Melbourne Storm beat Sydney Roosters to make an NRL statement, Newcastle Knights led to win over Cronulla Sharks by Kalyn Ponga

Gen Next made their mark for Melbourne with Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes combining to steer the Storm to a gripping 20-4 win over the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.

The new “Big Three” — replacing retired Storm greats Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk — stood up at AAMI Park, where the side remain unbeaten this season.

Melbourne took a 4-0 lead into half-time after a hectic opening 40 minutes, with some brutal hits from both sides.

The Storm had 59 per cent of possession but were unable to break the Roosters’ defensive wall.

But the visitors’ were off in attack, only completing 11 of 20 sets, making 11 errors, while a 5-1 penalty count didn’t help their cause.

The much anticipated battle between…