Storm edge past sloppy Titans

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Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm

Melbourne Storm won 28-16 against Gold Coast Titans in front of 13,509 fans at Robina Stadium.

The Storm did enough to bank two points in this game and cement themselves in the NRL top two. Doubles for Sualauvi Faalogo and Grant Anderson helped secure the win.

In the wet conditions, ball handling was paramount unless you are the Titans. Regan Campbell-Gillard popped an offload which found it's way to Jojo Fifita then inside to Jayden Campbell to score first. 

Storm earned a penalty to get out of their own end and struck immediately. Ryan Papenhuyzen used his pace to poke through the line then flicks it wide to Sualauvi Faalogo who dives over in the corner. 

The visitors would take the lead into half-time from an error. Despite playing some bizarro football, Faalogo showed his speed to scoop up an error from the Titans to make it 10-6. 

Melbourne would extend their advantage to 10 just before half-time. Interchange wizard Tyran Wishart had a good solo effort, selling a dummy then stretching out for the four-pointer. 

Titans needed to get off to a flyer in the second half. They didn't but scrapped well and reduced the deficit to six. Campbell unfurled the long pass for Phillip Sami to score in the corner for 16-10. 

The Storm kept them at arm's length like a school bully off another error. Cam Munster pushed through a low kick and Grant Anderson was on the spot to touch down for the score. 

This game showed us the true 12-point turnaround. Sam Verrills thought he had snuck over but the bunker ruled interference. Titans retained possession and one errant pass spelt their demise.

Anderson scooped up the ball, ran the required distance and got his second four-pointer of the game. Another conversion from Papenhuyzen extended the Storm lead out 18 points. 

Titans refused to give up though, got it back from a short kick-off. They used the grubber to their advantage and it popped up right for Sami to collect his second of the game.