Tevita Pangai Junior made his presence known in his Dolphins debut despite the Storm defeating his side 30-24.
In the 46th minute of his return match from retirement, the Dolphins recruit put a big shot on Trent Loiero, sparking a fiery melee.
Pangai Junior was immediately penalised for being offside after the referee had called him out before the tackle was made. However, there was nothing illegal in the tackle.
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“He smashed him,” league great Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin said on Nine.
“… That’s good old fashioned rugby league.”
Tevita Pangai Junior clashes with the Storm. Nine
“There’s nothing illegal in the contact … he’s a metre offside (but) it’s a great hit,” Cameron Smith added.
The opening half between both sides was a try for try affair with the score 18-18 at the break.
Kenny Bromwich, Euan Aitken, Trai Fuller were the try scorers for the Dolphins while Ryan Papenhuyzen scored for Melbourne in his return from injury along with Tyran Wishart and Jahrome Hughes.
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The second half started with Storm winger Will Warbrick scoring by jumping over Herbie Farnworth near the sideline.
Melbourne’s lead extended to 30-18 when Josh King went over in the 54th minute.
A stunning length of the field try to Jamayne Isaako only moments later kept his side in the contest.
The winger then slotted a penalty goal with two minutes remaining to put the Dolphins in striking distance at 30-24.
However, despite two attempts at tries, Melbourne’s defence held on to claim victory.
The win for the Storm continues Craig Bellamy’s impressive record over Wayne Bennett. Bennett’s teams have now lost their last 12 games against the Storm.