The flame of Canterbury's NRL season is still flickering after scrapping their way to an 30-20 win over Melbourne.
Friday's result, sealed by a second-half double from winger Jethro Rinakama, snapped a six-game losing run for the Bulldogs whose performances - both with and without the ball - have been heavily criticised.
Despite a nervy first opening 15 minutes at Accor Stadium, where Storm winger Moses Leo scored two tries in quick succession, the ferocious defensive traits of Canterbury's 2025 season look to have returned.
Rookie Jack Underhill belted Alec Macdonald with a contender for hit of the season and Marcelo Montoya hammered Storm fullback Sua Fa'alogo.
In a side missing captain Stephen Crichton and with fullback Conor Tracey a late withdrawal, stand-in fullback Jacob Kiraz and centre Bronson Xerri stood tall and both clocked up more than 200m each.
