Bostock's Double Leads Dolphins to 28-10 Comeback, Handing Storm Record Seventh Straight Loss

Key facts

• Dolphins beat Storm 28-10 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
• Jack Bostock scored two tries in his first NRL game since snapping his ACL last June.
• Melbourne Storm lost their seventh consecutive match, a first in the club's 28-year history.
• Dolphins trailed 10-0 early but scored 28 unanswered points.
• Kulikefu Finefeuiaki received a $1,000 fine for a high tackle on Hugo Peel.
• Storm coach Craig Bellamy was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder on match eve.
• Dolphins had lost four straight before this win, and now have a 2-5 season record.

A Night of Redemption and Despair at Suncorp

Jack Bostock, returning from 11 months of rehabilitation after snapping his ACL last June, scored two stunning tries to lead the Dolphins to a 28-10 victory over the Melbourne Storm on Friday night. The win snaps the Dolphins' own four-match losing streak and extends the Storm's losing run to a club-record seven consecutive defeats. In greasy conditions at Suncorp Stadium, the Dolphins trailed 10-0 early but rallied with 28 unanswered points. Bostock crossed in the 65th and 74th minutes, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki crashed over in the final minute to seal the comeback. The result is the first time in Melbourne's 28-year history that they have lost seven straight.

Bostock's Heroic Return Lifts Dolphins

Playing his first NRL game since June 2025, the 22-year-old Bostock showed no signs of rust, producing a magnificent scything run in the 65th minute to break the game open. The 194cm utility back finished with 128 metres and four tackle busts, a constant menace for the Storm defence. Centre Herbie Farnworth also starred, amassing 214 metres to support Bostock. The Dolphins' comeback was built on grit and precision, turning a 10-4 halftime deficit into a commanding win.

Storm's Early Promise Fades Amidst Off-Field Turmoil

Melbourne started strongly, bolting to a 10-0 lead behind a try from speedster Sua Fa'alogo in the 27th minute — one of the tries of the 2026 season. But the Storm could not sustain the momentum, conceding 28 unanswered points. The loss was compounded by off-field revelations: on match eve, it was announced that coach Craig Bellamy had been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder. The Storm's seventh straight defeat marks a new low for the club, which had never before experienced such a losing streak.

Fine for Finefeuiaki's High Shot

Dolphins back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki learned his fate for a high tackle on Storm debutant Hugo Peel. The in-form forward accepted an early plea, resulting in a $1,000 fine. Peel, making his NRL debut, was the recipient of the tackle but escaped injury.

Dolphins' Season on the Mend

The Dolphins entered the match with a 2-5 record, having lost four straight. However, their recent performances against top sides showed promise: they lost by a field goal in golden point to the Panthers in Darwin and by two points to the Warriors in Wellington. Star centre Herbie Farnworth said before the match, "We've got to start getting those two points now." Forward Connelly Lemuelu acknowledged the frustration but stressed the team's positivity and belief that they could turn things around.

What Comes Next for Both Sides

For the Dolphins, the victory provides a crucial boost as they seek to climb the ladder. Melbourne, meanwhile, faces an urgent need to halt their slide. With Bellamy's health in focus and the team's confidence shaken, the Storm must regroup quickly to avoid further damage to their season.

The bottom line

• Jack Bostock's two-try return from an ACL injury was the catalyst for the Dolphins' comeback win.
• Melbourne Storm's seven consecutive losses are a club first in their 28-year history.
• The Dolphins snapped their own four-match losing streak, improving to 3-5 on the season.
• Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was fined $1,000 for a high tackle on Storm debutant Hugo Peel.
• Storm coach Craig Bellamy's neurodegenerative disorder diagnosis adds to the club's off-field challenges.
• The Dolphins' recent close losses to top teams (Panthers, Warriors) foreshadowed their ability to compete.