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.