Jack Harbidge reviews the round four clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne. Here’s how the game went.
SCOREBOARD
Storm 40
Tries: Ryan Papenhuyzen (25, 29, 34, 36), George Jennings (58, 63), Cameron Munster (69).
Goals: Ryan Papenhuyzen (26, 31, 35, 37, 70), Josh Addo-Carr (79)
Player of the Year Points
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Ryan Papenhuyzen (Melbourne Storm)
2 pts – Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)
1 pt – Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty Images1st Half
The historically vitriolic clash kicked off in fine style with both sides creating attacking opportunities, only to release any pressure with unforced errors: the most costly of which came from Melbourne just five minutes in when a blown shape down the Storm left edge gifted Xavier Coates a 70+ metre run in to put the heavy underdogs ahead.
The Broncos led until the 25th minute mark, where poor defence allowed Josh Addo-Carr to break away and put Ryan Papenhuyzen in under the sticks for an easy conversion. With scores level, Brisbane’s effort all but disappeared and the Broncos middles ushered Justin Olam through to the fullback to then set Papenhuyzen up for his second try in four minutes.
The now-lifeless Brisbane side traded a few sets with Melbourne but their dearth of defensive capability shone through once again, allowing an offload from Nelson Asofa-Solomona for Papenhuyzen to break three tackes and get over under the sticks. Soon after the ensuing kick-off, Asofa-Solomona managed to get another offload away to Brandon Smith, who fed Jahrome Hughes – gliding through untouched – to send Papenhuyzen in for another long-range effort to bag his fourth try in 11 minutes. With Papenhuyzen converting all four of his tries, Melbourne went into half-time leading 24-6.
HALF-TIME: Melbourne Storm 24 Brisbane Broncos 6
Embed from Getty Images2nd Half
The second half continued in much the same fashion as the first ended, with Melbourne on the front foot and, despite being unable to convert early opportunities, they put a large amount of pressure on the tired Broncos. Addo-Carr got the closest to scoring and went over down the Melbourne left edge, only to be called back for a forward pass.
Brisbane managed to stick in the game for the first 20 minutes of the second half and received great field position off the back of an obstruction penalty in midfield. Even with the territory, Brisbane made nothing of their possession and managed to let Cameron Munster escape his own end zone with little effort from the kick chasers.
Melbourne were allowed to work down the pitch and David Mead had a moment to forget, not making the effort to catch a kick for Melbourne to pounce and open the scoring for the second half 20 minutes in. Brisbane’s performance became even more farcical when the Broncos produced a forward pass on their own line, only for Melbourne to work it out to the right edge and score in the corner.
The Broncos showed a little pride in their defence towards the back end of the game, defending repeated sets on their line, only to concede a Munster try on a blown fifth tackle play from Melbourne. Brisbane continued to make errors in the face of Melbourne’s brilliance, including a drop out on the full from which Josh Addo-Carr took a penalty goal from in front of the posts to make the final score 40-6.
FULL-TIME: Melbourne Storm 40 Brisbane Broncos 6
Injuries
to be advised
Match Review Committee
Patrick Carrigan (Broncos) – Grade 1 Crusher Tackle – Early Plea 1 match ban.
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