Broncos 36 Storm 14
MELBOURNE - The rain stayed away but Melbourne's new fortress AAMI Park leaked tries yesterday as Brisbane spoiled the Storm's first NRL match at their new home ground.
After seven winless years in Melbourne, the Broncos finally broke through to hand the Storm their first loss in the three games since their salary-cap rorting was exposed and they were stripped of all points for the season, as well as two premierships.
The first event at AAMI Park was Australia's 12-8 victory over New Zealand on Friday night, and many fans drenched by heavy rain which found leaks in the bubble-shaped roof.
But yesterday it was only raining points. Brisbane centre Israel Folau made a point to the Kangaroo selectors who ignored him, scoring two tries, standing up Billy Slater for the second.
Both sides had players backing up from representative matches, but the Storm were notably missing skipper Cameron Smith, who could be sidelined for a month after injuring his elbow in Australia's win.
In front of 20,042 spectators, the home side started brightly and took a 4-0 lead after five minutes.
Halfback Cooper Cronk batted a ball into the arms of Greg Inglis, who then found winger Anthony Quinn.
But then the day turned dark for Melbourne.
Brisbane were awarded a penalty try in the 23rd minute and Slater was put on report for dislodging the ball with his boot as winger Jharal Yow Yeh dived across the line after a ball batted from high-flying Folau.
Folau, who is considering switching to union or AFL, got his first try three minutes later when he brushed aside Quinn to touch down.
At halftime, the Broncos were up 24-4 after forward Gerard Beale strolled across the line, before Folau's second.
Folau ran 60 metres and could have passed inside to his captain Darren Lockyer, but instead went around Slater in a superb solo effort.
The Storm struck first in the second half, through young winger Matt Duffie, who also grabbed a second with three minutes remaining.
But once Clark awarded Corey Norman the visitors' fifth try in the 54th minute, which he converted for a 30-10 lead, the game was done.
Two tries from veteran New Zealand winger Clinton Toopi helped Gold Coast Titans beat Newcastle 38-36.
The victory consolidated the Titans position in the top four on the NRL ladder in a game that produced 13 tries, with good defence at a premium from both teams.
- AAP
