New Zealand Test centre Joseph Manu scored a double for the back-to-back NRL premiers, while five-eighth Luke Keary was named man of the match - which mirrored the first-ever WCC game, held at the SCG 44 years ago.

Keary scored a try of his own and ran the show, while new recruit Kyle Flanagan assisted both of Manu's four-pointers, the first with a sharp long pass.

Super League champion St Helens offered willing resistance at their home ground, Totally Wicked Stadium, with incoming Canterbury Bulldogs prop Luke Thompson impressive for the beaten side.

Related content: Lacey's Steelers hold Knights scoreless in grand final replay

Thompson scored the opening try of the match, while front-row partner Alex Walmsley got a late consolation try.

Daniel Tupou got the first four-pointer for the Roosters, making a nice pick-up off his bootlaces from a Keary pass to cross in the left corner.

The Roosters had to rely on their famed defence in the second half, with St Helens dominating possession and field position for extended periods.

Cold, slippery conditions did not help the Aussie team in their first pre-season hit-out.

Prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho made a line break from deep in the field to put Keary away for the winning try in the 69th minute.

Related content: Dragons fail to avoid Tigers' claws

The big man also kicked his side's only two goals (a conversion and a penalty) after Flanagan missed the first three attempts from out wide.

This victory marks the Roosters' fifth win in the World Club Challenge, a record in the fixture.

The Roosters will now continue preparations for their NRL three-peat, which starts on Saturday, March 14 against Pernith at Panthers Stadium.