Ryan Papenhuyzen has rediscovered his sparkle with three tries in a 28-16 defeat of Cronulla that secured the Melbourne Storm a fourth NRL minor premiership in six years and ripped the Sharks’ finals fate from their hands.
Ryan Papenhuyzen scored a hat-trick as the Storm beat the Sharks.(
Getty Images: Chris Hyde
)
In the second match of the double header in Robina, Penrith secured second place on the ladder ahead of the finals following a convincing 40-6 win over Parramatta.
The Storm rested a host of their stars despite a loss to the Eels last week ending their historic run of 19 straight wins and opening the door for Penrith to snatch the regular season honours.
And the Sharks, needing a win on Friday night to confirm a top-eight spot, looked up for the fight when a late try made it 12-12 at half-time on the Gold Coast.
But a Marion Seve try to begin the second half and resurgent Papenhuyzen’s second soon after busted the contest open for the reigning premiers.
Their only concern will be a potential suspension for giant prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who will come under scrutiny for a late shot in the final stages.
Cronulla centre Connor Tracey’s try with five minutes to play could be crucial to the Sharks’ finals hopes, given they will only advance if Gold Coast lose or win by less than 12 to the Warriors on Sunday.
The Storm could have broken Cronulla when Papenhuyzen scored with five minutes to play in the first half.
It was the full-back’s first try since round six, the No.1 showing glimpses of his best as he continues to find his feet after a seven-game absence due to concussion.
But the Sharks were not deterred, a quick shift right helped by a brilliant William Kennedy tap-on pass that found a flying Sione Katao.
It was Katao’s second try of the game, both equally-impressive put downs just inside the right corner post as the winger underlined his status as one of the best finishers in the game.
Seve’s soft try hurt Cronulla though before Harry Grant broke the line to set up Papenhuyzen, who added his third try in the 69th minute when he planted a deft Jahrome Hughes grubber.
Melbourne made eight changes to their side, resting Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Bromwich brothers Kenny and Jesse and Felise Kaufusi while Josh Addo-Carr was injured.
Their absence was felt but with the in-form Nicho Hynes in the number six they were still dangerous, while Asofa-Solomona fired up after the break to thwart hard-hitting Siosifa Talakai and Toby Rudolf.
Panthers thrash Eels
Parramatta’s Blake Ferguson (left) tries to stop Penrith’s Brian To’o.(
AAP: Dave Hunt
)
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Source:: ABC News
