Melbourne forward Tohu Harris has doubled his NRL career try-scoring tally as he led the Storm to a 36-18 over the hapless Cronulla at AAMI Park.
Harris had previously scored just two tries in two seasons but scored two more in the first half as the home side ran in six in an impressive performance across the park.
The defeat means Cronulla remains winless after three rounds while the Storm are back in the black following last round’s loss to Manly.
There were some questions about who would fill the role of second-row following the departure of Ryan Hoffman to the Warriors, with NZ Test forward Harris now the obvious answer.
The 23-year-old was second in his team in both tackles with 26 and run metres in a peerless display.
The Sharks started well but their defence proved flimsy as the game went on, with the Storm halves Cooper Cronk and Blake Green finding plenty of holes.
Harris opening the scoring when he barrelled over in the ninth minute with the Storm taking advantage of a failed 40/20 attempt by Wade Graham.
Cronk added their second 10 minutes later before Harris was in again for an 18-0 lead.
Harris’ second came just after Storm skipper Cameron Smith was back-slammed by David Fifita.
Play was set to continue before the video referees intervened and referee Gavin Badger placed the Sharks forward on report.
Sharks halfback Jeff Robson added a late try to close the deficit to 12 points at halftime.
The visitors then had to wait until the 63rd minute for their second, with young winger Valentine Holmes diving over in the corner.
By that stage the Storm had already scored a further three, with winger Marika Koroibete, Smith and centre Will Chambers all crossing to put the match out of reach.
Andrew Fifita gave the scoreline some respectability with a third Sharks try but there was little else to cheer about.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Joe, Mann has had 3 opportunities to pass to Koro when in the clear so far and he has elected to be greedy and run himself.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Stormtrooper FYI, they did 1,729m in the go forward department, close to a record
The eye
Guest
This is more dismal than last year..there was an excuse then so it was easier to take.They just havent competed ,and thats the minimum requirement.. The real excitement recruit is in reserve grade while the backline is breaming with mediocrity..Titans next week,got zero confidence..rather have James Shepherd...
Joe
Roar Rookie
Good game by the Storm. The left edge which struggled against Manly last week were the shining light this week. Green/Tohu/Mann and Koroibete were outstanding. Sure they were up against Bukuya/Barba/Beale/ but they were tearing it up in defense and attack. Koroibete has been outstanding in his 3 games this season and is looking to be a handy replacement for Sisa Waqa. The forwards were solid and skipper Cameron Smith was a standout with his selective passing and running game. If one were to look for any criticisms in the forwards it would probably be that Proctor's workload has dropped off for a player of his stature. Also small team criticism for the 18 points they let in although they had rested players in the last 10 mins for the Sharks 2 tries. Green is really turning out to be a great buy and forming a potent combo with Tohu on the left. Mann played the best game I've seen him play. Final word is on the ref Gavin Badger with some mystifying calls, firstly calling a no try for Chambers try which was about as clear as you can get, then 5 mins later penalizes Koroibete for a dangerous 3rd men below knee tackle when it was pretty clear he hit him mid-thigh and wrapped his arms around his legs. He needs to go to specsavers.
Stormtrooper1
Guest
Well done Storm ... Although more improvement is needed ... Set plays, timings and passing to be much better perfected - that will come sooner than later. Billy Slater's game has changed over the last couple of years ??? As talented as I know and believe him to be, I prefer him following play, on the front foot, busting the line and scoring tries. Craig Bellamy needs to review the lack of structure that affects the go forward and defensive abilities of the team - a must for the team to keep on winning.
Muzz
Guest
The Sharks started very flat.Line speed was poor enabling the Storm to cross the gain with ease.Allow the Storm to get an early roll on and they're hard to beat.Things looked a little better when Lewis and Tupou came on. Sharks look desperate for a dominant half to take control.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Flanagan is under pressure big time.... the forwards again did their job but the backs couldn't take advantage of it. They had over 25 tackles in the opposition 20 and based on last night Barba certainly isn't the problem..... Robson has been a great servant to the club, could never question his commitment but his time in the 7 is up, nothing's going to change while he is there as the attack just stifles as soon as it gets to him. The Sharks started to threaten from all across the park once Ennis had enough and decided to conduct the play himself and got Barba involved. Todd Murphy to come in at Halfback for Robson this week, start rotating Valentine Holmes and Gordon at the back.... especially in the opposition 20 as Holmes becomes another play making option - these are musts. Another option is to bring Bird and Gagan onto the left edge instead of Leutele and Feki. If Flanagan doesn't make changes, and the Sharks end up 0-4... drastic changes will need to be made - if they start 0-5, then I think Flanno's job is on the line... this team has too much depth and talent to be starting 0-5 and the coach needs to go if that's the case.
Red Rooster
Guest
Agree tom, what have they been doing all summer? Ever heard of playing to your strengths Flanno? Fast guys running off big forwards maybe?
Tom G
Guest
i can see why Flanagan's contract was extended whilst suspended... He is the guru