Bulldogs hold off Sharks for first NRL win msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Matt Bungard14 hours ago
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The Canterbury Bulldogs survived a nerve-wracking final few minutes to secure their first win of the season as NRL history was made with the first-ever 18th-man substitution.
It was September last year when the Dogs were last in the win column, but they finally scrubbed that zero off their points tally for 2021 with a 18-12 victory at Kogarah.
Canterbury exploded out of the blocks, peppering the Sharks left side with success through the hands - with Will Hopoate going straight past Josh Dugan - and then through the air with a cross-field kick.
Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga spent most of Friday on the toilet battling the effects of a stomach bug, but it was Cronulla who felt sick after he inspired the Knights to a gut-busting 26-22 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium that night.
Including the match-winner in the 77th minute after earning a penalty at the other end of the field, Ponga scored two tries, set up two for Mitch Barnett and Brodie Jones, and kicked three goals from five attempts for a personal haul of 16 points.
Knights coach Adam O Brien said Ponga, who could be seen doubled over and vomiting on multiple occasions during the game, and housemate Connor Watson were both ill in the lead-up.
Melbourne Storm beat Sydney Roosters to make an NRL statement, Newcastle Knights led to win over Cronulla Sharks by Kalyn Ponga
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The Storm broke clear of the Roosters in the second half.
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Gen Next made their mark for Melbourne with Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes combining to steer the Storm to a gripping 20-4 win over the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
The new Big Three replacing retired Storm greats Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk stood up at AAMI Park, where the side remain unbeaten this season.
Melbourne took a 4-0 lead into half-time after a hectic opening 40 minutes, with some brutal hits from both sides.