A patchwork Melbourne Storm side has turned on the style in the nations capital in their 34-10 victory over the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium.
The match could not have started any better for the Raiders as they were able to score in the opening minute when a Sam Williams miskick bounced back perfectly for the Raiders. The bounce found the hands of the Raiders and George Williams saw space on the outside and put in the kick that found Bailey Simonsson who scored.
Despite having a lack of territory, the Raiders were able to extend their lead just under 15 minutes later when Sam Williams ran to the line before putting boot to ball in behind the defensive line which sat perfectly for Elliott Whitehead to chase through and score. The conversion from George Williams pushed the Raiders to a 10-0 lead.
On the half-hour mark, the Storm were denied a try for an obstruction but it didn't matter much as they were able to cross just four minutes later when Nelson Asofa-Solomona was unstoppable from close range to score his first of the night. The visitors added a second try on the stroke of half-time when Chris Lewis was on the spot to pick up the ball which was knocked out of Brandon Smith's hands.
The second half was a one-way affair with the Storm just dominating throughout the second 40 minutes. The Storm were score eight minutes into the second half when Nelson Asofa-Solomona was able to score his second try of the night when the Bunker ruled that NAS held onto possession before grounding it.
The Storm added another try almost instantly when the Storm got into attacking position and the Raiders defence didn't have enough to match the Storm as Reimis Smith scored. The Storm were the beneficiary of a second bunker overturn, when Tom Eisenhuth crossed just after the hour mark. Referee Gerard Sutton on-field sent the call to the bunker on no try ruling Eisenhuth offside and despite it looking live like he was offside, replays showed he was onside and the try was awarded.
Despite getting possession, the Raiders couldn't do anything with it and inside the final five minutes, Storm rookie Trent Loiero scored his first NRL try after the Storm were able to keep the ball alive and Loiero was able to get over to score his maiden NRL try. Nicho Hynes' only miss of the night meant that the Storm would take a 34-10 victory.
Next weekend, the Raiders have a tough task as they head to Gosford to take on the Sydney Roosters whilst the Storm head back to Brisbane as they take on the Broncos on Thursday night.