Storm eye minor premiership with comprehensive victory over rivals

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Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters

In what was labelled as a blockbuster prior to kick-off, the Storm reminded the rugby league world that the Roosters aren't in their league. It marks another loss suffered by the Roosters at the hands of the Storm, and since the beginning of the 2020 season, it's their 19th loss from 20 matches against either the Storm or Penrith.

It was a tight contest early, but the Storm quickly asserted themselves with tries to Jack Howarth and Grant Anderson in the 13th and 16th minutes, respectively. The second of those tries was created by an excellent piece of dummy-half work from Harry Grant, who burst through a staggered Roosters defensive line before finding Anderson through an offload who stepped inside oncoming defenders and burst through the line with sheer pace to double Melbourne's lead.

The Roosters, through Daniel Tupou, were able to get on the board in the 26th minute, only for Victory Radley to be sent to the bin 10 minutes later for tackling Anderson without the ball. The Storm took advantage of the overlap immediately with Anderson scoring his second try courtesy of a brilliant chip kick from Ryan Papenhuyzen.

With a 10-point lead, the Storm were in a commanding position, which was more than deserved as they thoroughly outplayed the Roosters in the first half and the hosts continued to do so for the majority of the second half despite interchange forward, Joe Chan, being sent to the sin bin in the 46th minute.

Whilst the Storm were dominating the Roosters on the park, they couldn't initially convert it into points. However, they were awarded penalties in the 55th and 63rd minute within range of the posts, and duly took the two points from each, extending their lead to 10-points.

When Connor Watson was sent to the bin in the 54th minute, you wouldn't be mistaken from thinking the Storm were going to grab this opportunity with both hands and run away with the game.

However, the Roosters managed to stay in the match, and when Dominic Young scored his side's second try in the 66th minute, the travelling side finally had some spark about them. Despite this, the Storm became extra resilient in defence, determined to come home with the two points, and did so successfully.

The hosts put the cherry on top through Sualauvi Faalogo who blocked a Sam Walker kick from his own half with his boot, picked the ball up and sprinted the remaining 10 metres to the try line to score with his typical swan dive to secure a 16-point victory.

A victory that keeps the Storm six points clear at the top of the ladder, whilst the Roosters remain in fourth, missing a grand opportunity to climb into second place.

Next week, the Storm face the Parramatta Eels whilst the Roosters will face a challenge against the in-form Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.