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Melbourne’s defensive collapse continued as the Warriors outmuscled them to extend the Storm’s losing streak to four.
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has questioned his side's defensive resolve after a 38-14 home loss to the New Zealand Warriors, a defeat that extended Melbourne's losing streak to four matches.
Bellamy cut a frustrated figure throughout Saturday night's clash at AAMI Park, where the Warriors dominated physically and broke a 17-game losing run at the venue.
The Storm had been expected to respond after conceding 50 points to the Penrith Panthers a week earlier, but instead struggled to contain a sharper, more direct opponent.
Fox Sports commentator Michael Ennis observed that it was the first time he had seen Melbourne overpowered, reflecting the tone of a one-sided contest in key moments.
Cameras captured Bellamy delivering a pointed half-time message to second-rower Joe Chan, with the Storm trailing by four points at the break.
The forward returned after half-time but lasted only five minutes before being substituted, finishing with 16 tackles, two misses, and several errors in 45 minutes.
Melbourne's defensive issues were widespread. The side missed 32 tackles and conceded six tries from five linebreaks, while also giving away seven penalties, including three from Trent Loiero.
Bellamy later acknowledged the performance fell well short of expectations, noting the team's defensive preparation had not translated onto the field.
He indicated changes could follow if standards do not improve, adding that both players and staff would be held accountable as the club looks to arrest its slide.
For the Warriors, the result offered a timely response after recent losses. Andrew Webster said the performance could act as a springboard, highlighting the team's defensive intensity and cohesion, particularly following Luke Metcalf's injury.
Chanel Harris-Tavita was influential in defence, helping set the tone for a side that outworked and outmuscled Melbourne across the park. Webster suggested the key now would be maintaining that level in the weeks ahead.