Tale of Two Halves but Melbourne Triumph

A Cameron Smith field goal in extra time has sealed a win for the Melbourne Storm over the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval tonight.

It was a tale of two halves - in the first half, Manly looked to be running away with the game, putting on 20 points in the space of half an hour.

Early tries to Steve Matai and Cheyse Blair took the Sea Eagles out to a ten point lead after only 12 minutes. Justin Horo then joined the scorers list, before Matai added another in the 30th minute.

The Storm finished the first half strongly, with a try to Sisa Waqa in the 32nd minute meaning they didn't go to the break empty handed, but coach Bellamy was still sure to be unhappy with their performance in the first half.

News came through at the halftime break of an injury to Brett Stewart. He was seen hobbling around the dressing sheds at half time, with an ice pack strapped to his hamstring. He did not return for the second half, and this began the downfall for the Sea Eagles.

Melbourne came out strongly in the second half, scoring three tries in nine minutes, to even the scores up. Cameron Smith had a shocker with the boot - missing two conversions, and a penalty goal from near in front.

The Sea Eagles only managed two points in the second half, which was enough to keep them in the game, and force both teams into extra time.

There was a scare for Melbourne after two minutes of extra time, when Blair looked to have scored in the corner, but solid Storm defense held him up on the second tackle. Next play, and the Sea Eagles not the ball on.

Melbourne worked their way downfield, buouyed by a repeat set on halfway, before an attempted field goal from Cameron Smith. It was again a shocker, drifting well away from the posts. But only a minute later, Smith was the hero, as he set himself deep on the 5th tackle, a gave himself enough time to line a field goal attempt up properly  - putting the ball right between the posts.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES (22)
Tries: Steve Matai (2), Cheyse Blair, Justin Horo
Field Goals:
Conversions: Jamie Lyon (2/4)
Penalty Goals: Jamie Lyon (1/1)

MELBOURNE STORM (23)
Tries: Sisa Waqa (2), Ben Hampton, Jesse Bromwich
Field Goals: Cameron Smith (1/2), Ben Roberts (0/1)
Conversions: Cameron Smith (2/4)
Penalty Goals: Cameron Smith (1/2)