The Melbourne Storm have shown their defensive resilience, defeating the South Sydney Rabbitohs 18-10 in a gruelling clash at Accor Stadium.
Result
Melbourne Storm 18
Tries: Josh King (8), Will Warbrick (22), Cameron Munster (44)
Goals: Nick Meaney (9, 23, 45)
Field Goal:
South Sydney Rabbitohs 10
Tries: Cody Walker (11), Campbell Graham (60)
Goals: Latrell Mitchell (12)
Report
The Melbourne Storm travelled to Sydney to take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a mouth-watering Friday night clash. In pristine conditions, the two sides exchanged sets early before the Storm landed the first blow. Josh King regathered an error from the Rabbitohs on their own goal line to grab the first try. However, the Rabbitohs were quick to answer. Off the back of a penalty in the next set, Cameron Murray poked his head through the line and offloaded to Cody Walker for the equaliser.
With scores level, another error from the Rabbitohs put the Storm on the attack. A frantic series of passes from the Storm saw them go close to adding more points, but desperate defence from the Rabbitohs kept them out. However, the Rabbitohs ill-discipline continued as they gave away a penalty, resulting in the Storm’s second try. Will Warbrick streamrolled Alex Johnston to score in the corner.
The pace of the game slowed and the rest of the first half remained tight, with the Storm clinging to a 12-6 lead at the break.
The second half started fast, with the Storm making two linebreaks in quick succession. Cameron Munster bombed a try on the first, but he was there to finish off a long distance try on the second to extend the Storm’s lead. It took time for the Rabbitohs to wrestle back momentum, but eventually they got back in the game. After back-to-back sets on the Storm line, Latrell Mitchell put Campbell Graham over for a try to cut the margin to eight.
Inside the final 10 minutes, the game was ultimately decided by the desperation defence of the Storm. Despite the Rabbitohs surging with confidence and winning the field position battle, they were unable to find the points they needed. A highlight of the defensive effort was a try saving tackle from Harry Grant on Isaak Thompson at a pivotal moment in the game. The Storm held on to record a gritty 18-10 win. Alex Johnston left the field late with a failed HIA, putting him in doubt for next week.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
2 – Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
1 – Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
