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With his parents watching on in the stands, Joe Stimson stood up to deliver his side the match-winning try and send them three games clear on top of the NRL ladder.

The 21-year-old rookie earned his opportunity when it came to him in the 77th minute.

Saturday night was Stimson’s fourth consecutive game in the starting side.

He was given the chance to step into the second row in the absence of the injured Tohu Harris and as every week passes, he is beginning to look more and more at home.

Storm v Bunnies at AAMI Park! Saturday 26 August, 5.30pm. Be there!

Born in Temora and a product of the Melbourne Under-20s system, his is a story of hard-work and resilience.

The winning try may have only taken a split second but it was just reward for years of hard work for the likeable youngster.

“He is a tough kid, a really good kid with his training, he works really hard,” Craig Bellamy said.

“There is a whole heap of improvement in him without a doubt but he is doing well for us at the moment.

“Joey took advantage of a bit of a defensive error by them.

“It was one of those nights were you didn’t get too many opportunities but when you did get one you had to take it and to Joey’s credit there, he did.”

Acknowledgement of Country

Melbourne Storm respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.