The return of Jahrome Hughes from injury and a hat-trick of tries from winger Grant Anderson has inspired Melbourne Storm to an emphatic 48-24 triumph against Manly at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Hughes had been expected to spend at least another week on the sidelines after breaking his hand playing against Penrith a fortnight earlier, but after receiving an early clearance from Melbourne’s medicos, the incumbent Dally M medallist resumed normal service.
Melbourne, after an upset 14-8 loss to St George Illawarra last week, were clearly in no mood for a second straight sub-par performance, instead producing a scoring spree that clinched their third victory in four starts this season.
Manly, coming off consecutive home wins against Canberra and Parramatta, were without champion fullback Tom Trbojevic because of a knee injury, and it is well documented how they tend to struggle in his absence.
Since 2021, the Sea Eagles have won 38 of 58 matches in which “Tommy Turbo” has played, but only 16 of the 48 he has missed.
Two moments of magic from mercurial Cameron Munster helped propel the visitors to an 18-10 half-time lead.
First Munster threw a classic short ball in the 12th minute for prop Stefano Utoikamanu to crash over from close range for the opening try.
Two minutes later, Munster did it all himself, dummying and stepping into a gap and then stretching out to score one-handed.
Melbourne half Jahrome Hughes tackles Manly’s Luke Brooks.Credit: Getty Images
When winger Anderson crossed after a floating pass from Hughes, the Storm had scored three tries in five minutes to lead 18-2.
But just when it appeared a blowout was on the cards, Manly rallied and a parochial home crowd of 17,346 found their voice.
Centre Tolutau Koula scored in the 31st minute after a period of sustained pressure, then centre Reuben Garrick kicked a penalty goal after half-time to reduce the deficit to 18-10.
Ten minutes after the interval, however, Hughes fired a cut-out pass to Anderson, who darted back inside to score his second try of the day.
Melbourne’s Xavier Coates is tackled by Manly’s Jake Trbojevic.Credit: Getty Images
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen converted from close to the sideline to leave Manly 24-10 in arrears, and the floodgates burst open.
Two minutes later, Papenhuyzen flashed over to finish off a spectacular team try that also featured Hughes and Munster.
The procession continued in the 54th minute when the Storm created a right-edge overlap and Anderson dived over for his hat-trick.
Fans started streaming to the exits after the Storm ran in further tries through Bronson Garlick (58th minute) and Jack Howarth (62nd minute).
Another try from Koula and tries from winger Jason Saab and centre Clayton Faulalo improved the scoreline for Manly, but it was too little, far too late.
With outside backs Nick Meaney and Will Warbrick unavailable because of injuries, Melbourne promoted former New Zealand rugby sevens representative Moses Leo for his NRL debut.
Leo marked the occasion by conceding a penalty for high contact with his first tackle.
