STORM SURGE TO HOME FINAL
THE minor premiership looks a certainty for Melbourne Storm after their gritty 24-8 win yesterday over a gutsy Gold Coast at AAMI Park.
What also seems certain is whoever wins the NRL premiership will likely need to go through Melbourne to hold aloft the silverware.
Storm are guaranteed to host a qualifying final in the first week of the post-season after yesterday’s come-from-behind win in front of 11,758 fans.
Josh Addo-Carr came within a whisker of adding another four points to the Storm’s score, but Titan Phillip Sami’s extraordinary 90m chase brought down “the Foxx” with centimetres to spare.
With regular halfback Brodie Croft (rested) a late withdrawal and Storm said to be trialling different combinations, speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen moved to fullback and Jahrome Hughes partnered Cameron Munster in the halves.
Papenhuyzen scorched the turf for a game-high 239m, including 61 post-contact, while Hughes amassed 90m to go with a sharp kicking game that afforded Storm valuable territory.
Luckless Storm premiership centre Curtis Scott will learn his fate today when the NRL match review committee delivers its finding on a crusher tackle in the 14th minute.
Scott, who had not played at NRL level since breaking his foot in round nine, was placed on report in the 14th minute for a dangerous tackle on Titans winger Phillip Sami.
A suspension would open the door for Marion Seve and Solomone Kata to break into the run-on squad with Will Chambers (ankle) sidelined.
NSW State of Origin superstar Addo-Carr could also come under scrutiny for tunnelling Jesse Arthars, and Titans hooker Mitch Rein was placed on report for a dangerous tackle.