It was a terrific start to the league campaign at the imposing Rodney Parade stadium for Sean Lineen's men.

The Sydney-born playmaker said: "The conditions were very heavy and very tough, but we knew that coming in - our boots were sodden in the warm-up.

"With all that water on top of the pitch it was difficult to play any sort of flamboyant rugby.

"We've always struggled down there and knew how tough it was going to be, so we're really happy with our defence and with the four points."