Junior Representative Report: Round 3

With Melbourne Storm’s Harold Matthews side having the bye, it was our SG Ball side that were on the road for Round Three, unfortunately going down 34-12 to the Illawarra Steelers on Saturday. 

Despite a strong start that saw Storm gifted some possession attacking the Illawarra line, Steelers would strike first with an 80-metre effort against the run of play.  

Despite the try being scored, Storm fullback Hugo Peel almost saved Storm’s blushes, showing plenty of pace to come from the other side of the field and almost reel Illawarra fullback Lucas Borg in as he set sights for the tryline. 

After the early try scored against them, Storm’s big boys in the middle muscled up, marching downfield and Chase Paterson carrying several defenders with him to score under the uprights in the 19th minute. 

A strong carry from Devonte Vaotu’ua’s laid the platform for Storm’s next four pointer, with hooker Harrison Hill doing what all good hookers do well, scooping up the ball from the quick play the ball and scooting over himself in the 26th minute.  

The hosts refused to go away however, replying with a try of their own right before the break to see scores level at halftime.  

Unfortunately, it would be Illawarra that would take control of the contest in the second half, running four tries and keeping Storm scoreless.  

Storm will be looking to bounce back when they return to Sydney next week, taking on the Balmain Tigers at Leichhardt Oval in Round 4.