'Absolute ripper': Storm winger's freakish AFL-style moment soured as teammate cops facial fracture
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After a record losing streak, Melbourne came "out of a cannon" on Sunday afternoon, with a first-half "bloodbath" stunning the Wests Tigers.
The hosts raced out to an early lead at AAMI Park, highlighted by a freakish AFL-style moment from Storm winger Will Warbrick and snapped a seven-game losing streak with a decisive 44-16 victory over an under-strength Tigers side.
Following an opening four-pointer from Sua Faalogo, Warbrick sent the crowd into a frenzy in the fifth minute after leaping above Luke Laulilii to grab the ball and score.
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"He takes an absolute specky in AFL town - we have seen him do that a number of times," commentator Jake Duke said on Fox League.
League great Michael Ennis was in awe of the Kiwi flyer's athleticism.
Will Warbrick leaps above Luke Laulilii to score a try. Fox League
"Pinpoint kick from Hughes and what about the aerial assault?" he said.
"Warbrick just climbs up above Laulilii and in the home state of the AFL, that's a specky if you've ever seen one. That's a ripper and Melbourne are flying early.
"For the Tigers, alarm bells are ringing early ... it's a bloodbath."
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Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes continued the early momentum, before the Tigers stopped the bleeding when Taylan May crossed before the break.
May's try came at an added price for the Storm as well with fullback Faalogo forced from the field for a HIA after attempting to stop the Tigers centre.
Faalogo was ruled out of the game at half time after failing his HIA and the club also confirmed the speedster had suffered a suspected facial fracture.
"Huge blow - he has been their best player," Duke said on commentary.
Storm players celebrate a try by Jahrome Hughes. Getty
Skipper Harry Grant escaped a penalty after inciting a melee for raising his forearm into the jaw of Latu Fainu.
But it was Ativalu Lisati's try in the final moments that well and truly handed Storm their first victory since round two and pushed the gap ahead to 28 points.
Melbourne will face the Parramatta Eels next weekend at Magic Round and now look set to be without their electric fullback Faalogo, while the Tigers play the Manly Sea Eagles.
