Melbourne Storm’s feeder teams hit the field for the first time in 2024, running out in the HostPlus Cup and Knock On Effect NSW Cup competitions.
Round 1 of the HostPlus Cup saw Storm’s two feeder teams go head-to-head, last year’s Premiers the Brisbane Tigers taking on the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Totally Workwear Stadium.
While the Tigers may have taken out the competition in 2023, it was the Falcons who got the jump over the reigning Premiers, a first half double from Caius Faatili helping them to a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime.
A Falcons try just after the resumption of play threatened to make things ugly for the Tigers, only for the hosts to score five tries straight to see the scoreline read 30-24 at the full-time siren.
Meanwhile in the NSW Cup, Storm’s newest feeder team the North Sydney Bears started the new season brightly, defeating the St George Illawarra Dragons 28-4.
A redistribution of players across the three feeder teams saw former Falcons and Tigers players Sua Fa’alago, Tepai Moeroa, Shawn Blore and Dean Ieremia all suit up for last year’s Grand Finalists.
After a tightly contested first half, Bears hit their straps in the second half, Dean Ieremia scoring on his club debut as the visitors piled on five tries to ultimately run away with the contest.
The Tigers will now travel north to face the Northern Pride at Barlow Park while the Falcons will host the Mackay Cutters.
Meanwhile the North Sydney Bears will face the Warriors at Navigation Home Stadium on Sunday.
