Injury to Cameron Smith sours Melbourne’s 20-4 win over Parramatta

THIS is a yarn about two tackles. One on injured Melbourne rake Cameron Smith, and the other on Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne. Although neither had a major impact on the Storm’s 20-4 win over the Eels.

Jarryd Hayne was subject of a questionable tackle by Will Chambers. Picture: AAP

THIS is a yarn about two tackles.

The first, an unfortunate - but legal - twisting hit that saw Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith, aka rugby league’s most influential man, leave the field after only 30 minutes, clutching at his back.

Hyperextension? Rib Cartilage?

Nobody could say exactly.

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Storm rake Cameron Smith came off injured in the first half. Picture: Getty Images

Only that Smith, a man who must stay fit if the Storm are to defy history and go back-to-back, was gone for the night.

And so we wait.

Scans early this morning are sure to reveal exactly what happened to the hooker’s famed ‘Accountant’ body when, on his knees, and with Eels backrower Tepai Moeroa around his legs, prop Nathan Brown then twisted him to the turf.

And as for the second tackle?

Well, that was a Wrestlemania special.

Jarryd Hayne was subject of a questionable tackle by Will Chambers. Picture: AAP

Storm centre Will Chambers, only three minutes from the break, performing what appeared to start as a crusher on Eels winger Jarryd Hayne when - thwack - he then dropped him to the ground like Hacksaw Jim Duggan once did anyone not brandishing a lump of 2x4.

And, no, the Dropping Crusher - or whatever you want to call it - wasn’t put on report.

But, geez, it looked bloody ordinary.

And dangerous.

One of the few times all night, too, that Hayne seemed even slightly troubled by Storm.

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For while the Eels came into this one sitting equal last, and Storm only two points off the competition lead, it was mercurial Minto product who threw himself into everything bar the halftime entertainment.

Officially, Hayne wore jersey No.2.

Yet unofficially, the off-contract Eel revived some of that signature brilliance as his side stayed in the fight for the best part of 80 minutes.

And no he didn’t have it all his own way.

Most obviously when a rough bounce off a Storm kick late saw Hayne fall, miss the Steeden and then, from the turf, watch as Curtis Scott scored to put the game beyond doubt.

Yet overall, the ‘Hayne Plane’ defended strong - including a huge shot on Scott - while also producing several moments of mastery like, during the first half, when he incredibly hauled in the pill with one hand, off a Corey Norman long ball, while running full tilt up the touchline.

But still, the Eels couldn’t get it done.

Even with Smith gone after 30 minutes. And with Cameron Munster sin binned.

Even with Hayne firing.

Melbourne, meanwhile ... well, as usual they found a way to win.

Parramatta gave it their all but were outclassed by the Storm. Picture: Getty Images

Even with Smith gone. With Munster binned.

And with Hayne firing.

Still, Parramatta fans can take more from this than simply a closer look at a wooden spoon.

Coming into this one, the Slipperies had won three of their past four. That loss, only by six points to South Sydney too.

And it was those same Eels who by the break, trailed Melbourne only 10-zip thanks largely to a defensive effort that, led by Moeroa and No.9 Reed Mahoney, saw them make 23 tackles inside their own 20m zone.

Indeed, despite making a handful of crucial clangers, which included kicking out on the full, then failing to kick a drop out before the short clock had run out, the Eels still kept the reigning premiers to just one try - which came from a brilliant Billy Slater kick.

Elsewhere, Parramatta also welcomed two new debutants, Oregon Kaufusi and Ray Stone.

But mostly, this was a story about two tackles.

And what it all means for Melbourne superstars Smith and Chambers.

MELBOURNE 20 (N Asofa-Solomona W Chambers C Scott tries C Smith 3 B Croft goals) bt PARRAMATTA 4 (C Gutherson try) at AAMI Park. Referee: Gerard Sutton, Adam Gee. Crowd: 12,136.

Originally published as Injury to Cameron Smith sours Melbourne’s 20-4 win over Parramatta