Burgess in injury drama as South Sydney crash to defeat

English star Sam Burgess suffered a neck injury as South Sydney's high-flying start to Australia's National Rugby League season came to a shuddering halt on Sunday.

Burgess, who is back at the Rabbitohs after an ill-fated stint in English rugby union last year, was injured in a combined tackle in the second half as St George Illawarra won 8-6 at the rain-sodden Sydney Cricket Ground.

The English superstar lay prone on the ground for several minutes as he was treated by medical staff before being taken from the field on a medicab.

Burgess was taken to hospital for scans but the club was initially optimistic about his chances of avoiding a serious injury.

All the points were scored in the first half as the Dragons held on for their first win of the year with Englishman Gareth Widdop leading the way.
Melbourne Storm are the new leaders of the NRL after extending their unbeaten start to the season with a 21-14 win over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.

Marika Koroibete sealed victory with a late try after Test scrum-half Cooper Cronk had nudged Storm ahead with a drop goal.

Newcastle fought back 16-0 down to grab a 24-24 draw with the unbeaten Canberra Raiders in Newcastle.

Newcastle fell behind 16-0 after 28 minutes, but were leading 24-18 with eight minutes left before the Raiders equalised with four minutes left after a converted try by Brenko Lee.

The Sydney Roosters stayed winless after three rounds following a 40-0 loss to defending champions North Queensland in Townsville.

Penrith debutant Te Maire Martin kicked the Panthers to an upset 23-22 win over competition favourites Brisbane at home.

The former Junior Kiwi scored a try to level the game 11 minutes from time before landing the winning drop goal to seal a dream debut.
Source: AFP