TWO late tries to centre Jack Bostock denied Melbourne’s bid to break their duck for coach Craig Bellamy after his worrying medical diagnosis this week.
Bellamy was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder during the week and skipper Harry Grant – while playing this issue down – said during a pre-match television interview that the sad news was a motivator.
And the Storm did lead for most of the match at Suncorp Stadium – before Bostock struck in the 63rd and 74th minutes to grab control of the round nine match, which the Dolphins eventually won 22-10.
It’s the first time the Storm have lost seven in a row. Only four sides in Premiership history have failed to make the finals after losing seven in a row.
Melbourne were unable to score when Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was in the sin bin.
more to come
Teams:
DOLPHINS: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; Jamayne Issako, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock, Selwyn Cobbo; Brad Schneider, Isaiya Katoa; Francis Molo, Max Plath, Tom Flegler, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuaki, Morgan Knowles. Res: Tom Gilbert, Ray Stone, Felise Kaufusi, Oryn Keeley, Felise Kaufusi, Tevita Naufahu, Kurt Donaghue.
MELBOURNE: Sua Fa’alogo; Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Hugo Peel; Cameron Munster, Tyran Wishart; Stafano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant (c), Josh King, Shaun Blore, Ati Lisati, Trent Loiero. Res: Trent Toelau, Joe Chan, Davvy Moale, Cooper Clarke, Manaia Waitere, Josiah Pohulu.
Referee: Ashley Klein.
