Chloe Schibeci reviews the Sunday afternoon match between the Storm and the Sea Eagles. Here’s how the game went.
MATCH TIMELINE
| Minute | Scoring Play | Score |
| 3rd | On report Christian Welch (Storm) | 0-0 |
| 11th | Try Justin Olam (Storm) | Storm 4-0 |
| 13th | Goal Cameron Smith (Storm) | Storm 6-0 |
| 15th | Try Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles) | Storm 6-4 |
| 16th | Goal Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles) | 6-6 |
| 22nd | Try Josh Addo-Carr (Storm) | Storm 10-6 |
| 25th | Try Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm) | Storm 14-6 |
| 48th | Try Justin Olam (Storm) | Storm 18-6 |
| 63rd | On report Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) | Storm 18-6 |
| 64th | Try Justin Olam (Storm) | Storm 22-6 |
| 66th | Goal Cameron Smith (Storm) | Storm 24-6 |
| 79th | Try Josh Addo-Carr (Storm) | Storm 28-6 |
| 80th | Goal Cameron Smith (Storm) | Storm 30-6 |
MATCH SUMMARY
1st Half
Both the Storm and the Sea Eagles started the strong, eager to play and hopeful to come away with the win. Melbourne centre Justin Olam scored the first points of the game in the 11th minute; the first of his three tries during the game. It wasn’t long before Manly hit back, with Addin Fonua-Blake scoring just four minutes later. Reuben Garrick converted. Unfortunately for Manly, these were the only points they scored during the game.
Manly’s efforts to stay in the game didn’t go unnoticed, however, they let their opponents score two unconverted tries before the half time siren sounded. Melbourne dominated possession and field position, which allowed them to begin to get on top of Manly, leading by eight points at half-time.
2nd Half
Both the Storm and the Sea Eagles bombed some try-scoring opportunities early in the second half, however, the try Melbourne managed to score in the 48th-minute gave them the edge and the confidence they needed to run away with the game.
Despite being down by 8 at half time, Manly came out strong and determined to score points in hopes of stealing the win from the Storm, as a win would have made them more likely to make it to finals football. But alas, their efforts fell short compared to those of the Melbourne Storm, who scored three second-half tries to Manly’s nil. Melbourne continued walked away with the two competition points, winning 30 points to 6.
GAME HIGHLIGHT
Melbourne’s defensive efforts were a defining element of the game. They managed to keep their opponents to their first and only try, which was scored in the opening half. Manly had opportunities to score, particularly early in the second forty. All opportunities, however, fell through. Melbourne’s defence was too strong to allow the Sea Eagles a chance to score more points and get on top.
SQUADS
Melbourne Storm:ย 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 21. Isaac Lumelume, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui, 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 14. Nicho Hynes, 17. Darryn Schonig, 19. Chris Lewis, 20. Albert Vete
Manly Sea Eagles:ย 1. Tevita Funa, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Brad Parker, 18. Albert Hopoate, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Cade Cust, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 4. Jack Gosiewsli, 14. Lachlan Croker, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Taniela Paseka
