Storm too strong for Warriors as hungry Sharks devour Eels

Melbourne Storm moved two points clear at the top of the NRL table while Cronulla Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles registered contrasting victories on Saturday.

Despite losing Brodie Croft to a head injury and spending 10 minutes down to 12 men when Christian Welch was in the sin bin, Melbourne eased to a 32-10 triumph over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.

The Warriors looked set to end a seven-game losing run against Melbourne when they led 10-8 at the break, Ken Maumalo and Kodi Nikorima crossing for tries.

However, they were blown away in the second half, the Storm scoring 24 unanswered points to run out comfortable winners and put daylight between themselves and second-placed South Sydney Rabbitohs.

AN ABSOLUTE POINTS-FEST#NRLSharksEels#NRL pic.twitter.com/ayglMOdsMy

— NRL (@NRL) June 8, 2019

Parramatta announced Mitchell Moses had signed a three-year contract extension prior to kick-off against Cronulla, though the half-back was unable to celebrate by inspiring the Eels to victory.

Kyle Flanagan scored a try and kicked seven goals for a personal haul of 18 points as the Sharks ran out convincing 42-22 winners in co-captain Wade Graham's return from a knee reconstruction.

In the late kick-off, Manly recorded their first victory in three outings, overcoming North Queensland Cowboys 22-20 at 1300SMILES Stadium.

The Cowboys led 20-12 at half-time but failed to muster another point after the interval, allowing the Sea Eagles to overhaul their hosts.

Jorge Taufua and Cade Cust scored second-half tries for Manly, who kept their opponents at bay even when down to 12 men when Jack Gosiewski was sent to the sin bin.