SYDNEY - Brisbane opened a four-point lead at the top of the National Rugby League standings yesterday with an ultimately convincing 34-18 home victory over St George-Illawarra.
Gorden Tallis and Wendell Sailor each scored two tries as the Broncos overturned a 10-12 deficit midway through the first half with three unanswered tries to lead 24-12 at halftime.
The game dropped in intensity in the second spell, with the Dragons hampered by the pre-match withdrawal of standoff Anthony Mundine and forwards Wayne Bartrim and Darren Treacy.
Wests Tigers stayed in second spot despite a 14-22 home loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs at Campbelltown.
At a wet Bruce Stadium, Parramatta prevailed in a slog-fest to down Canberra 14-2. The Eels' forwards produced a fine defensive effort to help to keep the Raiders tryless.
In matches on Saturday, new Kiwis selection Tasesa Lavea grabbed two tries and kicked five goals as Melbourne turned around a slow start to breeze past the Northern Eagles 44-18.
Sydney halfback Adrian Lam played a starring role for the Roosters in a 30-22 away win over Penrith, a result that maintained their 100 per cent record this season of following each loss with a win, and vice versa.
Sydney had to withstand a Penrith revival, however, as the Panthers came from 8-20 behind at halftime to lead 22-20 early in the second half.
The Auckland Warriors lifted themselves off bottom spot with their first away win of the season, over North Queensland by 18-12.
On Friday, winger Mat Rogers, with three tries and seven goals, equalled father Steve's Cronulla club record of 26 points as the Sharks overwhelmed Newcastle 42-16 to move to third spot.
- NZPA