The return of Marion Seve from an ACL provided one of the few highlights in a double loss weekend for Storm’s Intrust Super Cup affiliate clubs to kick off the 2021 season.
Seve started in the centres for Brisbane Tigers and played his scheduled 40 minutes in his comeback following an almost eight-month break since he ruptured his ACL in the NRL clash with Manly at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Although currently not part of Storm’s top 30 squad, the 25-year-old has a train and trial contract and will push for an NRL call-up as the season progresses.
The Tigers had a disappointing season opener, losing at home 40-10 to North Devils despite scoring first via 2020 Storm hooker Aaron Booth.
The Devils led 22-10 at halftime and scored three unanswered tries in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Falcons also started their ISC campaign with a surprise home defeat, 28-10 against Northern Pride.
Storm development squad member Trent Loiero was named the Falcons’ player of the match.
New NRL squad member Jack Howarth was forced from the field in the opening 10 minutes with a hamstring injury.
Victorian Thunderbolts.
Victoria Thunderbolts U19s had another close loss in Rd 7 of SG Ball competition against Penrith Panthers at Casey Fields, Saturday 20 March.
After falling behind early in the first half, the team worked their way back into the contest and a try just after halftime, meant the game was in the balance for the last 20 mins with Penrith taking a 22-18 lead. Two late tries saw the panthers kick away late for a 32-22 win. Players to shine for Victoria Thunderbolts were Sua Faalogo and Zacharius Fuimaono.
The team travels to Redfern next week to take on Souths for Rd 8 of the SG Ball competition, Saturday 27 March.
Victoria Thunderbolts Jersey Flegg side again just fell short with a tough 18-10 loss to Cronulla at Netstrata Jubilee Oval, Sunday 21 March.
The team were able to strike first with a nice individual try to Jonah Pezet. With the deluge of rain in Sydney over the past week, the conditions meant for an arm wrestle type of game . The Thunderbolts would rue a few missed opportunities late in the second half and Cronulla were able to capitalise and seal the game with a late try.
Victoria Thunderbolts host Wests Tigers at Casey Fields, 2pm for Rd 3 of Jersey Flegg.
