The Storm have again flexed their NRL Premiership muscle and sent a clear message to other NRL teams by outclassing the traveling Sydney Roosters 30-6.
The reigning NRL premiers setup the dominant win with wave after wave of first half attack resulting in several tries, then stepping it up a gear before poor conditions engulfed Olympic Park.
Newly resigned winger Anthony Quinn, touched down twice in the first half for the Storm as his side cleared out to a 20-0 lead at the break.
Storm captain Cameron Smith, no.7 Cooper Cronk and custodian Billy Slater also nabbed 4 pointers – with Cronk and Slater getting their tries in the final minutes of the match after Roosters outside back Mitchell Aubusson got his team on the board with 5 minutes remaining.
The victory for the improving Storm sends them 2 points clear at the top of the NRL ladder – possibly only for a short time as Cronulla could sneak above, if they win their away match against the NZ Warriors in Auckland.
Regardless, the win shows Melbourne’s desire and premiership credentials are in check and everything points to a back-to-back NRL premiership.
The only downside for the Storm was a potential injury to Ryan Hoffman.
Hoffman’s leg was bent painfully out of shape as he tackled a Roosters player.
Unable to walk under his own steam, Hoffman was assisted from the field and didn’t take any further part in the game.
In a physical first period, Roosters rake James Aubusson was another victim. Being assisted from the field after several head knocks in short succession.
First he was accidentally kneed in the head by Storm fullback Billy Slater as he attempted a tackle, then was turned into a doormat by man mountain Israel Folau to leave him completely dazed and confused.