LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Melbourne Storm's new pathways program got off to a promising start as their U/17 Harold Matthews and U/19 SG Ball squads made their debut at Hill Grammar in Kenthurst, NSW.
The Storm Under 17s showed their dominance in the first half, leaving the North Sydney Bears scoreless with a 12-0 lead at halftime.
Micah Warena made an impressive diving try early on, followed closely by Lockyer-Azile Foliola, who powered through the Bears defense from dummy-half.
With two conversions from Waka Hammond, the Storm boys in purple extended their lead.
However, the Bears came back strong in the second half, leveling the score with a converted line-break and a try-line scramble.
Despite the setback, the Melbourne Storm's U/17 squad will eagerly prepare for their upcoming Round 2 match against the Western Suburbs Magpies at Kirkham Oval on February 10.