Round 8: Storm v Rabbitohs preview
Melbourne's fortress ready for South Sydney siege.
This ANZAC Day clash will come with a different flavour for 2024, as the Melbourne Storm host the South Sydney Rabbitohs for one of the more special games of the NRL calendar.
The annual April 25 match at AAMI Park has been good for the Storm, who have won 10 of the last 13 matches since the inaugural contest in 2009. Even though Souths won in their last clash in Magic Round 2023, the Rabbitohs have never won in Melbourne's backyard. Add to that they will be competing against a team looking down the barrel of a 14th consecutive win at home; it's going to be tough for the visitors.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has stuck with the same 17 that got through in a nail-biter against the Roosters in Round 7. He believes they were lucky to get away with the win and at the beginning of the game, the team was looking for easy options. Suggesting his team's grace was their defence; it was something he was proud of and what kept them in the game. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named in the run-on side, with Christian Welch moving to the bench. Since his debut in 2015, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has not missed an ANZAC Day game.
Many keen observers would have noted Cameron Munster playing well but still quiet when watching the Storm's last game. When questioned about his halves partner's fitness, Jahrome Hughes said Munster may not seem 100%, but is giving his 100%. This is not the most encouraging comment for fans moving forward, but Munster may show us all on Thursday.
The bye for Souths gave the team some rest from the game, as well as a rest from the media. Coach Jason Demetriou was proud of his team's effort in Round 6. Even though his team went down 34-22 against Cronulla, he said they were there for the 80 minutes, and if that's the fight they bring every week, they will get a win soon. Cody Walker said of the win, that he felt it was more of a team effort - something he said has been lacking this season.
This round has seen some more changes to the Rabbitohs lineup, and many will be happy to see Damien Cook return to number 9, Peter Mamouzelos shifting to the bench. Joining him on the bench will be Jai Arrow, a welcome return for the Maroons forward after recovering from a shoulder injury. With Tevita Tatola ruled out with a foot injury, Shaquai Mitchell will run on in the front row, and Tyrone Munro is out with a collarbone concern.
Last meeting: Round 10 2023 - Storm 12 Rabbitohs 28
Who to watch: Xavier Coates is doing the impossible and still finding time to do the extraordinary. Coach Bellamy has said Coates has been coming up with a number of big plays this year. Easily one of the top three players in each of their games this season. It will be great to see what his big frame will do against the South's backline. Running, defence and aerial bombardments, Coates is playing with the form of someone who's always looking to better themselves.
Jahrome Hughes has the ability to turn a game on its head when he takes on the line or is around a loose ball. His speed and agility will cause headaches for any team, and he may take on more of a running role, with Munster still not being 100% due to a groin issue.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back, and although he has not been at his shocking best yet, this game may be his time to take it up a notch. Bellamy said it was Nelson's defence that he was keen to see improve, and after getting his game legs back last round, we could see the Storm giant suck up the energy of the game and explode.
South's last effort against Cronulla showed some promise and plenty of spirit. One of the bunnies leading that charge was Jack Wighton. Wighton made it his mission to be heavily involved in the game, and even though they lost, we saw some of the determination that got Wighton his representative honours.
Tom Burgess found an extra heart in round 6. The big Englishman was leading from the front and all Souths fans will be hoping Burgess comes to battle against the likes of Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Josh King on Thursday evening.
With Damien Cook back, there's a good chance he will be up for a fight to keep his spot for the rest of the year. Cook may be back to his dummy-half-running best and, if so, will be a nice tussle against Harry Grant.
Favourite: Looking at a 14th consecutive win at home, with a record of 10 out of 13 of these matches notched in their belt, and against a team who has never beaten them at home, there can be only one. Melbourne Storm heavy favourites.
My tip: Melbourne has been winning in the last 10 minutes of its games all season, and although it's getting the results, I suspect Bellamy will be asking more of his troops now that they are getting a cohesive team line-up again. The Storm will be too big at home, and on a game day, they make their own. Storm to carpet bomb Souths by 20 points.
