The Storm have pulled away late to win an absolute classic against the Roosters – victory only being assured after a spectacular bombed try in the dying minutes.
The Roosters were about to re-take the lead, as Sam Walker put a gorgeous chip kick in for Sitili Tupouniua, who’d already latched onto one kick for a try.
The back-rower ran onto it and caught the ball, only for it to pop free as he dived over the try line.
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Melbourne took full advantage, taking the 20-metre tap and rolling up the field, for Felise Kaufusi to split them and score just a few tackles later.
A 12-point swing in the blink of an eye, and the Storm won by eight.
It was a spiteful affair at times, most notably when Walker was taken from the field after a collision with Kaufusi in the making of a tackle.
The Melbourne forward may be in hot water after he appeared to lead with his forearm or elbow as Walker was making a tackle – forcing the young Rooster off for a HIA.
It was awful timing for the Roosters, who had already lost their other half, Luke Keary, to a head knock.
Fans online were incensed, and Walker was taken off for a HIA – but Kaufusi was not cited.
“I’ll say it – I think he meant exactly what we saw. He knew exactly what he was doing,” Greg Alexander said of the incident on Fox League.
“He knew where his forearm was in relation to the defender – so that’s one, again, for post-match,” Andrew Voss added on Fox League.
“You be the judge at home.”
Walker was able to return and put in that kick that could have won them the match – but it just wasn’t to be for the Tricolours, who drop to eighth on the ladder after arch-rivals Souths won earlier today.
Winger Grant Anderson repaid the faith in Craig Bellamy to hand him a first cap in the NRL, bagging a double.
“It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” the debutant said on Fox League.
“You dream of it as a kid, and I can’t believe it’s come true.”
Marion Seve scored twice as well, before Kaufusi’s match-winner.
“I think we just hung in there, and maybe a bit of luck as well,” Jahrome Hughes told Fox League.
“We were really lucky to get out of that one with a win… we’ve got a few things to work on.”