Rowan Anderson reviews Melbourne’s comeback win over the Gold Coast Titans.
MATCH DETAILS
It was set up to be a huge win for the lads in purple, and even though the Titans got out to an 8-0 lead, the pending minor premiers ran away victors 24-8 in Melbourne.
The start for the Titans was against expectations, but it ended up being a true first versus last battle.
- 13th minute: Michael Gordon Penalty Goal
- 15th minute: Jesse Arthars Try/Michael Gordon converted
- 29th minute: Kenny Bromwich Try/Cameron Smith converted
- 43rd minute: Ryan Papenhuyzen Try/Cameron Smith converted
- 56th minute: Dale Finucane Try
- 67th minute: Cameron Smith Penalty Goal
- 70th minute: Josh Addo-Carr Try
FOUR POINTERS
Storm need to start off right
This was the worst first half of the Storm’s season. They will wrap up the minor premiership but need to really click into gear and sort out the woeful completion rate they were blasted for in the loss to Canberra the round prior. They are on notice, especially with smokies like the Green Machine and their rival Sea Eagles, who are ready to mix it come September. In the first half, the Storm only completed 11 of 19 sets – at 59 per cent – and were at the wrong end of an 8-3 penalty count.
Major Munster Mess
He is a star but needs to sort out his frustrations on the field. One of Melbourne’s main offenders, penalised twice as well as making three costly errors.
Papi Is A Revelation
A real star on the rise, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen continues to show what he has to offer from the back and when let off the leash into space.
Titans Clean-Out Needed
I am biased but it is clear, even as a faithful of the Gold Coast outfit, they must clean out their squad and recruit smart in the off-season. Another wooden spoon simply is not good enough. Jesse Arthars, Phillip Sami and AJ Brimson must be retained and the next chapter needs to be built around them. AJ is a star and needs to be kept at fullback and given the captaincy. A fresh start hopefully will turn the tide for this lost NRL side.
THE RESULT
Melbourne Storm 24
Tries: Kenneath Bromwich, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Dale Finucane, Josh Addo-Carr
Goals: Cameron Smith 4/5
Drop Goals: n/a
Gold Coast Titans 8
Tries: Jesse Arthars
Goals: Michael Gordon 2/2
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Melbourne Storm: 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 18. Curtis Scott 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 1. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 19. Tom Eisenhuth 20. Max King.
Gold Coast Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kallum Watkins 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tyrone Peachey 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Mitch Rein 10. Jai Arrow 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Sam Stone 13. Nathan Peats. Interchange: 14. Alexander Brimson 15. Jai Whitbread 16. Jarrod Wallace 18. Bryce Cartwright.
