Storm travelled to Sydney as significant underdogs to take on a Roosters side that was seemingly unbeatable.
Trent Robinson’s men had just secured a third consecutive minor premiership and would take a 12-game winning streak into the 2015 Final Series.
Melbourne had themselves booked a top four berth on the final day of the season courtesy of winning two games in five days.
The Club was also seeking its first finals win since the 2012 Grand Final.
Make #MelbourneProud this Saturday night. Be at AAMI Park for the Qualifying Final!
Having won four of their past five, Craig Bellamy’s side had plenty of cause for optimism despite being ranked-outsiders for the Qualifying Final.
It was critical Melbourne started the game well and after 10 minutes they did just that.
Marika Koroibete collected the ball on Storm’s left edge, took one look at Shaun Kenny-Dowall and proceeded to burst past the Roosters centre to score.
That fast start was short-lived however as the minor premiers hit back just eight minutes later when Sio Siua Taukeiaho had his effort at the line successful overturned by the video referee.
A James Maloney penalty goal just after the half hour mark put the Roosters 8-6 to the good.
Their lead could have and probably should have been greater heading into half-time but Storm were dealt a stroke of luck when Michael Jennings failed to collect a Jackson Hastings grubber kick despite seeming certain to score.
Melbourne re-emerged out of the tunnel two men down with Marika Koroibete and Jordan McLean both ruled out for the game with injuries.
Down both in personnel and on the scoreboard significant questions were about to be asked of this Storm side. Slowly and clinically though they began to answer them.
Cameron Smith leveled the scores once again with a penalty kick in the 48th minute and soon after the men in purple edged closer to an unlikely victory.
Provider for Koroibete’s first half try, Kurt Mann turned finisher on this occasion after getting on the end of a quick-fire, left-sided move as Storm moved six points in front.
