An experienced Melbourne Storm outfit have proven too good for the nib Newcastle Knights, running out 30-10 winners in their Albury trial match.
It was all the Storm from the outset, with the 2020 premiers dominating possession in a first half where the Knights struggled with their completion rates.
Boasting nearly their strongest possible line up, including Origin stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, the Storm nearly crossed in the opening minutes when Josh Adds-Carr was denied by the touch judge for placing a foot on the line.
The Knights were limited to just one real opportunity, with Bradman Best going close to scoring soon after.
What followed was a brutal 20 minutes of football, with Knights recruits Tyson Frizell and Sauaso Sue providing strong first outings for the Club in what fast became a battle of the engine rooms.
While the Knights fought hard, Melbourne's class shined through, with Dean Ieremia and Jahrome Hughes crossing for the opening tries.
A clever Harry Grant grubber on the stroke of half-time found Nelson Asofa-Solomona, leaving the Knights with a huge mountain to climb in the second half.
Storm too strong in Albury clash
It was a similar story after the break, with the Storm adding further points through Felise Kaufusi and Reimus Smith.
Substitute Dylan Lucas added the Knights only four pointer in the 63rd minute, completing a sharp move on the right edge, while Dom Young crossed for his second try in as many weeks right on full time.
It was improved second half by the Knights, who took the field after the break without the likes of Mitchell Pearce, Jayden Brailey and Frizell, however the more-experienced Storm outfit still proved too strong in front of around 4000 fans in the border-town.
