Vunivalu leads opening blitz as Storm outlast Eagles at Brookvale
THERE is a reason Brookvale Oval has been renamed Lottoland – Manly have no luck at home.
Thanks to a scintillating double from winger Suliasi Vunivalu, a far from perfect Melbourne side held on for a hardfought 30-26 victory over the Sea Eagles yesterday.
Manly have now lost consecutive matches at Brookvale, meaning they have claimed just four wins at the “Fortress” in the past 15 months.
The Sea Eagles at least deserve praise for refusing to give up despite trailing 18-0 after as many minutes in the first half.
They also trailed 30-16 at halftime.
But in a week when the club celebrated 70 years since its first premiership match, it was only fitting Manly delivered the type of fight to make their forefathers proud.
Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was particularly inspirational, shrugging off a shoulder injury in the first half to bravely play on and lead his side.
It was Melbourne, though, who held on for the win in a remarkable match where 11 tries were scored.
Manly had the worst possible start to the match when Dylan Walker’s kick-off went out on the full.
This paved the way for Melbourne to score after 70 seconds through Vunivalu.
The Fijian flyer continued his rich form at Brookvale with two tries and a try assist.
He clearly likes playing against Manly. The last time he played the Sea Eagles in round 24 last season he scored four first-half tries.
Rookie Manly centre Brian Kelly crossed on the stroke of halftime to cap off a crazy first half with a whopping 46 points scored.
Underrated backrower Felise Kaufusi also contributed heavily with two tries to prove his value to the Storm.
But in the end it was Melbourne’s ageless stars who proved the difference.
Storm skipper Cameron Smith was at his composed best in the big moments, while fullback Billy Slater looked dangerous every time he touched the football.
The champion fullback turned back the clock with his trademark speed and skill to prove he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.