NRL round-up: Cronk inspires Roosters, Sims bags hat-trick, Munster snatches win for Storm

Week one of the NRL finals did not disappoint.

Cooper Cronk put in a man of the match performance to inspire Sydney Roosters to a 21-12 win over Cronulla Sharks in week one of the NRL Premiership finals. Cronk scored a try and notched a drop-goal, while Joseph Manu, Latrell Mitchell and Daniel Tupou scored for the Roosters.

Penrith Panthers came from being 12-2 behind to win 27-12 against New Zealand Warriors. Tyrone Peachey bagged a brace for the Panthers, while James Maloney and Christian Crichton also went over for Penrith. Issac Luke and David Fusitu’a gave the Warriors their first half lead. James Maloney was outstanding for Penrith.

Australia international Cameron Munster added a late drop-goal to snatch a sensational 29-28 win for Melbourne Storm against South Sydney Rabbitohs at home. Fiji star Suliasi Vunivalu and Cheyse Blair scored two tries each for Storm, with Curtis Scott crossed for the other. England forward George Burgess was sin-binned in the second half for a professional foul.

Tariq Sims claimed the bragging rights over his brother Korbin as he scored a hat-trick to guide St George Illawarra Dragons to a 48-18 win over Brisbane Broncos in front of a crowd of 47,296. New Zealand international Leeson Ah Mau scored, Samoa star Tim Lafai, Luciano Leilua and Matt Dufty scored for the Dragons. England half-back Widdop converted seven goals from as many attempts but left the field with an injury in the second half and didn’t return. Papua New Guinea outside-back Nene MacDonald was sin-binned late on for a professional foul.

NRL finals week one results:

Sydney Roosters 21-12 Cronulla Sharks (24,588)

Penrith Panthers 27-12 New Zealand Warriors (17,168)

Melbourne Storm 29-28 South Sydney Rabbitohs (17,306)

Brisbane Broncos 18-48 St George Illawarra Dragons (47,296)