LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In an enthralling yet low-quality contest, the Melbourne Storm secured a spot in the home preliminary final with a close victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at AAMI Park.
The match was filled with controversy and injuries, culminating in a game-clinching long-range intercept by William Warbrick for the Storm.
Both teams entered the qualifying final understrength and eager for a week off, with the Bulldogs displaying strong intent from the outset.
The Bulldogs quickly gained momentum with an adjustment in their initial set, although Viliame Kikau's match took a worrying turn as he faced a potential concussion from a stray elbow.
Fortunately, Kikau passed his head injury assessment and returned to the field, allowing Eliesa Katoa to capitalize on a pass from Jonah Pezet and score the first points, taking advantage of the gap in Kikau's defense.
Throughout the match, errors from the Storm set a disjointed tone, preventing either team from showcasing their full potential. The Bulldogs took advantage of these mistakes, building pressure before Toby Sexton leveled the score.
Sexton, who had been dropped eight weeks prior, was summoned from the bench following a suspected knee or ankle injury to Stephen Crichton, who now faces a race against time to be fit for next week.