The Melbourne Storm pipped the Brisbane Broncos 16-12 in the battle of the under-manned National Rugby League favourites at Olympic Park in Melbourne yesterday.
Brisbane still lead the competition with 10 rounds remaining, but their lead has been reduced to two points by Wests Tigers, who came from behind to down the Northern Eagles 36-18 at Leichhardt Oval.
The Storm are a further point back in third place.
Led by Kiwi hooker and man-of-the-match Richard Swain, the Storm showed character to set up a converted try to usual reserve-grader Peter Robinson in the final minute.
Brisbane appeared to have stolen victory four minutes earlier through a try to Dane Carlaw.
The Broncos were angry that moments before the final try referee Moghseen Jadwat penalised Luke Priddis for stripping the ball in what appeared to be a one-on-one tackle.
Despite both sides missing seven regular starters, mostly because of State of Origin commitments, they scored some quality tries, Melbourne getting three to two.
Most experts tip the two teams to meet again in the NRL grand final.
The Tigers trailed the struggling Eagles 0-14 after conceding three tries in the opening 13 minutes, and were down 6-18 at the break.
However, with halfback Craig Field coming alive in the second spell, the home side notched 30 unanswered points from six tries into the wind.
In yesterday's other game, Newcastle overcame North Queensland 18-10 in an arm-wrestle at Townsville.
The Cowboys remain on the bottom of the table, four points below the Eagles, while Newcastle jumped to fifth.
The fourth-placed Sydney Roosters always had control against St George-Illawarra, racing to a 24-0 halftime lead and then holding on to win 32-24.
The Sharks moved into sixth place, shunting Canberra back to seventh after winning their match 26-18 at Toyota Park.
Two horrific fumbles by Raiders winger Greg Wolfgramm allowed the Sharks in for two late tries after they trailed 12-18 with nine minutes remaining.
A remarkable match at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night saw Penrith beat the Eels 16-14.
Referee Steve Clark dished out a whopping 24 penalties, including seven for incorrect play-the-balls.
- NZPA
Rugby League: Late puff carries Storm to victory
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