ANZAC DAY THURSDAY APRIL 25th 2024 AAMI PARK,MELBOURNE
ANZAC Day Showdown: Storm vs. Rabbitohs
With a fresh adversary lined up for their traditional ANZAC Day fixture, the Melbourne Storm, under Coach Craig Bellamy’s guidance, are poised to further solidify their remarkable track record in this poignant encounter.
Melbourne will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park on Thursday night, with the Warriors playing at home for the second time, in game 2, on ANZAC Day.
Storm Seek to Maintain Dominance on ANZAC Day
The Storm have won 10 of 13 games since their ANZAC Day game began as an annual affair in 2009 and they’re eager to ensure the dominance continues against the Rabbitohs.
The season’s outset has seen a stark contrast between the two teams, as Melbourne holds a strong second position while South Sydney languishes at the bottom in 16th place.
Despite a tough loss to the Sharks in their previous outing, the Rabbitohs displayed resilience, and the recent bye provided an opportunity for the club to regroup. Coach Jason Demetriou retains his position, with the addition of seasoned veteran David Furner as an assistant coach.
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 intense battles they’ve faced on the field, the team finds themselves in a favorable position regarding injuries, with most of their top 17 players fit and available since Cameron Munster’s return a few weeks back.
It’s no secret the Storm also enjoy playing on ANZAC Day, winning the last seven ANZAC games they’ve played. In previous years, these matchups have typically been against the Warriors. However, this year, they face an under-strength Rabbitohs team hungry for a victory.
Key Line-ups and Injuries
Jason Demetriou continues to lead the Rabbitohs as coach and has implemented numerous alterations to the line-up following their defeat against the Sharks two weeks prior. 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 takes his place at lock after successfully clearing concussion protocols during the bye week. Meanwhile, Jacob Gagai assumes the wing position, replacing Tyrone Munro, who sustained a broken collarbone last week.
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
Rabbitohs Face Tough Challenge in Melbourne
Securing a victory this week will require the Rabbitohs to break a significant streak. As a club, they have yet to win a game in Melbourne, having made 18 attempts without success.
Head-to-Head Statistics
They’re also under immense pressure to perform and, with several stars missing, we may see their horror start to 2024 continue. They do have a couple of advantages in their favor. Firstly, they’ll be well-rested coming off a bye week. Secondly, the return of Damien Cook is a boost; he was sidelined for their round 6 match against the Sharks after being dropped.
The star Origin hooker will no doubt have a point to prove and will be fired up for a big performance. I also like the look of their gutsy fullback, Jye Gray. Plenty of courage and looks like a young Papenhuyzen.
Referee: Todd Smith, Touch Judges: Jon Stone, Chris Sutton, Bunker. Grant Atkins
Prediction.
The Anzac Day triple-header concludes with the high-flying Storm taking on the struggling Rabbitohs in Melbourne. Souths had last week off for the bye, while the Storm managed to beat the Roosters in a tough encounter. The Rabbitohs showed some improvement the week before with an injection of youth, but up against the experience of the Storm, they will struggle again.
Storm for me in Melbourne.
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