Souths Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm

Under former Melbourne assistant coach Michael Maguire, Souths appear to have modelled their playing style on the Storm and who can blame the Rabbitohs. If you can’t beat them, mimic them. The Storm have long been Souths’ bogy team, having won 12 of their past 13 clashes since 2005, including last season’s qualifying final. 
It’s unfortunate the build-up to this top-of-the-table clash has been largely overshadowed by the Roosters-Bulldogs grudge match, because it’s likely to be a cracking game between two teams in supreme form. There are some great individual match-ups, especially Billy Slater versus Greg Inglis (if Slater proves his fitness) and Cooper Cronk against NSW Origin hopeful Adam Reynolds, and the outright lead is up for grabs. A Souths victory would certainly erase any lingering doubts about their premiership credentials.

A grand final preview perhaps? Something's got to give when the NRL's only two unbeaten sides go head to head. For the Storm, it presents their toughest test to date while, for the Rabbitohs, it's a chance to remove any lingering doubts over their premiership legitimacy. There are sub-plots everywhere - Craig Bellamy up against former pupil Michael Maguire in the coaches box, Anzac Test rivals Cameron Smith and Issac Luke going head to head and Cooper Cronk taking on the latest sensation in the No.7 Adam Reynolds. And if Billy Slater can overcome an ankle injury to play - you have the game's two best No.1s on the field as well.

No fresh injury worries for South Sydney, with Michael Maguire likely to stick with the same 17 as last weekend. Skipper Michael Crocker, Justin Hunt and Jason Clark have all been named on an extended bench but will most likely miss out again. Centre Beau Champion made a return from injury in the NSW Cup last weekend and is unlikely to force his way back into the top grade yet.
It's a settled line-up for Melbourne as well, with only Justin O'Neill (jaw) and Matt Duffie (shoulder) unavailable. Full-back Billy Slater (foot) has spent the week in a moon boot and is in some doubt which would be a blow for the visitors. If Slater doesn't play, Gareth Widdop will move to fullback with Brett Finch to come into the halves. Coach Craig Bellamy has named Slade Griffin, Kenneath Bromwich and Finch on an extended bench and will make the final call on his 17 later in the week.

The Rabbitohs have made their best start to a season since 1971 - the same year they last won a first grade premiership. They made it five-from-five to start 2013 with a late 24-22 win over the Warriors last Sunday.
While Souths have been outstanding to start the year, the Storm have arguably been even better, also enjoying an unblemished record after five rounds. Their come-from-behind 26-12 win over the Wests Tigers on Monday night was their 13th in succession, dating back to Round 22 last season.

Key: Adam Reynolds. NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley says it's too soon to blood Reynolds in the sky blue but, if he can dominate against the Queensland Origin spine, Daley will have to sit up and take notice.
RABBITOHS: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Bryson Goodwin, Andrew Everingham, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, David Tyrrell, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Nathan Peats, Jeff Lima, Ben Lowe, George Burgess, Michael Crocker, Justin Hunt, Jason Clark (three to be omitted).
STORM: Billy Slate, Sisa Waqa, Will Chambers, Junior Sa'u, Mahe Fonua, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (capt), Bryan Norrie, Tohu Harris, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Siosaia Vave, Kevin Proctor, Slade Griffin, Kenneath Bromwich, Brett Finch (three to be omitted).