NRL fans have criticized Melbourne captain Harry Grant for a questionable decision during their tense 26-20 loss to Manly at 4 Pines Park on Friday night. Rugby league legend Andrew Johns was particularly critical of the usually disciplined Storm, who committed numerous errors, allowing the Sea Eagles to end their three-game losing streak by withstanding a late Melbourne surge.
Despite Manly having squandered leads of 12, 14, 16, and 20 points earlier in the season, they managed to hold off the Storm, leading 26-14 with ten minutes remaining. Melbourne fought back with late tries from Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart, narrowing the gap to 26-20 with five minutes left. The Storm exerted immense pressure in the final moments, but Manly’s resolute defense secured the win, handing Melbourne just their third defeat of the season.
Can someone explain why the Storm took the 2? No brains I swear 🤦🏽♂️ #NRL
— ⚡️Horseman⚡️ (@TonganJP) May 24, 2024
Storm realize they’re down 6 not up 6 right? Why take the 2?
— Sammy (@OzSportsGuy) May 24, 2024
Down to the line. pic.twitter.com/CuPY8pdnF5
— Naarm Storm (@storm) May 24, 2024
Down to the line. pic.twitter.com/CuPY8pdnF5
— Naarm Storm (@storm) May 24, 2024
Storm realize they’re down 6 not up 6 right? Why take the 2?
— Sammy (@OzSportsGuy) May 24, 2024
Grant’s decision to opt for a penalty kick for two points during a crucial moment puzzled many, especially after Johns had lambasted the Storm’s sloppy play. Melbourne made 11 errors and completed only 47 percent of their sets, including just six of their first 12. Coach Craig Bellamy acknowledged the poor starts in both halves, saying, “We went 25 minutes and completed not even 50 percent so that put a lot of pressure. You can’t start games like that and expect to win them at this level.”
Johns highlighted a particularly bad play where Tui Kamikamica threw a pass behind Christian Welch, leaving the Storm coach visibly frustrated. “That’s the basic fundamentals of catch and pass, the ball’s gotta be in front,” Johns remarked during commentary.
Despite their numerous errors, Melbourne had a chance to rally. Meaney’s try reduced the deficit to six, and Grant’s near-try setup almost leveled the score. However, instead of pushing for a try after being awarded a penalty, Grant chose to kick for two points, leaving the Storm still four points behind. This decision was widely criticized as it allowed Manly to extend their lead shortly after with a try from Tommy Talau.
Manly’s victory was impressive, especially considering the absence of their first and second-choice fullbacks, Tom Trbojevic and Tolu Koula. Debutant Lehi Hopoate performed admirably, contributing significantly to Talau’s late try and proving reliable in both defense and attack.
After three consecutive losses, the appearance of the win doesn’t matter—you just want to secure it,” said captain Daly Cherry-Evans. “We were all very aware of losing close games for three weeks straight. So when our 12-point lead dwindled to six, we relied on the lessons from the past weeks. That’s what helped us tonight.”
Lehi Hopoate made an impressive NRL debut for Manly in their win against Melbourne. Pic: Getty
Haumole Olakau’atu had some strong early runs in his final push for an NSW State of Origin debut but was less noticeable on Manly’s right edge afterward. Taniela Paseka also made a late effort for a Blues jersey, while Jake Trbojevic, almost certain to play for NSW on June 5, capped the game with a crucial second-half try.
“We’ve been competitive in every game. Despite five losses, the total margin is only 23 points,” said Manly coach Anthony Seibold. “That’s what frustrates the players and coaching staff. We know we have a strong team, and we’ve demonstrated that. Our challenge now is to maintain that performance throughout the entire game.
