South Sydney Rabbitohs are one win away from grand final after defeating Melbourne Storm
South Sydney has finally broken their Melbourne Storm hoodoo, defeating the reigning premiers 20-10 and is now one win away from the grand final.
South Sydney has finally broken their Melbourne Storm hoodoo, defeating the reigning premiers 20-10 and is now one win away from the grand final.
Souths put forward an impressive defensive display to secure victory on Friday night.
South Sydney opened the scoring in the eighth minute, when a crushing Sam Burgess tackle dislodged the ball and ended with Souths winger Dylan Farrell streaking over to score the opening points.
Just after the 20-minute mark, Adam Reynolds took the opportunity to extend the Bunnies lead to eight points, when he booted over a penalty goal.
After shutting down many Melbourne Storm chances, Souths then marched downfield to lay the platform for Jeff Lima to barge over, giving them a 14-0 lead going into halftime.
Despite being below their best, the Storm hit back in the second half, with a converted try to Billy Slater in the 55th minute.
Minutes later, Slater had appeared to score a double, which would have set up a grandstand finish, but was denied by a contentious video referee call.
Hooker Isaac Luke snuffed out any opportunity of a Melbourne comeback, when he finished off an impressive movement, giving the Bunnies an unassailable 20-6 buffer.
The Storm had the last word, with centre Will Chambers crossing in the 72nd minute, but it was too little too late.
Souths head coach Michael Maguire was impressed with his side’s comeback from last week’s loss.
"Obviously they were disappointed about last Friday (against the Roosters)," Maguire said.
"They just wanted to play the way they can. We played against a very good quality team that's used to this arena and we turned up tonight."
The Bunnies now have the week off before they play in the preliminary final in a fortnight’s time against the winner of the semi-final between the Manly Sea Eagles and Cronulla Sharks.