Manly Fans Depart Early as Tom Trbojevic’s Absence Takes Its Toll Against In-Form Storm

Supporters of Manly began leaving Brookvale Oval well before the final whistle, with 20 minutes remaining on the clock as their team suffered a heavy defeat, going down 48-24 to the Storm.

After a surprising loss to the Dragons the previous week, Melbourne showed their class, dominating a Manly side that was missing star player Tom Trbojevic in the second half.

Having entered halftime trailing by just 18-10, the Storm unleashed a barrage of five tries within a breathtaking 14-minute period, putting the game well beyond the hosts’ reach. Three late consolation tries from Manly did little to alter the overall outcome but did provide some respectability to the final scoreline.

To add to the woes for the home side, Jason Saab limped off the field in the closing moments due to a leg injury.

Manly kicked off the scoring early, securing a penalty goal in the fourth minute after Jahrome Hughes was penalised for being offside.

The first 10 minutes of the match were marked by a rapid pace and few stoppages.

Melbourne secured the first try of the afternoon in the 12th minute when Stefano Utoikamanu crossed the line, marking his first try in Storm colours.

Just three minutes later, Cameron Munster sprinted through a gap after the Storm were awarded a penalty when Reuben Garrick’s kick-off was deemed dead.

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Grant Anderson added a third try within five minutes, with Ryan Papenhuyzen converting all three attempts, stretching the Storm’s lead to 18-2.

Manly finally found the scoreboard when Tolutau Koula crossed for a relatively easy try at the half-hour mark, followed by Garrick kicking a penalty goal just before halftime to reduce the Storm’s lead to eight points.

After a similarly frenetic start to the second half, Anderson scored his second try in the 48th minute, reaching back to touch the ball down on the line and extend the Storm’s advantage.

From that moment, Manly’s resistance faltered as the Storm pulled away in the ensuing 14 minutes, bouncing back emphatically from their surprise defeat to the Dragons.

Ryan Papenhuyzen was removed from the field with 10 minutes remaining as a precaution for minor hamstring tightness.

Late in the contest, Tolutau Koula, Jason Saab, and Clayton Faulalo all managed to score for Manly, while another potential try from Reuben Garrick was disallowed, as Melbourne eased off the intensity and spared them from conceding 50 points.