LAS VEGAS — The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters opened the National Rugby League season Saturday with contrasting wins as part of a doubleheader at Las Vegas’ Allegiant stadium.

In Saturday’s opening game, Manly had a narrow half-time lead, but when Souths’ all-time leading try scorer Alex Johnston touched down in the 46th minute the Rabbitohs had a 20-12 advantage.

But new halves combination Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks then found their rhythm in attack as Manly scored four consecutive tries as the Sea Eagles eased to a 36-24 win.

The Roosters found themselves in a grinding match against the Broncos before a late try to Victor Radley secured a 20-10 victory against last year’s grand finalists.

Joseph Manu and Fetalaiga Pauga also scored for the Roosters, while Reece Walsh and Deine Mariner had tries for the Broncos.

The two games, played in front of more than 40,000 fans and televised nationally in the U.S., are the first in a five-year deal to bring NRL teams to Las Vegas, with new clubs from the Australia-New Zealand competition rotating in over the coming years.