NRL. Top of the table preview

By Stephen Gallagher

MATCH OF THE ROUND: ROUND 05 – South Sydney Rabbitohs V Melbourne Storm – Saturday, ANZ Stadium. 19.30 local time, 21.30 NZ time.

LAST WEEK: South Sydney made a great escape with a 24-22 win over the Warriors.

Melbourne ended up on top of the Wests Tigers 26-12.

THIS WEEK: The Rabbitohs, undefeated and their best start to a season since they last won a Premiership in 1971. Against the current champions, it will be a all-hands-on-deck performance to notch up a win and remain as the only undefeated team.

Storm warning. Also undefeated. Headed to Sydney to prove after six weeks they’re the best. Always a great team to watch, this is the biggest test for the side.

WHAT TO EXPECT: I think Souths will try not to change their game plan too much, but to overcome such a powerhouse they will need to Plan A, B, C and then some. The Rabbits are a powerful side, and up front is where they are their best.

The Storm to be ready just as they would be for a winless opponent.  Exceptionally dangerous from all over the park. T he heart and soul lives in the spine.  The much publicised spine.  Complacency is not a word in the Melbourne dictionary.

THE BATTLE OF: Ruling Rakes. Isaac Luke has been a significant attacking outlet for South Sydney throughout his career. The way he exploits lazy markers and defenders is arguably the best in the league. Danger comes in a small size.

Cameron Smith is Cameron Smith. He’s a winner in every sense of the word. His spirit and level headedness is second to none. A rare one in a million player.  Work ethic is phenomenal.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: George Burgess – He may be a baby, but a brick sized baby. He’s really stood up and delivered so far this season.

Ryan Hoffman. He’s never making the headlines, but his work is hugely valued. A tackling machine, no one gets past him.

PREDICTION:

I think that Sydney is going to be the defining point for me to pick a winner. If this was in Melbourne, I would pick the Storm. So, Rabbitohs to win, making them the only undefeated side this season. Game of the season so far. 20-10.

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