Jahrome Hughes hat-trick sends Storm into grand final with 'carve up' against Roosters

Melbourne Storm have booked the first spot in the grand final after downing the Sydney Roosters in a thrilling 48-18 clash at AAMI Park.

Jahrome Hughes starred for the Storm, crossing the line to complete his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to squash any lingering hope of the visitors season continuing.

12 errors to the Storm's eight proved costly for the Sydney-siders, who could not withstand the pressure of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Hughes across the line.

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Hughes' third try was marred by concern as video replays indicated a knock-on by Alec MacDonald had occurred the play prior.

"That looked like a knock on," Peter Psaltis said in commentary on Nine.

The incident was not identified by referee Grant Atkins at the time of action, with the Bunker unable to interject as the knock-on did not occur in the try-scoring play.

"That's definitely come off MacDonald's hands and gone forwards," Paul Vautin said.

"There's a tackle made... no doubt that it goes forward to a player who is offside and that was let go. From the next play of the ball, they scored but you can't go back to that because the tackle is complete."

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In the end, the missed call from the officials didn't have any great bearing on the result, with the wounded Roosters outclassed in the final 20 minutes.

Harry Grant was at his clinical best out of dummy-half, while five-eighth Cameron Munster scored two tries in the dying stages to put the icing on the cake.

"They've carved the Roosters up," Vautin said.

"The Roosters look like they've run out of gas."

Earlier, an early reduction to 12-men saw Melbourne concede first points as Daniel Tupou brushed off two defenders to score.

Storm centre Nick Meany found Hughes on the inside to level the scores before Jack Howarth charged over the line to claim the first lead of the match.

The defeat marks the end of an era in the Tricolours for several of their stars including Joey Manu, Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sitili Tupouniua.

The Storm will face the winner of the Penrith Panthers and the Cronulla Sharks in the premiership battle at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 6.