Will Penisini scores the opening try of the 2023 NRL season

It took a little longer than many expected but we finally got our opening try of the NRL season, courtesy of Will Penisini.

It was a cagey first 30 minutes with neither team able to completely stamp their authority on the game.

The Eels looked promising early on, but Melbourne managed to slowly etch their way back in despite a few errors.

Fans had to wait until the 31st minute to see the first try of the NRL season, with the Eels star finally going over the line.

Cameron Munster had gone off injured with a suspected dislocated finger and the Parra side capitalised on a reduced Melbourne team.

The Eels were persistent before a Clint Gutherson pass eventually made its way to the centre who looked joyous as he put the ball down for the first try of the season in the most casual of manners.

It’s been a fantastic atmosphere inside CommBank stadium, and the fans more than deserved to see their team go over for the opening try of 2023.