Storm kill off NZ Pretenders
Storm 30 defeated NZ Warriors 12
Melbourne Storm shrugged off any doubts over their credentials for the 2007 title with a dominant 18-point victory over the New Zealand Warriors in their round three NRL clash at Olympic Park this afternoon.
The 2006 minor premiers shot out of the blocks early to pile on 14 unanswered points in the first half, continuing their scoring run into the second period to end up 30-12 victors.
Billy Slater continued his try-scoring exploits with an impressive brace but was denied a third when video referee Chris Ward ruled offside on what would have been a scintillating finish to a deft chip and chase play.
Towering youngster Israel Folau also picked up a double with the Storm winger turning in an imperious display of speed, strength and aerial presence, while Ryan Hoffman and Matt King also posted tries for the home side.
Veteran winger Matt Geyer was ever-present and produced shades of brilliance from his five-eighth days creating numerous opportunities in the second stanza after regular number six Greg Inglis was forced from the field with an injury.
Cameron Smith was less than impressive with the boot kicking just three conversions from six attempts, while the Warriors never troubled the Storm despite two tries in the final 20 minutes to Manu Vatuvei and Sam Rapira.
The Storm have now won three matches from three starts, while the Warriors remain on four points after previously beating the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos.
