TipResumen

INTRODUCTION



Clash of the heavy weights on Friday hits you head on from ANZ stadium. With First v Second, only separated by points differential, could this be a preview of the Grand Final???







SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS



Souths have stumbled a touch lately since the utter dominance they have had through the middle part of the 2018 season where Souths won 9 on the trot from Round 9 to 19. Falling to the Tigers in what was a big upset two rounds ago, to bounce back last weekend in an incredible come from behind victory against hapless Eels. Losing 6-18 at HT the Rabbits rallied to score 4 second half tries to clinch victory late on. As good as the comeback was the defence in the first half was rubbish and against a better side this would have surely have resulted in a loss. On the attacking front, the first half looked tired and complacent, almost like the Rabbitohs would win just by turning up to the ground. Although lucky to have won the match this could serve a timely reminder to the Rabbits, that in the NRL, there are no easy games. Damien Cook gets to take on the immortal in waiting Cameron Smith and would love nothing more than getting one over the legend that is Smith. He certainly has him for speed and his pass is at least as good, it all depends now on how quick the forwards are in the ruck, something the Rabbits have been good at this season. Souths are unchanged from last weekend.







MELBOURNE STORM



The Storm will face their biggest test this season as the Rabbits lead in many attacking statistics, most notably the most Tries and most line breaks. To counter this attacking prowess, the Storm have the second best defensive record with only 282 points conceded through 19 games, a measly 14.8 PPG. This really will be a clash of the NRL Titans. The Storms away record is good 7-3 and they will need all of that experience to take out a victory away from home in Sydney. Last week the Storm predictably hammered the Raiders who are now out of contention for the finals, the final score 44-10. The seven try to two effort cemented the Storm in top spot and helps the Storm to a 8 game winning streak, having not lost since round 9 against the Dragons. Cameron Smith is crucial to the Storm’s chance this season, with him they are every bit the Favourites for the Title, without him though, the Storms hopes plummet. He has been incredibly resilient, but given his age, an injury now puts major doubts for the Storm. Ryan Hoffman comes back in with Joe Stimson dropping to the bench and Cheyse Blair to the reserves. Dale Finucane also returns with Kenny Bromwich back to the bench