NSW Cup Report: Round 17

Melbourne Storm’s NSW Cup side produced a remarkable performance, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the North Sydney Bears 43-22 in Tamworth for Round 17.  

The Bears struck first with two tries to take a 10-0 lead, but Storm remained composed and turned the momentum in their favour.

Lockyer-Alize Foliola opened Melbourne’s scoring in the 25th minute, with K-CI Newton-Whare, pushing through the Bears defence moments later and crossing, proving a turning point in the contest.  

Gabriel Satrick continued the comeback, crossing shortly before halftime, darting over to extend Storm’s advantage, as they took a 18-10 lead into the break. 

Storm wasted little time after the interval, with Alize Clarke crossing in the 41st minute. Liam Williams added another shortly after to further extend Melbourne’s lead as Storm began to take control of the game.  

Debutant Waka Hammond then scored his first NSW Cup try after helping spark several attacking opportunities throughout the afternoon. 

Mitchell Jennings continued the points surge with a strong finish before Suli Pole crossed over, forcing his way through defenders whilst capping off Melbourne’s eighth try of the match.  

Josh Durkin was highly effective with the boot, converting five tries before slotting a one-point field goal in the final minutes to round out the scoring. 

The victory marked another well-earned win for Melbourne Storm’s NSW Cup side, providing strong momentum heading into the Round 18 bye week.