NRL Finals LIVE: Storm lead Roosters 10-6 at half-time

Brandon Smith forces a goal line drop out from Melbourne, and the Storm decide to dial down the intensity with a good ole fashioned long kick.

Roosters get another attacking set, and the late offloads are starting to wear down Melbourne’s defence.

But despite their relentless attempts, the Tricolours once again don’t come up with the points.

Storm 10, Roosters 6 with 26 minutes to go

Luke Keary takes a run. Credit: Getty

Referee Ashley Klein has ruled a knock on from Melbourne winger Reimis Smith, and Christian Welch sends it up to the bunker.

There’s no touch from Smith as the ball is in the air, but when it hits the ground he uses the ground to sweep the ball into him and it ‘technically’ goes forward, constituting a knock on.

Roosters get the ball just short of the halfway line.

Storm 10, Roosters 6

This is it folks, the final 40 minutes is under way.

A bit of a mixed bag from both teams in that first half - Melbourne looked like they were going to wipe the floor with the Roosters in that first 20 minutes, but the Tricolours bounced back.

It’s time for the big players to step up - I’m talking Luke Keary, Sam Walker, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant - they’re the ones who will win or lose the game.

Christian Welch takes the first hit for the Storm, and here we go.

Storm 10, Roosters 6 with 40 minutes to go

What a fiery finish to the first half.

Melbourne were the dominant team early, but the Roosters hit back in that final 15 minutes and had the Storm back tracking.

The half-time siren rings out across the Stadium, and the teams look completely spent.

Some massive first-half efforts from those players who stepped in due to injury. For Melbourne, Tyran Wishart at halfback has been incredible, even bagging a try to open tonight’s scoring.

As for the Roosters, centre Corey Allan has really stepped up in attack and defence, taking the ball to the line and hunting down the ball in the kick chase.

Half-time: Storm 10, Roosters 6

James Tedesco offloads the ball.Credit: Getty

Finally!

It was beginning to look like a walkover out there, but Brandon Smith has finally taken advantage of the chinks in Melbourne’s armour.

Smith took the run from dummy half and gets down low to burrow over the line in between Eliesa Katoa and Tariq Sims.

Sam Walker puts the ball over easily, and finally we have a contest on our hands.

Storm 10, Roosters 6 after 34 minutes

Brandon Smith roars after scoring the Roosters first try of the night.Credit: Getty

It doesn’t matter what they do, the Roosters are struggling to score points - it’s been their issue all year.

The Tricolours couldn’t have asked for a better set up - a knock on from the Storm, a penalty after Cameron Munster ripped the ball out when he wasn’t square at marker, and a set restart...

But Melbourne are steadfast in defence, and the Bondi boys ain’t getting through there.

Trent Robinson knows they have to score in this first half to stay in the contest. Angus Crichton and Fletcher Baker come on.

Storm 10, Roosters 0 after 32 minutes

Sam Walker runs the ball.Credit: Getty

That missed knock on from Harry Grant has really hurt the Roosters.

Melbourne marched up the field, eating up run metres and got a penalty mid-way through the set to give them a further leg up the field.

Just as the Storm were on the Roosters’ goal line, Harry Grant shifts the ball out to Marion Seve on the right, and he goes over to score.

Once again, Nick Meaney’s kick misses after rebounding off the post.

Storm 10, Roosters 0 after 28 minutes

Marion Seve scores the second try for Melbourne. Credit: Getty