Melbourne Storm’s 600-game celebration for coach Craig Bellamy turned into a nightmare – leading 10–0 before conceding 40 unanswered points to the Sydney Roosters in a humiliating 10–40 defeat at AAMI Park.
Melbourne – What was meant to be a historic night for Craig Bellamy turned into an unthinkable nightmare. In NRL Round 26, 2025 at AAMI Park, the Melbourne Storm led 10–0 at halftime but were utterly destroyed by a second-half blitz, as the Sydney Roosters stormed home with 40 unanswered points to claim a stunning 40–10 victory.
Dream start – disastrous finish
Storm began brightly, with tries from Shawn Blore and Grant Anderson giving them a comfortable 10–0 lead. The stage seemed set for a perfect celebration of Craig Bellamy’s 600th game in charge. But after halftime, the match flipped completely.
The Roosters returned with renewed intensity, punishing every defensive lapse from the Storm. The second half quickly became a one-sided showcase of pace, discipline, and ruthlessness.
Star of the night
The standout was none other than Mark Nawaqanitawase, the winger who crossed for an incredible four tries in the second half, lifting himself to the top of the season’s try-scoring chart. His explosive display embodied the Roosters’ resurgence at the business end of the season.
Bellamy’s frustration, Roosters’ momentum
After the match, Craig Bellamy admitted Storm’s defense was “soft as butter” and described the collapse as “embarrassing.” What was meant to be a landmark celebration was instead overshadowed by one of the club’s worst halves in history.
In contrast, Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised his side’s maturity and resilience, calling the performance a potential “turning point” as they charge towards the finals.
Major implications for the ladder
The defeat not only cost the Storm vital points in the race for the minor premiership, but it also handed the Canberra Raiders a golden opportunity to take the top spot. Meanwhile, the emphatic victory breathed new life into the Roosters’ playoff push, sending a clear warning to the rest of the competition.