LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a challenging match held in severe weather conditions, the Melbourne Storm secured a 28-16 victory over the Gold Coast Titans, marking their seventh win of the season and keeping them in the top four.
The Storm's performance showcased their ability to adapt to adverse circumstances better than the Titans.
Despite facing a face laceration early in the game, the Titans' skipper demonstrated resilience by completing 72 minutes in the match, accumulating 136 running metres and 28 tackles.
Fellow Titans player Beau Fermor also had an impressive outing, running for 168 metres, while Moeaki Fotuaika contributed with 38 minutes of experience from the bench.
The turning point in the match occurred in the 63rd minute when a try from Sam Verrills was controversially disallowed.
Coach Des Hasler's expression mirrored the confusion among Fox League commentators, as the Bunker ruled that Verrills' attempt was invalid due to a "burrow action" after he had been impeded by two Storm players in the ruck.
This decision was pivotal, as it left the Titans trailing by what could have been a converted try, but ultimately added to the frustration of the home side.