A strong performance from the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Friday night ensured a 24-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys.
MATCH DETAILS
Despite the Storm dominating in the opening exchanges, it was the Cowboys who scored the first points of the clash. Following a strong, powerful run from Scott Drinkwater, the Cowboys used their flare to create space on the left side for Murray Taulagi to score (4-0). Shortly after, the Storm responded in similar fashion courtesy of a slicing run from Brodie Croft, and clever footwork from Sandor Earl (6-4). A late try to the Nelson Asofa-Solomona extended the Storm’s lead, and sent them into half time with a 12-4 advantage.
The Storm continued their momentum just minutes after half time, when Will Chambers capitalised on a deft grubber kick (16-4). A penalty to the Storm elevated their lead to 14, before a fabulous flick pass from Scott Drinkwater led to a Cowboys try and narrowed the deficit (18-10). A gallant run from youngster Max King sent the Storm out to a seemingly unassailable lead (24-10) with seven minutes remaining. A late try to the Cowboys reduced the margin (24-16), but was not enough to weather the Storm.
FOUR POINTERS
Storm gearing up for finals
Whilst not their most clinical performance, the Storm still exhibited glimpses of brilliance. Whether it was through slicing runs or monster tackles, they showed why they are considered favourites for the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership.
Disappointing end for Cowboys
Despite showcasing their talent for portions of the match, the 24-16 loss brought an end to what has been a tough season for the Cowboys. Their nine wins, 14 losses, and 1 draw ensured they finished 12th on the NRL ladder.
Young talent time
The emergence of young stars is always an exciting time, for both the game and fans alike. With a plethora of prodigies across both teams, the future is shaping to be full of flare, speed, and unpredictability.
Storm secure Minor Premiership
The Melbourne Storm were awarded the shield for the Minor Premiership at the conclusion of the match, recognising them for their terrific season.
THE RESULT
Melbourne Storm 24
Tries: Sandor Earl, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Will Chambers, Max King
Goals: Cameron Smith 4
North Queensland Cowboys 16
Tries: Murray Taulagi, Kyle Feldt, Gavin Cooper
Goals: Kyle Feldt 2
SQUADS
Melbourne Storm: 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2 Suliasi Vunivalu, 3 Will Chambers, 4 Justin Olam, 5 Sandor Earl, 6 Brodie Croft, 7 Jahrome Hughes, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Cameron Smith, 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11 Felisa Kaufusi, 12 Kenneath Bromwich, 13 Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14 Max Kind, 15 Tui Kamicamika, 16 Joe Stimson, 21 Harry Grant.
North Queensland Cowboys: 1 Scott Drinkwater, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Jordan Kahu, 4 Tom Opacic, 5 Murray Taulagi, 6 John Asiata, 7 Michael Morgan, 8 Scott Bolton, 9 Jake Granville, 10 Jordan McLean, 11 Gavin Cooper, 12 Shane Wright, 13 Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14 Josh McGuire, 15 Coen Hess, 16 Peter Hola, 17 Francis Molo.
