Sharks break Melbourne hoodoo as controversy reigns

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Melbourne Storm v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

The Cronulla Sharks have broken Melbourne's six game home winning streak with a controversial 25-18 win over the Storm at AAMI Park.

Both sides were pressing each other and the Storm were able to open the scoring first when Nick Meaney slotted a penalty goal after 15 minutes. The Storm then added to their 2-0 lead as a correct call from Grant Atkins ruling Kayal Iro put himself into position to let the ball hit him and go out saw the Storm attack and out of dummy half Eli Katoa went over.

The Sharks were able to hit back five minutes later with the rookie Tuku Hau Tapuha crashing over under the posts and after Daniel Atkinson converted, the Sharks had levelled the scores.

Cam Munster set up Melbourne's second try with a magnificent ball  out to Reimis Smith who was able to get over and the Storm were back in front leading 12-6.

Controversy began to reign with two very contentious bunker decisions leaving the home fans and the NRL fans at a whole very confused as Harry Grant was penalised and sin binned for contact on the leg of Daniel Atkinson. The Storm fans were not happy as were a lot of the NRL public as the contact from Grant being extremely minor yet the decision was to bin the Melbourne captain.

The Sharks took advantage of the numbers and again it was through bunker controversy that they got the next try with Oregon Kaufusi going over but initially denied by Grant Atkins on field for a knock on and replays seemed to agree but Adam Gee ruled that possession was maintained and grounded and the scores were level.

Cronulla began to dominate position and possession and after knocking on the door repeatedly they were able to barge over when Jesse Ramien got over in the corner. Atkinson's sideline conversion gave the Sharks a six point lead.

Tyran Wishart proved that he is a valuable commodity as he was able to single handedly pull the Storm back into the game as he took a run with the defence splitting and the Storm levelled things up.

The Sharks then went back into the lead with a Daniel Atkinson field goal before a poor decision to go short from the kick-off for Melbourne saw the ball go back the other way as Ronaldo Mulitalo set up Sifa Talakai to go through and score and send the Sharks out to their match-winning 25-18 win.

Next week at Magic Round the Storm have a clash against the Eels on Sunday night whilst the Sharks play host to the Roosters.