Rabbitohs v Storm preview

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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm Saturday 7:35pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

Saturday night takes us down to the winter wonderland that is Accor Stadium, as the South Sydney Rabbitohs look to upset the Melbourne Storm. 

Two teams at very different ends of the ladder meet on Saturday, as a battered and bruised Rabbitohs looks to enter what seems to be a graveyard that is Accor Stadium and walk away with a rare two points. Injuries are once again curtailing the Rabbitohs season, while the State of Origin in Perth means that Melbourne will be hinging on their stars to come through unscathed if they want to back up. 

The Rabbitohs lost last week in what was a much improved performance against the ladder-leading Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, 24-18. Injuries to Jye Gray, Jayden Sullivan and Keon Koloamatangi meant that the Bunnies were fighting until the end, but the Dogs proved too  good in the wet. 

It means that the Bunnies are sitting just one win out of the eight… and yet, one win away from the wooden spoon in what seems to be the tightest finals race in recent history. Wayne Bennett's men do have the luxury of three stars in the reserves who are all chances to play, with Cody Walker and Campbell Graham more likely than the aforementioned Koloamatangi. That said, a game against Melbourne is daunting enough with a full strength side, never mind one with major injury concerns. 

The Melbourne Storm are coming off their last bye of 2025, which means they have a run of 12 straight games to finish the season. The start of this run couldn't be any more inviting, with the Storm coming up to Sydney against one of the worst defensive sides in the competition. 

Sitting pretty in the top four, Melbourne are looking to heap the pressure on the Raiders and Warriors ahead of them with a dominant performance in Sydney. All of their Origin contingent have been named to back-up, however whether that happens with a strong reserves pack in the wings, remains to be seen. 

The Storm come into this week having won 35 of the last 42 games against the Bunnies, so history is already on the side of the favourites. 

Latrell Mitchell has been named to back up from State of Origin, replacing Jye Gray in the side. Keon Koloamatangi has been cleared of a facial fracture and is named in the reserves but is unlikely to play, while Cody Walker and Campbell Graham are both more likely than not to come into the 17. As it stands, Lewis Dodd is in at five-eighth for Jayden Sullivan and Davvy Moale starts with Sean Keppie on the bench. - however, watch this space for more gameday news

Melbourne have named all of their Origin starters to back up and play on Saturday. Bronson Garlick replaces Ativalu Lisati in the only official change for the Storm, however, this is likely to change come game day. 

Last meeting: Round 8 2025 - Storm 24 Rabbitohs 16

Who to watch: Jamie Humphreys arguably had his best game in a South Sydney jersey last week, setting up two tries and leading the attack around the park with glee. It, sadly, was just the forward pack that let him down for the most part. He will need to replicate his own performance this week if the Rabbitohs are to have any chance against the strong Storm pack, Origin stars or not. The possible addition of Cody Walker will allow Humphreys to free up a little more in the middle of the field and showcase a little running game that we are yet to see. 

Ryan Papenhuyzen and wintery, wet conditions seem to be a match made in heaven. He loves a little run in the wet, and he loves some second phase play - two things that seem to follow the Bunnies around no matter who they play against. The Storm forwards will look to bully the Bunnies pack early, paving the way for the Papi alarm to sound in the middle of Accor Stadium. He has also scored four tries in the last three games against the Rabbitohs - worth noting for all Supercoach players this weekend!! 

Favourite: Melbourne are comfortable favourites to maintain their spot in the top four.

My tip: Whilst it was a much improved performance last week by South Sydney, there are too many questions that surround a pretty lame forward pack. The loss of their leading forward in Keon Koloamatangi only bodes poorly for the Bunnies, who don't have the strong depth to replace him. Melbourne, on the other hand, with the system they have in place, have no issues replacing all their Origin stars if needed. Regardless of the Melbourne 17 come game day, the tip remains the same. Storm by 16.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Lewis Dodd 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Davvy Moale 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Ryan Gray 15. Sean Keppie 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Salesi Ataata 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Cody Walker 21. Campbell Graham 22. Jacob Host

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Joe Chan 22. Lazarus Vaalepu 23. Keagan Russell-Smith 24. Kane Bradley

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Jarrod Cole; Video Referees: Chris Butler;