Saturday night’s clash between Storm and the Sea Eagles at AAMI Park will renew one of rugby league’s great rivalries.
Storm v Manly, the rivalry continues this weekend at AAMI Park on Saturday from 7:30pm. Book your tickets here.
The passion for the contest shared between Melbourne and Manly-Warringah first intensified during the 2007 season, as both sides began to assert their dominance, rising to the top of the competition. In that year, Storm were able to edge out their competitors, finishing top of the league at the conclusion of the home and away season, then going on to defeat the Sea Eagles 34-8 in the Grand Final.
It was from here that the two sides sparked one of the most competitive modern day rivalries the NRL has seen. The following season, Manly were defeated twice during 2008 by the defending champions Melbourne. However, the Sea Eagles rallied at the pointy end of the season, claiming victory over Storm in the Grand Final with a record 40-0 win.
While results between the two sides have varied between big margins and last-gasp victories, all contests have been played out with passion and competitiveness synonymous with the two clubs. One such high profile encounter came in Round 25, 2011 where Glenn Stewart and Adam Blair were sin binned following a fight which boiled over at Brookvale Oval. On that night, the Sea Eagles posted an 18-4 result.
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Since 2011, Melbourne and Manly have met on five occasions with Storm claiming victory three times. Two of the last three meetings have been memorable matches with this season’s previous match-up a classic with extra-time required to separate the two sides.
The Sea Eagles have enjoyed a successful start to the year, currently holding second place on the NRL ladder. For Storm, Craig Bellamy’s side will be desperate to return to the winner’s list after back-to-back losses against the Raiders and Warriors.
Head-to-head
Total:
Storm: 13
Sea Eagles: 11
Draw: 1
In Melbourne:
Storm: 8
Sea Eagles: 2
Draw: 1
The views expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not reflect the views of Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.
