AAMI Park will play host to Thursday's Round 1 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday March 11, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Where: AAMI Park
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Odds
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview
The Storm and the Rabbitohs have been a popular pick to play out this year’s Grand Final and it is only fitting that they should meet in the opening game of the season.
After winning their fourth Premiership last year, the Storm have been installed as slight favourites in betting as they embark on a new chapter without long-time captain Cameron Smith at the helm.
The Rabbitohs will also sport a new look this season with the likes of Jai Arrow, Josh Mansour and Benji Marshall joining Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston in the red and green.
Many have labeled South Sydney as the most dangerous side in the competition this year, but this does shape up to be a nice litmus test for Wayne Bennett’s crew after falling short to the Panthers in last year’s Prelim.
As far as recent history goes, the Storm have no doubt enjoyed the better part of this match up winning each of their last four encounters against South Sydney dating back to 2018.
Also working in the Storm’s favour is home-field advantage, something the club went without last year in the truncated COVID season.
Believe it or not, the Storm are undefeated in 16 home games against South Sydney since they joined the competition, while Craig Bellamy’s undefeated 18-0 record in Round 1 is also worth noting.
South Sydney no doubt has the talent to overcome all of that, but with a few new faces debuting, it wouldn’t be surprising if it takes a game or two for the Bunnies to really gel.
With the Storm out to prove they are just as dangerous without their star skipper, it’s worth taking the value on Melbourne outright.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Tip
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.90 odds.
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Teams
Storm team: 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2 George Jennings, 3 Reimis Smith, 4 Justin Olam, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Jahrome Hughes, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Brandon Smith, 10 Christian Welch, 11 Felise Kaufusi, 12 Ken Bromwich, 13 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Chris Lewis 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Nicho Hynes
Rabbitohs team: 1 Latrell Mitchell, 2 Alex Johnston, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Campbell Graham, 5 Josh Mansour, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Tom Burgess, 9 Damien Cook, 10 Tevita Tatola, 11 Jacob Host, 12 Jaydn S’ua, 13 Cameron Murray 14. Benji Marshall 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Keaon Koloamantangi 17. Jai Arrow