Brisbane have inflicted another second-half nightmare on the Storm, roaring back to win their grand final replay 18-14 in Melbourne to secure their first points of the NRL season.
Just like last year’s title decider when the Broncos trailed by 10 points before over-running the Storm for a 26-22 victory, Brisbane turned their Friday-night match at AAMI Park on its head after half-time.
Coming out for the second half, the Broncos were down 14-0 and completing at just 55 per cent, and looked headed for a third successive loss to open the season.
But second-rower Jordan Riki scored twice in 10 minutes and then Kotoni Staggs burst through to score in the 58th minute to put his side in front for the first time, with Reece Walsh adding the extras for a 18-14 buffer.
It was the Broncos’ first win in Melbourne since 2016.
Brisbane’s defence, which had conceded 66 points in their opening two rounds, also found some steel as they foiled Melbourne’s desperate attempts to wrest back control.
The Storm had multiple chances to score but couldn’t put the finishing touches on their attack.
They had no such trouble in the first half when they completed at 88 per cent, continuing their impressive form in their previously unbeaten start to the season.
Sua Fa’alogo, who bagged a hat-trick last round, was first to cross for the home side, with the fullback running on to a pass from Joe Chan.
Second-rower Chan also got in on the try-scoring when Jahrome Hughes stood in a tackle and offloaded to his teammate right on half-time.
Brisbane’s only concern for the night was when Walsh was put on report late in the first half for an alleged high tackle on Cameron Munster.
AAP