Storm down valiant Knights

v BYE

The result was as expected - the Storm coming away from Hunter Stadium with the win. The path to the win was not.

The Newcastle Knights put together their best performance of the season, to take the Melbourne Storm right to the final minute. The Knights had the lion's share of possession early in the game, however failed to capitalise on some great field position.

Heavily under attack early, it wasn't until a mistake from the Knights in the 10th minute led to the first scoring play of the match - Marika Koroibete swooping on a loose ball and sprinting the length of the field to score against the run of play.

The Knights hit back in the 20th minute, with the defence opening up for Jake Mamo, but try scoring machine Suliasi Vunivalu scored a try of his own only minutes later to keep the scores close - the Storm leading 8-6 at the break.

Some powerful, committed defence from the Knights rattled the Storm, as they failed to complete on their usually slick set pieces.

The Storm extended their lead in the 52nd minute, as Koriobete carried three defenders to the line and muscled his way over in the corner. Smith converted the try and the Storm breathed a bit of a sigh of relief, leading 14-6.

Brendan Elliot took advantage of a lovely flick pass from Pat Mata'utia to bring his side back within contention, the Knights trailing 14-10 with just over ten minutes remaining.

A try to Tohu Harris in the 73rd minute looked to put the game beyond doubt for the Storm, especially when it was converted by Cameron Smith, however the Knights refused to say die.

A high kick from Mullen minutes later was regathered by a flying Jake Mamo, and the quick conversion bought the scores to 20-16 with 3 minutes left in the match. But a knock-on on the next set of the match put the game to rest for the Knights, the Storm coming away winners, 20-16.

The Knights task doesn't get any easier, as they face the Sharks in Cronulla next Sunday afternoon, while the Storm come up against the Roosters in Melbourne on Saturday night.