The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have secured a stunning 26-12 upset over the Melbourne Storm to record their first win of the season.
Result
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 26
Tries: Jacob Preston (10), Jacob Kiraz (28, 46), Josh Addo-Carr (34), Jake Averillo (50)
Goals: Matt Burton (11, 35, 51)
Field Goal:
Melbourne Storm 12
Tries: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (53), Jahrome Hughes (58)
Goals: Nick Meaney (54, 59)
Report
Celebrating their 25-year NRL anniversary, the Storm hosted the Bulldogs for their first game in Melbourne this season. Xavier Coates was ruled out in the lead up to the game, with Grant Anderson starting on the wing in his place. For the Bulldogs, Jayden Tanner was a late scratching with Jayden Okunbor moving to the bench.
After the two sides exchanged sets, the Bulldogs scored the first try when young gun Jacob Preston crashed over in just his second game. With the Bulldogs showing plenty of energy, Young Tonumaipea was sin-binned for a professional foul. As a result, Jacob Kiraz found an overlap and scored in the corner to extend the Bulldogs lead. Exuding confidence, the visitors scored again, this time through Josh Addo-Carr. The try had the Storm reeling and the crowd stunned heading into the break, with the Bulldogs up 16-0.
The Bulldogs scored a quick try to open the second half when Jacob Kiraz grabbed his second. A 40/20 from Reed Mahoney had the Storm on the ropes, and minutes later the Bulldogs had another try through Jake Averillo. That was the turning point for the Storm, who finally found a response. With a renewed sense of desperation, the Storm scored two quick tries through Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jahrome Hughes to get themselves back in the contest.
Inside the final 10 minutes, the game was decided with the Bulldogs defence holding firm, despite Viliame Kikau being sin-binned for a trip. A resurgent Storm side threw everything at them, but the lead proved insurmountable, as the Bulldogs recorded an upset 26-12 victory. The loss for the Storm was compounded by a knee injury to Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Jacob Kiraz (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
2 – Reed Mahoney (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
1 – Jacob Preston (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)