Rabbitohs v Storm: Mass backline changes; NAS, Jennings back in 17
These two clubs opened the NRL season with an eye-catching match in March - the Storm prevailing 26-18 at AAMI Park despite being outscored in the second half by the Rabbitohs.
Nine rounds in and there's still great interest around these two top-four sides as they try to not only out-manoeuvre each other but keep competition leaders Penrith in their sights as well.
The Storm enjoyed 62% possession last time but being on South Sydney territory at Stadium Australia it will be interesting to see if they can maintain that kind of dominance again.
The Storm lead the competition in tries (43) and line breaks (55) but the Rabbitohs score an average 29 points a game, making them an ever-present danger at any stage of a match.
Match: Rabbitohs v Storm
Round 9 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
4th Position
away Team
Storm
3rd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
The rundown
Team news
Rabbitohs: Cody Walker has been moved to fullback and rookie Dean Hawkins from the reserves list to five-eighth. Alex Johnson is back on the wing and Taane Milne was omitted 24 hours before the match.
Jed Cartwright replaces Jacob Host on the bench. Hame Sele is the 18th man while Troy Dargan and Milne were the two players left out on the eve of the match.
The Rabbitohs have won only three of their past 19 games against the Storm, while Johnston has scored 13 tries in his past 10 games at Stadium Australia.
Storm: Harry Grant will come off the bench with Brandon Smith starting at hooker and Tui Kamikamica playing at lock.
A groin injury has forced Tom Eisenhuth out of the team.
Chris Lewis joins the interchange, while Dean Ieremia is the 18th man. Aaron Pene was omitted an hour before kick-off after Eisenhuth and Ryley Jacks dropped out of the extended squad on Wednesday.
Prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona and winger George Jennings have been named to return from head knocks. Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (shoulder) is expected to return next week.
The Storm have scored 100 points in their past three games at Stadium Australia.
Match: Rabbitohs v Storm
Round 9 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFullback for Storm is number 1 Nicholas Hynes
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 1 Alex JohnstonWinger for Storm is number 2 George Jennings
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 2 Steven MarstersCentre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Braidon BurnsCentre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 3 Dane GagaiWinger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 21 Dean HawkinsFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Benji MarshallHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Thomas BurgessProp for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Storm is number 13 Brandon Smith
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Tevita TatolaProp for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jaydn Su'a2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Jai ArrowLock for Storm is number 15 Tui Kamikamica
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Mark NichollsInterchange for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Liam KnightInterchange for Storm is number 14 Dale Finucane
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Patrick MagoInterchange for Storm is number 17 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 18 Jed CartwrightInterchange for Storm is number 19 Chris Lewis
Reserves
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Hame SeleReserve for Storm is number 18 Dean Ieremia
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
Key match-up
Damien Cook v Harry Grant: The incumbent Blues rake (Cooks) and likely Maroons hooker (Grant) get to have a close look at each other with the Ampol State of Origin Series only a month away.
Grant was promoted to starting hooker last week and looks set to be in the role at club and state level long term and he could eventually unseat Cook from the position at Test level.
Stat attack
Alex Johnston (11) and Josh Addo-Carr (9) are in the NRL top-four for line breaks. Johnston also has the jump on "The Fox" in tries with eight to the Storm flyer's five making the duel between these two wingers, as they search for points, all the more intriguing.
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