The Melbourne Storm put themselves back in the race to secure a quarter-final berth at the 2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines with a 14-6 victory over the Tigers.

 


After suffering a first-up defeat to Brisbane on day one, the Storm opened the scoring when co-captain Young Tonumaipea broke clear to run 60 metres down the flank before finding Brodie Croft looming in support.

Two minutes later Croft was over the line again to double Melbourne's advantage, where it remained at the break.

An 80-metre solo effort from back-rower Josh Aloiai got the Tigers back to within two points, only for Jason Taylor's side to concede almost immediately afterwards when Felise Kaufusi went over from close range.

The closing minutes saw the Tigers camped up against their own line, as Melbourne iced the game to finish eight-point winners and end the Wests Tigers' hopes of advancing.

Storm 14 (Brodie Croft 2, Felise Kaufusi tries; 1 goal) def. Tigers 6 (Josh Aloiai, tries; 1 goal). Half-time: 8-0 .