NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Storm RD16 2025
Round 16 of the NRL competition will see South Sydney host the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium this Saturday night at 7:35pm in the headline slot of NRL Super Saturday.
Round 16 is also Rabbitohs’ Old Boys Day, where the South Sydney club celebrates the contributions of all the players who paved the way for the stars of today to take the field in the famous Red and Green Rabbitohs jersey.
With many former players there to watch the action, the 17 who take the field this week will be extra keen to get the job done against the Storm and pick up a valuable two competition points.
Jai Arrow: “It’s not too foreign to me, being back in the middle.”
Jai Arrow has very much enjoyed his time being back in the middle of the field in the front row after starting the season on the edge. Arrow is all about nailing the process and improving and learning as a front rower every week at training. He knows that if he and his teammates stick with it, they’ll get back in the winner’s circle before too long.
“Yeah pretty easy. It’s not too foreign to me, being back in the middle. To start off with we’ve been doing a pretty good job the last month or so. It’s just about enjoying that. Keep learning. Keep practicing at training. Things will change, the tide will turn and we’ll start winning footy games.”
Jack Wighton: “I don’t even think I’ve got ten tries in all my games so 200 and something is just unreal.”
Jack Wighton has been an integral part of the South Sydney left edge that has been extremely potent in attack in recent weeks. He’s very excited for that attacking success to continue, and is particularly invested in helping his teammate and left winger Alex Johnston pass Ken Irvine’s all time try-scoring record of 212 – a record of which Johnston is only short ten tries.
“Yeah definitely. It’s just unbelievable. I don’t even think I’ve got ten tries in all my games so 200 and something is just unreal. We’ll do everything we can to get him over the line.”
Isaiah Tass: “I’m very proud of him and how far he’s made it.”
It was super exciting for Isaiah Tass to take the field alongside his close mate and former under 20s teammate Ryan Gray, who was fortunate enough to make his NRL debut against the Bulldogs last week. Gray has been named once again to come off the bench for South Sydney and Tass couldn’t be more proud of him and the perseverance he has shown to get to where he is.
“Yeah to have him out there – one of my good mates, played under 20s, known him for a couple of years now – it’s a special moment for him and his family. I’m very proud of him and how far he’s made it. Glad that he’s stuck at it and I bet he’s proud of himself as well.”
Team Changes
South Sydney Head Coach Wayne Bennett has made a few changes to the side that lost narrowly to Canterbury-Bankstown in round 15.
Latrell Mitchell has been named to return from NSW State of Origin duty. Jack Wighton moves into the halves, with Dodd dropping out to 18th Man. Euan Aitken shifts into the centres.
Keaon Koloamatangi is also a late inclusion after being cleared to play, following a facial injury sustained in Round 15.
Recent Results
- Round eight, 2025 – Storm 24-16 (AAMI Park)
- Round 23, 2024 – Storm 28-16 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
- Round eight, 2024 – Storm 54-20 Rabbitohs (AAMI Park)
- Round ten, 2023 – Rabbitohs 28-12 Storm (Suncorp Stadium)
- Round five, 2023 – Storm 18-10 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm
Date: Saturday 21 June
Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST)
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Where to Watch: Purchase Tickets Here
