STORM NRL TEAM’S STREAK OVER
THE Eels have revived their top-four hopes and ended the Storm’s record-equalling winning streak in a stunning 22-10 upset that will have major ramifications for the NRL premiership race.
Melbourne winger Josh Addo-Carr limped off in the second half with a hamstring strain and the Storm will also be sweating on the charge sheet with Harry Grant on report for a hip-drop tackle, Jesse Bromwich for a crusher tackle and Brandon Smith for a high tackle on Marata Niukore.
The Storm were chasing a history making 20th win on the trot, but it was the Eels who made their own history, becoming the first team to beat the Storm twice this year and sending a message to the rest of the competition.
Eels firebrand Nathan Brown had a blinder but was put on report for a high shot that sent Tom Eisenhuth for an HIA assessment, while Clint Gutherson limped off in the second half with a leg injury.
Meanwhile, embattled Brisbane is on the verge of a clubrecord 33-year losing low after the Sharks moved within striking distance of the finals with a 24-16 disposal of the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane coach Kevin Walters’ class of 2021 equalled Anthony Seibold’s woodenspoon side of 2020 by crashing to its 17th defeat of the year.
Broncos rookie Tesi Niu ramped-up his claims to be the Broncos’ permanent fullback next season with another promising display.
And the Dragons’ season went up in flames at Paul Vaughan’s infamous barbecue – it’s just taken seven weeks for their finals hopes to finally burn down to ash. Anthony Griffin’s side already needed a series of miracles to make the finals and its 38-26 loss to North Queensland in Rockhampton was the final nail in the coffin.
On the back of some classy touches from 18-year-old backrower Jeremiah Nanai, a strong showing from star forward Jason Taumalolo and some listless Dragons defence, the Cowboys restored a little bit of pride.