NRL Round 2: Melbourne Storm win 30-26 over NZ Warriors after miracle Xavier Coates try

In what will surely go down as a try of the year contender, Melbourne Storm star Xavier Coates has stolen victory from the jaws of defeat to break the Warriors hearts with a gravity defying try.

Xavier Coates gets remarkable elevation in his miracle four-pointer to save the Storm. Picture: Getty Images

A phenomenal Xavier Coates effort which had to be seen to be believed saved the Storm in the last 20 seconds to break Warriors hearts after Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s magical double.

The Storm had all but thrown away two competition points, as they coughed up an 18-6 halftime lead as poor discipline and an inspired Roger Tuivasa-Sheck second-half performance put the Warriors up 26-18 inside the last 10 minutes.

But the Storm, as ever, weren’t done.

A Ryan Papenhuyzen classic brought the Storm back within reach when he crossed in the 77th minute, running straight through a hole created by Jahrome Hughes and Eli Katoa’s swift ballwork.

Then came the show stealer.

Xavier Coates scores an incredible matchwinner with 20 seconds left on the clock. Picture: Getty Images

‘I DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS A TRY’

Flying winger Xavier Coates has helped Melbourne Storm pull off a miracle victory.

Five minutes of absolute mayhem has somehow seen Melbourne Storm keep its remarkable winning streak over New Zealand Warriors alive.

The Storm’s 14-game run of victories over the Warriors was seemingly coming to an end with five minutes to go and the Warriors leading comfortably 26-18.

However, the Storm refused to wave the white flag, pulling off an incredible late show with 12 unanswered points to win 30-26 in a pulsating game at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday night.

WE CANNOT BELIEVE IT!?!?

Xavier Coates with one of the greatest tries we've ever seen!!!

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Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen’s second try with 2.43 left on the clock breathed life into his team after the Warriors had totally dominated the 35 minutes prior, coming back from a 18-6 half-time deficit to assume control.

The Storm then had one last chance and Coates scored the try of the year, launching over a desperate diving tackle from Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to plant down in the corner.

Coates wasn’t aware if it was a try.

“To be fair, I don’t really know, it’s a bit of adrenaline going,” Coates said.

“I didn’t even know if I got the ball down to be fair.

“All the boys were rushing up all around me, I didn;’t know if I got the ball down so I couldn’t really celebrate with them, but it sort of popped up on the big screen and I ended up getting the try.”

STORM’S GREAT ESCAPE

This was one of the Storm’s greatest escapes.

It could have been a different story.

Two second half tries from Watene-Zelezniak had the Warriors in charge in the second half.

Shaun Johnson produced a wondrous performance at halfback for the Warriors.

The 33-year-old is in ominous form.

Could he lead the 0-2 Warriors to a premiership this year? It’s not that far fetched in this form.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck sprung to life in the second half, superbly assisting on a Jackson Ford try that had the Warriors up eight when he soared into the night sky for a catch.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was sensational for the Warriors. Picture: Getty Images

But the Storm would not be denied.

This 2024 Storm team is made of pretty stern stuff.

It took every ounce of their will power to claim another Michael Moore Trophy, played for between the two sides.

Jahrome Hughes set up the win for the Storm with a stellar first half display.

Papenhuyzen’s continues to impress on his return from a broken ankle, running for a team-best 161 metres, seven tackle breaks and two tries.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scores one of his two outstanding tries for the Warriors. Picture: Getty Images

HUGHES LEADS THE WAY

Hughes has relished the chance to spearhead the Storm without halves partner Cameron Munster, who is sidelined with an injured groin.

Hughes is looking fit after a big off season and his acceleration in attack burned off Warriors defenders time and again.

His last gasp try saving tackle on Marcelo Montoya in the first half, who looked home for all money, was a crucial moment in the match.

Ryan Papenhuyzen struck late to give the Storm a sniff of victory. Picture: Getty Images

DWS dazzles

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had brutal intentions on his runs for the Warriors.

When the winger got up limping in the first half, the Warriors fans were holding their breath, but he came back into the game to produce a power-packed performance from the wing.

He finished with two tries, 181 run metres and 51 post contact metres.

WELCH DOWN

The Storm had to battle a forward down in the second half when former captain Christian Welch failed a HIA.

It was a gutsy performance from the Storm forward pack who were put under assault from the array of Warriors attacking weapons.

SCOREBOARD

Melbourne Storm 30

Tries: Papenhuyzen 2, Warbrick, Meaney, Coates.

Goals: Meaney 4/5 conversions, 1 pen.

New Zealand Warriors 26

Tries: Watene-Zelezniak 2, Ford.

Goals: Metcalf 2/4 conversions, 2 pen.

At AAMI Park, Melbourne

Originally published as NRL Round 2: Melbourne Storm win 30-26 over NZ Warriors after miracle Xavier Coates try