The celebrations for Cameron Smith's 400th game started a little early, with Smith the hero as his Melbourne Storm won in Wollongong on Thursday night.
Despite teaming rain, heavy winds and six of the Storm's best players away at State of Origin, those left behind stood up as the Storm claimed a 16-14 win over St George-Illawarra Dragons who were missing several of their own stars.
Captain fantastic: Storm skipper Cameron Smith (2nd from left) celebrates win over the Dragons at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.Credit:AAP
A late penalty gave Smith the chance to kick his side back into the lead and Smith saluted. The victory means Melbourne will remain three wins clear in top spot heading into next Saturday's game against Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park.
The Storm rooms played host to emotional scenes pre-game as NRL great and Queensland coach Kevin Walters presented his son Billy Walters with his first NRL jersey and the debutante was serviceable making his tackles and putting in some good kicks.
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Dragons prop Jeremy Latimore opened the scoring seven minutes in driving over the line after a pass from hooker Cameron McInnes.
The Dragons were fired up but the Storm pushed the home side back deep into their own half and soon drew level as Joe Stimson, who was earlier shaken up by a crude "crusher" tackle, stretched out and scored a try on 16 minutes with the help of an assist from Brodie Croft.
Looking for an opening: Storm's Billy Walters gets wrapped up by a pair of Dragons.Credit:Robb Cox
The Storm remained patient and continued playing a game of field position, although they went close to taking the lead several times before Smith chose to kick a penalty goal and put his side up 8-6.
Errors and shallow kicking stopped the Storm increasing their lead to start the second half but defensively they were holding their own and keep the Dragons from making meaningful metres.
Dragons flyer Jai Field levelled scores at 8-8 after slotting a penalty goal from 35 metres out 20 minutes from full time.
But moments later the Storm had the lead against as Justin Olam broke the line, slipped over and then found prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona who drew in some tacklers then dish off to fullback Jahrome Hughes who scored a try under the posts as Storm led 14-8.
The Storm paid dearly for making late contact with Jai Field 12 minutes from time as the Dragons scored soon after that penalty as winger Mikaele Ravalawa powered over the line slipping through three defenders and tying scores as 14-14.
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