Round One of the 2004 NRL Telstra Premiership kicked off in style, Friday night seeing the reigning premiers clash with Newcastle.

Penrith got their premiership defence off to an ideal start, downing a plucky Newcastle outfit 18-10 to show they won't be written off as one season wonders. It was a brilliant game by both sides, but the home side were brought home by the support of their fans.
Penrith Panthers 18 (Ryan Girdler, Luke Lewis, and Paul Whatuira. Girdler 3/4) defeated Newcastle Knights 10 (Anthony Quinn and Matthew Gidley. Johns 1/3).
PoM Points: Ben Kennedy 3, Anthony Quinn 2, and Ryan Girdler 1.
Referee: Tim Mander

Brisbane and New Zealand played out the game of the round at Suncorp Stadium today, with a late penalty to Michael DeVere proving the difference between two of last year's semi finalists. The Broncos ended up winning 18-16, with Tonie Carroll a mountain in defence.
Brisbane Broncos 18 (Brett Seymour, Shane Webcke, and Tonie Carroll. DeVere 3/5) defeated New Zealand Warriors 16 (Clinton Toopi 2 and Wairangi Koopu. Martin 2/3).
PoM Points: Tonie Carroll 3, Brett Seymour 2, and Barry Berrigan 1.
Referee: Sean Hampstead

St George/Illawarra have kicked off their 2004 premiership campaign with a hard fought 17-8 win over the Canberra Raiders at Bruce Stadium. The Dragons were in control of the game throughout, but couldn't find a late try that would have made the game look like a more accurate representation of their domination.
St George/Illawarra Dragons 17 (Nathan Blacklock, Matt Cooper, and Ashton Sims. Head 2/4. Head 1 fg) defeated Canberra Raiders 8 (Ryan O'Hara. Gafa 1/1. Schifcofske 1/1).
PoM Points: Luke Bailey 3, Matt Cooper 2, and Mark Riddell 1.
Referee: Shayne Hayne

Parramatta halfback, Michael Witt, has created a major stir by scoring a treble of tries and leading his side to an unexpected 24-14 win over long time rivals, the Canterbury Bulldogs. Witt scored twenty of his side's twenty four points, whilst the Bulldogs looked a little out of sorts in a match they'd have expected to win at a canter.
Parramatta Eels 24 (Jamie Lyon and Michael Witt 3. Witt 4/4) defeated Canterbury Bulldogs 14 (Hazem El Masri and Brent Sherwin. El Masri 3/4).
PoM Points: Michael Witt 3, Nathan Cayless 2, and Matthew Petersen 1.
Referee: Tony Archer

In the battle of likely wooden spoon contenders, Cronulla got their season off to a positive start with a 13-6 win over the hapless Wests' Tigers- who picked up an injury to fullback and captain Brett Hodgson early in the match.
Cronulla Sharks 13 (Nathan Merrit and Matt Hilder. Kimmorley 2/4. Kimmorley 1 fg) defeated Wests Tigers 6 (Jason Moodie. Hodgson 1/2).
PoM Points: Nathan Merrit 3, Jason Stevens 2, and Brett Kimmorley 1.
Referee: Steve Lyons

The Melbourne Storm have welcomed Bears back into the competition with a one sided 24-4 win over the Central Coast side. Scott Pethybridge will go down as the first player to score for the new club, but Melbourne were the ones who came away with the points.
Melbourne Storm 24 (David Kidwell, Matt Geyer, Scott Hill, and Robbie Kearns. Geyer 4/4) defeated Central Coast Bears 4 (Scott Pethybridge. Ferguson 0/1).
PoM Points: Matt Geyer 3, Scott Hill 2, and Billy Slater 1.
Referee: Steve Clark

Sea Eagles' officials are filthy after the side was on the wrong side of a 13-4 penalty count in their first up clash against the North Queensland Cowboys. The Cowboys were far from impressive in the match, but some lucky calls saw them get home 14-4.
North Queensland Cowboys 14 (Jaiman Lowe and David Myles. Hannay 3/3) defeated Manly Sea Eagles 4 (Chad Randall. Walker 0/1).
PoM Points: Matt Bowen 3, David Myles 2, and Josh Hannay 1.
Referee: Matt Cechin

Sydney have shown early on why they're favourites to take out the 2004 premiership, the Roosters showing no mercy in a 22-0 beating of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Big Englishman Adrian Morley set the standard early on with some intense defence, and the game highlighted the Roosters' domination of the ruck against most sides.
Sydney Roosters 22 (Justin Hodges, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Ricketson, and Craig Wing. Fitzgibbon 3/4) defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 0 (None).
PoM Points: Adrian Morley 3, Justin Hodges 2, and Anthony Minichiello 1.
Referee: Paul Simpkins

Table After Round One
Sydney- 2/+22
Melbourne- 2/+20
North Queensland- 2/+10
Parramatta: 2/+10
St George Illawarra: 2/+9
Penrith: 2/+8
Cronulla: 2/+7
Brisbane: 2/+2
New Zealand: 0/-2
Wests: 0/-7
Newcastle: 0/-8
Canberra: 0/-9
Manly: 0/-10
Canterbury: 0/-10
Central Coast: 0/-20
South Sydney: 0/-22

Schweet. No last. Bet this lasts for one round.