Storm Hold Off Roosters in Wild Clash but Lose Hughes to Shoulder Injury
What a night of footy! If you didn’t catch the Storm vs Roosters thriller, strap in — this one had everything. In what might go down as one of the most electrifying games of the NRL season, Melbourne Storm pulled off a gutsy 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium. But this rollercoaster victory came at a cost — star halfback Jahrome Hughes dislocated his left shoulder early in the second half, and the fallout could reshape Melbourne’s finals campaign.
Now, let me take you into the heart of the drama. The game was a back-and-forth fireworks show, with the lead changing no fewer than five times. You could feel the finals energy, even though we're still a few rounds out. The Roosters came out swinging — Sam Walker was pinpoint with the boot, setting up try after try, including two for Daniel Tupou who was in vintage form… until a costly drop near the line late in the game.
Also Read:- Remembering Chuck Mangione: The Soulful Sound of a Jazz Legend
- Grit Over Pain: Rishabh Pant’s Heroic Stand Inspires Amid Injury Woes
But the story of the night? Harry Grant. With Hughes off injured and Melbourne’s spine under serious pressure, the Storm hooker stepped up big time. He scored in the first half, then delivered two critical try assists in the second. You could tell Grant wasn’t just filling a role — he owned the moment. His quick decision-making and control in the middle swung the momentum just when Melbourne needed it most.
As for Hughes — that injury looked nasty. It’s the third time he’s dislocated that same shoulder, and coach Craig Bellamy confirmed post-match that they couldn’t get it back in at the ground. He’s off to hospital and scans will tell the full story, but it’s not looking great. Bellamy, who’s seen it all in his coaching days, admitted this one has him worried. And with a brutal run home — Brisbane, Penrith, Canterbury, and yes, the Roosters again — Melbourne will need every ounce of depth and fight they can muster.
On the Roosters’ side, it was a case of what could’ve been. They lost halfback Sandon Smith to a head knock early, but still created enough chances to win. Trent Robinson was visibly frustrated post-game, saying they had the moments, but didn’t finish when it counted. When you leak 34 points, even in a shootout, it’s always going to hurt.
In the end, it was Melbourne’s refusal to roll over that sealed it. Grant’s match-winner — a smart little dart and short ball to Stefano Utoikamanu — was pure grit and awareness. A defining moment in a game full of them.
This clash had drama, chaos, high-flying tries, and heartbreak. The Storm may have won the battle, but the war for finals supremacy just got a lot tougher — especially without Hughes steering the ship.
Read More:
0 Comments