Thompson Awaits Verdict After Foul Play Incident in Storm vs Knights Clash

Prop Leo Thompson will await his verdict with the match review committee after he was put on report for foul play in his side’s win against the Knights. With 15 minutes left in the game, Thompson earned the ire of the referee after he played a role in upending Papenhuyzen.

Papenhuyzen went up to catch a bomb but fell on his back after Thompson failed to jump for the ball. League legend Steve “Blocker” Roach described Papenhuyzen’s effort as “spectacular” with the fullback getting straight up despite the scary nature of his fall.

Melbourne came into the match at Newcastle severely down on troops with Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch, Jahrome Hughes, and Cameron Munster all missing.

The lack of cohesion from both sides was on full display with the Knights conceding 12 errors and the Storm 13. Newcastle led at half-time 14-0 after tries to Dane Gagai and Enari Tuala along with a Kalyn Ponga penalty goal.

The Storm hit back through Papenhuyzen in the 48th minute but didn’t score again until the 75th when Tyran Wishart fooled Jayden Brailey with a dummy.

With the score 14-12, Papenhuyzen attempted a two-point field goal in the dying minutes but was unsuccessful. Newcastle play the Warriors in New Zealand next Sunday while Melbourne has the bye.