Andrew Pelechaty reviews Melbourne’s huge Magic Round win over the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium. Here’s how the game went.
SCOREBOARD
Storm 44
Tries: Josh Addo-Carr (10, 53, 71), Kenneath Bromwich (16), Dean Ieremia (29), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (47), Jahrome Hughes (51), Justin Olam (58), George Jennings (68).
Goals: Tyson Smoothy (13, 48, 52), Nicho Hynes (73).
Player of the Year Points
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)
2 pts – Nicho Hynes (Melbourne Storm)
1 pt – Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty Images1st Half
As the “unofficial” fourth Queensland team, the Storm love playing at Lang Park, and the love affair continued in their Magic Round belting of the Dragons.
The Dragons were on the back foot immediately, with Josh McGuire sin-binned in the eighth minute.
Worse was to come for “the Red V” when Josh Addo-Carr – fresh off a Dorothy Dix (six tries) last weekend – scored the Storm’s first try in the 10th minute. Tyrell Fuimaono flattened Ryan Papenhuyzen high in the lead-up and was sent off. To quote metal band Devildriver, the Dragons were ‘bringing knives to a gun fight.’
On a more serious note, Papenhuyzen was stretchered off, and will probably miss a few weeks. Watch this space.
Despite their setbacks, the Dragons stayed with the Storm, and only trailed 14-10 at halftime, with Mikaele Ravalawa scoring two tries.
HALF-TIME: Melbourne Storm 14 St George Illawarra 10
Embed from Getty Images2nd Half
As they’ve done to so many teams in 2021 (like their Good Friday demolition of the Broncos), the Storm put St George Illawarra away in a scarily quick fashion.
The Storm scored four tries in 11 minutes (Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jahrome Hughes, Addo-Carr, Justin Olam), blowing their lead out to 34-10 with 20 minutes left. Put down the glasses. Game over.
At least the Dragons, who have earnt their top eight spot in 2021, kept fighting: Ravalawa completed a hat-trick and Cody Ramsay scored on full-time. While the Dragons were blown away here, they’ll fancy themselves in the local derby against Cronulla-Sutherland. Though they may be without Ravalawa (after a grade one shoulder charge), Tariq Sims (grade one dangerous contact), Fuimaono (grade one reckless charge), and McGuire (careless high tackle).
In between this mini Dragons revival, George Jennings scored and Addo-Carr completed another hat-trick. Though there’s no truth to the (made up) rumour that Addo-Carr was fined half his match fee due to that horrendous Slim Shady-style haircut.
The Storm travel to Bruce Stadium to play the Raiders next week. While the Raiders had a much-needed win in Magic Round, they’ll also be missing Jack Wighton, Josh Papalii, and Josh Hodgson following the carnage on Saturday afternoon. Expect the Storm to increase their winning streak to eight and Craig Bellamy to share another consoling post-game beer with his good mate Ricky Stuart.
FULL-TIME: Melbourne Storm 44 St George Illawarra 18
Injuries
to be advised
Match Review Committee
Josh McGuire (Dragons) – Grade 1 High Tackle Careless – Early Guilty Plea $2600 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $3450 fine
Josh McGuire (Dragons) – Grade 3 Dangerous Contact – Early Guilty Plea 5 match ban, Guilty at 7 match ban
Tyrell Fuimaono (Dragons) – Grade 1 High Tackle Reckless – Early Guilty Plea 5 match ban, Guilty at Judiciary 6 match ban
Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons) – Grade 1 Shoulder Charge – Early Guilty Plea 2 match ban, Guilty at Judiciary 3 match ban
Tariq Sims (Dragons) – Grade 2 Dangerous Contact Other – Early Guilty Plea 1 match ban, Guilty at Judiciary 2 match ban
Christian Welch (Storm) – Grade 1 Dangerous Contact Other – Early Guilty Plea $1900 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $2600 fine
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