Storm defeat Dragons 52-30 in high-scoring NRL clash
A late burst from the Storm has set up an impressive 52-30 victory over St George Illawarra, with a staggering 14 tries scored in Melbourne.
The Dragons took a 30-28 lead with 20 minutes to go but the home side ran in four tries in a devastating 10-minute burst to stun the visitors.
Jahrome Hughes, Cheyse Blair and Ryley Jacks all crossed in quick succession before a 70-metre effort from Suliasi Vunivalu put the result beyond reach.
External Link: Storm Dragons summary
The win sees the Storm move to 24 competition points with South Sydney to move above the Dragons (26 points) on percentage with the bye.
The Dragons were poised to take a narrow lead into the main break after both teams had crossed for three tries, Gareth Widdop's accurate goal kicking proving the difference.
But veteran backrower Ryan Hoffman stunned the visitors on the stroke of half-time with a 45-metre dash to the line on the final play of the stanza to put the Storm ahead 22-18.
External Link: Storm Dragons chalkboard
Melbourne extended the lead with a Smith penalty soon after the re-start but Luciano Leilua levelled the scores following a slick inside ball from centre Tim Lafai.
Young Tonumaipea struck back off the back of a bullocking run from prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona and the Dragons took the lead again with a set move from the base of the scrum setting up Mann's second four-pointer.
But Hughes kicked off the Storm's late flurry as he cut through the middle of St George Illawarra's defence with Blair crossing for his second of the night three minutes later.
The Dragons could do little as Jacks put the game out of reach in the 72nd minute with Vunivalu outpacing everybody to add the exclamation mark on a strong second half.
External Link: Storm Dragons stats
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