Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns produced one of his most dominant performances to lead his side to a 37-18 upset NRL win over Melbourne at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday night.

In a further boost to the Knights, Johns on Saturday re-signed with the club for a further three years, before he almost single-handedly dismantled the Storm in front of 20,023 fans.

The Knights skipper, who also announced he will play a handful of games in the English Super League in the off-season, scored a try and had a hand in four others.

He also kicked six goals from six and even slotted an audacious field goal to give him a personal tally of 17 points.

The last-placed Knights, who looked a certainty for the wooden spoon after losing their first 13 games, now move to 12 points on the competition ladder, just one behind Souths and two behind Penrith, while the Storm will drop out of the top four.

It took only three minutes for Johns to stamp his authority on the match.

Storm winger Jake Webster dropped a Johns bomb and from the ensuing play he barged over under the posts and converted to give his side a 6-0 advantage after just three minutes.

Five minutes later Johns set up a try for hooker Danny Buderus with a pinpoint banana kick which hit the uprights.

The Knights extended their lead when Josh Perry steamed onto a Johns short ball and was controversially awarded a four-pointer in the 32nd minute despite doubt over the grounding of the ball.

Referee Shayne Hayne referred the decision to video referee Mick Stone, but after replays were inconclusive the decision was sent back down to Hayne, who ruled in favour of the home team.

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