NRL Las Vegas AS IT HAPPENED: Panthers kick off premiership defence with gritty win over Cronulla

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Four massive games of footy in Sin City, headlined by the reigning champs getting their title defence off to a strong start in front of a big crowd.

We'll see you back here on Thursday night when the Roosters host the Broncos.

The NRL is investigating a claim that a Warriors assistant coach assaulted an English journalist at half-time of the club's season-opening loss to Canberra.

Warriors assistant Richard Agar, who hails from England, allegedly grabbed the journalist, who asked not to be named, by the throat at the back of the Allegiant Stadium press box.

The journalist from The Guardian also claimed he was verbally abused by Agar.

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Cronulla get the ball back from a short kick off, but they can't turn it into points.

Penrith's defence holds on for the final few minutes to emerge with the win.

Just as it looked like the Sharks were storming towards victory, Penrith hit straight back.

A sweeping backline play ends with Laurie scoring his second try of the afternoon.

"That was really passive, poor defence from Cronulla," Andrew Johns said on Nine.

"Nicho was in the centres, what's he doing there? That was too easy."

Replays show that winger Stonestreet was stuck at marker, leaving them short.

Ramien gets a cheap penalty for a high shot and Cronulla get another good-ball chance.

This time it ends with points as Fonua-Blake barges over a broken defensive line.

Bit of confusion out in the middle.

Cronulla get a six-again but drop it seconds later and Penrith get the ball back.

However, after a clear tip from the Bunker, on-field ref Klein gives the Sharks a penalty.

Moments later, McInnes drops the ball and despite wanting to challenge it, they don't go through with it for some unknown reason.

Bit of concern for Papali'i as he leaves the field and heads up the tunnel.

"Could be a busted jaw ... worrying signs there," Andrew Johns said on Nine.

Hynes takes the line on and looks to throw a short pass, but Cole knocks it down and gives the Sharks another set of six.

They eventually break Penrith's defensive line as Trindall puts Iro through a gap with a sublime face ball and the centre scores next to the posts.

Costly penalty goes against the Sharks when they had the ball.

Mulitalo is pinged for running in and starting a scuffle, which leaves the winger filthy.

As they so often do, Penrith make their rivals pay as Alamoti goes over in the corner.

Looking like an uphill battle for the Sharks now, who trail by 14 with time running out.

Penrith are in!

Laurie goes over in the corner after a lovely cut-out pass.

Cleary adds the extras from the sideline, nailing it right over the black dot.