Storm surge over battered Roosters

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Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm have powered to a 24-6 victory over a depleted Sydney Roosters team at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday evening.

Temporarily moving to the top of the premiership ladder, the Storm showed no signs of missing Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster to outscore their rivals four tries to one.

Taking advantage of early field position, Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes (4th minute) opened the scoring with some nice footwork close to the line.

Extending the lead to 8-0 following a Ryan Papenhuyzen penalty goal, the visitors looked to add further points through Felise Kaufusi and Papenhuyzen only for Suliasi Vunivalu to infringe in the lead up on both occasions. 

Heading to the change of ends with a 14-0 lead, a beautiful left side shift involving Papenhuyzen and Josh Addo-Carr saw Justin Olam (20th minute) touch down for his third try of 2020.

Beginning the second half with a flurry of points, Olam (45th minute) crashed through the defence of Joey Manu before Kaufusi (48th minute) finished off a brilliant break by Hughes.

After being denied a four-pointer to Sio Siua Taukieaho by the bunker, the Roosters posted a consolation effort to debutant Christian Tuipulotu (63rd minute) following a great cut-out pass from interchange playmaker Drew Hutchison.

Left to rue 17 errors and a 65 per cent completion rate the Roosters produced one of their worst performances during Trent Robinson's tenure, while Lachlan Lam (ankle), Mitchell Aubusson (wrist) and Luke Keary (ribs) all joined a mounting injury toll for the premiers.

Next week, the Roosters face the Tigers at Leichardt Oval on Saturday evening, while the Storm take on the Eels at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday night.