Stats That Matter - Round 18
169
What a return by Jesse Bromwich. After five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury the leader of the Storm pack had an immediate influence to finish Saturday night's game with a team-high 169 metres. Bromwich came off the bench in the 21st minute with his side trailing 10-nil and instantly Melbourne appeared to grow an extra leg. Now the focus will be on ensuring the Kiwi enforcer can put a solid month of uninterrupted football under his belt, which is a scary thought for the opposition.
100
What a journey to such a significant milestone for Tim Glasby. In 2012 the Rockhampton native was playing Queensland Cup football working as a financial planner back home before Storm recruiters came knocking. Fast track to today and Glasby is an Origin player and now an NRL centurion. No one can deny he has had to take the hard road to reach 100 NRL games and there is no doubt he will continue to go from strength to strength.
21
What a way to celebrate your 21st birthday. Brodie Croft was a late inclusion into the starting side as the halfback and again showed his class in crucial moments. His try in the 49th minute cut the Manly lead to a single point and well and truly swung the momentum Melbourne's. His kicking game was also a highlight, forcing the Sea Eagles into repeat set, including an important one late in the game. With still only 12 NRL games under his belt, the learning curve will only get steeper and more advanced over the next month.
6
For the first time in history Melbourne Storm have won all six games during the State of Origin period. It is a remarkable achievement for a side who had more Origin players (six) than any other team in the competition. This team has proven over the last month and a half the wealth of depth they have at their disposal. Regardless of how long they have been playing at feeder level, players such as Croft, Jahrome Hughes, Cheyse Blair and Tui Kamikamica have shown they are ready to answer the call whenever it comes their way. A fit list is crucial but a hungry one even more s which has Melbourne well placed heading into the back end of the year.
