Storm Warriors
periods, but lacked vital polish in the key moments, especially in the final 15 minutes.
The Storm remain extremely difficult opponents; not just for their undoubted skills and ability, but for their mastery of the dark arts. They pioneered the current wrestling emphasis in the NRL and got away with plenty in the ruck again last night.
Ben Matulino made his long awaited return for the Warriors, coming onto the interchange bench in place of Charlie Gubb.
For the second consecutive week the Warriors made a bright start. Foran and Johnson were combining well in the halves — with Foran taking the lead at first receiver — and the defensive intensity was evident from the outset.
They were rewarded with the opening try, David Fusitu’a flashing over after Blake Ayshford dragged in two defenders. The try was a product of incessant pressure, as the Melbourne side got a taste of their own medicine.
The Storm responded, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona — surely the biggest man in the world of league — taking three defenders across the line from short range.
The second half continued a cut and thrust pattern. Fusitu’a's second try came off probably the best Warriors set move of the season, as Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck linked at lightning speed to set the winger free.
The Storm replied almost immediately, with Will Chambers busting through the Warriors left edge from long range before Cooper Cronk finished off.
A Johnson penalty — after the Warriors eschewed a quick tap — took the visitors ahead, before two late Storm tries sealed the result.
Storm 20
(N Asofa-Solomona, C Cronk, J Addo-Carr, F Kaufusi tries; C Smith 2 goals) bt (D Fusitu’a 2 tries; S Johnson 3 goals). Halftime: 8-8
Warriors 14