Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 8 clash between the Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Melbourne Storm Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Date: Thursday 25th April, 7:50pm AEST
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. William Warbrick, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Joe Chan, 17. Alec MacDonald, 18. Jack Howarth, 19. Grant Anderson, 20. Marion Seve, 21. Jonah Pezet, 22. Tristan Powell
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray, 2. Jacob Gagai, 3. Jack Wighton, 4. Isaiah Tass, 5. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Dean Hawkins, 8. Shaquai Mitchell, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jacob Host, 13. Cameron Murray, 14. Peter Mamouzelos, 15. Siliva Havili, 16. Davvy Moale, 17. Jai Arrow, 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson, 20. Tallis Duncan, 21. Sean Keppie, 22. Dion Teaupa
Referee: Todd Smith
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
A special ANZAC Day edition of Thursday night football will see the Storm and Rabbitohs do battle at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
For the Storm, Craig Bellamy has named an unchanged 17 from the side that defeated the Roosters 18-12 last week. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is named in the starting side with Christian Welch on the bench, but there could be a gameday swap with those two again as there was last week.
The Storm have started the season in fine form, winning five of their first six games. However, every game they’ve played has been decided by eight points or less, so they’ve had to fight hard for each win. Despite the hard-fought nature of their games, they’re in a great position injury-wise, with the majority of their best 17 fit since Cameron Munster returned a few weeks ago. It’s no secret the Storm also enjoy playing on ANZAC Day, winning the last seven ANZAC games they’ve played. While those clashes have traditionally been against the Warriors, this year they get a matchup against an under-strength Rabbitohs side who are desperate for a win.
For the Rabbitohs, Jason Demetriou remains as coach and has made plenty of changes to the side that lost to the Sharks two weeks ago. Damien Cook has been recalled at hooker with Peter Mamouzelos moving to the bench. Jai Arrow also returns from a shoulder injury on the bench. Tevita Tatola is out with a foot injury, which sees Shaquai Mitchell start in the front row. Cameron Murray starts at lock after passing concussion protocols during the bye. Jacob Gagai lines up on the wing in place of Tyrone Munro, who suffered a broken collarbone last week.
If the Rabbitohs are to win this week, they’ll need to overcome a big hoodoo to do it. As a club, they’ve not won a game in Melbourne from 18 attempts. They’re also under immense pressure to perform and, with several stars missing, we may see their horror start to 2024 continue. One thing they have in their favour is they’ll be fully rested coming off a bye. Another is the return of Damien Cook, who was dropped for their round 6 clash against the Sharks. The star Origin hooker will no doubt have a point to prove and will be fired up for a big performance.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 8 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Storm by 4 points.
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