Melbourne‘s decline after last year’s grand final loss has hit a new low after the powerhouse club was smashed 38-14 at home against the Warriors.
The conceding of 50 against the Panthers was a major shock but the nature of the performance against New Zealand will have Craig Bellamy seriously worried.
The super coach’s anger peaked when he delivered a spray to second-rower Joe Chan at half-time as his side trailed 18-14.
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“I’ve sat in that chair, just a bit of advice for Joe, don’t talk back to Craig, it didn’t work well for me last time I did that,” Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.
Craig Bellamy sprays Joe Chan. Fox League
Chan had been guilty of errors, a ruck infringment and a penalty in the first half.
Lock Trent Loiero was also ill-discilpined and placed on report for a high shot before the break.
“Trent Loiero and Joe Chan I imagine are going to get a speaking to from Craig Bellamy … they have put their side under pressure tonight with some ill-discipline,” Mick Ennis said.
The rev-up didn’t work because Chan had an error early in the second half and was hooked in the 45th minute and didn’t return.
“It’s tough, he’s had a tough night, we’ve all had tough nights. He’s a good player, Chan,” Ennis said.
Joe Chan after he was hooked to the bench. Fox League
Following the break, the Storm didn’t put on a single point with the Warriors winning 38-14 making it their first at AAMI Park for 11 years and the club’s biggest win against Melbourne.
Melbourne’s frustrations were clear with 13 minutes to go when Chanel Harris-Tavita put a massive rib shot on prop Josh King. King dropped the ball and received a serve from the half. King took exception to that by pushing him and running back into defence.
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Players from both sides then came together with Stefano Utoikamanu notably squaring up with Jacob Laban.
“This is frustration from Melbourne,” Ennis said.
“How good’s Harris-Tavita, he doesn’t get enough wraps for his defence and he let Josh King know.”
The referee brought together captains Harry Grant and James Fisher-Harris with Jahrome Hughes placed on report for a high shot that happened immediately after the King knock on.
No player went to the sin bin for the whole drama.
On the last tackle of the following set, Will Warbrick went close in the corner but was bundled into touch by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
“Their defence is vicious, savage and unrelenting,” caller Andrew Voss said as players came from everywhere to celebrate with the Warriors back.
Tuivasa-Sheck was feeling himself too, putting one finger in the air to let the Melbourne players know what just happened.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck celebrates his tackle. Fox League
Post-match, Bellamy was sitting in the coaching box for a long period well after full-time as he stared into oblivion.
“This is off the back of two losing grand finals, I think that’s a key part of what’s happening at the Melbourne Storm,” Cronk said.