The NYC Thunderbolts have defeated Canberra at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon thanks to a strong performance.
Latrell Robinson and Nelson Asofa-Solomona both scored hat-tricks in the 44-point victory which consolidates Matt Adamson's side's position inside the top eight.
The Thunderbolts got off to a flying start thanks to quick tries from Richie Kennar and Asofa-Solomona and stayed on the front foot for much of the first half.
Asofa-Solomona soon made it a double and the Storm piled on the pressure to swiftly jump to a comfortable lead heading towards the break.
The Raiders managed to regain momentum and exposed the home side on the wing to hit back with their first try—only for Tony Tumusa to respond soon after, showing off his pace after picking up a loose ball and running the length of the field to score for the Thunderbolts.
After leading 30-6 at the half, Melbourne came out with similar aggression and scored twice within ten minutes of returning to the field. The night was summed up for the Raiders when a mix-up in defence allowed Robinson to pounce on a loose ball over the line for his third try of the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Asofa Solomona preferred the use of brute force when he barged through the Canberra defence to score his third and take the convincing lead to 54-6.
A late try to the Raiders inside the final ten minutes gave little consolation to the visitors, with the final score reading 54-10.
Melbourne Storm 54
Tries: Latrell Robinson 3, Asofa Solomona 3, Richie Kennar, Dean Britt, Una Mohi, Tony Tumusa
Goals: Brayden Torpy 7
Canberra Raiders 10
Tries: Lachlan Hurst, Andrew Heffernan
Goals: Jono Kent
