Storm end Tigers' winning streak in style

Melbourne Storm have ended the Wests Tigers’ run of eight straight wins with a determined, professional display to run out eventual winners 34-22, celebrating captain Robbie Kearns’ last game at Olympic Park in style.

The game began with Kearns, who retired during the week, running out in front of a passionate and appreciative crowd with his children in tow, and his Storm teammates certainly rose to the occasion with one of their best displays for the year.

Before the game, things weren’t looking so good for Melbourne with fullback Billy Slater ruled out, his hip injury not quite 100%. Young gun Greg Inglis took Slater’s place at fullback and the rookie didn’t let his coach or teammates down.

After several weeks out with injury, Scott Hill celebrated his 150th appearance for the Storm by starting on the bench, his place in the starting line-up taken by Cooper Cronk.

The first five minutes belonged to the Tigers, their passing game causing major headaches for the Storm defenders, and they were duly rewarded in the 5th minute when Daniel Fitzhenry crossed to give Wests an early lead.

However, this early setback seemed to jolt the Storm players into action and the rest of the half belonged to the Melbourne boys.

Matt Orford got the ball rolling for the Storm in the 11th minute before Cam Smith, Matt Geyer and Steve Bell gave Melbourne a comfortable 18–6 half-time lead.

The second half started magnificently for the Storm with Bell running 85 metres to score after Hill intercepted a Benji Marshall kick and off-loaded to the flying winger.

Greg Inglis then leapt high to catch an Orford bomb to score another magnificent try to add to his burgeoning collection before Antonio Kaufusi added some icing to the cake.

Paul Whatuira, Pat Richards and a Fitzhenry second added some respectability to the scoreline for the Tigers.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy was obviously delighted with his team’s performance, especially considering it was a special game for his captain Robbie Kearns.

“It was a huge night tonight for the club, the last home game and probably Rob’s last home game,” said Bellamy.

“There were a lot of tributes out there tonight and they were all deserved. He’s been a wonderful player for this club and a wonderful player for our game.

“Without a doubt he is the heart and soul of this club.”

Robbie Kearns, having played the match with plenty of emotion inside, was his humble-self after the game.

“Obviously there was a lot of emotion revolving around tonight’s game,” said Kearns.

“At the end of the day it’s just another game of football, and we’ve been training that way all week.

“Next week’s another big week for us, but if we can go in with a bit of momentum into the semi-finals we’ll have a bit of confidence.”