LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a high-octane battle at AAMI Park, the Melbourne Storm faced a tough 18-22 loss to the Dragons in the latest round of the Jersey Flegg competition.
Fullback Benjamin Rumble was on fire for the visiting team, scoring two quick tries to set the tempo early on.
The Dragons then extended their lead with a try from Isaiah Fagalilo, putting the Storm in a tough spot at 18-0.
But the Storm didn't back down, with Josiah-Ekkehard Neli breaking through the Dragons' defense to score a crucial try in the 20th minute.
This lit a fire under the home team, as Delacruz Ripley received a slick pass from De'Ontae Perese to bring the Storm within striking distance at 18-12.
The Dragons, however, came out strong in the second half, with Campbell Watchirs scoring a pivotal try in the 36th minute to widen their lead to 22-12.
Despite a valiant effort from the Storm, they couldn't quite close the gap, ultimately falling short in a hard-fought match.
It was a tough loss for the Storm, but they'll be looking to bounce back stronger in their next game, ready to fight another day in the competitive world of Rugby League.