Melbourne 22-8 South Sydney: Storm too strong for Rabbitohs

Melbourne produced a solid second half display to beat South Sydney 22-8 at AAMI Park. 

Storm opened the scoring in the eighth minute as a Suliasi Vunivalu break down the right wing saw the supporting Ryan Papenhuyzen go over.

South Sydney took the lead midway through the first half thanks to a spectacular finish from Alex Johnston in the corner, with Adam Reynolds converting.

But it was Melbourne who led at the break as Fijian international Vunivalu scored from a smart kick from Jahrome Hughes. Storm were 8-6 ahead at half-time.

The Rabbitohs tied the scores in the 50th minute thanks to a Reynolds penalty goal but Melbourne quickly regained the lead through a Cameron Smith penalty goal.

Storm went eight points in front of South Sydney when Josh Addo-Carr latched onto a superb Cameron Munster chip to score in the 68th minute.

Justin Olam sealed the win for Melbourne two minutes from time following a fine passing play. Cameron Smith’s conversion secured a 22-8 victory for his side.

Melbourne: Papenhuyzen; Vunivalu, Olam, Lee, Addo-Carr; Munster, Hughes; J Bromwich, C Smith, B Smith, Kaufusi, K Bromwich, Finucane. Subs: Welch, Faasuamaleaui, King, Lewis.

Tries: Papenhuyzen, Vunivalu, Addo-Carr, Olam Goals: C Smith 3/5

South Sydney: Mitchell; Gagai, Graham, Burns, Johnston; Dargan, Reynolds; Tatola, Cook, Burgess, Su’A, Murray, Lowe. Subs: Knight, Nicholls, Amone, Koloamatangi.

Tries: Johnston Goals: Reynolds 2/2

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