NRL: Canterbury Bulldogs beat Melbourne Storm 18-12

Canterbury Bulldogs held firm to inflict a first home defeat of the NRL season on Melbourne Storm in an 18-12 victory on Monday.

Having been beaten by Canberra Raiders last time out Bulldogs were in need of a response at AAMI Park, where tries from Moses Mbye and Sam Perrett against the run of play helped them to a 12-2 lead.

Storm hit back with scores in each half from Tohu Harris and Young Tonumaipea, with the hosts appearing the more likely to clinch the win and extend their unbeaten record on home turf.

But Kerrod Holland's first NRL try just after the hour won it for the visitors, who racked up a sixth straight win over Storm in the process.

The hosts only had a Cameron Smith penalty to show for their early pressure and Bulldogs scored the opening try with a stunning 90-yard run from Mbye.

It got better for the visitors after 20 minutes. Josh Reynolds' cross-field kick was brilliantly caught by Perrett, who out jumped Marika Koroibete to touch down on the right.

A response came three minutes before the break when Harris bundled over.

Storm scored again early in the second half when Tonumaipea did brilliantly to chase down Cooper Cronk's grubber, but Smith's missed conversion left the scores tied at 12-12.

Bulldogs defended valiantly as Storm pushed for a winning try and they were rewarded for their hard work in the 61st minute when Holland powered over the line.

Storm probed for another response as the clock wound down, but they were unable to muster a grandstand finish.