A Xavier Coates hat-trick has helped the Storm to their most convincing win of the season, steamrolling the Sydney Roosters 28-8 in Melbourne on Thursday night.
While he bagged three tries, winger Coates had to share the spotlight with star playmaker Cameron Munster and hooker Harry Grant, who both shone in the wet conditions.
Munster set up two tries and scored one himself to continue his dominant season since returning from a finger injury.
The Storm are now second place on the ladder on eight points, ahead of the Warriors and Roosters due to a superior points difference.
The Warriors will have the chance to regain second spot behind competition leaders Brisbane when they play the Knights in Newcastle on Sunday.
Against the Storm, Victor Radley was the villain for the Roosters, sent to the sin-bin and put on report in the 27th minute for a late shot on Munster as the home side attacked the line.
At that stage the Roosters were in front 8-6, but by the time the lock returned the visitors were down 18-8 and the Storm were running away with the match.
The Storm's attack was firing on all cylinders, with Munster, Grant, halfback Jahrome Hughes and fullback Nick Meaney all in on the action.
The Roosters did not help their cause with 13 handling errors, 39 missed tackles and only a 62 per cent completion rate.
The Storm's forward pack also deserved praise, with skipper Christian Welch winning a running battle with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, while lock Josh King was another to stand up.
The Roosters' only try came in the 12th minute through winger Jaxson Paulo, when he ran on to a long floating pass from Sam Walker.
AAP/ABC
