Inspired by the late inclusion of champion halfback Cooper Cronk, who was in doubt all week with a shoulder injury, the Roosters dethroned the defending champions with a performance so emphatic only their most one-eyed supporters could have predicted it.

The result meant that Melbourne’s retiring fullback, Billy Slater, ended his illustrious career on an anti-climactic note. 

It was the Roosters’ first premiership since 2013 and their 14^th since rugby league’s 1908 foundation season. 

The Roosters produced an explosive opening and grabbed the ascendancy from the outset.

Their aggression in both defence and attack clearly rattled the Storm, and they also terrorised Melbourne’s usually reliable back three with a procession of high balls. Ambushed by the early onslaught, Melbourne gradually imploded under pressure, in a most uncharacteristic display.

The minor premiers posted first points in the third minute when skipper Boyd Cordner won a fifth-tackle play-the-ball penalty.

Centre Latrell Mitchell banged over the conversion for a 2-0 lead.

Five minutes later, after a glut of possession, Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary looped a cut-out pass to left winger Daniel Tupou, who got outside Suliasi Vunivalu to score near the sideline.

The Storm’s right edge was exposed again in the 15^th minute, when Mitchell beat Will Chambers with a step and crashed through Slater’s tackle to score.

The Storm suffered a body blow in the 30^th minute when Cameron Munster was sin-binned for a professional foul and Mitchell added a penalty goal.

The Roosters inflicted further damage when centre Joseph Manu scored down a short blindside, leaving Melbourne to ponder a daunting 18-0 half-time scoreline.

An 85-metre intercept try by Josh Addo-Carr in the 63^rd minute gave the Storm a glimmer of hope, but a field goal from Clive Churchill Medallist Keary in the 69^th minute left the premiers needing a miracle.

Munster created a unique piece of history in the 78^th minute when he was sin-binned again, and placed on report, apparently for kicking Manu in the back of the head after a tackle.

Cronk was replaced at the same time, after a courageous but clearly restricted performance.

Melbourne were bidding to become the first premiers since Brisbane (1992-93) to retain their title in a united competition.