The Melbourne Storm have posted their 13th win in a row with a record-equalling 46-0 rout against the Sydney Roosters.
In a match relocated to Newcastle due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak in NSW, the Storm defied wet conditions to score eight tries in front of 4,289 supporters.
Establishing their intentions to attack from the opening stages, an audacious early kick from Cameron Munster allowed Josh Addo-Carr (5th minute) to use his speed to take advantage of James Tedesco defending in the front line.
Steadying the flow of points with a penalty goal after Addo-Carr was denied a try due to a knock-on while contesting a high ball, Nicho Hynes (25th minute) made the most of a bouncing ball to outpace the Roosters' defenders to the line.
Piling on further points through Dale Finucane (28th minute) and Kenny Bromwich (31st minute), Addo-Carr (37th minute) streaked 50 metres shortly before halftime after Justin Olam swooped on a misdirected pass from Tedesco.
Showing no signs of respite after the resumption of play, Olam positioned Addo-Carr (47th minute) for his hat-trick a few sets after Hynes was denied for an obstruction.
Bringing up 40 points for the eighth time in their past ten matches, a well-placed grubber from Jahrome Hughes allowed Munster (58th minute) to touch down next to the posts.
Scoring their eighth try of the night to equal their biggest ever win against the Roosters, Brandon Smith (71st minute) burrowed over for his tenth try of the season to complete the 46-0 rout.
Adding to the Roosters' woes, Daniel Suluka-Fifita could be in trouble with the match review committee after hitting Munster off the ball in a tackle that saw the interchange forward sent to the sin bin.
Next week, the Roosters face the Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday evening, while the Storm will rest up during the bye.