League: Vulcans go down in season opener

The Auckland Vulcans were beaten 24-18 by Newcastle in their opening New South Wales rugby league match of the season at Mt Smart Stadium today but it was not without controversy.

Newcastle were awarded a try to former Warriors NRL squad member Marvin Filipo even though it appeared the ball had been jolted loose as Filipo hit the ground. It gave the visitors a crucial 18-12 lead and, although the Vulcans hit back through Sam Lousi to level things 18-18, they scored late to wrap up the match.

Krisnan Inu, Glen Fisiiahi and Alehana Mara all turned out for the Warriors feeder side after being named earlier in the week in an extended 20-man Warriors squad for their NRL season opener against Manly at Eden Park tomorrow.

Inu played in the centres, Fisiiahi at fullback and Mara on the bench in a line-up that also included fellow NRL squad members Ivan Penehe, Lousi, Sebastine Ikahihifo and Pita Godinet.

The Vulcans fell behind 8-0 early but began to build into the game and led 12-8 at halftime with converted tries to Inu and Mara - the dummy half scored his in fortuitous circumstances when he collected a Godinet bomb which bounced straight into his arms after hitting the crossbar.

The Knights reclaimed the lead soon after the break through a converted Chris Adams try and were out to 18-12 in contentious circumstances soon after. Filipo intercepted and headed for the goal-line 80m away but was chased down by opposite winger DJ Collier, who finally got to Filipo to make a desperate last-ditch tackle to jolt the ball loose. Referee Robert Bowen awarded the try, much to the astonishment of most watching.

Lousi inspired a hit-back try, his late off load sparking a raid featuring a Steve Waetford break, who dummied outside and then fed the ball inside for Godinet to score.

The Vulcans had chances to go ahead but instead Newcastle winger Josh Mantellato was allowed to score the go-ahead try late in the contest. The Knights ultimately sealed it with a Mantellato penalty on fulltime.

Auckland Vulcans 18 (Krisnan Inu, Alehana Mara, Pita Godinet tries; Inu 3 gls) Newcastle 24 (Adrian Davis, Chris Adams, Marvin Filipo, Josh Mantellato tries; Mantellato 4 gls). HT: 12-8.