Despite missing key players Cameron Munster and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the Storm, under the guidance of mastermind Craig Bellamy, wowed fans at AAMI Park with a masterclass in grit and determination.
The drama unfolded early when Nick Meaney broke the deadlock with a penalty goal, setting the stage for a tense battle. The Panthers, desperate to respond, saw their efforts thwarted by the Storm’s relentless defense and a bit of misfortune as potential scores slipped through their fingers. Highlights included a thwarted try by Meaney due to a sideline brush and a series of near-misses by the Panthers that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Reimis Smith crossed the line off a strategic kick from Jonah Pezet, with Meaney’s kick sealing the deal at 8-0.
Despite several heart-stopping moments and a fierce onslaught from the Panthers, the Storm’s defense stood tall, cementing their status as Round 1 legends.
