A first-half hat-trick from True Blue Brett Morris has inspired a 20-8 victory for the Sydney Roosters over Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge on Monday morning.
The 32-year-old made a dream club debut after joining the reigning premiers on a two-year deal in the off-season, crossing for two tries inside the opening 10 minutes before grabbing his third at the half-hour mark.
Morris found himself in unfamiliar territory at left-centre in the absence of Latrell Mitchell but well and truly made his mark with powerful efforts for each of his tries in front of 21,331 fans at DW Stadium.
He became the first player in history to claim Man of the Match honours in two seperate World Club Challenge fixtures, the first coming in 2011 for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues captain Boyd Cordner lead from the front with an impressive 80-minute performance, while fullback James Tedesco and Luke Keary looked threatening at varying stages throughout the match.
Although the Roosters dominated for a majority of the first-half, a try to a Wigan's Tom Davies in the right-hand corner ensured a 14-4 scoreline at half-time.
Wigan came out firing in the second-half as a Sio SIua Taukeiaho penalty goal in the 60th minute extended the Roosters lead to 12, before Liam Marshall showed great patience to scoop up a loose pass on the left-edge to cross for the Warriors second try just four minutes later.
The Super League champions were gallant in the second stanza with some strong running and brutal defence worrying the Roosters at times, but a try to Daniel Tupou off a towering Luke Keary kick in the dying stages officially sealed their status as World Champions.
