Storm runs rampant with first-half flurry as Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris cop injury blows
Melbourne dominated against the Warriors, putting on six tries in the first 30 minutes to win 42-14 at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
This result extends Melbourne's win streak over the Warriors to 17 consecutive games.
Both sides were impacted by injury, with James Fisher-Harris and Jahrome Hughes in doubt for their sides' round seven matches.
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Jahrome Hughes reacts during the Storm's win against the Warriors. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
The reigning Dally M Medallist, Hughes, has already missed a match with injury this season after undergoing surgery on a broken hand sustained in the second round.
Xavier Coates starred for the Storm with a double, two try assists and 233 run metres before he was given an early mark with 10 minutes remaining.
The Warriors had an early opportunity to hit the scoreboard after Stefano Utoikamanu was penalised for a dangerous tackle.
However, the side opted to take the play-the-ball instead of the kick.
This backfired as the Storm forced a turnover deep in their own end and then went on the countertack.
Melbourne subsequently opened the scoring through Coates in the second minute after the Storm shifted the ball wide.
Adding to the Warriors' woes, prop Fisher-Harris came from the field after 10 minutes with a pectoral injury. Moments later, the Storm's Hughes suffered a sholder complaint after landing awkwardly in a tackle but was able to continue.
Fisher-Harris will undergo scans when the team returns to Auckland to determine the severity of the injury.
Jahrome Hughes of the Storm is tackled by Wayde Egan. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
On the attack again, Josh King muscled his way over in the 14th minute for the Storm's second before the host's were soon in again through Shawn Blore.
A stunning try-saving tackle from Luke Metcalf on Moses Leo was done in vain after second-rower Jackson Ford was marched to the sin bin for holding back in the lead-up.
With the Warriors reduced to 12 men, the Storm ran riot with unanswered tries to Trent Loiero, Harry Grant and Grant Anderson.
With Ryan Papenhuyzen booting all six conversions, the Storm took a dominant 36-0 lead into half time.
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"There's not [a] better team to watch when [the Storm] are on. It's poetry in motion," Braith Anasta told Fox League half time.
Hughes did not return after the main break following the earlier knock to his shoulder, with the Storm opting to take a conservative approach with a short turnaround between games. He was replaced at halfback by Tyran Wishart.
"[Melbourne] say he could have played on but they didn't want to take the risk. The Storm have a short turnaround into the Dolphins next week. He'll be a fifty-fifty chance to play in that game," Fox League sideline reporter Jake Duke said.
The Warriors finally hit the scoreboard through Leka Halasima in the 54th minute.
The second-rower collected the kick bomb from Chanel Harris-Tavita before bringing the ball to ground as he landed.
Coates crossed for his second of the afternoon — this doubled as the winger's 12th try in his last eight games against the Warriors.
Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad did not play out the match after failing a HIA.
Tui Kamikamica and Rocco Berry were both placed on report in the second half.
Two late tries by Rocco Berry and Luke Metcalf provided little consolation to the Warriors ahead of full time.