All three of the Storm‘s first-half tries came from mistakes by the Warriors as they took a six-point lead into the main break on Monday night.
Winger Edward Kosi was responsible for two blunders, with the first being a costly knock-on in attacking territory.
Storm speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen immediately scooped up the loose ball as Jahrome Hughes put on the finishing touches to make for a 95-metre try (watch above).
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“Once he got the ball – Jahrome Hughes – underrated how quick he is, and he was able to hold his speed,” Penrith great Greg Alexander said in commentary for Fox League.
“What a counter-attack.”
The Warriors then hit back through Dallin Watene-Zelezniak before the 23-year-old Kosi made another crucial error as he failed to ground a Melbourne attacking kick in the in-goal.
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Kosi’s failed attempt to ground the ball resulted in an easy put down for Xavier Coates. The Storm winger later finished the match with a dominant four tries, including a hat-trick in just eight minutes.
To make matters worse, moments later a no-look pass from playmaker Shaun Johnson resulted in an intercept try to Nick Meaney.
“A big mistake again gifts Melbourne four more points, Meaney can’t believe it,” commentator Warren Smith said after Melbourne’s third try.
The Warriors had a promising start, matching it with Melbourne, however the contest soon evaporated away in the second-half as the Storm stacked on points to claim a 70-10 win.
Adding to the Warriors’ woes, Watene-Zelezniak was taken from the ground on a stretcher following an ugly head clash.
Competing for a high ball with Papenhuyzen – who took possession and scored – Watene-Zelezniak subsequently fell awkwardly before his head collided with the stray knee of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Lock Joshua Curran also left the field with a serious leg injury.
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