An inspiring defensive effort has gifted Melbourne Storm their third win of the season with an eight-point victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
It was the Storm’s best performance of the year and what a time for it to come as questions circled around Craig Bellamy and his side after some lacklustre performances of late.
Despite possessing the lead for the final 60 minutes of the game, the Storm had to withhold a late surge from the Rabbitohs to ensure they walked away with the two points.
There were two efforts that summed up the performance from Bellamy’s team last night.
Nick Meaney with a HUGE try-saving tackle! 🔥
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 31, 2023
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With eight minutes remaining, Souths’ Alex Johnston looked certain to score on the left wing but was denied after a great try saving effort from Nick Meaney forced the ball loose.
Minutes later, Harry Grant produced another exceptional effort on the opposite wing, tackling Izaac Thompson into touch at the last possible moment.
That was the difference between the two sides, the Storm were more willing to make plays like this.
The Rabbitohs had 40 tackles in the Storm’s 20 metres and only managed to scored twice, in comparison, the Storm had 18 and managed to produce three tries.
Bellamy will be glad to see the his sides resolute defence return after being absent in the early stages of the season.
Melbourne also produced the best attacking play of the match.
An offload on the halfway line launched a left edge attack which saw Xavier Coates burst down the left wing.
Coates then kicked infield and hit Cameron Munster on the bounce who raced away to score just after half-time.
That's classy from Xavier Coates! ⚡#NRLSouthsStorm pic.twitter.com/SmF2kd1Ul5
— NRL (@NRL) March 31, 2023
The Storm have now won 32 of their 38 matches against Souths, including 13 of the past 15.
Melbourne host the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night whilst the Rabbitohs take on the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs on Good Friday.