NRL: Slater's romp keeps Storm in contention

MELBOURNE 40
MANLY 12

Storm fullback Billy Slater mesmerised Manly with a four-try haul last night to launch his team into the next stage of the NRL finals.

Manly's night of misery was compounded with what appeared another injury to five-eighth Jamie Lyon, who started the match despite a shoulder problem but had to give up.

The Sea Eagles were without forward Glenn Hall following the stillbirth of his first child on Thursday night.

Prop Brent Kite was helped from the field inside the first five minutes following a heavy head clash with Melbourne's Aiden Tolman, though he returned later.

Just before Kite went off, Slater posted his first try - centre Greg Inglis standing among three tacklers and unloading for the fullback to touch down.

Melbourne ramped things up further with tries to winger Dane Nielsen and Slater again.

The Storm sealed certain victory just four minutes after halftime - predictably with some Slater magic as he dived and gathered a bouncing Cameron Smith kick to touch down again.

Further tries to Smith and Tolman and a brilliant Slater solo try in which he danced around three defenders with three minutes remaining completed the rout.

Manly's Steve Matai and Kieran Foran managed consolation tries inside the final 12 minutes to add some respectability to the scoreline.

Smith praised Slater's performance, but predicted his side would need to build on their efforts if they wanted to push for their second premiership in three years.

"We started really well but that's one week down and we're going to have to improve if we want to go any further."

Storm interchange player Ryan Tandy was put on report for a second-half high tackle on Manly's Anthony Watmough.

- AAP