Melbourne celebrated the re-signing of their champion halfback Cooper Cronk with a six-try party as they romped to a 34-22 win over Newcastle in their NRL clash at AAMI Park.

Cronk signed a four-year contract extension during the week and showed his value to the club on Friday night with another impressive performance as the Storm continued their unbeaten start to the season.

The Knights haven’t won in Melbourne since 2004 and that long-standing hoodoo was never threatened, with the home side leading 16-6 at halftime.

Cronk set the tone with a 40-20 special two minutes into the game and his team were in four minutes later with five-eighth Gareth Widdop strolling across the line.

Newcastle were brought undone by the Storm’s class at the set play, with the spoils shared across the side.

The home side had six different tryscorers including star fullback Billy Slater, who grabbed his ninth for the season.

The Knights started the second half with intent but that was snuffed out through a try to Slater after Ryan Hoffman got a ball away in a tackle that was scooped up by the ever-present custodian.

Trailing 22-6, Newcastle’s case wasn’t helped when they were penalised and marched 10m when their five-eighth Kurt Gidley questioned a call and wouldn’t hand the ball to the Storm for a scrum feed.

In the ensuing play, Melbourne took full advantage with centre Will Chambers bursting through the defence on his way to the tryline in the 64th minute.

Knights hooker Danny Buderus was forced off the field with 11 minutes remaining and headed straight to the sheds after a head-knock.

Despite three late tries to his side, by Jarrod Mullen, Neville Costigan and a second to busy winger James McManus, it was already game over.

Coach Craig Bellamy wouldn’t be pleased with the late lapses in defence but his side had already done enough to continue their impressive start to the year.