Jenna Brooks
NRL Expert @JennaBrooks
Inside the NRL: Dan Sarginson debut and Greg Inglis injury
Last Updated: 06/03/17 6:57pm
Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as South Sydney lose a key player for at least six months, Wayne Bennett's Brisbane come out winners and Dan Sarginson makes his debut for the Titans.
Inglis injured
South Sydney have been dealt a huge blow after the opening round. Their captain, Greg Inglis will be sidelined for up to six months, after suffering a knee injury during the Rabbitohs 34-18 loss to the Tigers on Friday.
The injury could mean the Australia full-back will miss the chance of a final World Cup appearance in October.
Inglis injured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the first few minutes of the game, however there is a twist to the tale. Despite clearly struggling, he continued to play on, as the injury wasn't diagnosed as an ACL until the following day.
Inglis admits the injury is shattering. "I just had to get back up. One thing we do here at this club is obviously put our hand up and do the best we can," he said. "It is just one of those things that just happen. I came down and landed on it the wrong way."
South Sydney general manager of football, Shane Richardson defended the decision for Inglis to play on. "The injury occurred in the first instance in the match, not as a consequence of Greg playing on further," Richardson said.
"Our medical staff further examined the injury at the half-time break and they felt the knee was stable, and they along with the head coach and Greg himself, agreed that he would go on and play in the second half."
Brisbane succeed
One of the most anticipated games in round one was the season opener on Thursday, as the reigning premiers, Cronulla Sharks hosted Wayne Bennett's Brisbane Broncos. The two sides that made the trip to the UK for the World Club Series, and lost.
It was the Broncos who came out on top, winning 26-18, a result Bennett was pleased with, having come under recent criticism for having lost his 'aura'.
"I've always let my teams do my talking for me," said Bennett. "Write what you want to write, they were good here tonight."
As for the Sharks, it was the fourth year in a row Cronulla have suffered a defeat in the opening round, but coach Shane Flanagan insists it's not time to panic.
"We were our own worst enemies," Flanagan said, "We definitely haven't lost focus. There are some disappointed players in there. We thought we'd had a good preparation coming into today. It's early days. "
Dan's debut
Dan Sarginson made his NRL debut on Saturday for the Gold Coast Titans, playing the full 80 minutes in the 32-18 defeat to the Sydney Roosters.
Sarginson missed the Titans final pre-season trial match last month with a knee injury, but was cleared to play against the Roosters.
It was a solid start for the 23-year old, who managed 11 tackles and made 16 runs for 146 metres.
Before the game, the former Wigan centre said it was Bulldogs prop James Graham who encouraged him to switch leagues and move to the Gold Coast.
Sarginson said: "Just to see how he came out here and really took everyone by surprise. He is kind of famous out here and one of the best props in the league."
A proud Stone
Huddersfield coach Rick Stone's son, Sam made his NRL debut off the bench in Newcastle's 26-22 loss to the Warriors.
After impressing during the Auckland Nines tournament, the 19-year old was called up to play in round one and his dad was pleased by the news.
Stone said: "He told me about a week ago that he was going to play, which was good. (Nathan) Brown told him nice and early.
The former Knights coach added: "Newcastle loves seeing their own play, which is great. Hopefully he can play a few more games and play a game at home, I'm sure he'll have plenty of mates come along."
Despite taking the lead with just 15 minutes to go, Newcastle were dealt their 19th defeat in a row, when Ryan Hoffman scored to seal the four-point win for the Warriors.
