Storm go five straight after putting Knights to the sword

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Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights

Melbourne Storm never looked like losing against a surprisingly poor Newcastle outfit, claiming a 34-4 victory in front of 16,313 happy home fans at AAMI Park this afternoon.

A penalty-filled mess of a first 20 minutes saw just one try scored, with Jahrome Hughes slotting past injured Knights forward Tim Glasby off a clever set-up by Cam Smith.

The Storm doubled their lead before halftime when Josh Addo-Carr scored off - yes - a Will Chambers kick. Smith's conversion of both tries meant a 12-0 lead in a half that was notable for ill discipline from both sides as much as Melbourne's dominance. Mitch Barnett may end up in a bit of trouble with the Match Review Committee after a crusher tackle seven minutes before the break.

Little time wasted after the break - Melbourne winger Suliasi Vunivalu loves scoring tries and got lucky when Newcastle winger Edrick Lee slipped on the damp ground and claimed a Brodie Croft kick. 'Suli' was the Storm's third tryscorer and soon after the break an 18-0 lead already looked a bridge too far for a struggling Knights side.

Kalyn Ponga will no doubt have one eye on next weekend's Origin re-match in Perth, but he did turn on some brilliance at the fifty-minute mark to get the visitors on the board, finding the perfect pass to send outside back Hymel Hunt across in what would be the Knights' only points of the afternoon. Ponga missed the conversion.

Just after the hour mark, things went south for Newcastle in a big way. A professional foul from Edrick Lee saw the Newcastle back sent for ten minutes to sit down - and the Storm went about doing some serious damage.

First, Joe Stimson crossed shortly after Lee's sin bin. Quickfire tries just after the 70th minute to Seve and another for Stimson pushed the home side out to 34-4 leaders. Smith had kicked five from five attempts at goal up til Stimson's final try, after which he left the field and kicking duties were handed to Ryan Papenhuyzen who was unsuccessful.

Newcastle looked a little better briefly after Lee's return to the field and the maligned winger nearly set up Hunt for a second try but it wasn't to be.

Both sides enjoy the break for Origin next week with each side set to deliver key players to Perth for the Origin series among other representative honours - after the break Melbourne are off to Adelaide for the second Grand Final re-match of the season against the Roosters, while Newcastle host Brisbane in the first of three-straight home games.