Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday 26 August, 5.30pm
AAMI Park
Head-to-Head: Storm 23, Rabbitohs 4, Drawn 1
Last time we met: Round 11, 2017 – Melbourne 14 def South Sydney Rabbitohs 6 at NIB Stadium, Perth
TV: Fox Sports 502
Radio: 2GB & ABC Grandstand
Origin stars return
After sitting out last week’s game against the Knights Cooper Cronk and Tim Glasby are in line for a return this Saturday. Cronk did not play due to some minor niggles but has been named in his customary No.7 this week to take on the Rabbitohs. Glasby had a minor shoulder complaint however is considered a good chance to return having been selected on an extended bench. Both players will be monitored at training during the week before being given the green light to play.
Storm v Bunnies at AAMI Park! Saturday 26 August, 5.30pm. Be there!
Rabbitohs without try scoring machine
South Sydney will be without the leading try scorer in the NRL with Alex Johnston ruled out of the game through injury. Johnston has scored 22 tries in 22 games in 2017. Johnston’s important to South Sydney is emphasized by the fact the next best Rabbitohs has crossed the line on just nine occasions. His absence is disappointing, given it would have seen him go head-to-head with Suliasi Vunivalu, who sits just behind him with 19 tries in 21 games.
Never done it before
The Rabbitohs have never won a game in Melbourne in their history. They have made 14 visits to Victoria but every time they have returned home empty handed. It has not been all smooth sailing for Storm though. Only a Cameron Smith golden point field-goal separated the two sides last year and the game before saw Melbourne triumph by just four points. A 14-0 record against the Rabbitohs is an imposing one so hopefully the men in purple can continue to pile on the misery in Melbourne.
Purple pride game
Melbourne Storm will support an amazing cause as the Club partners with the Starlight Children’s Foundation for the Purple Pride game! Storm fans are encouraged to wear as much purple as possible to see Storm take on the Rabbitohs this Saturday at AAMI Park. The Club will be running a best-dressed competition with the winner to be presented with a $250 Red Balloon voucher at half-time. Tin rattlers will be outside AAMI Park on game day with all proceeds going to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation – Storm’s major charity partner for the 2017 season. Starlight helps sick kids and their families take a break and find happiness during tough times. The Starlight Express Rooms are medical-free havens for sick kids in hospital right across Australia. They are the only place where kids can just be kids whilst in hospital. Donate now to contribute to a very worthy cause.
