The 2026 Junior Representative season kicked off over the weekend at Seabrook Reserve for Melbourne Storm’s male pathway teams who took on the North Sydney Bears in two double-headers.
SG Ball Cup (U19)
Storm’s U19 side had their first hit-out of the 2026 season and came away with a strong 34–12 victory over the North Sydney Bears.
The opening half was a tight a scrappy contest, with Melbourne taking a narrow 10–6 lead into the break.
Storm came out firing in the second half playing more their brand of football, scoring four tries to the Bears one to secure a convincing win.
Joseph Litidamu and Ben Stringer both crossed for two tries each helping seal the result.
Match: Storm v Bears
Round 1 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Bears
Venue: Seabrook Reserve, Broadmeadows
Harold Matthews Cup (U17)
Storm’s U17 side also kicked off their 2026 campaign, narrowly going down 20–18 in a hard-fought battle against the North Sydney Bears.
Melbourne made a slow start, heading into half-time trailing 16–0. However, they came out as a different side in the second half, scoring three tries and pushing the contest right to the end narrowly falling short.
Ofa’Benjavani Nau crossed for two crucial tries in the second half and it was almost enough to help them secure the win.
Storm’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews squads travel to Sydney on Saturday for their Round 2 clash against the St George Dragons at Mascot Oval.
Match: Storm v Bears
Round 1 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Bears
Venue: Seabrook Reserve, Broadmeadows
