LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In the round nine Jersey Flegg Cup match, the NZ Warriors faced a disappointing 12-38 defeat against the highly-ranked Storm in Melbourne.
The Warriors entered the game aiming to extend their recent positive performance, which included two wins, two draws, and a narrow six-point loss.
The match began on a high note with the Warriors scoring early; in the second minute, prop Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea crossed the line, and Jett Cleary's successful conversion gave them a 6-0 lead.
For the next 20 minutes, both teams battled fiercely, but the Storm responded with a quick succession of two tries, ultimately finishing the first half with a 12-6 advantage.
The promising start for the Warriors fell away in the second half, which saw the Storm dominate play and secure a commanding victory.