Melbourne has moved into third place on the National Rugby League ladder with a hard-fought 20-0 victory over Canberra at Olympic Park.

The Storm made heavy weather of the win, scoring three tries but butchering three others as they dominated the match.

Winger Jake Webster scored two tries and centre Steven Bell one for the Storm.

But in between Webster, Bell and fullback Billy Slater all missed try-scoring opportunities, each crossing the line but failing to ground the ball.

While Webster's second half missed try was an error on his part by diving too early and letting the ball squirm loose, the other two tries were foiled by outstanding Raiders defence.

Canberra was starved of possession all night and never threatened to breach the Melbourne line, but defended magnificently and for long periods.

The Raiders' woes were compounded with two of their players put on report - including skipper Simon Woolford.

Woolford fell foul of referee Steve Clark for an ugly spear tackle on Slater in the first half, while Raiders forward Tyran Smith was also placed on report for a high tackle on Cooper Cronk.

But the Storm's victory was soured by what appeared to be a hand injury to NSW Origin hero Matt King.

King, who scored three tries for the Blues in their series-deciding win over Queensland midweek, left the field with 20 minutes remaining, went straight to the dressing rooms and did not return.

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