NRL pre season 2017: Melbourne Storm’s Brodie Croft impresses in win over Warriors

A LATE from surge from promising playmaker Brodie Croft has inspired Melbourne to a last minute win in its trial clash with the Warriors.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — FEBRUARY 04: Brodie Croft of the Storm beats the tackle of Jordan Rankin of the Tigers during the 2017 Auckland Nines match between the Wests Tigers and the Melbourne Storm at Eden Park on February 4, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Simon Watts/Getty Images)

BRODIE Croft is set to be gifted one last chance to push for a Round 1 starting spot after an inspiring performance in the trial win over the Warriors.

A late surge from the promising playmaker handed Melbourne a 30-18 victory at Sunshine Coast Stadium and enhanced his chances of more first grade experience in 2017.

The Dalby-born talent, who played one game for Melbourne last year, is currently a favourite to start Round 1 following reports Billy Slater (shoulder) may not play in the opening rounds of the season.

Croft could slot into the halves alongside Cooper Cronk, with Cameron Munster able to move to fullback.

Brodie Croft impressed against the Warriors.

It is expected he will be given one last chance to push for that spot, with the Storm to play the Bulldogs in Hobart next Saturday.

While the 19-year-old had a quiet first half, he came alive in the second stanza after 25 minutes watching from the sideline.

He set up centre Jeremy Hawkins to draw level with the Warriors in the 70th minute before playing a crucial role in Linc Port’s try four minutes later.

Trial coach Adam O’Brien said he was impressed with Croft’s ability to judge from the sideline what needed to change.

“He did a great job of closing it out for us which is a great sign for a kid of his age,” he said.

“He was sitting on the sideline and recognised what needed to happen. The great thing is he actually went out there and executed that. They’re really good signs for us.

Storm Fullback Young Tonumaipea battles through the Warriors defence.

“He has a really strong head on his shoulders and understands that he’s had a good couple of weeks but he needs to keep improving every day.”

O’Brien admitted Croft is in the frame to play in Hobart next week.

“Until we make that final decision on Billy (Slater), Crofty is certainly a candidate,” he said.

While Warriors stars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Johnson were both rested for the second half, the comeback from young Croft was still impressive.

O’Brien said it was clear both he and Munster struggled in the first half, but said the whole team failed to complete sets which made it difficult for the halves to execute.

Warriors player Iulio Afoa on the charge against the Storm.

Despite losing the match, the Warriors looked slick in attack in the first half with Tuivasa-Sheck strong in his return from last season’s ACL rupture.

He set up Tuimoala Lolohea for a try and scored one for himself.

Tuivasa-Scheck did not play the second half but said his knee pulled up “sweet” and he only needed ice for a corked quad.

MELBOURNE STORM 30 (Joe Stimson, Slade Griffin, Jeremy Hawkins, Linc Port, Young Tonumaipea tries; Dylan Kelly 3, Cameron Munster 1, Scott Drinkwater 1 goals)

defeated

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 18 (Tuimoala Lolohea, Bunty Afoa, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tries; Mason Lino 2, Ata Hingano 1 goals).