NSW Cup Report: Round 2

Melbourne Storm’s NSW Cup side were unable to recover from a fast start from the Dragons in Round 2, going down 42-26.  

The Dragons built early momentum and took a 28-6 lead going into half time despite Luke Cesari crossing in the 30th minute for Storm’s opening try.  

Melbourne responded strongly in the second half, with Hugo Peel and Cesari both scoring as Storm looked to close the gap. Pushing back, the Dragons crossed twice straight after, once again extending the gap.  

Keagan Russell-Smith scored a try in his first game for 2026 while Cesari completed his hat-trick on the eve of the final siren.

Eli Morris added three conversions for Storm but the early deficit proved too large to overcome as the Dragons secured the win.  

Storm will now turn its attention to the Newtown Jets at Seabrook Reserve in Round 3, as they continue to work towards their first win of the season.