South Sydney underlined their National Rugby League premiership credentials Thursday night with an impressive 28-10 win over the Sydney Roosters in the opening game of the season.
The return of Sonny Bill Williams and the Roosters' recruitment of big-name stars Michael Jennings and James Maloney dominated the build-up, but Souths' superstars took the plaudits in front of a crowd of just under 36-thousand at Allianz Stadium.
A hat-trick of tries from Nathan Merritt laid the foundation for the victory along with Greg Inglis, who had a hand in four of his side's five tries.
Williams marked his debut with a consolation try late in the game.
