The Melbourne Storm SG Ball side kicked off their 2023 season at Comely Banks Reserve on Saturday, ultimately outclassed by an impressive Canberra Raiders outfit 66-0.
While a disappointing result on the field, the match was a historic day for rugby league in Victoria, with Saturday marking the very first time the side has run out under the Melbourne Storm banner in the competition.
After taking out the ‘Best Forward’ award in last year’s Victoria Thunderbolts SG Ball season, Casey Warriors junior Josiah Ekkehard-Neli captained the side in their first hit out in the nine-week competition.
The away side were quick to fly out of the gates, with Canberra captain Owen Hromow scoring a double in the opening exchanges.
Canberra continued to find their way to the try line, notching 12 tries for the match while young fullback Sam Gash recorded nine conversions.
The Storm will look to bounce back when they host the Illawarra Steelers next Saturday at Comely Banks Reserve.
The Steelers are coming off a 16-14 loss to the Penrith Panthers, after a try in the dying stages from Panther Luron Patea sealed the late victory.
Originally published on nrlvic.com.
