Melbourne Storm piled on 24 unanswered points in the second half to swamp North Queensland 30-18 in an NRL trial at Barlow Park in Cairns.

Halfback Matt Orford was instrumental in the Storm's comeback win having a hand in four of Melbourne's five tries.

Cameron Smith, Robbie Kearns, Billy Slater, Ryan Hoffman and Jake Webster crossed for the Storm tries while Matt Bowen, Scott Tronc and Matt Sing scored for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys lead 18-6 at half-time and looked in control in steamy conditions but the Storm recovered well from a lacklustre opening 20 minutes.

The Storm's victory was marred somewhat with unlucky winger Steve Turner leaving the field after just 16 minutes with an ankle injury.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP