 50
Who to watch: With the Tigers on route to an upset at Commbank Stadium, Jahrome Hughes single-handedly dashed their hopes with a try and two line breaks. Playing just his third full season in the No.7, the one time Titan and Cowboy now finds his name alongside the premier playmakers in the NRL. His presence alone might just be enough to spark Cody Walker, and if the narky Rabbit shakes the trap, be prepared for the lights to be blown out of the scoreboard.
Keaon Koloamatangi was one of several Souths big boppers who failed to ignite against the Broncos. Maybe it was magnified by his side's lack of respect for the Steeden. Either way, his 73m compared to last year's 130m per match was flatter than AM radio.
Now on Thursday night when stares into the eyes of the Bromwich brothers and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, there will be at least one coach hoping he packed the short fuse.
The favourite: Shorter than Alfie Langer stuck in a ditch, that's the Storm this week.
My tip: Throw away the script they say, round 1 was living proof. Not when it comes to the Rabbitohs in Melbourne it's not. Like oil and water, they just don't mix. The rumble and tumble will be real, but the Storm, like a slimy slick, will once again finish on top. Storm by 8.
