Perception and reality are two different things. Everyone knows the Storm were cheating and deserved the punishment they were given. FACT.
BUT if people in Melbourne feel they are the victim of the evil "Sydney clubs", this perception of being hard done by will actually be a boost to the Storm's support.
The "support OUR hard done by club" effect - which is interesting, as previously the people of Melbourne might not have identified with the club so strongly. Through controversy and pitting the Storm against the rest of the world it may rally support to them and make the joint stronger.