Melbourne Storm had a comfortable 22-4 win over St George-Illawarra in the first ever NRL match to be played in Napier.
>>MATCH REPORT: Storm shine in Napier to down Dragons
Hometown hero Tohu Harris had a hand in two tries as the Dragons slumped to their seventh straight loss.
Melbourne Storm 22 def. St George Illawarra 4
New Zealand league fans get to see a bonus match as the Melbourne Storm play ‘hosts’ to the St George-Illawarra Dragons at McLean Park in Napier. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm AEST.
The Storm were stationed in the top four only a month ago, but four straight losses over the Origin period saw them drop down to fifth. However, they seemed to come back into some form last weekend, as they celebrated Cameron Smith’s 300th game in style with a 52-10 rout over the Panthers.
A win in this game would put pressure on the Rabbitohs in fourth place, and the Storm’s superior for-and-against may still have them on the inside track for a double chance come finals time.
The Dragons were the talk of the competition two months ago, as a long winning streak had them in serious consideration to finish in the top two. However, a six-game losing streak means missing the finals altogether is a real possibility.
Another loss would leave them a game outside the top eight, and with the teams above them in pretty good form at the moment, this almost becomes a must win game if the Dragons want to play September football in 2015.
The Storm have named the same 17 from their big win over Penrith, meaning Mahe Fonua will come off the bench, and Richard Kennar retains his spot on the wing. Ryan Hinchcliffe is named to start at lock, while Christian Welch retains his spot in the 17.
The Dragons have also named the same 17 from last weekend, although there are rumours that Dylan Farrell may force his way back into the side, with Justin Hunt being the man most likely to drop out of the side. Drew Hutchison and Mark Ioane have both been named on an extended bench.
Prediction
The Dragons are a team in a spiral at the moment, and this is the not the game you want to see with a seven-game losing streak on the line. The Dragons were a lot better against the Rabbitohs last weekend, but their attack still lacks an edge, and it’s tough to see where they’ll find a game-winning scoreline.
Storm by 8
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Some players injured and suspended, playing good sides, and some things aren't sticking. I think they're defending pretty well, just undermanned and making too many attacking errors.
Muzz
Guest
Jesse Bromwich. He'll argue that one of Dugan's tatts looked like a sausage sandwich.
Brett
Guest
Wtf has happened? Why has this change in attitude occurred. So strong until R11. Listen the plot. Origin takes a toll. We get that. But roster should support the mighty V. I'm in shock. Lucky I have family that support other teams sharks, bunnies , eels. No consolation considering the strength of what promised to be a demolition side. Guttered
Dan
Guest
Heaven forbid!
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Storm have kept their Top 4 chances alive with a strong 18-point victory over the Dragons. It was a poor performance for the vanquished Dragons, as they needed 77 minutes to score their first points. They've now lost seven in a row, so it's tough to see them playing finals from this point. The Storm are currently in the Top 4, but the Rabbitohs should retake that position with a win over the Knights tonight. They looked at their clinical best at times, but it was the defensive effort that the coaching staff will be happy with. Thanks for joining me for this clash, and make sure to come across to the Bunnies and the Knights.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The Dragons will be in the last chance saloon next week. 30 plus point win over the Knights required or we can forget about it.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' Tough game to watch this one. The Dragons in particularly have been thoroughly uninspiring. Widdop loses the ball, so the Storm will get the final set. Storm 22 Dragons 4
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY DRAGONS 77' Finally the Dragons have something to cheer about. CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL Storm 22 Dragons 4
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
VIDEO REF DRAGONS 77' Peter Mata'utia may have scored here!! He goes straight through Fonua and Bromwich, and he reaches out to score. We're checking double movement, but it looks OK in real time. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
76' Both Cronk and Smith on the bench now. Shows the respect that the Dragons are commanding from the Storm at the moment. Penalty goes to the Dragons, and Widdop finds the line just shy of the 40. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
75' Chambers almost goes straight through Euan Aitken on the right flank. Now Tohu Harris puts the ball down. Can we end this game five minutes early? Storm 22 Dragons 0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
74' Marshall goes through the hands on the last play, and he finds Nightingale with some space once again. He tries to get a ball away to Mata'utia on the outside, but it goes into touch. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
73' It's just getting a little messy now, from both sides. The Dragons try a little left side raid, but Hunt has no space. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
71' Widdop and Marshall create space for Nightingale on the outside, and he's away!! He goes inside to Dugan, but he's chopped down by Chambers. Now Cooper puts the ball down trying to get an offload away. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Led into contact with his knees I think.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
70' The Storm are away, as Smith finds harris in a huge hole. He finds Munster on the inside, but Munster's pass out to Fonua is forward. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Not sure to be honest.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
69' Widdop just slips over himself on the final tackle. They'll go to the air with Marshall, but Koroibete has no problems catching that one. Now the Fijian almost goes straight through. The Dragons have already gone home it seems. Storm 22 Dragons 0
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Which Bromwich did the bite?
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
68' Josh Dugan was just put on report for something. I didn't see the incident. The Dragons will need a miracle from here. Storm 22 Dragons 0