Storm v Rabbitohs preview - 2017 Round 25

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Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs Saturday 5:30pm at AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri

The freshly crowned Minor Premiers host a rejuvenated South Sydney side as part of Super Saturday in the NRL.

Melbourne have been the picture of consistency this season and there is no surprise that they are the run away leaders of the competition with just a fortnight left. This clash won't be a walk over though and presents a tricky little test for the Storm who may rest players considering the next two weeks mean very little. 

Souths have been superb over the last month and found some form and finally seem to be enjoying their footy under coach Michael Maguire. Their attacking woes have been solved with the move of Cody Walker back to the halves and the superb form of Alex Johnston at the back. They will have to make do without Johnston who is out with injury, Bryson Goodwin deputizes in the fullback role.

Last meeting: Round 11 2017 - Rabbitohs 6 Storm 14

Who to watch: The return of Cameron Munster last week was a welcome one for the Storm who rely on his running game and ball skills out the back for points. Munster is also a strong defender and will often take on the big men one on one and come off on top. His return gives the Storm another dimension in attack and another headache for teams to worry about. Look for him to be heavily involved on Saturday.

Cody Walker has been in fine form since moving from fullback back to the halves. His running game close to the line along with his deft passing skills has troubled teams including the Warriors last Friday. Walker is a very talented player and seems to be comfortable with the number 6 on his back. If Souths are to stay in the contest on Saturday, he will need to have another great game.

The favourite: Melbourne red hot favourites.

My tip: Melbourne to entertain their home fans with another win, won't be a blowout but they will have too much class for an improved Souths side. Storm by 8.

1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 16. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tim Glasby 17. Slade Griffin

6. Cody Walker 2. Campbell Graham 3. Aaron Gray 4. Tyrell Fuimaono 1. Bryson Goodwin 11. John Sutton 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 17. Zane Musgrove 10. Sam Burgess 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray 14. Robbie Farah 15. George Burgess 16. Kyle Turner 5. Robert Jennings

Referees: Henry Perenara, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea;