'Shell-shocked': 90-metre try proves the difference as Storm hold off fast-finishing Knights
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Melbourne Storm have claimed top spot on the NRL ladder after defeating the Newcastle Knights 34-28 in a thrilling contest at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle sent an early message in the game to the home side, scoring back-to-back tries before the hosts started a comeback with some Jahrome Hughes magic.
On the stroke of half-time, Hughes took the short side from inside his own red zone and put Grant Anderson away, before Nick Meaney pounced on a chip kick to score.
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"A Melbourne Storm special on the stroke of halftime, they weren't going to die wondering," Warren Smith said on Fox League.
"The chip kick from Anderson was pin-point perfect. Meaney, with all the speed he's got, just blew the doors off Greg Marzhew."
Harry Grant celebrates Nick Meaney scoring on the stroke of halftime. Getty
"You just knew there was something brewing for Melbourne," Steve Roach replied.
Fox League's Lara Pitt said the Knights would be "shell-shocked" after the late try.
Newcastle were first to strike after the break through Dylan Lucas but it was not enough to stop a fierce looking Melbourne attack.
"What a game we have got on our hands," Roach said.
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The match was sealed as Newcastle skipper Tyson Frizell was given marching orders with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock.
The veteran back-rower showed some concerning signs as he left the field with a potential knee injury.
"That is a big concern for the Knights in the last few seconds," Smith said.
Tyson Frizell leaves the field in his side's loss to the Storm. Fox League
A high-flying Xavier Coates masterclass boosted the Storms' lead once more in the final 40 before Tyran Wishart went over to score his second of the match.
Jackson Hasting placed a pinpoint kick over to Enari Tuala who planted the ball down in goal, but the late effort was not enough to hold back the Melbourne locals.
