St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown called Matt Cooper the "best-kept secret for 14 months" after he scored four tries in the Dragons' 44-18 National Rugby League victory over premiers Penrith yesterday.
Cooper was modest about breaking the club record for the most tries in a matchbut Brown didn't hesitate in giving him praise.
"I rang Brisbane captain Gorden Tallis two days ago to tell him Matt Cooper's been the best-kept secret for 14 months," said a jubilant Brown after his side's third straight win.
New Zealand international Joe Galuvao faces a nervous wait before Friday's Anzac test after being placed on report for a high shot on St George Illawarra skipper Trent Barrett in the 15th minute.
* There was no happy homecoming for the Newcastle Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium as the Sydney Roosters made the most of an injury to Ben Kennedy and a dubious call by referee Tim Mander to win 32-22 yesterday.
Kennedy strained his hamstring early on before the Roosters clinched victory with a try on the final siren to winger Anthony Minichiello, following a controversial call by Mander.
* Parramatta beat Manly 32-26 at Brookvale Oval yesterday.
* Brett Kimmorley led the Sharks with three try assists and seven goals as they held Canberra out 38-24 in Cronulla.
Out-of-sorts fullback David Peachey returned to form with two first-half tries to help set up a 24-12 lead at the break and when the Sharks scored two minutes after the restart Canberra were done.
Kiwi captain Ruben Wiki went high on Jason Stevens in the 52nd minute and is on report.
* Broncos wing Craig Frawley was their saviour in a close game at Townsville, the southern visitors sneaking away with a 19-12 win.
The Broncos were up 16-4 at the break but the Cowboys fought back with a try to Kevin Campion, his first in 44 games, and closed to 12-18 with seven minutes to go. Then Matt Bowen forced his way over the line but was turned on his back by Frawley, preventing a touchdown that may have sent the game into extra time.
Darren Lockyer sealed it with a drop-goal.
* The Rabbitohs were woeful in Melbourne. Down 0-22 at the break they were unable to score until the 71st minute in a 4-50 capitulation to the home team.
