TOWNSVILLE - The attacking genius of Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk led the Storm to a 32-10 NRL win over North Queensland on Saturday in Townsville.
Cronk played a part in five of Melbourne's six tries, scoring two himself, as well as pulling out a dramatic try-saving tackle as the Cowboys threw everything at a second-half comeback.
The Queensland and Australian No.7 tormented the home team in every department, making sure the Cowboys' first game at the newly named 1300SMILES Stadium was one to forget.
Cronk didn't take long to bring out the magic, passing inside for lock Ryan Hinchcliffe, who showed a clean pair of heals to burn Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen and score in the corner in the fourth minute.
Not everything went the Storm's way, however, with Siosaia Vave put on report for a crusher tackle on Cowboys co-captain Matt Scott.