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.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Wests Tigers 14
Melbourne Storm 22
It may only be round four but there’s already plenty to prove for the Wests Tigers, who this week play host to the might of the Melbourne Storm at Leichardt Oval this Sunday! Join The Roar from 4pm AEDT for score updates and a live blog of all the action!
It’s been a huge week for the Tigers, and not in a good way, with coach Jason Taylor following in the footsteps of Mick Potter before him, being shown the door at Leichardt after a couple of fairly underwhelming seasons.
Drama and the Tigers seem to attract each other in recent times, and after yet another massive off-field distraction, the seventeen taking the field will be desperate to chalk up a win this Sunday for interim coach Andrew Webster and ease some of that outside pressure.
It won’t be easy in the slightest though, with their opponents the Melbourne Storm in fine form, starting the season 3-0 despite some injuries to key players – they just know how to win.
The Storm have been everything we know them to be: professional, clinical, and damn hard to beat.
They haven’t been piling on big scores yet, only averaging a tick under 18 points a game – it hasn’t been an issue though, with the defence as strong as ever, only allowing a mere nine average of points a game.
Felise Kaufusi has been fantastic taking over from Kevin Proctor in a starting role, and has been a sound contributor so far in 2017.
The return of Billy Slater last week was a hugely exciting moment for league fans across the country, and boy did he look good!
The battle of the fullbacks will be sensational viewing, with the Tigers’ James Tedesco in glowing form, furthering his claim as the best No.1 in the game.
If the Tigers are to pull off the shock upset, you’d think it would be off Teddy’s back.
Last week the Tigers let in 46 points and the week prior 36 – unacceptable numbers for any team.
The Achilles heel for Wests seems to be that seven-to-eight minute period at the end of each half, where the notion of defence seems to dissipate, allowing opposition players to score at will and chalk up unassailable leads.
They’ll need to tighten up significantly against the sensationally smart firepower of the Storm.
Last season, halves Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks ranked third and fourth respectively for missed tackles league-wide – look for the Storm to target those two relentlessly.
Jesse Bromwich returned last week from injury without a hitch, only adding to the strength of the Storm pack.
The Tigers might need the win more, but it’s hard to see them getting it.
If we look at the ladder coming in, this match is first versus last – and I expect that to show.
Storm by 18.
Can the Tigers turn their fortunes around with a shock win or will the Storm remain undefeated? Join The Roar from 4pm AEDT for all the action live!
James Ditchfield
Roar Rookie
It amazes me that the Melbourne Storm can have such a sloppy first half, yet can be good enough not only to stay in the game, but to win it in the second half. Still the benchmark.
Bill larkin
Guest
Disgraceful refereeing. Amongst the many biased decisions, the penalty for "kicking out in the tackle" was one of the most rediculous I've ever seen. The fact the commentators thougt it fair enough speaks volumes.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report VOTES 3 - Cam Smith 2 - Josh Addo-Carr 1 - Tim Glasby
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Disappointing for the Tigers to give up a 14 point lead after such a tremendous first half, but the gap in class really showed once fatigue set in. Brilliantly controlled game by Storm skipper Cameron Smith.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
MELBOURNE WIN! The Storm go from being 0-14 down to taking the win 22-14! Brilliant effort from the now 4-0 comp leaders. FT Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
High kick in from Moses, but caught wonderfully by Cronk! That's it you'd think. Brilliant comeback from the Storm. 79' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Melbourne almost add to their score - a slight knock on from Slater before he can ground the ball keeps this game somewhat alive. 77' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Cronk sends the ball into touch as the clock continues to run. They're in control mode now. They should be able to see this out. Great effort from young forward Joe Stimson who's had to step up today in the absence of some others. 74' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Another wonderful effort from Addo-Carr, who tackles Nofoaluma about 4m out from the try line, just as the winger tries to put in a kick. Ball trickles into touch and the Storm take back possession. 72' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Clever little kick from Teddy on tackle 5 sits up over the line, where Slater is forced to slap it out into the crowd. Line drop-out. 70' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Small break for Wests, with a Melbourne knock-on in the very next set. Just over 11 minutes to go. 69' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Smith converts, and the lead is out to 8. Hard to see the Tigers pinching this now! 68' Wests 14 Melbourne 22
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Teddy!
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
TRY MELBOURNE JOSH ADDO-CARR! Spectacular run from the winger, straight up the guts! Hands brush at him but he's totally unfazed, burning through the line and then through Tedesco as he flies the length of the ground for a killer try! 67' Wests 14 Melbourne 20
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Should open up now. Tigers exhausted.
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Storm holding on here. Defence has tightened. 65′ Wests 14 Melbourne 16
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
Tigers get repeat sets close to the line - they're all having a crack at this tired Storm defence! 63′ Wests 14 Melbourne 16
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Come on EJ, try and be a bit more creative than putting spaces in, I know it’s hard but even potatoes can do better!
Shannon Russell
Roar Guru
A couple of nice kicks have been put in deep from Moses in the last few minutes, and both times Billy Slater has been able to get back, take possession, and just sneak back into the field of play. Gee he's good. Luke Brooks looks to have done his hamstring and won't take any further part today.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Just showing a m oron such as yourself how to get a comment through without being moderated. Seeing as you are so desperate to describe me more accurately.