The Kaiviti Silktails secured their third win of the Jersey Flegg Cup season by toppling the unbeaten, top-of-the-table Melbourne Storm 34-26 at home on Seabrook Reserve.
Not only was it the Fijian side’s first away win in NSWRL’s Under 21s competition in 2025, but it was the first time they had won on Australian soil for nearly three years.
The Silktails’ last win here was Round 18 in July 2022 at Sydney’s Mascot Oval, when they were part of the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup beating Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 52-10.
This is their second season in Jersey Flegg Cup but they failed to get a win in 2024.
Storm had five wins and a draw coming into Round Seven this weekend and were sitting in top position on the ladder to take on the Silktails in 12th spot.
“It’s a big achievement for the boys with all the travel we do to knock off one of the best teams in the comp,” Silktails Executive Director Stephen Driscoll told nswrl.com.au
“We’ve got boys who haven’t hit double figures yet in the number of Rugby League games they’ve played.
“We all sat around in our hotel in Melbourne and watched the Bulldogs play South Sydney in the NRL last night and saw how their defence set up that big win.
“We took a lot from that. And today we were able to repel Storm no matter what they threw at us.”
Driscoll said the team benefited from having a few players back from injury.
“We’re just really proud of the boys. They’ve made a lot of adjustments off the field as they are all working now,” he said.
“They are not only learning how to be competitive but how to win games.”
The improved defensive effort secured today’s win even though the Silktails scored six tries to five and led 22-6 at half-time.
A hat-trick to five-eighth Bala Vetaukula was the backbone of the win, with his second in the shadow of half-time, a magnificent team effort. A high kick by halfback Meli Nacaginimasei was misfielded by Storm, which led to a chip ahead by the Silktails and then the ball passing through another four sets of hands for Vetaukula to dive over.
The Silktails took the lead in the 29th minute when centre Iowani Mainalovo crossed (12-6) and were never headed, although the last 10 minutes had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Three tries were scored – two to Storm forwards Josiah-Ekkehard Neli (73’) and Zayvian Langkilde-Fale (78’) - but second rower Akuila Qoro proved the hero with a dashing 30-metre run including a fend and a step to dive over in the left corner.
It was also a special day for Silktails winger Seremaia Ramasima, who spent 12 months playing with Northern Thunder in Victoria Rugby League’s competition last year, where Seabrook Reserve was his home ground.
The Silktails Round Eight match will be against the Sydney Roosters next Saturday.
The Silktails are proudly supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports. PacificAus Sports creates opportunities for Australian and Pacific athletes to learn, train, play, and grow together.
