Melbourne Storm are the NRL's minor premiers for the third time in four years after a 36-6 victory over Manly Sea Eagles, who will anxiously await an update on an injury to Tom Trbojevic.
The Storm's emphatic triumph at Lottoland, which owed much to a Justin Olam hat-trick, ensured they will finish the regular season as table-toppers, as they did in 2016 and 2017.
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In each of the last two seasons, the minor premiers have gone on to win the NRL Grand Final - Sydney Roosters achieving the feat last term after Melbourne's 2017 success.
While the Storm have reason to celebrate, Saturday's game was a miserable one for Manly, whose own top-four hopes took a hit.
Your 2019 Minor Premiers #NRLManlyStorm pic.twitter.com/BcBy8CBfZq
— NRL (@NRL) August 31, 2019
In addition to being out-scored six tries to one, the Sea Eagles also lost star full-back Trbojevic to a suspected pectoral injury that could prove season-ending.
Trbojevic was hurt as he tried in vain to prevent Josh Addo-Carr crossing for Melbourne's first score in the seventh minute.
