The Melbourne Storm have reminded the Newcastle Knights of just how much work is needed to reach their level after a dominant 44-12 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium this afternoon.
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Final score
Newcastle Knights 12
Melbourne Storm 44
Wooden spoon contenders the Newcastle Knights host premiership favourites the Melbourne Storm in a contest that could be a lot closer than expected. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm AEST.
Its a battle between first and last on the NRL ladder, but don’t be fooled into believing that today’s contest has a Melbourne win written all over it.
The Newcastle Knights are finishing the year strongly, courtesy of three straight wins over the Warriors, Dragons and Eels that now has them in a real fight against the Tigers to avoid the wooden spoon.
Knights coach Nathan Brown is eager for his troops to assess themselves against a team like Melbourne before the season ends, and today’s performance will provide a better indication as to where the Knights truly stand as a unit heading into next year.
The Storm were fortunate to secure another win at home against the Roosters last week, but as is often the case, Craig Bellamy’s men found a way to win, even when not at their best.
With that said, Melbourne may be due for a loss as the finals draw near, and it would not surprise to see Bellamy rest several of his star players during the last three rounds of the season in order to preserve them for September. The fact that Cooper Cronk will sit out today’s contest speaks volumes about Bellamy’s approach heading into the business end of the year.
The other major concern for Bellamy involves Melbourne losing form at the wrong time of the season, so the coach has to find a way to avoid the Storm losing momentum, while at the same time, resting his star players ahead of the finals.
Prediction
The Knights are a chance of causing the upset at home. They are playing with renewed vigour and should challenge Melbourne considerably this afternoon. The Storm are due for a defeat considering their unconvincing performance last week and may just slip up here.
Knights by 4
RM
Guest
Storm's future looks like it will be in very good hands with Croft, Scott, Brandon Smith and Hughes at fullback. Any club should envy the system the Storm has for scouting and then developing talented players.
Joe
Roar Rookie
The scoreline didn't reflect the effort put in by the Knights. Minor Premiers again, very good effort by the Storm. Very happy to see the big men finally kick in and take control as they will be needed come finals. Also glad to see Nelson Asofa-Solomona finally playing to his potential. Still a few mistakes in his game but he is coming along nicely. The Storm didn't really play that well and hopefully the big score doesn't paper over their overall performance. Also awesome game by Brodie Croft, looks like they didn't have to look outside for Cronks replacement next year. In fact all the young guns stood up, Croft, Curtis Scott, NAS. The future is looking good.
Alan
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report FULLTIME Knights 12 Storm 44
Alan
Roar Guru
Asofa-Solomona puts the icing on the cake, scoring a try right on the siren! Melbourne with another masterful performance this afternoon. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL FULLTIME Knights 12 Storm 44
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY STORM Knights 12 Storm 42
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - So much for my prediction. No signs of a hangover here. Do Melbourne need a lose though heading into the finals??? Can they maintain this terrific winning momentum? Knights 12 Storm 38
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Newcastle have barely attacked in the second half. Melbourne take complete control of this contest after doing the hard yards in the first half, even with a player in the bin. Storm too fit and too good. Knights 12 Storm 38
Alan
Roar Guru
The Storm enjoying themselves now as Vunivalu crosses for Melbourne! It wouldn't be a typical Melbourne victory without Vunivalu crossing for a try!. Gee the Storm really have no weaknesses across the park. To be honest, it is their premiership to lose...and that alone is their worst enemy...expectation is extremely high and Bellamy knows it. CONVERSION MISSED Knights 12 Storm 38
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY STORM Knights 12 Storm 38
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Great effort from Melbourne this afternoon without Cronk. They could have turned up a little out of form after last week's tight win over the Roosters, but once again they produce a professional performance to outplay a Knights team that was high on confidence. Reality check for Newcastle. A lot of work needs to be done during the off season to reach Melbourne's level. Knights 12 Storm 34
Alan
Roar Guru
Croft scores a hat-trick! What an afternoon for a player brought in to replace the great Cooper Cronk! Future still looks bright for Melbourne post Cronk. Gee Bellamy sure knows how to raise good young players. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 12 Storm 34
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY STORM Knights 12 Storm 32
Alan
Roar Guru
64' - Newcastle need to score here to keep this contest alive. Storm survive on their line and continue their march towards the minor premiership. Knights 12 Storm 28
Alan
Roar Guru
And just like that, the Storm destroys any home of a potential comeback with another try, this time to Will Chambers! Quality across the park. Too good. Too clinical. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 12 Storm 28
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY STORM Knights 12 Storm 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Wardle is over for Newcastle and the Knights may not be done with just yet. They simply had to be the next to score and they have done just that. Hope remains. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 12 Storm 22
Alan
Roar Guru
55' - Tough afternoon thus far for Knights fans after a great start. Melbourne still remain several classes above...but the Knights hit back! TRY KNIGHTS Knights 10 Storm 22
Alan
Roar Guru
Interesting to see what Bellamy does now with Slater and Smith given Melbourne's present position. Personally, I would take them off now. Melbourne's current crop of players should take charge from here. Knights 6 Storm 22
Alan
Roar Guru
Croft having a great game here as he scores his second try of the afternoon! No matter who they put on the park, Melbourne can always rely on a quality professional performance from any player they bring in. Melbourne can't lose from here. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 6 Storm 22
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY STORM Knights 6 Storm 20