Christopher Rooney reviews Melbourne’s return to Queensland as they host Newcastle. Here’s how the game went.
SCOREBOARD
Storm 48
Tries: Justin Olam (6, 61), Cameron Munster (17), George Jennings (22, 61), Jahrome Hughes (35), Nicho Hynes (38), Reimis Smith (45)
Goals: Nicho Hynes (8, 19, 24, 37, 39, 46, 53, 62)
Player of the Year Points
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Nicho Hynes (Melbourne Storm)
2 pts – Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
1 pt – Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty Images1st Half
The Storm decided to rest Origin stars Josh Addo-Carr and Christian Welch for this match against the Knights, with Dean Ieremia on the wing, and Tui Kamikamica starting in the front row.
The Knights, on the other hand, had named Mitchell Pearce and Daniel Saifiti to play and yet lost both before kick off: and boy, did they miss them.
The opening exchange had a few errors and steals but Justin Olam terrorised the Knights all the first half as he scored the first try of the night.
It took the Storm a little bit of time to build momentum, but when they did they were able to score another 24 unanswered points.
Just some typical brilliant tries by the Storm with also Cameron Munster, George Jennings, Jahrome Hughes, and Nicho Hynes.
By the way Hynes, great try celebration with the shoey. You will fit in well down in the Shire next year, I hear the fans down there like a shoey celebration.
The only negative for the Storm was losing Dale Finucane to a concussion, leaving the field for a HIA.
The Knights also lost both David Klemmer and Kalyn Ponga due to HIA’s, with both ruled out for the second half.
Down already by 30 points, it looked to be a tough second half for the Knights.
HALF-TIME: Melbourne Storm 30 Newcastle Knights 0
Embed from Getty Images2nd Half
The second half started like the first half as the Storm continued to dominate possession and score more tries: one for Reimis Smith and a double from both Jennings and Olam. Dominic Young was able to score a try in the corner for the Knights in the second half but was too little, too late.
The Knights showed some fight in the last 20 minutes but again it was too late to mount any comeback.
It was a usual day at the office for the Storm, who have now scored 40+ points in 11 games, a record which will continue to grow by the end of the season.
The Knights will hope to have a full strength side by next week to have any hope of making the finals this year.
FULL-TIME: Melbourne Storm 48 Newcastle Knights 4
Injuries
to be advised
Match Review Committee
to be advised
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