Storm beat the Eels in Ballina NRL trial
Melbourne Storm proved too strong in the second half, beating Parramatta Eels 38-12 in a National Rugby League trial match at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina, on February 11.
Melbourne led 16-12 at half-time, but stormed to victory in the second half, with the performance of halfback Cooper Cronk a highlight. He scored two tries after the break to give the Storm a 28-12 lead.
Australian Associated Press reported that Cronk’s performance came amid increasing speculation the Storm plan to recruit sacked Penrith skipper Craig Gower, who is reportedly disillusioned about issues relating to his punishment from the Panthers following an alcohol-fuelled weekend on the Sunshine Coast in December.
He was fined $30,000 (with another $70,000 suspended) and stripped of the captaincy by the club.
Billy Slater also was in good form for the Storm. The Queensland State of Origin representative scored two tries.
The two teams will meet again in another trial on February 18 in Griffith.
MELBOURNE 38 (C Cronk 2, B Slater 2, S Turner, M Geyer, C Walker tries; G Inglis 3, C Smith 2 goals) d PARRAMATTA 18 (T Smith, L O’Dwyer, J Hayne tries; L Burt 2, B Delaney goals).
