NRL: Melbourne Storm defeat North Queensland Cowboys in playoffs
Saturday 10 September 2016 15:00, UK
Cameron Smith kicked a late penalty goal to clinch a 16-10 win for Melbourne over defending NRL champions North Queensland in the first round of the playoffs.
The sides went in level at the break at AAMI Park after Antonio Winterstein's 40th-minute try cancelled out Suliasi Vunivalu's impressive solo score.
Smith put Melbourne back in front with his second penalty goal of the game before Jesse Bromwich powered over for a try on 52 minutes.
Kyle Feldt gave the Cowboys hope when he crossed in the corner with 18 minutes remaining but Smith's late penalty secured victory.
The win gives the Storm a second-round bye and sends the Cowboys into a match next week against Brisbane, who eliminated the Gold Coast Titans on Friday with a 44-28 win at Suncorp Stadium.
Earlier on Saturday, a 75th-minute penalty goal from James Maloney gave Cronulla a 16-14 comeback win over Canberra, advancing the Sharks to the semi-finals and also a bye in the second round.
Canterbury face Penrith in the other elimination match on Sunday, with the winner to play Canberra in the second round.
