Paps and Sua star as Storm spoil Broncos party plans
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Inspired by Ryan Papenhuyzen's return to the starting side and a double from electric debutant Sualauvi Faalogo, the Storm overcame the Broncos 32-22 on Thursday night.
In what could end up being a preview of what awaits in week one of the post-season – with the two clubs every chance of meeting again next week – the Storm had to come from behind on three separate occasions at Suncorp Stadium and had too much class in the end.
With both sides opting to rest the majority of their frontline stars, Papenhuyzen had a huge impact at fullback, running for 135 metres, scoring a try and setting one up, in addition to kicking four from six off the tee.
While Papenhuyzen's opposite number Tristian Sailor stole the show from a Brisbane point of view, the Storm also had Faalogo dazzle on debut, with a pair of tries and a handful of big plays that suggest he has plenty to offer at NRL level.
Ryan Papenhuyzen Try
The result means the Storm go third for the time being, pending the result of the Dolphins v Warriors game on Saturday, while the Broncos now need the Panthers to lose to the Cowboys in order to claim their first minor premiership since 2000.
Early it looked like being a long night for Melbourne, after stand-in Brisbane captain Thomas Flegler and winger Jordan Pereira got over for tries inside the first 15 minutes, which were both converted by Josh Rogers.
But the visitors soon settled and ended up in front by the time the break arrived.
Grant Anderson's first-half double, which would have been a hat-trick but for a sloppy foot in touch on his way to the line on 21 minutes, helped the visitors claw back to within two, before Faalogo made a commanding statement with one of his first touches in the NRL.
Anderson does everything but score
After splitting the line, he blitzed clear before linking with Papenhuyzen and re-appearing on the right edge to finish a special try.
Down 14-12 at the break, Brisbane started the second period in ideal fashion, with Sailor turning provider for the second time on the night to put Pereira over for his second four-pointer.
Another two off the boot of Rogers following a penalty for an escort stretched the gap to six, but a converted try from Papenhuyzen tied things up a short time later.
A second penalty goal from Rogers on 58 minutes would end up being Brisbane's final points, with tries to Reimis Smith – who earlier had spent 10 in the bin for a professional foul – and another for Faalogo ending the Broncos' hopes of wrapping up the minor premiership in front of their home fans.
Match: Broncos v Storm
Round 27 -
home Team
Broncos
2nd Position
away Team
Storm
3rd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match Snapshot
- The Storm have won their past 14 matches against the Broncos dating back to 2017 while the Broncos have not defeated the Storm at Suncorp Stadium since 2009.
- Melbourne made only six errors and completed 82 percent of their sets, compared to Brisbane's 72 percent.
- In addition to scoring two tries, Grant Anderson carried the ball for a game-high 228 metres from the wing.
Grant Anderson Try
- Xavier Willison had to be lifted from the field with 32 minutes to play due an ankle injury.
- Brendan Piakura went on report three times in the match.
- The Broncos have won only two of their past seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Broncos played their 900th game since entering the premiership in 1988.
Play of the Game
A moment probably beyond even the wildest dreams of Sualauvi Faalogo, who cut through the heart of the Brisbane defence with his first run at NRL level before sending Tristan Sailor into a spin with some nice footwork. He backed up to score a brilliant try on debut, which was made all the more special by the involvement of Ryan Papenhuyzen, the man who Faalogo could succeed long term as the Storm's first-choice fullback.
Sualauvi Faalogo Try
What They Said
"We didn't really have a bad player out there, there were just a couple of clutch moments where we couldn't quite get it right. It [the minor premiership] was there for us, the opportunity was there for us tonight to make that happen. Effort was great, just not quite so smart on a few plays and we just weren't good enough tonight." – Broncos coach Kevin Walters.
Broncos: Round 27
"I was really proud the way they played tonight. We had a couple of little rough patches there, but the way they fought back from being 12-0 [down] and then the Broncos scored first in the second half, that didn't seem to knock the enthusiasm out of them at all. They just never give up and kept hanging in there and we got the result in the end." – Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
Storm: Round 27
What's Next
The Storm will await the outcome of the Dolphins v Warriors clash on Saturday, which will decide whether it's them or the Warriors who finish third. The outcome of the Panthers v Cowboys match later that night will also dictate whether they play Penrith in week one or have a re-match with the Broncos. Brisbane need the Panthers to lose in order to win the minor premiership, but they're assured of playing either the Storm or Warriors in week one of the finals.
