The original Perth derby is back for Western Australian Rugby League fans when your Rabbitohs clash with the Melbourne Storm.
The record in Perth is one win each for both sides from their first two clashes in 2009 and 2010, meaning this third clash will prove to be the tie-breaker seven years in the making!
Coming into the Origin period, it will be a fiery clash full of superstars as Blues Hooker Robbie Farah faces off with Queensland Hooker Cameron Smith, English internationals Sam and Thomas Burgess clash with New Zealand's Kenneath Bromwich and Tohu Harris and Adam Reynolds faces off with Cooper Cronk.
Before Sunday's clash, we've taken a look back into our archives to re-visit the matches that set-up this blockbuster decider.
2009: Storm's Late Comeback
The Rabbitohs and Storm first met in Perth back in 2009 in front of a crowd of 15,197 fans. The teams had met on 14 occasions prior with South Sydney securing only two wins, the last dating back to 2004.
The Rabbitohs led for the majority of the match with their first try scored in the opening minutes from a Jamie Simpson intercept that saw him sprint 70 metres up the field to score. Another try to the home side allowed the Rabbitohs to have a 10-0 head start but the Storm put their foot on the pedal leveling the scoreboard in the 19th minute.
The game continued along the path of cat-and-mouse until the Storm took over the lead with 10 minutes remaining. The Storm's late comeback secured their victory 28 points to 22 marking their eighth consecutive win against the Rabbitohs.
2010: Rabbitohs Kick The Difference
Leading up to the 2010 clash, the Rabbitohs were proving competitive on the field despite numerous close losses. Round 16 would finally prove the breakthrough for Souths as they held out the Melbourne Storm in a 16-14 thriller at ME Bank Stadium, Perth.
In front of 13,164 passionate NRL fans, Colin Best terrorised the left edge of field and produced two important try assists for winger Fetuli Talanoa in the tight clash. Back-rowers Sam Burgess and Dave Taylor put in a massive shift to win the midfield against the Storm.
Issac Luke’s two successful shots at goal were critical to the score and the Rabbitohs ended their six-year drought against the Melbourne Storm.
The Storm would have opportunities to snatch the lead but would fail to convert their chances. Winger Justin O'Neill missed a Brett Finch cross-field kick that would have given the Storm the lead in the 50th minute while a Storm raid in the dying minutes would be halted by a forward pass by O'Neill to fullback Billy Slater.
The South Sydney vs Melbourne match will be played on Sunday 21 may at 4:30pm (WST) at nib Stadium. Tickets are available now from www.ticketmaster.com.au/rabbitohs or by calling 136 100.
Check out the highlights from the 2010 clash in the video player above.
