Melbourne Storm are searching for answers to a puzzle that has led to a record seven defeats in a row.
It is an almighty fall from grace for a team which has made back-to-back grand finals – but come up short on both occasions.
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There were signs of life against the Dolphins but ultimately they were second best all over the pitch once again.
And one bright spark, Tyran Wishart, went off injured after opening the scoring.
When your luck’s out, its out.
Even that setback did not have Storm down for long, with Sualauvi Fa’alogo scoring an incredible solo try to put 10-0 up.
Compared to last week’s 48-6 defeat to the Rabbitohs it seemed a corner had been turned, but that lasted all of 12 minutes.
The Dolphins scored just before halftime and the second period was a one-way affair, with Jack Bostock settling the points with a quickfire double.
Storm are licking their wounds after yet another defeat, with the 28-10 loss their seventh in a row.
That has never been seen before in the club’s 28-year history.
And the latest setback comes after illustrious head coach Craig Bellamy revealed he has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.
He is set to continue in the post he has held since 2003, but he is struggling to find a solution to his team’s woes, as injuries continue to pile up.
Club records continue to be broken too, and not in a good way.
Last week’s loss to the Rabbitohs was the biggest at their home ground, with Bellamy describing it as “the most embarrassed I’ve ever been in my footy life”.
He could even decide to take up club legend Billy Slater on his offer to help out if needed, with the Queensland Maroons boss already supporting in a part-time capacity.
“You do things that you care for and Craig Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm are two things that I really care for,” Slater told Channel 9 News.
“If Craig Bellamy ever asked me for a hand he wouldn’t have to ask twice put it that way.
“Knowing what he’s going through and knowing how hard he works and what he puts into this club – I’m already in there most weeks and doing a part-time role – and the great thing is I haven’t seen any signs of this being in and around Craig Bellamy.
“So in the short-term I don’t think Craig Bellamy’s ability to coach his footy team is going to waiver.”
Now Storm face the unthinkable prospect of missing out on the finals for the first time since 2010.
They are second bottom in the ladder and have just two wins – one against the Eels one place above them, and their second against the winless Dragons.
