Smith praises resolute Melbourne for holding their nerve

A last-gasp try from Anthony Quinn sealed the win in a tense encounter which was locked at 4-4 at the interval following a cagey first period between the Super League and NRL champions.

The Australians led just 12-10 when Quinn sneaked over in the corner in the last minute to put the result beyond doubt.

"We knew from two years ago it was going to be like that and that's what it's all about," Smith said.

"We're the two best teams in the world at the moment and it lived up to what everyone thought it was going to be.

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"There was only two penalty goal kicks at the start, four-each, but there was never going to be too much points difference there. The boys did a great job. We had a lot of young boys in our squad and we held our nerve and got the points in the end."

Storm full-back Billy Slater added: "We felt the other end of the stick two years ago and we didn't want to feel that again. We're glad to come away with the win."

Coach Craig Bellamy felt his side were worthy winners.

"We defended really well tonight," said Bellamy. "Our concern coming into the game was our lack of match practice compared to Leeds but I thought we finished as strongly if not stronger. It was always going to be a tough, physical game. It was like that two years ago and we didn't expect anything different.

"It is really nice to win this. The club won it in 2000 but there is no-one in this club now that was here then.

"This group has had some success over the last five years and been pretty consistent for the last eight years. Tonight was something new for us and something we are really proud of because it is not easy coming over here."