Vunivalu scores as the Storm through to the preliminary final

Suliasi Vunivalu scored a try as Melbourne Storm beat Parramatta Eels 36-24 in NRL’S qualifying final at Suncorp Stadium last night.

The Storm will now prepare to play either the Roosters or Canberra in the preliminary final in a fortnight's time.

Eels winger, Maika Sivo will miss the rest of the NRL season with a knee injury.

Sivo left the field in the 11th minute.

The injury to Sivo is a huge blow with the 27-year-old playing all 20 round games for Parramatta this year and scoring 15 tries.

Parramatta Coach Brad Arthur says it is a shame for Maika because he has worked hard and it was his birthday yesterday.

The Eels led 12-nil but let the Storm back into the game. The victory took the Storm's record over the Eels in finals football to 7-0 and was Melbourne’s 19th consecutive win in Queensland at all venues.

The Eels will now host the winner of today’s clash between the Rabbitohs and Knights in an elimination final.

In another match last night, the Raiders beat the Sharks 32-20.

[Source: NRL.com]