Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs: NRL Friday Preview

Melbourne Storm will look to respond to a shock thumping against the Dolphins, when they go head-to-head with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday.

The Storm have come in for heavy criticism for their defensive frailties as they conceded 42 points in the heavy loss at the weekend.

With Craig Bellamy’s blast still echoing in their ears, the Storm will be expected to make a response in the traditional ANZAC Day clash against the Bunnies.

Souths also need to respond after being hammered by the Bulldogs, but they have never beaten the Storm in Melbourne, so history is not on their side.

There is always extra spice when coaches Bellamy and Wayne Bennett go head to head, and Friday’s clash will be no different.

Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs betting preview

Storm dominate Souths

The Storm have dominated South Sydney Rabbitohs on their own patch, winning all 19 games that have been played in Melbourne.

That is some record, and they will be more determined than ever to make it 20, after they were embarrassed at the weekend.

After scoring the opening two tries of the game, Melbourne folded as the Dolphins came back to win 42-22.

They will be out to make amends and will be delighted to be back at AAMI Park, where they have scored 128 points in three games this season.

Melbourne can be backed at 1.75 to win by 13+ points.

Xavier Coates also loves the venue having scored 34 tries in 30 appearances there.

The winger can be backed at 7.00 to score the first or last try or 1.72 to grab one at anytime.

Souths out to break records

The Bunnies should be well motivated for the ANZAC Day clash as they look to break some unwanted records.

As well as the failure to beat the Storm in Melbourne in 19 attempts, coach Wayne Bennett has not defeated the Storm since 2016.

But if anyone can mastermind a win it is Bennett, and the bunnies are priced at 5.50 to win by 1-12 points.

Latrell Mitchell will be key and is set to switch to fullback for this clash.

That will also allow Campbell Graham, who has an impressive record against the Storm, to switch to centre.

Graham has scored six tries in the last seven games against Melbourne, and can be backed at 4.00 to score at anytime.

Read more rugby league previews on site

Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs odds

Melbourne Storm - 1.22
South Sydney Rabbitohs - 4.20

View the full market and more odds for Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.