New Zealand defeat second-string Melbourne side 20-14 in NRL trial match in Rotorua

New Zealand have downed a depleted Melbourne side 20-14 in Rotorua with Peta Hiku and David Fusitu’a starring for the home side.

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND — FEBRUARY 17: Matiu Love-Henry of the Warriors charges forward during the NRL trial match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm at Rotorua International Stadium on February 17, 2018 in Rotorua, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

THE Warriors have downed a depleted Melbourne 20-14 in Rotorua with backline stars Peta Hiku and David Fusitu’a the stars for the home side.

With Melbourne’s top stars playing in Friday’s World Club Challenge against Leeds, the Storm sent a host of reserve graders and emerging players across the ditch.

Even coach Craig Bellamy stayed at home, with assistant coach Jason Ryles taking the reigns for the showdown.

Local boy Hayze Perham received a huge cheer when he entered the field of play.

But the Storm started the match in typical fashion despite the low key personnel, with winger Matt Soper-Lawler opening the scoring after just three minutes.

Soper-Lawler, who spent last season in the Queensland Cup with Sunshine Coast Falcons, finished off a break from five-eighth Billy Walters to touch down in the corner.

It was far from a full-strength Warriors side, as Stephen Kearney opted to rest his entire spine and new recruit Tohu Harris.

The Warriors replied in short order with Solomone Kata plunging over off an Ata Hingano pass and Fusitu’a also crossed in the corner just before halftime.

Hiku and Fusitu’a combined well on the right side and seem as if they’ll be one of the Warriors main attacking weapons come Round 1.

Both sides had to work out plenty of pre-season errors.

Ligi Sao extended New Zealand’s lead when he dived on a Mason Lino grubber just after halftime but Melbourne pulled one back after hooker Harry Grant dashed over under the posts.

A try to winger Lewis Soosema put the result beyond doubt after the young winger finished off a slick move from Lino and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and while Storm winger Ryan Papenhuyzen scored a brilliant 80-metre try in the dying stages, the result was already secured.

Originally published as New Zealand defeat second-string Melbourne side 20-14 in NRL trial match in Rotorua