All the headlines from the opening round of the NSWRL’s major competitions.
Major competitions return for NSWRL
Headlined by The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, the NSWRL’s major competitions – including the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Jersey Flegg Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield – made their highly anticipated returns on the weekend after the 2020 season was cut short due to COVID-19.
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup marked the beginning of Round 1 on Friday night as the Mounties produced a 26-8 first up win against Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Click here for the all the opening round coverage of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
Southwell starts season in style after breakout 2020
Last year’s NRLW Players’ Champion and NSW Women’s Origin Player of the Year Hannah Southwell began her season with the opening try for Central Coast Roosters in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership on Saturday.
Southwell set the tone for Central Coast’s convincing 38-10 win over North Sydney Bears to begin their 2021 title defence, which included tries to winger Jasmine Strange, No.17 Simone Simone, captain Isabelle Kelly, Keilee Joseph, prop Tayla Predebon and Shawden Burton.
The Roosters’ lock was also strong off the boot to nail four from five conversions for the afternoon.
Click here for other results from the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
Petralia gets Magpies home against Cabramatta
Western Suburbs Magpies bench utility Daniel Petralia came up with a late try in Saturday’s clash with Cabramatta to secure his side a 16-12 Round 1 victory in the Ron Massey Cup.
Petralia was brought into the action in the 55th minute for back-rower Jak Cannell before the visitors hit the lead just 10 minutes later.
Although Cabramatta found themselves in front for the first time in over an hour of play they could only hold on until the 72nd minute when Petralia scored the match-winner for Western Suburbs, kicking off the Magpies’ 2021 campaign in front of a home crowd.
Click here for other results from the Ron Massey Cup.
Muhleisen’s boot seals win in two-try encounter
St George Illawarra hooker Connor Muhleisen kicked a first-half conversion and two from three penalty goal attempts to steer his side to a 10-4 win over Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Dragons fullback Treigh Stewart scored the first try of the contest in the 11th minute before the Sharks returned serve soon after through centre Jonaiah Lualua. By halftime the score remained at one try apiece with Muhleisen’s successful conversion and an additional penalty goal keeping the Red V ahead 8-4.
The opening half was then followed by a try-less second stanza as the Sharks failed to overcome the St George Illawarra defence. Another Muhleisen penalty goal in the 62nd minute rounded out the six-point victory for the home side.
Click here for other results from the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Click here for results from the Sydney Shield.
