Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs
5th June 1055hrs
Rugby League – Australia – NRL
Pick Storm -6 handicap
Bookmaker William Hill
Odds: Even Money odds taken 23:49 GMT, Wednesday 3rd June
The head to head form between the Storm and the Rabbitohs since 1998 are firmly in the hands of the former. The Melbourne Storm won both ladder meetings with the Rabbitohs last season. Will they keep that momentum going against them? Both suffered disappointing defeats last weekend.
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Can Storm respond to heavy loss?
The Melbourne Storm had their perfect start to the new season snapped on their return from lockdown. After opening with wins against the Sea Eagles and the Sharks, the Storm were tamed by the Raiders.
It was a 6-22 loss that the Storm suffered last weekend, but that won’t likely deter punters too much in backing them on home turf to take down the Rabbitohs on Friday.
The one concerns for the Storm though is the lack of points that they have been putting on the board. It’s been just a tally of 36 across their three games, which is the lowest of the current top eleven in the ladder.
The Storm have won seven of their last eight against the Rabbitohs so are justifiable favourites here. Last season they took a 10-point and a 1-point win over them in the ladder.
Rabbitohs continue to struggle
South Sydney opened the season with a 22-18 win over the Sharks but it has been tough going for them since them. They lost by that same scoreline against the Broncos and then last weekend on a return to action they fell against the Roosters.
For the third match running this season, the Rabbitohs conceded at least 18 points in a fixture. It is those defensive woes which are likely to come back and scupper their chances in this one.
The Rabbitohs have the third-worst defensive record of those sat inside the top eleven in the ladder currently. Their average loss this season has been by 10 points.
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Their record in Melbourne is 15 defeats from 15 visits, so things certainly don’t bode well for them on a return to the AAMI Park. Two of their last three games there they have lost by a single point only. But already with the points stacking up against them this season, they may struggle to get close.
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Betting Advice
The Storm were all at sea last weekend against the Raiders, suffering a drubbing at their hands for the third consecutive time. But they can be backed to shake that off. They have the upper hand against South Sydney.
Key Facts – Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Betting Tip
- Melbourne Storm are W2 L1 this season
- The Rabbitohs have lost their last two games
- South Sydney Rabbitohs are winless in 15 visits to Melbourne
The defensive ruck area of the Rabbitohs game doesn’t look particularly secure and the Storm can exploit them. They do have the extra scoring threat about them and can open up the defence of the visitors.
A couple of the last meetings in Melbourne have been tight, but we are going to swing that opposite way. Leaning towards a Storm -6 handicap at Even money with William Hill* (betting odds taken from William Hill at 23:44 GMT on Wednesday, June 3rd 2020) has some appeal.
The best betting odds for Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Melbourne Storm to win: 2/5 at Bet365
Draw: 22/1 at Bet365
South Sydney Rabbitohs: 2/1 at Bet365
