SYDNEY (AP) The Melbourne Storm moved back into first place in Australia's National Rugby League with a 16-8 win Saturday over the defending champion North Queensland Cowboys.
The Storm are level on points with the Cronulla Sharks, who will have a chance to regain first place and extend a 15-match winning streak when they play the Gold Coast Titans on Monday.
The Storm and Sharks have 36 points each, but Melbourne holds a superior points-scored differential.
It was the Cowboys' first home loss of the season in Townsville, north Queensland.
Earlier, the Wests Tigers beat Parramatta 23-8 and halfback Shaun Johnson scored a try in the final minute of extra time to give the New Zealand Warriors a 20-16 win over the Penrith Panthers.
Canterbury moved into the top four and jeopardized St. George Illawarra's playoff chances when the Bulldogs beat the Dragons 13-10. Former Brisbane center Dale Copley scored two tries and set up another to lead the Sydney Roosters to a 32-16 win, the sixth-place Broncos' seventh loss in nine matches.
On Sunday, South Sydney plays Canberra and Manly hosts the Newcastle Knights.
