Storm all smiles as Coates bags three and Paps returns in win
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The storm brought superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen back onto the field with Xavier Coates' hat-trick as he took them to a 37-16 win against the Titans at AAMI Park on Saturday. After 405 days out of the NRL, Papenhuyzen played the final 18 minutes, with some nice touches as Storm took a big step towards a top four spot. The storm got off to a quick start as Will Warbrick crossed in the fifth minute thanks to Jahrome Hughes' point-blank. Nine minutes later, as teams practiced against each other, the Titans countered as Chris Randall entered empty half before Coates returned to serve. Titans center Brian Kelly locked score 10-10 with a stylish attack from the left in 26th minute. A penalty awarded to Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in the 34th minute gave Nick Meaney chance to give the home team a lead and hit full-back. Top Next Cancel Replay Play Next Welcome back Paps! Cameron Munster then dominated the game by breaking the line and scoring a double with Coates' perfectly timed passes, leading Storm to lead 18-10 at halftime. In second half, when Fa'asuamaleaui's offense kicked in from right side, Titans kicked first and Brimson delivered final pass for Jojo Fifita score.Thomas Weaver piloted transition from touchline to close gap 18-16. Next Cancel Repeat Play Next Chris Randall Try it Papenhuyzen's 62nd minute appearance in his first NRL game in over a year was a big moment for AAMI Park fans, and they had more to celebrate as Christian Welch brought the ball 24-16 at close range 60 seconds later. With 10 minutes left to play, Storm broke the game when Grant deftly kicked Eliesa Katoa to follow and give the home team a fifth try. Another shot and another try at 75 minutes, Coates flew high to hit Munster and Storm took the lead to 20 points. Munster then added a field goal with two minutes left to make the final score 37-16. Storm's head quarterback, Hughes, left the field shortly after, suspecting a medial ligament injury in Melbourne's only damper.