Vunivalu scores as Storm edge Warriors
The Warriors were left to rue some missed opportunities and are sweating on the fitness of hooker Issac Luke following yesterday’s 12-6 NRL defeat to Melbourne. The home side had several chances to post points but the Storm’s desperate defence restricted them to a lone first half try as they fell to their fourth straight home defeat in front of 17,695 fans at Mt Smart Stadium. Melbourne opened the scoring through centre Will Chambers and the Warriors hit back through Gerard Beale before wing Suliasi Vunivalu crossed again for the visitors to make it 8-6 at halftime.
Errors and some controversial refereeing decisions went against them in the second half before Storm captain Cameron Smith kicked two penalty goals to close the game out.
The result leaves the Warriors in eighth spot on the premiership ladder while Melbourne’s seventh straight win saw the reigning premiers claim top spot above the Dragons and Rabbitohs.
Coach Stephen Kearney was satisfied with the attitude and effort from his players but lamented their inability to convert scoring chances.
“There was some really courageous effort and energy out there but it was one of those games you’d classify as a missed opportunity,” said Kearney.
“We just didn’t quite execute well enough and when you’re playing a side like Melbourne it comes down to those moments.” The Warriors were dealt a blow with Luke hampered by a recurring calf injury though the first half before he was eventually forced off in the 51st minute.
Kearney was optimistic the Kiwi international would recover in time for next Sunday’s away game against the Titans.
“[Luke’s] had a bit of an issue with it over the last couple of weeks so we’ll monitor it and see how he goes and get him rested and worked on and get him right for next week,” he said.
However, lock Adam Blair may find himself in hot water with the NRL’s match review committee after he was placed on report for a late and high tackle on Storm fullback Billy Slater.
Storm 12 (Will Chambers, Suliasi Vunivalu tries; Cameron Smith 2 pens) Warriors 6 (Gerard Beale try; Shaun Johnson 1 con).