NRL LIVE updates: Storm, Bulldogs level at half-time after Hayward sin-binned

We’re back for the second half, with a lot at stake for the Bulldogs in their bid for finals football. The Storm are out of the race already and without their three best players, but they’re playing without pressure and took the game to Canterbury in that first half.

The Bulldogs did give away more penalties and errors than their opponents, so you get the feeling if they get their discipline back on track and have an even split of possession they should have the talent to run away with this one.

Both teams keep things simple with their opening sets of the second half.

Storm 16, Bulldogs 16 with 37 minutes left

There’s late drama in the first half as Trent Toelau kicks ahead for himself, is bumped on the chase by Bailey Hayward, and Lachie Galvin sends the ball over the dead-ball line.

The bunker takes a lot of looks at replays before ruling Hayward committed a professional foul for interfering with Toelau, and Hayward is off to the sin bin.

The Storm cash in immediately, Sua Fa’alago drifting left, cutting inside the rushing Jacob Kiraz, then passing to Moses Leo who scores his second try of the night.

Great effort from the under-strength Storm to still be in this one, and it’s all square at the break after Nick Meaney leaves the sideline conversion just short.

Storm 16, Bulldogs 16 at half-time

It’s end-to-end stuff now, and more Sua Fa’alogo heroics, as the Bulldogs attack down the right through Enari Tuala who then sends Jacob Kiraz bursting towards the corner. But Fa’alogo does well to bump Kiraz towards the sideline, with the winger planting a foot into touch before planting the ball down to score. The touch judge spots it and puts up his flag – no try.

Then there’s a injury scare for Fa’alogo after Connor Tracey falls on him awkwardly in a tackle, the Storm fullback grimacing and clutching his leg before playing the ball. He’s playing on for now.

Bulldogs 16, Storm 12 after 38 minutes

A spectacular kick return from Sua Fa’alogo – arguably the most exciting player in the league when he gets some room to move – suddenly puts Melbourne on the attack, and Trent Toelau goes close to having his third try assist from a kick when a well weighted grubber is almost chased down by Nick Meaney, before Matt Burton kicks the ball over the dead-ball line.

But the referee rules Meaney got a hand to the ball, so the Bulldogs escape with a 20-metre tap.

Bulldogs 16, Storm 12 after 34 minutes

An error and a six-again gives the Bulldogs nine straight tackles near the Melbourne line, and the pressure is really starting to stack up for a Storm side missing their leaders Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes. Eventually they break – Jaeman Salmon throwing a dummy then forcing his way over the top of a couple of defenders to score between the posts.

It’s Salmon’s second try of the night and the Dogs have the lead again.

Bulldogs 16, Storm 12 after 31 minutes

Possible dramas for the Bulldogs here, with Stephen Crighton staying down after being hit a little late after getting a pass away.

It’s a penalty at close range for Canterbury and Crichton is playing on after getting a quick check from the Bulldogs trainer.

The Dogs are camped in Melbourne territory and they go left with Viliame Kikau almost crashing through himself. Then Crichton throws a long ball to winger Jethro Rinakama – the pass is almost intercepted by Storm winger Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, but he can only get a touch to the ball – and Rinakama does well to catch it and score in the corner.

Crichton’s sideline conversion attempt goes wide.

Storm 12, Bulldogs 10 after 27 minutes

Just as the Bulldogs start looking likely, Melbourne go on the attack and regain the lead. Trent Toelau is taking on a lot of the short kicking and his jabs in a nice grubber kick with Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey up in the defensive line, and Storm No.1 Sua Fa’alogo is quicker than everyone to the ball and scores his 15th try of the season.

Storm 12, Bulldogs 6 after 23 minutes

The Bulldogs have plenty of weapons in this side and one of them breaks the Storm defence open now – Viliame Kikau, from inside his own half, bumps off one defender, shoves away another and offloads to Stephen Crichton, who pops the final pass to Jaeman Salmon who streaks away to score.

It’s a very nice try to open the account for the Dogs tonight, and Crichton adds the extras.

Storm 6, Bulldogs 6 after 17 minutes

The Storm are dominating territory now, forcing a dropout, earning a penalty, and almost scoring again when Joe Chan is held up over the line.

But the Bulldogs survive thanks to an obstruction call.

On paper this Bulldogs team is a class above the injury-hit Storm, but Melbourne are giving them a real challenge so far.

Storm 6, Bulldogs 0 after 13 minutes