Sharks 10
Storm 14
Panthers 34
Raiders 16
Defending champions Melbourne survived their first challenge of the season, but only just, when they repelled the tenacious Cronulla Sharks in Sydney last night.
Melbourne scored two tries to one but it was a close-run thing against the fired-up Sharks, whose aggression belied their lowly status.
There could hardly have been a greater contrasts in the fortunes of the teams last year - Melbourne, the defending premiers, and Cronulla, who lost their last 10 games to almost finish with the wooden spoon.
There was a minute's silence for Sharks' halfback Scott Porter, whose sister died this week. Play began in dry conditions but on a soft, slippery surface after rain during the day.
Luke Covell kicked a penalty for the Sharks for the only points of the first quarter and, soon after, the Storm blew an opportunity when a pass to Luke MacDougall went astray with the line open.
The Sharks showed enthusiasm and intensity but when Trent Barrett was sin-binned after 25 minutes, Greg Inglis drove through two tackles to score. Cameron Smith converted from the sideline.
But the Sharks grabbed two points back just before halftime when Porter goaled after Anthony Quinn had been penalised for illegal use of the forearm, an action which led to an all-in fracas. Melbourne struck 10 minutes into the second spell when, after continual pressure, the ball was moved wide and MacDougall forced his way over in the corner. Smith was on target again and the Storm led 12-4.
Melbourne forward Ryan Hoffman, who popped a shoulder joint in the first half, returned to the fray but left permanently 15 minutes into the second half with a knee strain.
Cronulla finally cracked the Melbourne defence 10 minutes from the end when Luke Douglas dived through the ruck and, when Covell converted, the deficit was only four points.
Sharks 10 (L. Douglas try; L. Covell 2, S. Porter goals); Storm 14 (G. Inglis, L. MacDougall tries, C. Smith 3 goals ). Halftime: Melbourne, 6-4.
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Meanwhile, Penrith comfortably began their campaign with a 34-16 win over the Canberra although they had to withstand a spirited second half fightback from the Raiders.
The Panthers led 22-0 at halftime but the Raiders scored the first three tries of the second half to trail 22-16 after 58 minutes.
But ex-Raider Adrian Purtell intercepted a Terry Campese pass and ran the length of the field to make the score 26-16. He was controversially disallowed a second four-pointer.
Panthers fullback Lachlan Coote added to the visitors' misery with a classy 75th minute try.
