Cronk shines in thrilling Storm win

Kurt Mann (R) of the Storm is hugged by teamates. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

YOUNGSTER Kurt Mann produced a moment of magic on debut to help Melbourne Storm sink Manly in another epic battle between the great rivals at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The undermanned Sea Eagles lead by nine points late in the second half before Melbourne exploded with two tries in the final 10 minutes to clinch a 22-19 victory.

The 21-year-old – who was a late inclusion for Mahe Fonua in the centres – scored the match-winner after pulling down a tough cross field kick from Cooper Cronk.

Melbourne Storms Kurt Mann scores the winning try. Source: News Corp Australia

Manly – missing Glenn Stewart, Jamie Lyon and Kieran Foran – looked like winners after scoring three consecutive tries in the second half.

But, just like at Brookvale Oval in Round 1, Melbourne was able to fight back and snatch a crucial win.

It was a scrappy opening in slippery conditions with Manly failing to capitalise on four early penalties it received.

It might have had something to do with the five errors it committed in the first 20 minutes.

Both sides had a number of good chances to break the deadlock before Manly went over in the 37th minute through Peta Hiku.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy goes off after a Manly try was awarded by the video ref. Source: News Corp Australia

Referee Shayne Hayne ruled sent it upstairs but ruled no try, believing David Williams – who went up for the high ball with Storm's Young Tonumaipea - knocked on before Hiku pounced on it.

But video referees Ashley Klein and Ben Galea inexplicably overturned the decision, ruling that Williams did not touch the ball.

A visibly angry Craig Bellamy could not believe the decision.

Manly's Steve Matai trys to stop Storm's Kevin Proctor. Source: News Corp Australia

But his side was soon on the board after a deft pass from Ryan Hoffman put Billy Slater over.

A Manly field goal from Jack Littlejohn right on half-time gave the visitors a one-point lead heading into the second half.

The lead was erased early in the second half when Slater burst through a hole to score his second try for the night.

But Slater was soon on report for a high hit on a falling Williams, who was dazed by the incident and had to leave the field.

Williams did not return to the game.

Cameron Smith tangles with Matt Ballin. Source: News Corp Australia

The penalty gave Manly valuable field position and it took advantage with Brett Stewart crossing to cut Melbourne's lead to a solitary point.

The Sea Eagles were soon in again through winger Jorge Taufua, who was somehow able to put the Steeden down in the corner despite pressure from Sisa Waqa and Cooper Cronk.

Melbourne's defence has been an ongoing issue this season.

It was again exposed when forward Jamie Buhrer broke through off the back of a scrum to make it three tries in a row for the Sea Eagles.

Billy Slater celebrate's his try. Source: News Corp Australia

Manly looked like winners when Cronk decided to take matters into his own hands.

The star halfback was able to score off his own grubber kick to give his side a sniff.

Mann then did the rest – scoring his first NRL try at the best possible time.

Melbourne face another tough test against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium next Friday night.

MELBOURNE 22 (B Slater 2 C Cronk K Mann tries C Smith 3 goals) bt MANLY 19 (J Buhrer P Hiku B Stewart J Taufua tries S Matai goal J Littlejohn field goal) at AAMI Park. Referee: Shayne Hayne, Adam Gee. Crowd: 13,273.

Re-live the match in our blog below:

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