Storm thrash Roosters, Knights stun Bulldogs

25 March 2012 08:50

Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk starred as Melbourne Storm claimed a 44-4 victory over Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Slater crossed the line in each half for his seventh and eighth tries of the season to become the first player in NRL history to open the season with four consecutive doubles.

He also played a role in two more as Storm ran in six four pointers in a dominant display at AAMI Park.

Cronk set up Slater for both his tries and scored a brace of his own, while Ryan Hoffman, Dane Neilsen, Kevin Proctor and Will Chambers also got on the scoresheet for the home side.

Roosters' second-rower Boyd Cordner crossed over for a 73rd-minute consolation try.

The Storm are now the only unbeaten side this season after Canterbury Bulldogs suffered a 20-6 defeat to Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

The Knights ran in three tries and held the Bulldogs scoreless until the 79th minute in a convincing win for Wayne Bennett's side.

Richie Fa'aoso, Jarrod Mullen and Alex McKinnon crossed over for the victors, while captain Kurt Gidley converted each of the tries and added a penalty.

Joel Romelo gave the home fans some late cheer with the Bulldogs' solitary try, which was converted by Steve Turner.