Manly beats Storm
Former international Jamie Lyon was supposed to be the star attraction for Manly in Saturday night's NRL trial on the Sunshine Coast but he was matched by teenage Storm prospect Israel Falou in front of more that 8,000 fans at Quad Park.
The Sea Eagles ran out winners 30-20 in an entertaining match played in three parts under the NRL's pre-season Powerplay format.
Falou, who is only 17, emerged from the game as one of the new stars displaying a huge fend and exciting footwork for someone so young.
He also came up with some punishing defence and try-saving tackles.
Melbourne jumped to an early 10-0 lead through tries to powerhouse prop Antonio Kaufusi and fullback Luke Samoa before Manly ran on their big names in the second term.
Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford had an immediate impact, setting up two quick tries for Manly to draw level at 10-10 before a Lyon conversion put them in the lead 12-10.
Manly's origin forward Anthony Watmough finished off a clever move between hooker Michael Monaghan and Lyon to score Manly's third try and Lyon's conversion pushed them out to an 18-10 lead.
Melbourne hit back soon after when impressive front rower Brett White crashed over for a converted try that set the scene for a grandstand finish with Manly clinging to a 18-16 lead midway through the final term.
Lyon then launched a towering bomb which saw Sea Eagles winger Michael Robertson fall down to score his second try and with Orford's conversion Manly had the game won 24-16 with a few minutes remaining.
