Storm Overcome Sea Eagles Fightback to Claim Sixth Win
Game Summary
The Melbourne Storm recorded a 26-18 victory over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 23 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Seabrook Reserve in Broadmeadow on Sunday afternoon, securing their sixth win of the season in their debut campaign.
It was the first meeting between the two clubs in the competition, and Melbourne wasted little time in asserting themselves. Veteran centre Marion Seve opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing neatly down the left edge after a slick ball from halfback Keagan Russell-Smith to make it 4-0.
With Manly yet to find their footing, Melbourne struck again in the very next set. Seve caused chaos again down the left flank, drawing defenders before putting five-eighth Eli Morris through a gap on the inside. Morris ran in unopposed to make it 8-0, and then converted his own try to extend the lead to 10-0.
Manly refused to fold. Winger Navren Willett got the visitors on the board in the 18th minute, steamrolling fullback Amaziah Murgha to crash over in the corner. William Herbert then produced a composed finish off a high-ball contest nine minutes from half-time to bring the score to 10-8, before halfback Tex Hoy slotted the conversion from wide out to level the contest at 10-10 at the break.
The second half saw Melbourne hit the front early when a nothing little grubber kick from Murgha near the try-line was completely ignored by the Manly defence, allowing winger Alize Clark to pounce and score in the fourth minute. Morris added the extras to make it 16-10.
Manly continued to press and were rewarded when a sweeping movement down the right edge ended with Beau Newlands crashing over in the 62nd minute to make it 18-16 in the Sea Eagles' favour — their first lead of the afternoon. However, Tex Hoy was unable to convert from in front of the posts, keeping the margin at two.
Melbourne regained the lead almost immediately. Murgha broke through a gap before drawing the last defender, and the Storm re-established their advantage at 20-18. Morris added the conversion to push the lead to four at 22-18.
With time winding down and Manly unable to take advantage of several penalty opportunities deep in attack, Melbourne sealed the result when Morris's high kick was spilled and Liam Williams pounced inside the final 60 seconds to score. The final score read Melbourne 26, Manly 18.
Talking Points
- Marion Seve was the catalyst for Melbourne's fast start, setting up the second try with a devastating run before finishing the first himself. The experienced centre proved far too damaging for the Manly defence in the opening stages.
- Manly's goal-kicking cost them dearly. Tex Hoy finished the afternoon one from three, with both misses coming in crucial moments, including a conversion from in front of the uprights that could have given the Sea Eagles a four-point lead.
Key Moment
A grubber kick from Murgha near the try-line in the 64th minute was completely overlooked by the Manly defence. Alize Clarke reacted quickest and dived on the ball to score, shifting the momentum firmly back to Melbourne and proving to be the decisive play of the contest.
What's Next?
Melbourne have the bye next week before returning to action. Manly will need to regroup quickly as they take on the Warriors Next week.
