Reigning premiers Melbourne have edged past South Sydney in the opening NRL qualifying final, downing the Rabbitohs 29-28 in a thriller at AAMI Park.

Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster nailed a field goal from more than 30 metres out with four minutes remaining to break the deadlock.

The Storm led 16-12 at halftime before the Rabbitohs fought back and took the lead until a converted Melbourne try in the 74th minute locked up the game before Munster’s match-winner.