Live: Holmes, Gutherson, Cook start as Dragons begin NRL season against Bulldogs

Wayne Bennett’s second coming at the Rabbitohs got off to a positive start yesterday evening, with his side doing enough to run out 16-14 winners against the Dolphins.

That match was, of course, relocated from Brisbane to Parramatta due to the threat of now ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

It was a spirited performance from the Dolphins, who surely won’t see a more disrupted start to a season.

Earlier, it looked like Wests had turned a glorious page when they kept their first opening half clean sheet in three years against the Knights in Campbelltown.

However, Newcastle was assured enough to come back to win a scrappy affair 10-8.

Post-game, Benji Marshall was adamant his side should have won.

A massive improvement for the Tigers, none-the-less.

Relive all the action from yesterday in our live blog.

Bad news for Jack Wighton from last night’s Rabbitohs victory over the Dolphins, as he was charged twice during the match.

The South Sydney centre will miss next Saturday’s clash with St George Illawarra with an early guilty plea for a high tackle on Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

Wighton could challenge the ruling, but risks a second week on the sideline if he loses out.

He was also hit with a $1,000 fine for dangerous contact later in the match on Daniel Saifiti, leading with his forearm into a hit up.

Dolphins player Kurt Donoghoe was also cited for dangerous contact on Jai Arrow, and has a $1,800 fine to pay as a result.

In the earlier game, Tyson Frizzell was handed a $1,000 fine for a careless high tackle on Jeral Skelton.

Good afternoon folks and welcome to Saturday night NRL!

Simon Smale with you this evening from a wet and wild Brisbane, while Henry Hanson is also on board from a far less inclement Sydney, where both of our two matches take place today.

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Later, we’ll be heading to Brookvale to bring you all the action as the Sea Eagles host the Cowboys.

But first, we’re heading to Kogarah, where the Dragons take on the Bulldogs.

Both are intriguing matches — is there any other type at this stage of the season? — but it is a long campaign so possibly not worth reading too much into anything at this stage too.