The Melbourne Storm will be searching for answers following a 36-6 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys.
It marks a second consecutive defeat for Craig Bellamy's side, who have seriously struggled since a number of recent injuries changed the face of their first team.
Alarmingly, it is the first time since 2013 that they have conceded 30+ points in back-to-back games.
"Really disappointed tonight. Thought we really lacked cohesion ... there was a lack of competing [sic]," Bellamy said.
"Having said that, the Cowboys are a good side, we knew that, and they played well tonight. They just out-competed us."
#NRLCowboysStorm Match Highlights 🎥
— NRL (@NRL) May 21, 2022
The @nthqldcowboys STUN the Storm for a sixth-straight win! 🤠 pic.twitter.com/pfT7r3lnyz
The Cowboy's 12-6 halftime lead didn't reflect their early dominance, but the home side made sure to stamp their authority on the game, scoring four tries within 15 minutes after the break.
A sold-out North Queensland Stadium was set alight, with the Storm unable to prevent the avalanche of points.
When asked in the post-match press conference if he was worried about his team's last two performances, Bellamy acknowledged that there is some important work ahead.
"I'm concerned. At the end of the day, we can handle being outplayed and we can handle getting beaten," he said.
"But when we beat ourselves through lack of competing [sic] and doing the little things really well, that's an area for concern. We need to have a look at that and go from there."
In a change made hours before kick-off, Harry Grant was moved from hooker to halfback, in an effort to create a spark missing from last week's defeat to the Panthers.
However, Bellamy accepted that the decision didn't pay off.
"So we were struggling in [the halfback] position last week and we were struggling there again tonight," he said.
"It's obviously not [Grant's] best position but we just thought that was the way to go. Probably got it wrong."
The Storm now have a short turnaround, playing the Manly Sea Eagles in their next match on Thursday.
