Kodi Nikorima's 'vintage' flick pass starts epic second half onslaught to deliver Dolphins' first win over Melbourne
It was the tale of young and old at Suncorp Stadium after Dolphins halves Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa produced brilliant performances to deliver an unlikely victory against the Storm.
Nikorima's best moment came in the 46th minute when he fooled Melbourne's defence with a flick pass to put Ray Stone over and give his side an 18-16 lead.
"That's vintage Kodi Nikorima," Cameron Smith said on Nine.
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Kodi Nikorima's flick pass to Ray Stone. Nine
Both sides came into the match under-strength after injuries to Harry Grant and Jeremy Marshall-King.
It was carnage for the Dolphins early when the lead was 12-2 for the Storm and Max Plath was ruled out for the match with a foot injury.
In the 17th minute, the Storm were down a man too with Jack Howarth gone for the match when he dislocated his shoulder.
"That doesn't look good at all," Smith said.
The lead extended when Ryan Papenhuyzen scored for the Storm moments later. But the Dolphins made it interesting heading into half-time with tries for Josh Kerr and Jack Bostock as the Storm led 16-12.
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Despite Melbourne being the favourites, the second half was nothing but an onslaught against them.
Nikorima set up Stone first before Connelly Lemuelu scored. Stone then had a double while Nikorima crossed for his first try and suddenly it was 36-16.
Herbie Farnworth then pounced on a Storm error to swan dive in the corner and make it 40 unanswered points.
Herbie Farnworth swan dives into the corner. Getty
"This could possibly be their greatest victory," Smith said.
The Storm's frustrations were then clear late in the match when Kerr forced a knock on from Tyran Wishart with a bruising tackle. Both sides came together for a push and shove leading to Trent Loiero and Kurt Donoghoe heading to the bin.
Melbourne snared a consolation try late in the match for Kane Bradley but the damage was well and truly done with the Dolphins winning 42-22.
The win for the Dolphins is the first time they've beaten the Storm.
Among the disappointment of victory, Melbourne will await the outcome of the judiciary report after big man Tui Kamikamica was put on report during the second half for a high tackle.
Next week, Melbourne plays South Sydney on Friday while Canberra hosts the Dolphins on Sunday.
