NRL round-up: Graham inspires Dragons, Warriors unbeaten, Marshall hitting form
There were several standout individual performances in round five of the NRL Premiership.
England forward James Graham produced another man of the match performance to inspire St George Illawarra Dragons to a 16-12 victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs. Tom Burgess and George Burgess started in the Rabbitohs front-row, while Gareth Widdop kicked four goals for the Dragons.
Canberra Raiders produced a fine display to beat Canterbury Bulldogs 26-10 at GIO Stadium to record their first win of the season. Jarrod Croker scored two tries and kicked five goals for the Raiders, totalling 18 points.
Tonga ace David Fusitu’a scored two tries to help New Zealand Warriors retain their unbeaten record with a 22-12 win over North Queensland Cowboys. Anthony Gelling made his second appearance for the Warriors.
Benji Marshall’s drop-goal was the only thing to separate Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm at the Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers ran-out 11-10 winners thanks to Marshall’s one-pointer in the 74th minute.
Newcastle Knights beat Brisbane Broncos for the first time in seven attempts with a 15-10 success at McDonald Jones Stadium. Former Hull Kingston Rovers star Ken Sio featured on the wing for Newcastle, while England prop Chris Heighington was on the bench.
Two tries from Jai Arrow helped Gold Coast Titans clinch a 32-20 victory over Trent Barrett’s Manly Sea Eagles at Marley Brown Oval on Sunday.
Sydney Roosters’ forward pack dominated Cronulla Sharks on Friday night as they ran-out 28-10 victors. Valentine Holmes scored both of Cronulla’s tries, while Ryan Matterson went over twice for Sydney.
Parramatta Eels suffered their fifth defeat on the trot against Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. Australia star James Maloney kicked four goals to seal a 12-6 victory for the Panthers.
The Dragons and the Warriors both remain top of the NRL Premiership ladder, with five wins from five games. The Eels are currently bottom of the league with zero points.
Round five NRL results:
St George Illawarra Dragons 16-12 South Sydney Rabbitohs
Canberra Raiders 26-10 Canterbury Bulldogs
Wests Tigers 11-10 Melbourne Storm
New Zealand Warriors 22-12 North Queensland Cowboys
Newcastle Knights 15-10 Brisbane Broncos
Gold Coast Titans 32-20 Manly Sea Eagles
Parramatta Eels 6-12 Penrith Panthers