Melbourne Storm

Kaufusi has signed for next season with the option of an additional year while Welch has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal to remain in Melbourne.

The re-signing of the young props is yet another significant boost for Storm’s forward pack.

Kaufusi and Welch join teammates Dale Finucane, Joe Stimson and Jesse and Kenny Bromwich as the latest big men to re-sign with Storm.

Welch, 22, has played 33 games in the purple jersey including last year’s NRL Grand Final.

Over the last two years his aggressive style of play has proved a real asset for Melbourne.

The 33-year-old is focused on returning to his superstar form after making his comeback from two long injury-plagued years.

The Storm's "Big Three" all rank in the top 10 for most victories, and Smith acknowledged the significance his long-time companions Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk have had in helping to accomplish the resounding feat of winning 238 first-grade games.

Aspiring premiership contenders Penrith were motivated to earn a landmark victory in Melbourne but the Storm held them scoreless in the second half, continuously repelling the many attacks on their own tryline.

It's been hard enough having to fill the void of pre-season departures of Blake Green, Marika Koroibete and Kevin Proctor, but Melbourne have found a way.

In their absence several of the Storm's youngsters have stood up for the side to jump out of the gates to an impressive unbeaten 3-0 start.

The 22-year-old left AAMI Park with blood dripping from his mouth following a head clash with Brisbane winger Corey Oates midway through the second half.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Munster was likely to have a plate inserted.

Despite a new-look team, several debutants and suffering injuries to key players, the Storm remain undefeated in claiming gutsy wins in both their games on the road under torrential conditions.

The Auckland-based outfit were outclassed in atrocious conditions at Mount Smart Stadium, despite putting up a solid showing through the middle of the park.

No side dominated the rain-soaked tussle, but the Storm proved too ruthless in their execution, nabbing four tries to two and grinding out the two points.

Kearney was pleased with his forward pack's showing but rued the team's inability to see out the 80 minutes after losing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to concussion.

Extending their incredible streak was an impressive feat on the road in front of a hostile home crowd and in tough wet-weather conditions. 

However, it is only Round 1 and captain Cameron Smith knows there's a long way to go for Melbourne to return to the Telstra Premiership decider. 

"I don't think I've ever played a Round 1 game and come away and thought 'it can't get any better than that'," Smith said. 

"I think there are some fundamental things we need to improve on – there's no doubt about that."

Now, as they enter their 20th season in the competition, the Storm are considered one of the powerhouse clubs in Australian sport and will head into the 2017 Telstra Premiership as title favourites alongside the Penrith Panthers.