Other Sports

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Melbourne Storm begin defence of 2012 title with win on controversial 1st weekend of NRL

By: The Associated Press

Posted: 03/10/2013 12:16 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 03/10/2013 4:47 AM

SYDNEY - Melbourne Storm began the defence of its National Rugby League title with a 30-10 win Sunday over St. George Illawarra on a season-opening weekend played against the backdrop of a doping scandal.

Captain Billy Slater scored the first try of the year for the Storm, who led 18-0 at halftime. In another Sunday match, Penrith beat Canberra 32-10.

The Cronulla Sharks, playing without their suspended coach Shane Flanagan because of an illegal supplements controversy that has reportedly involved up to 14 players on the team, overcame their off-field issues to beat the Gold Coast Titans 12-10.

On Friday, Flanagan was stood down and four other Cronulla officials, including the team doctor, were released by the Sharks after supplements containing illegal peptides banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency were found to have been given to the players in 2011.

On Sunday, Cronulla club chairman Damian Irvine said the staff had not notified the club board about allegations of drug use.

Irvine said one the drugs the players were injected with was TV-500, a substance used on horses to increase muscle growth, strength and endurance. The officials involved have denied the claims.

Parrammata's Jarry Hayne scored three tries and halfback Chris Sandow added 16 points as the Eels beat the New Zealand Warriors 40-10.

North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston set up three tries as the Cowboys beat Canterbury 24-12.

Manly scored three tries in a seven-minute flurry early in the second half to beat Brisbane 22-14. It was halfback Daley Cherry-Evans's solo try, bursting through four Brisbane defenders in the 48th minute, which cut the margin to 14-12 and provided the visitors with the momentum to take the lead five minutes later when centre Steve Matai crossed for his second try.

Manly coach Geoff Toovey said his side was "defensively superb" in the second half and paid tribute to the toughness of representative back-rower Anthony Watmough, who went into the match after having several painkilling injections.

"His ribs were pretty sore, especially after the injections wore off," Toovey said. "He was outstanding."

On Thursday, Sydney Roosters' Sonny Bill Williams scored a late consolation try in his return to rugby league from union, but the former All Black admits he still has some way to go to get back to his best.

"Maybe people were expecting me to work some magic," Williams said after the 28-10 loss to South Sydney. "For me, it's about concentrating on the little things and doing my job well. There's a few things that I was bit rusty on, but it's a start."

Williams played the final 50 minutes, coming on after Souths raced into a 16-4 lead through Nathan Merritt's second of his three tries.

The Newcastle Knights host the Wests Tigers in the Monday night match to conclude the first round.

Factual inaccuracy? Something missing? Help improve our journalism.

Know about news? Share your story suggestions, photos and video.

Spelling error? Punctuation problem? Send us an email if you’ve found a typo.

More Other Sports

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.