The concluding match on ANZAC Day heads down to Melbourne for fixture between the Storm and Rabbitohs. Both are accustomed to the big stage and there is no bigger one this early in the season. Emotion and tension are bound to fill the air with exciting action promised for NRL fans. Don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Location: AAMI Park
Date: 25th April
Time: 8:10pm (AEST)
Odds: Storm $1.20 vs Rabbitohs $4.50
Line: Storm -14.5
Points: 48.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
It was an uncharacteristic display from the Storm last week in their 42-22 defeat by the Dolphins. Scoring the first three tries and holding a 16-nil lead, the Storm looked set for an easy night. Their defence crumbled, allowing 7 tries and failing to produce any until a 78th minute ‘garbage time’ try narrowed the margin of victory. They let themselves down with just a 66% completion rate with only 46% possession. They were inferior in metres made; their defence fared worse with 38 missed tackles and 5 line breaks allowed.
The Rabbitohs were not much better in their 32-nil defeat to the Bulldogs, outplayed (and out enthused) in every area. The visitors were powerless with just 39% possession and 72% completion rate against a hungrier opponent, quickly behind 20-nil heading into HT. The fact that they couldn’t add some respectability to the score line will hurt their ego ahead of this match. Missing 38 tackles and allowing 8 line breaks (without making one of their own) further highlights the disparity in class between these two sides.
The Rabbitohs have a lot of regrouping to do ahead of this game. The positional change of Mitchell back to fullback is undoubtedly designed to increase the involvement of their star player; he was dour last week and failed to add any impact. They have also named Sullivan at halfback, and it remains to be seen just how effective he is here. The Storm have their own player availability issues with the loss of Howarth offset by the return of Meaney.
Comparing the two sides, the Storm are deserving favourites. They are superior in attack (34ppg vs 16ppg) and but lag in defence (22ppg vs 21ppg) and will need to rely heavily on their home ground advantage; the Storm are strong here (76%), with their opponents winless here in 12 attempts. It would take a monumental effort to overcome this, especially considering the Storm are coming off a shock loss. The line offered is far too much, especially when you consider the defensive record of each team.
Rabbitohs +14.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 NRL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Storm 1-12 – they are the preferred team to win this contest and when you consider the suggested bet above, it makes sense to include this option to boost your value. It must be stated though that the average margin of victory in their past 5 matches is 16.4 points, but 3/5 have been by 12 points or less.
Leg 2: Total Points Over 47.5 – the average total in the past 5 matches is 44.4 points. Each team’s record on both sides of the ball this season suggest that this will be far higher in this contest.
Leg 3: Papenhuyzen to score – he is equal top of the try scoring list for the Storm (6 tries – ties with Coates) and has been playing strongly recently. His support play is to be admired and will always be an attacking threat close to the line.
SGM Odds: $11 at BoomBet
