PERTH's Western Reds became only the third new club in Australian rugby league history to win their debut premiership match against St George yesterday. The Reds outclassed Saints 28-16 before a capacity crowd over 30,000 fans at Perth's WACA ground. In a weekend in which fellow newcomers Auckland, North Queensland and South Queensland all lost, the Reds stood tall. With controversial forward Mark Geyer leading the way, the Reds charged to a 12-0 lead and then coasted to victory. 'This is a great result for the players as well as the people of Perth,' delighted coach Peter Mulholland said. 'The boys have worked very hard for this and it was a very special day. 'They played great football and finished well deserved winners.' In winning, the Reds joined Brisbane (1988) and Cronulla (1967) as the only newcomers to win their opening match. The Sydney Tigers, formerly known as Balmain, produced the shock of the day, coming from 18-2 down to beat Sydney City Roosters 24-18. The Tigers scored four scorching tries in 18 minutes in the club's first match at its new home Parramatta Stadium. North Sydney produced the biggest score of the opening round, thrashing Gold Coast 50-10. The Bears raced in eight tries against the hapless Tigers, with lock Billy Moore leading the way. Manly had to overcome some stubborn early resistance from a no-name Souths side before winning 42-18. Penrith kicked off the season with a hard fought 24-18 win over Parramatta in heatwave conditions at Penrith. Half-back Gary Freeman, using his guile and experience, steered the Panthers home against a sloppy Parramatta side. Wests scored a late 25-24 win over lllawarra thanks to a late field goal from fullback Andrew Leeds.