Central Coast plays host to two of the top teams of the 2019 season in a blockbuster final match of the round.
MATCH DETAILS
The Storm got off to a blistering start. Their energy in the opening twenty minutes allowed them to control the match through the middle. And it was through the middle that they came up with their first points, with Jesse Bromwich crossing close to the posts. They marched down field from the next set and soon, got into position to extend their lead by a further two points. The Storm forwards were hard to contain and eventually, gaps were found out wide, with Brodie Croft slicing through. They were quick to shift the ball to the other side of the field, where Justin Olam crossed for their second. A Cameron Munster break came quick off the next set but they were unable to capitalise and from that moment, Souths worked their way back into the game. On the back of several penalties, the Bunnies were able to use the ball in good field position. A HIA to Justin Olam forced a reshuffle on Melbourne’s right hand side, and after some sustained pressure, Souths scored their first through Campbell Graham. Melbourne almost hit back with a try of their own but that disallowed try did little to dent the momentum Souths were building through the penalties. They finished the half with a penalty goal and, after a fast start from Melbourne, glad to only be down by 12-6 at half time.
South Sydney continued their momentum into the second half with repeat sets early on. They came close to exposing the Storm’s edge defence on both sides but Melbourne held strong. A penalty at the end of the set found Melbourne down a player for ten minutes when Felise Kaufusi ran Cody Walker off the ball in his attempt to chase down a grubber kick. From the ensuing set, Melbourne scrambled hard but were eventually unable to stop Campbell Graham for his second try of the match. With the extra man, Souths were creating space for their fast outside backs but were unable to cross again during the ten minute period. Both teams combined for some exciting end-to-end attacking football. A break from Cameron Smith set off a play that saw Melbourne storm down field, only to lose possession, where South Sydney forced their way down field only for a kick to fall into the hands of Stimson, who offloaded to a charging Croft. It was just an appetiser to a frenetic finish to the match. Storm almost scored through Asofa-Solomona but Cameron Munster stepped his way through shortly afterwards, cutting Souths defence to pieces with his quick footwork. Not long after Storm kicked away to an 8 point lead, as both sides ramped it up for the final fifteen. They appeared to seal it, if not for a foot on the line from Vunivalu as he stretched out for the corner. And, as expected after such mistakes, Souths hit back, with a crisp pass from Cody Walker allowing Campbell Graham to cross for a hattrick. But Souths handling failed them and Melbourne took their opportunity, scoring through Brodie Croft and firmly placing a hand on the minor premiership with a 26-16 victory.
FOUR POINTERS
NO CAUTION COMING
With the run of nine penalties in a row, you would assume Melbourne were down a player due to their ill-discipline, not due to foul play. The Felise Kaufusi sin bin came after he escorted Cody Walker off the ball and continued the run on of nine straight penalties against them. With no caution coming, more clarity will be needed in regards to how many penalties a team can give away before extra action is taken.
COOK VS SMITH
Damien Cook and Cameron Smith are central pieces to both sides premiership chances. The contrasting players were at their finest this Sunday with Damien’s electrifying pace out of dummy half leading to some very exciting passages of attacking play. And on the other side, Smith, using every ounce of his knowledge to set the tempo of the game.
END TO END ATTACK
Both sides are to be commended for their attacking prowess. It was a match that demanded your attention, with a break from one side, followed quickly by a break from the other. Even the young players that came into the match for the injuries played their part in a highly entertaining and intense match between two teams that are class above the rest.
CENTRAL COAST COMES ALIVE
19,553 spectators were in attendance as rugby league returned to the Central Coast with a heavyweight clash. And with the Souths and Storm clash, following the Raiders and Roosters, the fans were welcomed to an early sight of finals football. Both matches were played at the highest of quality and came down to the wire, showing that the other teams below have a lot of work a head of them if they want to beat one of these teams.
THE RESULT
South Sydney Rabbitohs 16
Tries: Campbell Graham 3
Goals: Adam Reynolds 2/4
Melbourne Storm 26
Tries: Jesse Bromwich, Justin Olam, Cameron Munster, Brodie Croft
Goals: Cameron Smith 5/6
SQUADS
South Sydney Rabbitohs: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 17. Kyle Turnerย 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 14. Liam Knight 16. Ethan Lowe 18. Dean Britt 13. Cameron Murray 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 15. Mark Nicholls 19. Corey Allanย
Melbourne Storm: 22. Nicho Hynes 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Joe Stimson 20. Tino Faasuamaleaui 23 Billy Walters
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