Craig Cauchi reviews Melbourne Storm as they play host to the St George Illawarra Dragons.
MATCHDAY RESULTS
SCOREBOARD
Melbourne Storm Score
Tries: Ryan Papenhuyzen (20, 48), Nick Meaney (31), Jahrome Hughes (58), Cameron Munster (61), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (67), Trent Loiero (76)
Goals: Ryan Papenhuyzen 2 (21, 33), Nick Meaney 3 (48, 50, 59)
St George Illawarra Dragons 6
Tries: Jack De Belin (71)
Goals: Zac Lomax (73)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty Images1st Half
The first three sets were all in the hands of the Melbourne Storm and they looked to get the ball rolling with Jesse Bromwich crashing over the line however it was called back due to an obstruction.
The Dragons could hardly get into any attacking position and the only time they did was off the back of a Melbourne Storm penalty.
Storm dominated possession – ending the half with nearly ten extra sets than the Dragons – and it looked like they were finally on the board with Nelson Asofa-Solomona but the play was called back for a knock on.
From the next set they finally scored the first try with Ryan Papenhuyzen adding another to his tally.
A late try in the half to Nick Meaney from a Dragons error gave the Storm a comfortable 12-0 lead at the break.
HALF-TIME: Melbourne Storm 12 St George Illawarra Dragons 0
Embed from Getty Images2nd Half
Melbourne started the half just as dominant as the first – only this time they were able to take advantage.
Ryan Papenhuyzen finished off a full field try eight minutes into the second half.
The effort ended the fullback’s match, picking up a hamstring strain, but it was the start of a rush of points to Melbourne as they ramped up the intensity of the match.
First Jahrome Hughes scored off the back of a Cameron Munster kick and that was followed up quickly by the Storm five-eighth scoring his own.
The Dragons failed to shut down the offloads and the metres as Melbourne ran in another try to Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Jack De Belin added a try for the Dragons but it wasn’t the last try of the match as Trent Loiero finished off another dominant Melbourne performance.
FULL-TIME: Melbourne Storm 42 St George Illawarra Dragons 6
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Cameron Munster (Storm), 2 pts – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), 1 pt – Harry Grant (Storm)
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