Erratic Storm survive late surge from Cleary-less Panthers

Melbourne have won a war of attrition against Penrith, who had to battle through most of the grand final rematch without their play-making skipper Nathan Cleary.

The Storm left AAMI Park with the competition points after a 30-24 victory, but the gutsy Panthers deserve applause for pushing the home side to the final whistle.

Already missing injured Test fullback Dylan Edwards, Penrith lost Cleary after just seven minutes when he came off second best against Storm No.7 Jahrome Hughes when the pair collided off the ball.

There was a scramble of bodies after Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen put a kick through and Cleary jumped backwards into Hughes before landing heavily. A category-one concussion ended his night.

With Jarome Luai now at Wests Tigers, that left 21-year-old Jack Cole to call the shots in just his 13th NRL match, but the youngster rose to the challenge.

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes.Credit: Getty Images

Melbourne also had casualties in centre Nick Meaney, suffering a suspected fractured jaw after a collision with teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, while winger Grant Anderson limped off with a knee injury.

The Storm lived up to their pre-match favouritism early, with tries to Anderson and second-rower Eliesa Katoa setting up a 14-0 lead after 20 minutes.

But with scrappers like Liam Henry and Liam Martin digging in, Penrith clawed their way back, with centre Paul Alamoti scoring twice.

Penrith hit the front (16-14) four minutes after halftime when Casey McLean scored the easiest of tries off a 20-metre scrum.

However, the lead lasted two minutes before Xavier Coates leapt high above the pink pack to put the Storm back in front, with Tyran Wishart then extending it to 24-16.

In typical Panthers fashion, they refused to be beaten, with winger Brian To’o making it a four-point margin.

Papenhuyzen crossed in the 72nd minute, but then To’o bagged his second in the 75th minute to set up a grand-stand finish, but the Storm defence held firm.

AAP

You can’t help but love Cameron Munster. When asked about the Melbourne performance, and his own acts of ill-discipline, the star No.6 replied: “That was a bit like my life. Erratic.”

Speaking of erratic, that’s probably the nicest word Storm coach Craig Bellamy uses to him when they discuss some of his decisions in this match.

After a match both coaches are sure to find plenty of room for improvement, Melbourne are now 2-0 this season and Penrith 1-2.

Melbourne lost their way for large parts of that match. Craig Bellamy will hate that. Penrith also looked a bit messy at times but they have a great excuse. Their main man Nathan Cleary didn’t last long before a concussion ended his night.

Come the business end of the season, both these teams should be in the thick of it. Hopefully they meet again and that match has all the drama of this one (minus the injuries).

Penrith are throwing everything at the Storm, but an error ends their last attacking raid. This has been a great night of NRL action. If only it was all like this. Storm win 30-24

Brian To’o scores a similar try to his earlier effort and the margin is back to six points. Three minutes remain. What a game. Golden point looming large. Storm lead 30-24 after 77 minutes

A perfect kick from Cameron Munster bounces up perfectly for Ryan Papenhuyzen to score and re-establish a 10-point lead. Great planning, great players and great execution. Penrith will have won a few more friends with their plucky performance on this night, but it doesn’t look like it will be enough. Storm lead 30-20 after 75 minutes

Brian T’o scores in the corner and we officially have a grandstand finish. Some excellent resilience from Penrith gets a fitting reward. A great sweep to the left end with To’o diving over. Storm lead 24-20 after 71 minutes.

Jack Cole in action for Penrith.Credit: Getty Images