The Melbourne Storm were finally able to snap a four-game losing streak but the New Zealand Warriors did not make it easy for them throughout the game.
Eventually emerging 24-12 winners at Mt Smart Stadium, it took just seven minutes for the Storm to score and the belief was that the floodgates would open.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the game came when Nelson Asofa-Solomona slammed Wayde Egan into the ground forcefully, with many believing he should have been sent from the field.
Asofa-Solomona stayed on, however, and his go-forward helped to lift the Storm side to eventual victory.
The hulking forward was placed on report, though, as was fellow Storm forward Josh King for an alleged eye gouge.
A side playing for pride in 2022, the Warriors dug deep and a harbour bridge pass from Shaun Johnson found Edward Kosi to score his first of the game.
The Storm would score a second when Harry Grant was quickest to react to a Felise Kaufusi break, getting the ball near the line and diving over.
The Warriors suffered a blow when Chanel Harris-Tavita departed the field but the return of Wayde Egan who would move into five-eighth paid dividends.
He provided a nice pass for Kosi to score his second try of the game with the game evenly poised at the break.
The Storm hit the gas to start the second half and scored on their opening play.
Grant combined with Jahrome Hughes and the halfback sliced through a gap to score and extend the lead.
Nick Meaney and Grant Anderson then combined down the flank with the fullback finishing the play off.
A further penalty goal would put the Storm up by 14.
Meaney would be forced from the field soon after with his jersey being used as a sling, suggesting a dislocated or injured shoulder.
The final points would go the way of the Warriors with Johnson and Kosi again combining for the winger to score his third.
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Jahrome Hughes (MEL)
2. Edward Kosi (WAR)
1. Cameron Munster (MEL)