NRL preliminary final Storm vs Sharks: ‘Not fair’: Melbourne’s grand final gift
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy had a blunt response when asked about his side’s enormous NRL grand final “advantage”.
The Melbourne Storm have done it again, charging into this year’s grand final after a dogged 22-14 win over a brave but ultimately outclassed Cronulla outfit.
The Storm were short-priced favourites coming into the game, but still faced a number of outside doubters, particularly over halfback Jahrome Hughes.
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Just 22 days after breaking his forearm in the final round of the season, Hughes was named in the side, carrying a hefty arm guard and plates and screws into the AAMI Park clash.
Yet whatever pain he was feeling, he sure didn’t show it, producing a starring role as the Storm moved into their 11th grand final from the past 20 seasons.
Cam Munster and Harry Grant were also sensational, while Ryan Papenhuyzen shook off a late knock and called himself a certain starter for next week’s game, against either the Panthers or Broncos.
In a tight, old school final, the Storm only led 16-10 with 20 minutes remaining as neither team could capitalise on its scoring opportunities.
Xavier Coates finally scored the first try of the second half in the 74th minute to secure the win as Melbourne earned a massive advantage with two more days off than the victor of the other preliminary final.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbons acknowledged the Storm were too good on the night, with his side losing a prelim for the second straight year.
But he insisted Cronulla isn’t going anywhere as it attempts to go at least one step further in 2026.
Originally published as NRL preliminary final Storm vs Sharks: ‘Not fair’: Melbourne’s grand final gift
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