The Melbourne Storm have put themselves in prime position for yet another NRL minor premiership, skipping six points clear on top of the ladder with victory over the Roosters at the Adelaide Oval.

On the field, there was precious little between the sides, with the Storm withstanding a mountain of first-half pressure to roll back into the game and finally prevail 14-12. The Roosters refused to die wondering and had a number of late chances to win the game but the Storm's defence was exemplary when the contest was up for grabs.

Benchmark: The Storm prevailed in the rematch of the 2018 NRL grand final.Credit:NRL Photos

It was 12-12 at halftime and the only second-half score was a penalty kick by Cameron Smith, who produced a crafty effort to draw a penalty right in front of the posts in the 65th minute. That would end up being the fateful blow in a high-quality affair that suggested both teams will be major players once again come the NRL finals.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters was in the commentary booth for Fox and had his eye primarily on Storm forward Christian Welch, who was rock solid in his 40 minutes and should get his maiden Maroons jumper for game three.

But it must have pained him to see Smith so influential once again. The former Maroons captain has retired from representative football but remains one of, if not the, best player in the NRL. He upped his involvement significantly in the second half and it was his steady hand that proved the difference.

Going nowhere: Felise Kaufusi tackles Angus Crichton.Credit:AAP

Smith carried the ball more from dummy half in the second 40 minutes and when he does that, everyone on the Storm benefits. Cameron Munster had a confidence booster ahead of the third Origin with some nice touches and young fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was brilliant again.

He scored the Storm's opening try after replacing Jahrome Hughes and only Melbourne could carry a player of his undoubted quality as their second choice custodian.

If Papenhuyzen was dangerous, then James Tedesco was a nightmare. He tortured the Storm with almost every carry and looked the most likely for the Roosters. All of the NSW Origin stars were strong including Melbourne's Dale Finucane, whose absence from that arena for so long looks even more ludicrous given how well he played in Perth and again in Adelaide.

There was some drama in the first half when Roosters captain Boyd Cordner suggested Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu had deliberately stamped on his fingers. It went unpunished but may come up in the video reviews after the match.

So much had been made about Latrell Mitchell's omission from the Blues team and he was good without being spectacular against Melbourne. He carried the ball strongly and had some impressive touches as he continues to look for his best form after a mini-slump over recent weeks.

He was able to give the Roosters the early advantage with a penalty before Papenhuyzen backed up brilliant to scorch away for Melbourne's reply in the 16th minute.

From there, it was all the Roosters until just before the halftime break. Daniel Tupou tip-toed down the sideline for a try and Mitchell's sideline conversion made it 8-6 to the Sydneysiders.

With 60 per cent of the ball and Melbourne having made 70 more tackles, something had to give and Joseph Manu was the man to give the Roosters a clear advantage. But when they finally had a sniff, the Storm converted, with Brodie Croft chasing his own kick to ensure scores were locked at the break.

From there, it was Smith pulling the strings and kicking the goal to earn them the win. Even in the post-Slater era, Melbourne look to be a class above even their greatest rivals.

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