Wests Tigers, Storm see off Broncos

North Queensland Cowboys 20-14.

It was the fourth loss in their last five games for a Cowboys outfit expected to be contenders this season but who now sit just off the bottom of the ladder.

Superstar Johnathan Thurston told Fox League after the game his team was embarrassing.

“We beat ourselves with our ball control — it’s pretty embarrassing,” he said. “It’s a pretty hollow feeling”.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said Thurston needs to be punted from his No 7 jumper to allow Michael Morgan more control of the team.

In yesterday’s other NRL game, the Melbourne Storm came from behind to beat the Brisbane Broncos 32-16 and climb to fifth.

Cameron Smith was prominent for the Storm, making 50 tackles at an efficiency rate of 94 per cent and kicking for 246m.

Melbourne were down by four at the break but earned the two points thanks to second-half tries from Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Suliasi Vunivalu and Jahrome Hughes.

Brisbane still had a chance to strike back and regain the lead, trailing by four points with 15 minutes to play, but a lack of discipline and some sharp play from the hosts ensured the Broncos would return home emptyhanded.

The victory was marred by a hamstring injury which forced Kiwis prop Jesse Bromwich out of the game in the 58th minute.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona also impressed for the Storm, with the big Kiwis prop producing some punishing runs.