Storm coach lauds Jahrome Hughes but not backrower who bombed try

Melbourne should have beaten the Broncos by more on Thursday night after a bombed try earnt a clip from coach Craig Bellamy.

Eliesa Katoa bombed a try. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm needed a lift from its leaders amid questions about their premiership credentials following a Magic Round thrashing from South Sydney.

With coach Craig Bellamy weighing up his future, deciding whether to stay in charge next season, he needed to see something from a group who should be headed for finals again.

Taking on the ladder-leading Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night provided the perfect platform for Storm’s best players to make a statement and star halfback Jahrome Hughes did just that with “one of his best games nearly ever” in Melbourne’s 24-16 win.

Hughes bossed the game from the halfback position, silencing his critics in the process.

The 28-year-old‘s recent form had been brought into question, but he was back to his best with two try assists, 135 run metres, five tackle breaks and 187 kick metres, forming a strong combination with Cameron Munster on the night.

“It was probably one of his best games nearly ever, not the best game ever, but one of his best games, he was outstanding tonight,” Bellamy said of Hughes.

Jahrome Hughes starred for the Storm. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“He really stepped up to the plate, much more intent in all his actions tonight on both sides of the ball.

“I thought he was tremendous for us.”

Storm winger Will Warbrick also took another big step in his development with an eye-catching two-try performance, which could have been three if not for a dodgy denial from the bunker.

The Rugby Sevens convert ran the ball with emphasis for 141 run metres.

“It‘s taken him a while to find his groove,” Bellamy said.

“The main game he was playing before this was the Sevens for the All Blacks, so it was a big change for him last year to learn the game and I suppose he‘s playing in a bit more of a confined space [in the NRL] than you do playing Sevens.

“He‘s come on really well, he’s a big strong guy and he runs the ball hard.

“He‘s still learning a few nuances about the game, the finer points I suppose, but he’s doing a great job for us at the moment.

“When he gets an opportunity to score, he‘s nailing most of them, so yeah he’s going really well for us.”

"One of the defensive plays of the season!" - What a try saving moment from the Broncos.

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It did not all go to plan for the Storm on the night.

Eliesa Katoa, the strongest ball carrier for the Storm with 179 run metres, bombed what should have been a certain try in the second half, leaving his coach none too pleased.

“I‘ll give you a little tip, score the try and then celebrate,” Bellamy said.

“That‘s all I’ll say.”

Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona finished the game with rib and leg complaints.

He might benefit from the extended break before the Storm‘s next game against the Dolphins on May 20.