Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith was asked in the lead-up to their Anzac Day match if a win over NRL premiership contenders the Warriors meant the Storm were back.
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Final score
Melbourne Storm 50
New Zealand Warriors 10
ANZAC Day’s second match between the Storm and Warriors promises to be classic between two in-form teams at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7pm AEST.
After an indifferent start to the season getting used to life without Cooper Cronk, the Storm have returned to something close to their best over the past 2 rounds with comfortable wins over the Knights and Broncos.
Ryley Jacks has slotted in well at half back whilst the key playmakers in Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster and Billy Slater are all in good form.
However, the Storm will be down on troops, with Jesse Bromwich out with a knee injury and Suliasi Vunivalu forced out with muscle soreness, replaced by Young Tonumaipea. Both are significant losses.
The Warriors have their own injury problems, with Tohu Harris missing the match against his former club due to concussion and Shaun Johnson still not returning from a groin injury.
Johnson’s absence didn’t impact the Warriors last round, with a 20-12 win over the previously unbeaten Dragons providing further proof that the Warriors are the real deal this season.
Johnson’s replacement, Mason Lino, would now be on the radar of a number of NRL clubs after his performance last weekend.
Blake Green is arguably the buy of the NRL season to date, providing much needed structure to the Warriors team.
Recent history has seen the Storm win the past four matches, including the last two ANZAC Day clashes.
Prediction
This is truly a toss of the coin with the significance of the occasion not lost on either team. The Warriors will be keen to claim another big scalp but I think this Melbourne Storm at home will do just enough.
Storm by 2
Brendon
Guest
In their defence, they lost to the Tigers twice within the first 5 weeks of the competition after losing one of the best halfbacks in the game. Their offence was always going to take time to straighten up.
Sylvester
Guest
Tough game for the Warriors to cross the Tasman midweek without 3 key players, but this is what separates the contenders from the pretenders. Hopefully they can flush it.
Peter Phelps
Guest
Melbourne have never lost 3 times to the same team in a season. They will be hoping to meet Wests in the finals.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Ball speed is electric from Storm silky smooth.
Concerned Observer
Guest
So long as they don’t run into west’s in the finals
Peter Phelps
Guest
Thanks for the coverage. That Back to Back record is starting look in danger on tonights performance
Bargeall
Guest
Another Sutton attempted second half comeback but even he couldnt do this. No decisions for the Storm in second half and the Fusitua "try" in the 60th minute was a dropped ball (video ref) but the complicit Fox commentators didnt mention it but the crowd was amazed.
Joe
Roar Rookie
12-10 second half so Bellamy will not be happy with that.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks Stu. No-one beats the Storm in that form
David Holden
Roar Guru
Melbourne sent a warning shot to every NRL team with a dominant win over the Warriors. The Storm played brilliant football in the first half and did well enough to outscore the Warriors in the second half despite having not much ball. The Storm vs Dragons game next round will be eagerly anticipated. With regards the Warriors, they were either overawed or flat in the first half and then showed glimpses in the second half of what they have achieved so far this season. If not already, their performance tonight will surely bring the Storm to premiership favourites. Hope you enjoyed the coverage. Good night
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Storm put on an absolutely clinical performance tonight. Forward line is solid and having Kasiano as a sub is deadly he is going to be a nighmare for tiring sides. Easily the best team in the comp.
Peter Phelps
Guest
Don't know, they struggled a bit early in the second half. Bellamy will not be happy with that defensive effort. Lots for the storm to work on before they meet the Dragons
Joe
Roar Rookie
Storm too good. Was not expecting that kind of scoreline and was thinking it would be a very closely fought battle. Everything just went the Storms way in that first half and they looked unstoppable. Warriors were just flat tonight, probably played out of their skins last week and didn't have much left. Losing Isaac Luke also didn't help at all. Sets up a great match next week between the Storm and Dragons who were both very good in their wins tonight.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that there were some good signs from the storm tonight
Joe
Roar Rookie
Should have been a penalty against Lino for taking out Munsters legs. Hopefully its not a bad injury to Munster.
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' Smith kicks it out and its Full Time. Melbourne way too good tonight Storm 50 Warriors 10
David Holden
Roar Guru
79' This could well be the last set. Storm work it forward Storm 50 Warriors 10
David Holden
Roar Guru
78' Sloppy set with Papali'i dropping a poor pass. Storm 50 Warriors 10
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Warriors do move it right well and Tonumaipea mistake gives Warriors another 6 Storm 50 Warriors 10
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Solid set from Storm and Smith grubbers over the sideline to run down the clock. Storm 50 Warriors 10