League: Weekend NRL wrap

Melbourne took sole ownership of top place on the NRL ladder with a 34-22 victory over the Eels in their round 14 encounter at Parramatta Stadium yesterday.

A hat-trick of four-pointers to winger Jake Webster was the highlight of the Storm's 10th win of the season and the New Zealand representative was joined on the try scorers list by Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman, Steve Turner and Matt Geyer.

Geyer kicked two conversions while Chris Walker also managed one from his two attempts.

The Eels were competitive early, having led the Storm 12-6 midway through the opening half. They eventually trailed 12-20 at half-time but were unable to keep up with their opponents in the second period.

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Rabbitohs break duck against Broncos

South Sydney notched its first win of the NRL season with a 34-14 triumph over an under-strength Brisbane side at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Saturday night.

The Rabbitohs led the Origin-depleted Broncos 16-10 at half-time, and scored three second-half tries in wet conditions to snare two rare competition points.

The home side outscored the Broncos six tries to three, while half-back Ben Walker booted five goals.

It was the Rabbitohs' first win over Brisbane since their return to the competition in 2002.

The Broncos struggled without their stars, including key playmaker Darren Lockyer, and suffered their first loss since round nine.

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Sharks outgun Cowboys

The Cronulla Sharks defeated the North Queensland Cowboys 26-4 in their round 14 National Rugby League match in Townsville on Saturday night.

The Sharks led 8-4 at half-time but blew the game wide open with three second-half tries while keeping the Cowboys scoreless.

The Sharks have now won five of their past six matches, while the Cowboys suffered their fourth-straight loss.

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Dragons comfortable winners over Panthers

St George Illawarra posted a fourth-straight win, defeating Penrith 20-10 in their round 14 NRL encounter at Panthers Stadium on the weekend.

Dean Young, Matt Bickerstaff and Daryl Millard scored tries for the Dragons, all of which were converted by Aaron Gorrell. Gorrell also added a penalty goal.

Penrith's points came via tries to Luke Swain and Luke Rooney and a conversion from Preston Campbell.

St George Illawarra led 14-6 at half-time with constant rain and a slippery playing surface not allowing for a high-scoring opening period. The difficult conditions saw several knock-ons and many passes going to ground.

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Stewart snatches late win for Sea Eagles

Sea Eagles full-back Brett Stewart scored a try two minutes from full-time to give his side a thrilling 16-12 win over the Wests Tigers in the round 14 NRL match-up at Brookvale Oval on Friday evening.

Stewart scored his 25th try in as many matches at Brookvale, leaping above Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall to bring down a Matt Orford banana kick and run 15 metres to produce a miraculous escape for the Sea Eagles.

The Sea Eagles scored three tries to two in the tight encounter with Chris Hicks, Steve Matai and Stewart all crossing for four-pointers, while Travis Burns kicked two conversions.

For the Tigers, forward Anthony Laffranchi and Michael Crockett each posted tries, both of which were converted by Marshall.

NOTE: The Bulldogs and the Raiders complete Round 14 with their match this afternoon, which is a public holiday in Australia (Queen's Birthday).

- RADIO AUSTRALIA