When the big moments came, the Dragons couldnโt go with the grand finalists. Like when, just seven seconds before the half-time break, Melbourne captain Harry Grant ran for just the second time, jumping out of dummy half when the markers had clocked off. If ever there was a coach-killing moment, this was it.
When the Dragons review where this match went awry, they will point to errors that were punished, most notably when they kicked out on the full on two occasions. The challenge in the weeks ahead is to not get dispirited by the late avalanche in points.
Will Warbrick goes over for the Storm.Credit: Getty Images
Little was expected of the Dragons this year. They were not title contenders, according to their own coach. The bookmakers agreed, installing them as wooden spoon favourites. But then ago, so too were the Raiders last year, and we know where they finished. Itโs unclear what is in store for the Red V.
The Stormโs superstar quarter of Grant, Munster, Faalogo and Jahrome Hughes were relatively quiet for three-quarters of the game. But when the contest was in the balance, they took total control. Five tries in the final 18 minutes blew everything apart.
