NRL: Essentials – Melbourne Storm

Step back into the annals of Rugby League history and experience some of the greatest ever games from the Melbourne Storm. Joining the competition in 1998, the Storm enjoyed early success with a first Premiership in 1999, and have remained a competition benchmark ever since. Sit back and enjoy five classic Melbourne Storm games from the Rugby League archives, each presented in their entire original broadcast format – a must-have for the true Storm fan. 1998, ROUND 1 | STORM 14 – 12 STEELERS Inspired by their veteran skipper Glenn Lazarus, the Melbourne Storm mark their debut in the NRL with a winning start in Wollongong. With Scott Hill bagging a brace of tries and Craig Smith doing the work with the boot to ensure an impressive start to the Storm’s inaugural season in the competition. 1999, PRELIMINARY FINAL | STORM 18 – 16 EELS On the verge of a Grand Final berth in just their second season, the Storm trail the Eels 16-6 at half time at the SFS. Determined not to relinquish their spot in the decider after a stellar season, the Storm lift, turning the screws on the Eels until a late try to hooker Richard Swain completes the comeback and sends Melbourne into the big one. 2003, ROUND 1 | STORM 36 – 32 SHARKS In this epic encounter at the start of the 2003 season, the Sharks shock the Storm by running out to a 22-point lead. But the Melbourne side refuse to lie down and mount a stunning comeback, with a jubilant Matt Geyer capitalising on a Sharks error in the dying moments to streak away for the winning try. 2003, ROUND 26 | STORM 40 – 10 SEA EAGLES It was Cameron Smith and Billy Slater’s breakthrough season for the Storm, but in this clash with bitter rivals the Sea Eagles it proved be a tale of the halves; with five-eighth Matt Geyer scoring two tries, whilst halfback Matt Orford kicked four goals to claim the biggest ever win against their familiar foes. 2006, PRELIMINARY FINAL | STORM 24 – 10 DRAGONS Having won a record 20 games from 24 in the regular season to take the Minor Premiers crown, the Storm entered Telstra Stadium full of confidence for their Preliminary Final against St. George- Illawarra Dragons. And it was the in-form Melbourne club that quickly assumed control of the encounter, closing out the game and qualifying for a second ever Grand Final.