League: Bulldogs, Cowboys and Cronulla all win

The defending champion Bulldogs have picked up just their third win of the NRL season.

They beat the Eels 30-16 in Sydney.

The Cowboys hammered the Roosters 38-18 in Townsville to move to the top of the table, equal with the Sea Eagles, Broncos and Sharks on 12 points.

Cronulla beat Melbourne 30-10 at Olympic Park.

On Sunday the Warriors play the Panthers at Ericsson Stadium, the Knights host the Raiders and Wests Tigers play the Dragons at Telstra Stadium.

A win would lift the Raiders on to 12 points as well.

Warriors standoff Nathan Fien is buzzing at the opportunity his new role brings.

The converted hooker will play a key role against the Panthers.

Fien says he is especially looking forward to playing outside Stacey Jones.

He says he did not go too badly in the short burst he had at five-eighth against Newcastle and is hoping to get his outside men going.

The spotlight will be on Warriors fullback Jerome Ropati.

The Panthers side includes classy halves Craig Gower and Preston Campbell.

Ropati has faltered under the highball this season and expects plenty of highballs from the Panthers kickers.

He says he always takes his eyes off the ball and thinks about his next move before catching it.

Ropati says it is something he is working hard on.

Kick off is at 2pm.

- NEWSTALK ZB