NRL: Billy Slater makes winning return as Storm overcome Brisbane

Melbourne welcomed Billy Slater back in a heart-stopping 14-12 victory over Brisbane to keep alive their unbeaten start to the NRL season. Skipper Cameron Smith converted a Josh Addo-Carr try from the sideline in the 77th minute on Thursday night at AAMI Park to consign the Broncos to another tight loss after their one-point defeat last week to North Queensland.

It looked like Brisbane were going to ruin Slater’s homecoming party in his first game in more than a year after shoulder surgery. The Broncos didn’t follow the script, with some rugged defence throwing the Storm attack off their game. But rookie Melbourne five-eighth Ryley Jacks threw a pass that bounced off two Brisbane defenders and into the arms of winger Addo-Carr for the try to lock up the match with Smith’s conversion sealing the deal.

The Storm were seething in the 62nd minute when the bunker ruled Will Chambers had lost possession as he reached out to ground the ball on the tryline, however a different angle appeared to show the Melbourne centre maintained contact. That try would have tied up the match.

Melbourne dominated possession and territory in the first half but could only manage an 8-6 lead, thanks to Jacks’ first try in the NRL. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy started Slater on the bench, with Cameron Munster at fullback and Jacks at No6. Following Jacks’ 22nd-minute try, Bellamy gave the crowd what they wanted, with Slater taking over fullback and Munster replacing Jacks.

Slater handled everything the Broncos threw at him and looked sharp in attack.

The Broncos took the lead in the second half via a brilliant individual try by halfback Ben Hunt, who dummied and then cut through some lazy Melbourne defence including Smith. It looked like it would be enough for the Broncos but the Storm weren’t to be denied.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said it was great to see Slater back in the game. “He’s a wonderful player and I’m pleased to see him back,” Bennett said. “He was out of touch with a couple of things but he will only get better. He just needed that game to get some confidence.”

In bad news for the Storm, Munster is likely to undergo surgery after breaking his jaw in the win. The 22-year-old left AAMI Park with blood dripping from his mouth following a head clash with Brisbane winger Corey Oates midway through the second half.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Munster was likely to have a plate inserted. “He’s a young guy and tough kid so they will do what they’ve got to do tomorrow and go get a plate put in it and hopefully he will be back as soon as possible.”

Munster has been covering for Slater at fullback and got his first crack at five-eighth due to Slater’s return. While Munster impressed in his short time at No6, Bellamy said he would revert to Ryley Jacks in the role.

“It’s really disappointing because he’s a great competitor and a great player and we were really looking forward to him playing five-eighth and seeing how he goes because I think he’ll be a real success but that’s on the backburner now.” Bellamy said he hoped he would only be out for four to six weeks.