The Melbourne Storm have pulled off an incredible comeback at Leichardt Stadium against the Wests Tigers, coming back from a 14 point deficit to take the win 22-14.
It was a true game of two halves, with the Tigers starting on fire, unable to be contained by an oddly out-of-sorts Storm outfit.
Melbourne came up with error after error, with the first try coming from Mitchell Moses in the 12th minute in a wonderful solo effort.
It was then that the Storm’s discipline became an issue, with two consecutive penalties being awarded to the home side, both of which resulted in goals off Moses’ boot.
The Tigers weren’t done with yet however, piling on another try through Elijah Taylor who burst onto a Luke Brooks pass close to the line to take his embattled side to 14-0.
However, they were unable to keep the Storm scoreless for the half, with Asofo-Solomona turning defence into offence in the final minute of the game, jarring the ball loose from Joel Edwards arms, then scoring under the posts.
The second half was all Storm, and more specifically, all classic Storm moments.
An incredible game-changing 40/20 kick from Cam Smith led to Young Tonumaipea scoring in the corner early, before a blistering length-of-the-field try from Cheyse Blair put the visitors in front.
From then on, the Tigers fatigue took hold, and under the careful control of veterans Cronk, Smith and Slater, they were able to see out the victory.
Josh Addo-Carr also added to the score with about 15m minutes to go with one for the highlight reel, a dazzling break up through the middle of the line to put the result beyond doubt.
There was also a major injury concern for the Tigers, with Luke Brooks injuring his hamstring in the second half.
Next week the Storm take on the Panthers in a blockbuster match, while the Tigers take on the in-form Dragons.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
If Cleary gets the gig Gus will be signing his young bloke to a ten year contract. Without Cameron Smith the Storm would struggle to win half their games. Brooks and Moses are terrible together, Moses has more to offer but i think Brooks isn't up to first grade standard. Tedescos defense on a couple of the Storms tries was a bit ordinary, he didnt get a finger on Blair.
Mushi
Guest
But why does cleary take the gig?
James Ditchfield
Roar Rookie
Started off like a house on fire, but got a little lazy and the Storm managed to overcome a weak first half to prevail. Shame the Tigers couldn't put together some of this football last weekend.
bbt
Guest
Bizarre game. Don't think I have seen Storm play as badly for a long while. Tigers should have won that - and I say that as a Storm fan.
Riggs
Guest
Storm were woeful first half and still found a way to win. The Storm big 3 know how to direct attack, Tigers big 4 no where near as clinical. Need a coach with past success. They have to take on Cleary. He took the Warriors to a GF and nearly took the Panthers with half their side out to the GF in 2014. It's a no brainer
Deano70
Guest
Tigers won every stat in the game bar the scoreboard, promising spirited performance, but Jessie Sue earnt himself a stint in NSW cup, got found out twice around the ruck, and can be almost solely to blame for Tigers loss, lazy defence, it was obvious his mindset was they're 80m out let's some one else cover the ruck, he was expecting a one out hit up into the defence and Chayse Blair and Addo-Carr found him out. These two costly examples weren't the only times he got caught out. He failed to kill a loose ball before the whistle was blown and watched as Melbourne broke the line on one occasion when he was probably in a position to break down the attack. 1%ers aren't his go!!
Jacko
Guest
Tigers should be good next week with brooks out. Thats an improvement already before they name next weeks team.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
No stats?