The Lions took the challenge to their more-fancied opponents, holding them to 19-10 at half-time. But the premiers clicked into gear in the second half to claim the points 57-10, and with the bonus point assume the competition lead.

“It was a bit messy but we got the win,” Pirates coach Mat Kelly said.

“We were just too relaxed at the start. After half-time we got back to our structure and put on three quick tries.”

They ran in nine all up and shared the honours around with half-back Jackson Sharpe the only multiple try-scorer, crossing twice.

Kelly thought Nic McCrohan, Conrad Starr and Ben Goodman were their best.

“They were all good in sections but it was very patchy,” he said.

Hooker Gordon McNeill scored the lone try for a Lions side, that was down a few players, and Kelly predicted will surprise a few teams.