Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen scored a double for the defending champions as they defeated the Rabbitohs 26-18 in the NRL opener last night.
Coach Craig Bellamy hopes last night's victory has answered many of the questions left behind following the off-season departure of veteran Cameron Smith.
Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster showed the defence is in safe hands as the Storm piled on 22 points in the opening 30 minutes.
Papenhuyzen ran for 174 metres and kicked five goals from six attempts in a standout individual performance, while Munster led superbly in the absence of Smith who had been the heart and soul of the club for 18 years.
Munster and Justin Olam each scored a try for the Storm.
The Rabbitohs fought back in the second half with a try from Alex Johnston and Latrell Mitchell but it was not enough to give them the victory.
Storm's victory means they maintained their exceptional record of not having lost a round one encounter since 2001, while the Bunnies have lost 17 from 17 games in Melbourne.
The Knights will take on the Bulldogs at 7 tonight while the Broncos will face the Eels at 9.05 tonight.
The Warriors will play the Titans at 4pm tomorrow, the Roosters will take on the Sea Eagles at 6.30pm tomorrow and the Panthers will face the Cowboys at 8.35pm tomorrow.
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