Faalogo magic steals the show in Wollongong

Embed from Getty Images

St George Illawarra Dragons v Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm have gone back-to-back to start the 2026 NRL season after a 46-20 victory over a gallant St George Illawarra Dragons side at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

An early penalty goal to the visitors gave Melbourne a 2-0 lead after five minutes before they were able to get the first four-pointer of the afternoon when Will Warbrick took advantage of the numbers to score. The Storm then hit the scoreboard again when Clint Gutherson couldn't take a high kick, and the ball ended up with Jack Howarth, who scored, and the Storm lead 12-0.

The hosts were able to get some possession and field position, which they took advantage of when Christian Tuipulotu scored out before, ten minutes later, some clever work from Hamish Stewart to throw the dummy and go a play before Dan Atkinson threw one of the best passes you'll see out to Valentine Holmes to score.

The Dragons hit the lead inside the final five minutes when Clint Gutherson was the beneficiary of repeat sets for home-side, and he was able to score in almost no room in the southeast corner. Valentine Holmes converted to give the Dragons a 16-10 lead.

If there's one defensive rule when playing the Storm, it's to never fall asleep on Harry Grant at dummy half, and the Red ‘V' did exactly that when on the stroke of half-time the defence rushed up and left a gaping hole for the Storm captain to dive over. Nick Meaney converted, and the Storm took an 18-14 lead.

The second half was an arm-wrestle to start with, Daniel Atkinson throwing another beauty of a pass out to Valentine Holmes, who scored his second try of the game. The Holmes conversion gave the Dragons a 20-16 lead.

The final 15 minutes became the Sua Faalogo show as the Melbourne fullback flipped the game on its head completely. A mistake from the Dragons put themselves under pressure, and Faalogo took advantage as he scored his first.

Faalogo put the sword to the Dragons with another two tries in the space of 10 minutes, with some individual brilliance, which was split between some Jahrome Hughes magic himself as he went to the line.

The Storm iced the victory when Moses Leo scooped up a charged down field goal attempt and went on a 45m solo effort to go through the middle to score. The Melbourne debutant, Angus Hinchey, converted from in front to give the visitors a 46-20 win.

Next week, the Storm head back to Melbourne for a grand final rematch with the Broncos at AAMI Park on Thursday night, whilst the Dragons head to Parramatta for a clash with the Eels.