BRETT MORRIS scored a hat-trick of tries as Sydney Roosters beat Wigan 20-8 to win the World Club Challenge.
It means the NRL champions equalled their hosts’ record tally of four triumphs in the contest.
Morris crossed twice early on, and Sio Siua Taukeiaho added a conversion, before the reigning Super League champions responded with a smart Tom Davies score, midway through the first half.
But Morris then completed his treble before the break, when the Roosters led 14-4.
Taukeiaho’s 60th-minute penalty gave his side a twelve-point cushion, before Liam Marshall’s try gave fresh hope to the 21,331 largely home fans in the crowd, to set up an exciting finale, before Daniel Tupou sealed victory.
* See Monday’s League Express for a full match report, reaction and pictures.