NSW Cup Report: Round 23

Melbourne Storm’s NSW Cup side produced a strong performance to secure another win of the season, defeating the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 26–18 in Round 23 at Seabrook Reserve.

Storm made an ideal start, with Marion Seve crossing in the 10th minute to open the scoring in his first game back in the 2026 season, due to injury. Melbourne quickly doubled their advantage when Eli Morris crossed in the 13th minute, before he converted his own try to give Storm a 10–0 lead.

Manly fought their way back into the contest with two tries before the break, leaving the scores locked at 10–10 going into the break.

Storm regained the lead shortly after the interval when Alize Clarke crossed in the 43rd minute, pouncing on a loose ball following a clever attacking kick. Eli Morris added the conversion to put Melbourne ahead 16–10.

The Sea Eagles continued to challenge Storm and eventually regained the lead at 18–16, setting up a tense finish.

Melbourne responded strongly, with Amaziah Murgha crossing in the 69th minute to put Storm back in front.

With the result still in the balance late in the match, Liam Williams sealed the victory in the 78th minute, crossing to give Storm their fifth try and secure the 26–18 win.

The result gives Storm their sixth win of the season, with the side showing plenty of resilience to overcome Manly’s second-half challenge and finish strongly at home.

Storm will now have the bye next week before returning to action in Round 25 against the Panthers back at Seabrook Reserve.