Wests Tigers continued their affinity with Leichhardt Oval with a stunning 32-18 upset win over high-flying Melbourne Storm in an entertaining and explosive National Rugby League match.

The Storm had interchange forward Danny Williams sent off for a violent king hit on Tigers second rower Mark O'Neill that could have far more serious repercussions for both players.

O'Neill was nursing a suspected fractured cheekbone and facing recovery time on the sidelines, while Williams is almost certain to be given a lengthy suspension after referee Gavin Badger claimed he had "taken matters into his own hands".

Williams took exception to a high tackle from O'Neill - for which the Tigers forward was placed on report - and floored O'Neill from behind.

"Danny, you've taken matters into your own hands. For that, you're off," referee Badger said.

The incident occurred in the 65th minute with the Tigers leading 26-18 and, in a double blow to Melbourne, also cost the Storm a try, with centre Ben MacDougall "scoring" during the same passage of play.

Williams' unsavoury act failed to take the gloss off an outstanding victory for the Tigers, who went in the clash reeling from three straight heavy defeats.

The Storm, by contrast, entered the contest as top-four residents and boasting the best attacking record in the premiership.

But while the Tigers left with their spirits restored and with renewed finals hopes, the Storm trudged back to Melbourne still without a win at the boutique ground that rarely fails to bring the best out of the joint venture club.

From the outset it was clear the Tigers were on a mission and a tryscoring double from Melbourne wonderboy Billy Slater wasn't enough to prevent the home team from going to the break with a 16-12 lead courtesy of three four-pointers, through fullback Brett Hodgson, Jason Moodie and O'Neill.

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