It ended South Sydney’s best start to a season since their last premiership triumph 42 years ago, but the Rabbitohs believe Saturday night’s loss to Melbourne could be the making of their next title.
The Storm won the battle of the NRL’s two unbeaten teams 17-10 at ANZ Stadium, the premiers’ ability to capitalise on their half chances punishing the Rabbitohs.
But the Bunnies were far from disheartened at having their perfect record spoiled – the close up look at the Storm machine and ability to stay with them right up to the final whistle giving hope for a better result down the track.
“They’re the No.1 team in the comp, they’re where every other team wants to be,” Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds said.
“That was like semi-final football tonight.
“It was a great test for us. The boys showed a lot of character and there’s no doubt we’ll learn a lot from that game.”
Not just the Rabbitohs, but Reynolds too, as he took on the playmaker he looks up to more than any other – Cooper Cronk.
Cronk was brilliant as he steered the Storm around the park, providing valuable lessons for the man many tip could one day emulate Cronk as the Australian No.7.
“He’s one of my idols, still to this day,” Reynolds said.
“There’s a reason he’s the No.1 halfback in the world.
“He does things at 100 per cent, he’s got a great team around him with Smithy (Cameron Smith) and Billy Slater.”
With so many players involved in the coming weekend’s round of representative matches, Storm coach Craig Bellamy said he had little choice but to sit back and watch his charges in action and hope they return to the club in one piece.
“I’m always concerned about (the toll on the players) but I don’t worry too much about that,” Bellamy said.
“I wouldn’t be getting too much sleep if I worried about that. I know it’s there, we’ve planned for it.”