Vunivalu collects four tries in Brookvale outing

v BYE

Cooper Cronk has lead the Melbourne Storm to a 20 point victory, 38-18, over the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval as the Melbournians increased their lead on the NRL competition. Suliasi Vunivalu starred in the first half as he went on a four-try blitz.

Cameron Smith put the visitors on the front foot inside the first 30 seconds as he brought up a 40/20 kick. Whilst no points came, it wasn't long until the Purple pack were on the board. 

Vunivalu crossed for his first four-pointer at the 9th minute as Cameron Munster shone at fullback to cut-out three Manly would-be defenders with a pin-point pass. 

Melbourne extended their lead just three minutes later as Kenny Bromwich bashed his way across the white line as he stepped through defenders courtesy a Cooper Cronk pass. The Storm held a 12-0 advantage at the 13th minute mark.

A turn in possession at the 20th minute saw the Sea Eagles post their only points in the first half as rookie, Brad Parker grabbed his first NRL try in his second first grade outing. The Sea Eagles closed the gap to 12-6.

The Storm clicked back into gear as Vunivalu would cross the try line a further three times before the break. Cooper Cronk and Cameron Munster provided the foundations across the park as Vunivalu added his name to the board in the 25th, 37th and on the siren at the 40th minute. Melbourne took a 26-6 lead into the sheds after forty minutes.

Melbourne looked to continue their form from the first half as they held most of the early second half possession. However, unluckily for Suliasi Vunivalu could not claim his fifth try of the night as a pass from Cameron Munster was called forward. 

There was luck with the Sea Eagles in the 53th minute as Brad Parker crossed for his second four-pointer in his young career. Parker capitalised on a loose ball from a Melbourne mistake to dart through the defence. 

Cameron Smith struck back for the Storm with an incredible solo 30 metre run from acting half to score untouched to bring up a 32-12 lead at the 57th minute.

Jorge Taufau in a world of pain was awarded a four-pointer by the NRL Bunker as a Cherry-Evans cross field was not defused by the Storm. Manly closed the game to 32-18 at the turn of the final 20 minutes.

Felise Kaufusi had the final say of the game as he crossed in the final minute of play via a Cooper Cronk short pass has he claimed his fourth try assist of the night. Melbourne closed out 20 point victors.

Next week the Sea Eagles host their final game at Brookvale Oval for season 2016 as they clash with the Canberra Raiders on Super Saturday. Meanwhile the Storm head back to Melbourne as they face the Brisbane Broncos on Friday Night.