Round 20 Match Threads -*** SPOILERS likely ... yes... guaranteed ***

[Graham]

Storm v Dragons game underway. Bourbon Rat won't be at the game as it is at Napier in New Zealand.

[Graham]

Thanks Farmduck

[Graham]

Dragons looking lively.

[Graham]

Munster getting the treatment but holding up well

[Graham]

Dugan at his usual game... trying anything to milk a penalty. Tried the old lying down after a tackle while it is reviewed. Didn't work ... this time.

[Graham]

First Storm try for Nelson Asofa Solomona. Just 19 too.

[Graham]

What a prospect he is. Tall powerful and fit.

[Graham]

6 - 0 to Storm with 10 minutes of first half remaining

[Graham]

Good to see Matt Duffie back in action.

[Graham]

Harris intercepts a floating Marshall pass gives it to Koroibete who races down touchline for flashy try.

[Graham]

Cam Smith conversion successful. Half time score Storm 12 - 0 Dragons. Storm have been patient and effective against a Dragons side who started strong and physical.

[Farmduck]

Wests Tigers Roster Management meeting:

 

"Let's keep Keith Lulia and punt Koroibete."

"Mate! that's genius!!"

[Graham]

Dugan's efforts rewarded. He got his penslty at long last after many efforts!

[Graham]

Dragons just not quite clicking.

[Farmduck]

Dragons just not quite clicking.

 

Probably because Benji Marshall has already played his 5 good games for the year.

 

Now Proctor crosses.

[Graham]

Patience and good finishing pays off again for Storm. Kevin Proctor another Kiwi to score here in Napier.

16 -0 becomes 18 nil as Cam Smith converts.

[Graham]

Koroibete strapping on face looks hilarious!

[Graham]

Dragons just out if sorts and missing a gear.

Mahe Fonua in for a try on 62 minutes. Storm are in gear and in their comfort zone. 22-0 to Storm

Locals turned out in force here. 14,500 crowd

[Farmduck]

I realise the Storm are playing well but it's difficult to explain why the Dragons are so poor. They have plenty of talented players and some good workhorses. They need some serious beef and they don't create enough second-phase play, which would maximise the value of Dugan.

[Graham]

Mata'utia in for consolation try for Dragons. Cronk has been off field last 15 mins or so. Calf? Knee? Hope not knee. Cam Smith was taken off 5 mins ago too but just resting him.

No conversion.

22-4

[Graham]

Hawks Bay crowd almost entirely supporting Storm.

Good performance by Storm. Dragons will be disappointed they couldn't really trouble Melbourne

[Graham]

Final Score

Melbourne Storm 22 - 4 St George Illawarra Dragons

[Graham]

Next game will be Souths Vs Newcastle. Gray not playing.Luke is.

[Farmduck]

First Storm try for Nelson Asofa Solomona. Just 19 too.

 

I'm surprised the NZ RU teams let him slip away. He looks like the perfect "flanker" (is that what they call those tall line-out jumpers who lean on the side of the fatter guys in the scrum?)

[Bourbon Rat]

Heard earlier Johnson's injury is 'season ending'   NOT good news for the Warriors.

Also the 'biting' claim by Dugan. Another case of headlock around an opponents face ?

After the Gallen episode I think more of these cases may crop up until face tackles are looked at.

 

Bring on the Bunnies - It's time to aim up.