GARETH WIDDOP SHINES
A dominant performance by Gareth Widdop steered his side St George-Illawarra Dragons to a solid 20-10 win over Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium.
An extra special result as Widdop won against his former club for the first time. ย And what an impact he had on the game! ย He scored the opening try with a little bit of luck coming off a Storm defender as he kicked through. ย A nice cut-out ball to Tim Lafai set up Kurt Mann’s try in the corner.
Widdop loves the light encounters and comes into his own and he was in everything good that came the Dragons way.
STORM DEFENCE BEST IN THE GAME
With the wealth of possession the Dragons had (especially on the Storm line) it was evident Melbourne were not going to make life easy for their opponents despite having key players missing.
They did an excellent job to contain Benji Marshallย who had another average game for the Red V. ย There was magic from Marshall, then complete frustration from Benji coming up with some odd plays.
Generally there on-line goal defence was superb at WIN Stadium. ย A little inexperience and fatigue set in late and the Storm conceded two late tries.
Defence wins competitions and Melbourne deserve to finish in the top 4 and be title contenders.
STORM UNEARTH CRAFTY HALFBACK
When Cooper Cronk decides to hang up his boots in a couple of years time, expect Brodie Croft to feature in the number 7 jumper.
The Toowoomba product turns 19 next month and very much like Penrith’s Nathan Cleary seemed to settle into NRL football quite nicely.
Croft called the shots, took on the line and almost came up with a try of his own in the second half. ย He alsoย Suliasi Vunivalu’s first try.
One to keep in the black book! ย Melbourne Storm again recruit another exciting star in the making.
WHO NEEDS SEMI RADRADRA?
With all the headlines breaking about Semi Radradra’s future in the hours leading up to the game, it seemed rugby league was losing a Fijian superstar.
Whatever the future holds for Semi, another Fijian flyer is set to take over in his place. Suliasi Vunivalu scored his fifth double to go on top of his one hat-trick – all in the space of eight games. He’s now our competition’s leading try scorer with 13.
Only once has he not scored, that coming against Penrith a fortnight ago.
The guy can finish. ย Suliasi is likeย Radradra – a man to be feared when in possession of the ball. ย Good in the air, quick and strong.
FROM THE SHEDS
No major news from either side out of the match. ย Slow start for Tariq Sims in his first game with the Dragons. ย Josh Dugan expected back next match after almost being available.
Storm will next week have their Origin players back and hopefully Blake Green and Cam Munster.
SCOREBOARD
St George-Illawarra Dragons 20
Tries:ย Gareth Widdop, Kurt Mann, Mitch Rein
Goals:ย Gareth Widdop 4
Melbourne Storm 10
Tries:ย Suliasi Vunivalu 2
Goals:ย Tohu Harris 1
