LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a thrilling match at AAMI Park, the Melbourne Storm emerged victorious with a 37-16 win over the Gold Coast Titans.
The Storm were delighted to have their superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen back in action after his 405-day absence from the NRL.
Although he only played the final 18 minutes of the game, Papenhuyzen made a significant impact with his skillful plays.
The Storm got off to a strong start, with Will Warbrick scoring in the fifth minute thanks to a perfectly executed grubber kick from Jahrome Hughes.
However, the Titans quickly retaliated, as Chris Randall powered over from dummy half, leveling the scores at 10-10.
Titans center Brian Kelly showcased his speed and agility as he finished off a brilliant left side raid, tying the game once again.
The momentum shifted in favor of the Storm when Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was penalized in the 34th minute, allowing Nick Meaney to kick a successful penalty goal, giving the home side a narrow lead.
Cameron Munster, known for his exceptional skills, made his presence felt in the game.
He broke through the Titans' defense with a brilliant line break and perfectly timed pass to Xavier Coates, who scored his second try of the match.
This extended the Storm's lead to 18-10 as they headed into halftime.
In the second half, the Storm continued to dominate the game.
Coates completed his hat-trick, showcasing his incredible speed and finishing abilities.
His three tries played a crucial role in securing the Storm's victory.
The Titans, to their credit, fought hard throughout the match.
They displayed resilience and determination, refusing to back down.
However, they were unable to match the Storm's firepower and ultimately fell short.
With this win, the Storm took a significant step towards securing a top-four finish.
Their impressive performance, combined with Papenhuyzen's return, has undoubtedly boosted their confidence as they approach the final stages of the season.
Overall, the Storm showcased their strength and skill in their victory over the Titans.
Their attacking prowess, combined with their strong defensive efforts, proved too much for their opponents to handle.
As the Storm continue to excel, they are certainly a team to watch in the upcoming matches.