When you keep the competition’s leading try scorers to just one for the day, it is hats off to the defence.
Manly went into Sunday’s clash in Melbourne having crossed the line more than any other side in 2017.
That mantle now belongs to Storm after Craig Bellamy’s men ran in seven tries to one in their biggest ever win over the Sea Eagles.
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The 40-6 score line was certainly pleasing but that second number is the one the Storm coach would take most satisfaction from.
“The thing I was really happy about today was our defence. Manly have scored more tries than anyone in the comp this year, for us to keep them to six (points) I thought was a really good effort,” Bellamy said.
“Particularly in the second half I thought we defended our try line really well.
“Our defensive effort against such an attacking team was really good but having said that there is still a long way to go, five weeks. There is still going to be a few twists and turns but we just need to stay focused on what we need to, get our basics right and go from there.”
Storm will now have five days to recover before facing another top eight side in North Queensland this Friday night up in Townsville.
