A Xavier Coates hat-trick has helped Melbourne Storm to its most convincing win of the NRL season, steamrolling Sydney Roosters 28-8 on Thursday night.
Although he bagged three tries, the towering winger had to share the spotlight with star playmaker Cameron Munster and hooker Harry Grant, who both shone in the wet conditions at AAMI Park.
Munster set up two tries and scored one himself to continue his dominant season since returning from a finger injury.
Victor Radley was the villain for the visitors, sent to the sin-bin and put on report in the 27th minute for a late shot on Munster as Storm attacked the line.
At that stage the Roosters were in front 8-6, but by the time the lock returned Sydney was down 18-8 and Storm was running away with the match.
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Melbourne’s attack had all cylinders firing, with Munster, Grant, halfback Jahrome Hughes and fullback Nick Meaney all in on the action.
Storm used its kicking game to keep the Roosters guessing, while the men from Sydney didn’t help themselves with 13 handling errors, 39 missed tackles and only a 62 per cent completion rate.
Storm’s forward pack also deserved praise, with skipper Christian Welch winning a running battle with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, while Melbourne 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.
But the Storm defence was high energy throughout as the hosts wrapped up their third successive victory.
-AAP
