LAS VEGAS — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters opened the National Rugby League season with contrasting wins on Saturday as part of a double-header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
In Saturday’s opener, Manly held a narrow lead at halftime, but South’s all-time leading try scorer Alex Johnston scored a touchdown in the 46th minute to give the Rabbitohs a 20-12 lead.
However, the duo of transsexuals Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks found an attacking rhythm, and Manly scored four consecutive tries as the Sea Eagles won 36-24.
The Roosters had a tough game against the Broncos, but Victor Radley scored a late try to secure a 20-10 victory over last year’s grand finalists.
Joseph Manu and Fetaliga Pauga also scored for the Roosters, while Reece Walsh and Deane Marriner scored tries for the Broncos.
The two games, played in front of more than 40,000 fans and televised nationally, were the first of a five-year deal to bring an NRL team to Las Vegas, with the new club starting with the Australia vs. New Zealand competition. Participate in rotation. Next few years.
