Round 10: Storm v Rabbitohs preview
Storm looking to bring the Magic against a resurgent Souths
The Melbourne Storm will be looking to string together back to back victories when they go up against Souths in a blockbuster Saturday night nightcap at Magic Round.
Melbourne were fresh off their first bye of the season last weekend and an alarming stat has emerged following a bye week in 2023, with only two sides failing to win coming off the bye this season. However, the Storm had to do it the hard way against the Warriors in their previous encounter.
Their forwards were outplayed the second Nelson Asofa-Solomona left the match and quite frankly, their bench forwards left a lot to be desired. However, Nick Meaney is proving to be a more then capable number 1 and with Ryan Papenhuyzen admitting he's a long way off from returning to play. Meaney could find himself with the number 1 jumper for the season.
Going against Souths, their pack will have to go up against a Souths pack which is getting better with every passing game. With the aforementioned bench problems the Storm have had, it's an issue they have to address quick smart. Their backs probably have a slight points victory over their opposition, but will need Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes to carry the attacking weight.
Craig Bellamy as opted for just one change. Eli Katoa has been named after suffering a head knock on Anzac Day but will need to pass protocols. Tom Eisenhuth (hip) listed on the interchange to make a return replacing Tyran Wishart.
For South Sydney, they are coming into this match in red hot form. Winning their last four matches on the trot after their loss to Melbourne in Round 5. Last start, they were ruthless against the top of the ladder Broncos. After enduring an early sin-bin, they were able to rally and grind out a well earnt victory. Campbell Graham is inching closer to an Origin birth with every passing game but also their forward pack has been immense. Tevita Tatola and Tom Burgess have been powerful in a unique punch off the bench which rattled a Brisbane side that was facing a lot of defence over a sustained period of the match.
Coming against the Storm. They need to write the wrongs of their last clash and it was simple. Execution left a lot to be desired for the cardinal and myrtle. The Rabbitohs completed at 77% and left two late scoring opportunities off the board with some miraculous cover defence denying the Bunnies. If execution is improved then the upset is on in Brisbane where Souths have had a good record in recent history.
For Souths. Davvy Moale's time in the side has come to an abrupt end. Liam Knight returns after making his comeback from a horror knee injury in NSW Cup. Tevita Tatola and Hame Sele go back to their original roles after swapping places last week before kick-off with a possible repeat from Jason Demetriou on the cards again in Magic Round.
Last meeting: Round 5 2023 - Rabbitohs 10 Storm 18
Who to watch: For the Storm. My focus is on QLD's number 9 Harry Grant. Grant has had a "quiet" start to the season by his standards, with just the two tries. However, he's had to take on a second play maker role with Hughes and Munster missing time during the year. Grant has forced 5 dropouts, 5 try assists and 5 linebreak assists. In their last meeting, Grant exposed a tiring Souths side and was huge defensively. Look for that continue in this one.
With a NSW jersey getting closer to his name, Campbell Graham will be looking for consistency if he's going to be Brad Fittler's answer at centre. There's no denying that Graham has had a great 2023, scoring a season high of 11 tries, breaking 28 tackles. Defensively has been his "strongest asset" according to NSW fans, and with a tackling efficiency of 86% your probably right. But I've seen some defensive miscues in recent weeks (11 misses in 3 weeks) that might be enough to give QLD fans some hope. Look for Graham to tighten up his defence in a dominant display.
Favourite: Souths are favourites as they look to continue their unbeaten run in Magic Round.
My tip: It's a real toss of the coin game and it really depends on which Souths side rocks up to Suncorp on Saturday night. If we get the lethal one, it's going to be a long night. If we don't, then Melbourne will get under Cody Walker's skin just enough. I think it will be the best game of the weekend and to go down to the wire. Souths by 1.
