Junior Report: Round 23

Melbourne Storm U21s suffered another narrow loss on the weekend, going down 24-18 to the Parramatta Eels.

The Storm controlled much of the game and led 14-12 at half-time, but a few lapses in the second half ultimately proved costly.

"We won all the statistical areas, we did all the little things… but there were moments where we didn’t, and opportunities we missed… so it’s a bit of a learning for us," Head Coach Mark Russell said.

Preston Conn, Stanley Huen and Cooper Clarke were standout performers, doing everything they could to get their team over the line. Luke Cesari also made a strong contribution, crossing for two tries.

Storm U21s will now look to bounce back this weekend against the Roosters and reclaim their brand of footy.

Russell emphasised that the focus for the remaining three home and away games is to “go back and rebuild, building our blocks again… not gonna panic.”

The U21s face the Roosters this Saturday, 16 August, at 2:00pm at Seabrook Reserve.