NRL: Storm eye return to winning ways

Melbourne Storm will be determined to bounce back to winning way when they take on South Sydney Rabbitohs on Thursday night.

The Storm remain top of the ladder despite a shock defeat against the Dragons, but their lead over Penrith Panthers is just two points.

Craig Bellamy’s side are 2.10 to win the minor premiership, but the Panthers are the hot fancies at 1.72 to finish the top of the pile.

The two sides are set to clash in Round 24, but for now the Storm must take it a game at a time, and two points against the Bunnies is a must.

Souths have seen their finals hopes fade away, but they still have pride to play for and will be out to get one over on the Storm.

There is no love lost when these two sides meet and another intense battle will be on the cards at Accor Stadium.

. What: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm
. Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
. When: 19:50 (AEST), Thursday 8th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: South Sydney Rabbitohs 5.50, Melbourne Storm 1.15

Bunnies playing for pride

Souths have seen their slim finals hopes come to an end after suffering back-to-back defeats against the Raiders and Sharks.

It has been a disappointing season for them, but with Wayne Bennett set to return as coach in 2025, there is a lot to look forward to.

Now it is all about finishing the season as strongly as possible, starting with two points against the Storm.

They have been hit by injuries and suspensions throughout the season, and they could again be missing key players here.

Influential playmaker Cody Walker is suffering with an injury and is facing a race against time to make the clash.

Souths do not have a great record against the top teams this season, and have been unable to beat a side in the top four.

But they can take some heart from the fact they have won their last three games at Accor Stadium.

It will be an upset if they can make it four against the Storm, and they are priced at 13.00 to nick it by 1-5 points.

Storm look to bounce back

The Storm will not panic following the surprise home loss to the Dragons, but they will be keen to return to winning ways nonetheless.

They have a great record against the Bunnies, winning nine of the last 11 meetings, including the Anzac Day clash earlier this year.

Melbourne won by 34 points on that occasion and can be backed at 11.00 to do the same and win by 31-35 on Thursday night.

Bellamy’s side is packed full of quality and they will be out to put a big score on the Rabbitohs.

Grant Anderson is bang in form after scoring five tries in his last four games, and the winger is sure to be a big threat once again.