The Newcastle Knights have upset Melbourne Storm 20-6 at AAMI Park on Monday night.
A perseverant Knights outfit attacked Storm from the outset, scoring the game's first try after only five minutes when Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley dived across the line.
With a top four position at stake, the hosts were purposeful in their attacking half and drew level three minutes later through lively fullback Cameron Munster.
Storm take on the Cowboys at AAMI Park this Saturday from 7:30pm. Get your tickets!
The try was the end product of a persistent Storm attack as Kevin Proctor provided the timely assist, turning his back on the Knights defensive line before setting up Munster to score.
Both sides scuffled for possession in the opening stages of the half and there was little between the teams until a decoy run allowed Tariq Sims to break two tackles to record the visitors second try of the half.
Danny Buderus' side continued to press Melbourne's defensive line and were rewarded for their persistence shortly after when Tyrone Roberts intercepted a Cooper Cronk pass before embarking on a 60 metre run that resulted in back-to-back tries for the Knights, who entered the main break with a 18-6 lead.
An error-riddled second half ensued as both sides struggle to maintain any kind of consistency in their attacking third.
With time ticking down, Craig Bellamy's side attacked on multiple occasions but a stubborn Newcastle defence were uncompromising throughout the second 40 minutes of play.
Having secured a two try buffer, the Knights began to press forward. The visitors took advantage of a late second half penalty, electing to kick for goal through Tyrone Roberts, who stretched the Knights lead to 14 points, putting the result beyond doubt.
Melbourne Storm 6
Tries: Munster
Goals: Smith 1/1
Defeated by.
Newcastle Knights 20
Tries: Gidley, Sims, Roberts
Goals: Roberts 2/3
Melbourne Storm:
1. Cameron Munster 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Matt Duffie 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 15. Kenny Bromwich 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 16. Felise Kaufusi 18. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 19. Jordan McClean
Newcastle Knights:
1. Jake Mamo 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Akuila Uate 6. Kurt Gidley 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 16. Chris Houston 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith 14. Tyler Randell 15. Joseph Tapine 17. Clint Newton 18. Sam Mataora
The views expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.
