Melbourne consolidated its position in the top eight with a convincing 38-12 victory over South Sydney in Saturday night's NRL match at Aussie Stadium.

The Storm ran in eight tries to two to climb up to fifth position on the ladder and leave the hapless Rabbitohs without a win in more than a month.

Classy halfback Matt Orford was the star for Melbourne, bouncing back to form to have a hand in four of his team's tries.

The winning margin would have been even greater had Melbourne hooker Cameron Smith landed more than three of his eight shots at goal.

On a sorry night for Souths, winger Luke MacDougall and lock Ashley Harrison were both also placed on report for suspect tackles.

MacDougall might find himself in strife with the NRL judiciary after committing a dangerous throw on Melbourne five-eighth Scott Hill three minutes into the second half before Harrison went high on Storm interchange forward Dennis Scott 14 minutes later.

The Storm had the match all but sewn up after racing to a 20-6 halftime lead through tries to second-rower David Kidwell, Orford, prop Alex Chan and interchange forward Glen Turner and three conversions from Smith.

The Rabbitohs' only first-half points came from a Harrison try in the 17th minute and Ben Walker's successful conversion.

Further four-pointers to fullback Greg Inglis - who was deputising for the suspended Billy Slater - winger Matt Geyer, centre Steve Bell and Turner increased the Storm's advantage to 38-6 midway through the second-half.

Souths fullback Todd Polglase grabbed a late consolation try.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP