Fiji Bati hopeful and Newcastle Knights winger Akuila Uate scored a try last night to help his side eliminate defending champions Melbourne Storm 18-16 from the NRL qualifiers.

Newcastle had not won in Melbourne since 2004, or in their last seven meetings, but they ripped up the record books to set up a grand final qualifier against the Sydney Roosters next Saturday night.

The Knights led 18-10 with 14 minutes remaining but the Storm fought back in a thrilling finale.

Prop Jesse Bromwich barrelled across the line, and Cameron Smith added the extras to close the gap to two points.

The home side threw everything at Newcastle but could not find the try they needed to keep their title defense alive.

Storm and Fiji Bati Sisa Waqa also scored a try.

In the prelim finals the South Sydney Rabbithos will meet the Manley Sea Eagles this Friday at 9.45pm while the Sydney Roosters meet the Knights this Saturday at 9.45pm.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso