NRL

NRL champions Melbourne suffered an almighty scare by a fired-up Wests Tigers before escaping with a 26-12 win at AAMI Park on Monday night.

Canberra centre Jarrod Croker held his nerve to steer the Raiders to a remarkable 24-22 comeback victory over the Sydney Roosters at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett was full of praise for young halfback Tyrone Roberts, but refused to anoint him as the Knights' first-choice halfback.

Gold Coast maintained their strong start to the season as Penrith's inability to find the finishing touch came back to haunt them in a 28-10 loss to the Titans at Centrebet Stadium.

St George Illawarra shocked little brother Cronulla 25-12 to open their 2013 NRL account, the Sharks night made worse with star playmaker Todd Carney helped from the field with a foot injury.

Rumours that Brisbane centre Justin Hodges would be a last minute withdrawal against Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night proved correct.