Storm Open NRL Defence In Style With Win Over Bulldogs

Brisbane, Australia, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Mar, 2018 ) :The Melbourne Storm opened the defence of their National Rugby League title in style with a 36-18 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs on the weekend.

The Storm, who beat the North Queensland Cowboys to win the 2017 championship, scored six tries to three to suggest they have already recovered from the loss of key playmaker Cooper Cronk to the Sydney Roosters.

Cronk's fellow Queensland State of Origin star Cameron Munster was in top form for the Storm, setting up two first-half tries and having a hand in a third. Munster was standing in at fullback for the injured Billy Slater, who hopes to be back next weekend.

Coach Craig Bellamy said Munster would only get better as the season progressed. "He's a very, very talented player," Bellamy said. "No matter where he plays he's always going to have a real impact. "He was one of our best tonight. He turned the game for us."