Storm Surge Ahead with Dominant First Half as Jahrome Hughes and James Fisher-Harris Suffer Injury Setbacks

Melbourne put on a commanding performance against the Warriors, scoring six tries in the first half hour to clinch a 42-14 victory at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.

This win marks Melbourne’s 17th consecutive triumph over the Warriors.

Injury concerns loomed for both teams, with James Fisher-Harris and Jahrome Hughes potentially missing their sides’ upcoming round seven matches.

Jahrome Hughes, the reigning Dally M Medallist, has already experienced a set-back this season, having undergone surgery for a broken hand sustained in round two.

Xavier Coates was a standout performer for the Storm, scoring twice, providing two assists and racking up 233 running metres before he was substituted with ten minutes to go.

The Warriors were given an early chance to get on the scoreboard after Stefano Utoikamanu was penalised for a dangerous tackle.

However, they opted for a play-the-ball rather than a penalty kick, which proved to be a costly decision as Melbourne swiftly turned the tables and launched a counterattack.

Coates opened the scoring for the Storm in just the second minute following a well-executed wide ball play.

Adding to the Warriors’ troubles, prop Fisher-Harris left the field with a pectoral injury after only ten minutes. Shortly thereafter, Hughes sustained a shoulder issue after landing awkwardly during a tackle but managed to continue playing.

Continuing their offensive onslaught, Josh King barged over for Melbourne’s second try in the 14th minute, followed closely by a touchdown from Shawn Blore.

A brilliant try-saving tackle from Luke Metcalf on Moses Leo went to waste as Jackson Ford was sent to the sin bin for his infringement in the build-up.

With the Warriors down to 12 players, the Storm capitalised, scoring three more unanswered tries from Trent Loiero, Harry Grant, and Grant Anderson.

Ryan Papenhuyzen converted all six attempts, giving the Storm a commanding 36-0 lead at half-time.

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“You won’t find a better team to watch than the Storm when they’re in this form. It’s poetry in motion,” observed Braith Anasta during Fox League’s half-time commentary.

Hughes did not return for the second half due to the earlier shoulder issue, with the Storm opting for caution given their quick turnaround before the next game. Tyran Wishart took over at halfback in his absence.

“Melbourne noted that he could have continued, but they wanted to prevent any risk, especially with the Dolphins game coming up next week. He’ll be assessed as a 50-50 chance for that match,” reported Fox League sideline reporter Jake Duke.

The Warriors got on the board through Leka Halasima in the 54th minute, who scored from a bomb kick by Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Coates further extended Melbourne’s lead with his second try of the match, marking his 12th try in just eight games against the Warriors.

Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad did not finish the match after failing a head injury assessment.

Both Tui Kamikamica and Rocco Berry were put on report during the second half.

Despite two late tries from Rocco Berry and Luke Metcalf, the Warriors left the field with little solace as the match drew to a close.