The second NRL game on Friday night is an important one for the shape of the Top 8 with the Rabbitohs hosting the Storm. Neither team will want to admit it, but a loss here could spell trouble for their Finals aspirations. This sets the stage for an exciting contest to begin your weekend. Before You Bet is here to preview the match ahead, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to get your break starting off on the right note.
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Rabbitohs vs Storm Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 21 2026
Falling short, again
It was another agonising and high scoring loss for the Rabbitohs as they were defeated 34-24 by the Raiders on the road. A poor first half saw them trail 28-6 at HT; while they were able to claw back momentum in the second half, it was too much for them to overcome as time ran out. Despite having a greater share of possession (53%), a poor completion rate (76%) let them down, as well as their 34 missed tackles. They were unable to do anything with their 9.3m per carry, 6 line breaks, and 601 PCM’s. The recent injury news for Duncan and Murray only compounds their problems moving forward.
Doing their best considering
Down on several key players, the Storm were competitive in their 14-8 loss to the Roosters, pushing their opponents far more than most expected. There was even a stage where they were a chance of stealing the result. Unfortunately, their lack of experience failed to get them over the line when it mattered most. They tried hard with their execution, completing at 80% with 46% possession but were crushed defensively, averaging just 7.2m per carry and 2 line breaks. Also missing 27 tackles allowed their opponents to generate more momentum than they should have.
Stats that matter
- The Rabbitohs won the Round 8 fixture between these two sides 48-6, extending their streak against the Storm to just 3 wins in the past 15 matches between them. They even have an inferior record at home compared to their opponent (57% vs 61%).
- In the past 5 matches, 3 have been decided by 12 points or less. This doesn’t help the average though, with two blowout victories seeing the average margin of victory sit at 19.4 points. The average total points in the same games is 52.2 points.
- Both sides concede the same average points is season 2026 (23ppg). The Rabbitohs have an edge in their attack though, scoring 28ppg compared to the Storms 23ppg; this may be a large reason why they are slightly higher on the ladder.
Depth to be tested
Both teams are struggling to field their strongest possible team for this match. The Rabbitohs suffered a huge blow this week with the injury news for Murray and Duncan, along with the loss of Fifita (suspension). They are accustomed to being in this position and it will impact their effectiveness in this contest. On top of who is already missing, it may decide the contest. The Storm are still missing a key member of their spine in Munster but welcome back Hughes to halfback. He off sets the loss of any other player and adds stability to their team. The direction he will provide around the field will both compliment and free up Grant to scheme in the middle.
The Rabbitohs have leaked points this season in bunches; their best defensive effort is need here to be competitive. The Storm demonstrated enough improvement last week to suggest they will be competitive. It will be tight though, with the visitors only emerging late in this contest to cover the line.
Storm -1.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Rabbitohs vs Storm Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 46.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Either team under 12.5 points – see above for justification.
Leg 3 = Johnston to score – he has performed strongly against the Storm with 10 tries from his past 5 matches against them. Playing at this ground only increases his chances, with 10 tries from 5 matches also. In great form, those statistics suggest it’s about to continue.
Rabbitohs vs Storm Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 24th July
Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Time: 8pm (AEST)
Odds: Rabbitohs $1.95 vs Storm $1.87
Line: +1.5
Points: 46.5
Where to Watch Rabbitohs vs Storm
Watch the Rabbitohs vs Storm match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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