Storm Dominates Sharks as Bellamy Backs Panthers for NRL Glory
In a thrilling NRL clash that showcased Melbourne Storm’s dominance, the Storm decisively rolled over the Cronulla Sharks with a resounding 37-10 victory at AAMI Park. This latest win not only inflicted more finals heartbreak on the Sharks but also highlighted Melbourne's formidable form as they advance to the preliminary finals. Yet, despite this emphatic performance, Storm coach Craig Bellamy has thrown his support behind the Penrith Panthers as the team to beat for the NRL premiership.
The Storm's victory was spearheaded by a spectacular hat-trick from hooker Harry Grant. Melbourne's triumph was particularly notable as it marked Cronulla's seventh consecutive finals defeat. The scoreboard wasn't the only indicator of dominance; Melbourne’s performance was a clear display of their tactical superiority. With the win, the Storm secured a well-deserved week off and a spot in the preliminary finals, while the Sharks face a do-or-die showdown against the winner of the North Queensland versus Newcastle elimination final next weekend.
The match began with a bang as Cameron Munster scored within the first minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Sharks fullback Will Kennedy. Melbourne's early pressure set the tone, but the Sharks briefly fought back with a try from Sione Katoa, who benefited from a pass by Nico Hynes. However, Melbourne quickly regained control with Nick Meaney setting up Will Warbrick for his first try of the game.
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Despite some promising moments from Cronulla, including a late first-half try by Briton Nikora, the Sharks struggled to keep pace with Melbourne’s relentless assault. The Storm's superiority became increasingly apparent in the second half, with Grant adding three tries and Warbrick scoring his second. Melbourne's halfback duo of Jahrome Hughes and Munster dominated, leading their team to a comfortable finish.
Bellamy acknowledged the strong performance but maintained that the Panthers, with Nathan Cleary returning to form, remain the team to beat. "Penrith is a tough team to top," Bellamy said. "Winning three premierships in a row is no easy feat, and their return to full strength makes them the team to watch."
For the Sharks, coach Craig Fitzgibbon admitted that Melbourne was simply too powerful. "They had an energy about them that made it seem like they were running downhill. We were just starved of field position and struggled to match their intensity," Fitzgibbon noted.
Despite the defeat, Sharks captain Cameron McInnes remained optimistic. "We have a huge opportunity ahead of us. We’re going to give it our all next weekend. There’s no room for complacency," McInnes said.
As the finals continue to heat up, the Storm’s performance sets a high bar, but with Bellamy’s endorsement of the Panthers as the frontrunners, the race for the NRL premiership promises to be an exhilarating one.
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