Leeds Rhinos fell to a 38-4 defeat at the hands of NRL champions Melbourne Storm in the World Club Challenge at AAMI Park.
The Betfred Super League champions took a 10th-minute lead when a great cut-out pass by Stevie Ward found Ryan Hall to dive in the corner, but captain Kallum Watkins could not convert.
Forward Jesse Bromwich levelled proceedings after he crashed over from close range before Melbourne moved in front for the first time through a Brodie Croft try, which Cameron Smith converted, to go 10-4 up after 25 minutes.
A Smith penalty extended their advantage before Suliasi Vunivalu showed his class with a mazy run to cross and Nelson Asofa-Solomona powered his way over the line either side of the half-time interval to increase the hosts’ lead to 24-4.
Felise Kaufusi sliced through the Leeds defence for Melbourne’s fifth try before Will Chambers pounced on a loose ball to dot down with nine minutes left, with Smith failing to convert both attempts.
Dale Finucane crossed the whitewash in the final play of the match to complete the scoring for Storm as Smith booted eight points to earn a record-equalling fourth World Club Challenge crown for the Australian outfit.
