Storm win Anzac Day clash over Rabbitohs

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Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Melbourne won their ninth consecutive Anzac Day game at AAMI Park defeating South Sydney by 24-16.

In a scrappy affair in slippery conditions, Melbourne's defence held on at crucial times to do enough to collect the valuable two competition points in a game that had rare highlights for the home team.

South Sydney has now dropped three games on the trot and will be sweating on Latrell Mitchell's availability in the short term, after the superstar fullback for sent to the Sin Bin for a reckless high tackle on Storm winger Sua Fa'alogo who failed his HIA and did not return.

Melbourne has a strong record of delivering on the big occasions and they got on the scoreboard early through Ryan Papenhuyzen, who was in support following a break from Sua Fa'alogo to take an early lead.

The Rabbitohs then hit straight back, through Jack Wighton who scored off a Keaon Koloamatangi offload close to the line. Latrell Mitchell converted from out wide to lock up the scores at 6 all.

Despite a poor record against his compatriot in Craig Bellamy, Souths coach Wayne Bennett had his side primed and they took a shock lead when Wighton steamrolled his way to the line, before the ball was knocked away. Rookie winger Bayleigh Bentley-Hape then grounded the loose ball in goal to score his first try in the NRL.

Then just before the siren was about to sound, Xavier Coates crashed over for Melbourne in the corner following a timely offload from Shawn Blore to lock up the scores at 10 all at halftime.

The Storm got on the scoreboard first in the second half, after Eliesa Katoa pinched the ball away from Souths winger Bentley-Hape off a kick to score a superb try and get his side back in front.

Controversy then ensued, when Latrell Mitchell caught a slipping Sua Fa'alogo high and was subsequently sent to the Sin Bin. Papenhuyzen extended the lead to eight points with the penalty goal.

While Melbourne failed to capitalize on the Sin Bin, they managed to skip clear following a break from Nick Meaney who found Tyran Wishart in support to score a superb try and give the Storm a commanding 24-10 lead.

Jack Wighton slid over for his second try following some slick hands from Jye Gray, but it was merely consolation as the Storm ran out comfortable winners.

Both sides now pack their bags for Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium next week, where Melbourne will face Canberra and South Sydney will be desperate to snap their losing streak against Newcastle.