The old rivals played out a thrilling 10-all draw with Melbourne overcoming an early 8-0 deficit to snatch a point at AAMI Park in Round 10.
It was all the Sea Eagles early and after Jamie Lyon kicked an early penalty goal, he also scored his side’s only try of the game after a Daly Cherry-Evans cross-field bomb was spilled straight into his grasp.
Melbourne tried hard to respond but after a brilliant Peta Hiku tackle denied Bryan Norrie a try it remained 8-0 at the break.
The Storm peppered Manly’s line again after halftime but it took a Cameron Smith penalty goal to open their account after 52 minutes as the Sea Eagles’ defence held firm.
With 59 minutes gone, Sisa Waqa became the second player to be held up but the Storm finally drew level soon after as Gareth Widdop’s desperate cross-field chip on the last was plucked out of the air by Maurice Blair to make it 8-all.
Manly gained the ascendency again with 16 minutes remaining as Cherry-Evans launched a stunning 40/20 kick and from the ensuing set another penalty saw Lyon give his side a 10-8 lead.
But with two minutes remaining it was their turn to be pinged for offside play and Smith calmly piloted home the goal to make it 10-all and send it into golden point.
Despite some great opportunities in extra time, neither side could nail the field-goal they needed, with the game finishing in a riveting draw.
Melbourne enjoyed 55 per cent of possession, made 1867 metres to 1403 and completed eight extra sets of six but couldn’t crack the Manly defence.
Billy Slater made 217 metres for the home side while Jesse Bromwich added 174 metres and 27 tackles. Manly hooker Matt Ballin chipped in with a whopping 69 tackles.
You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
