In NRL, Penrith have won their first game of the season.

The Panthers secured the number eleven spot on the ladder, after a convincing win over the Paramatta Eels 44 to 12.

Laura Churchill reports.

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Penrith ended their five game losing streak by downing the Eels on the Panther’s home ground.

Paramatta coach Ricky Stuart said he was disappointed that more experienced players didn’t step up to the challenge.

Ricky Stuart, Eels Coach: “Embarrassing when your two best players are an 18 and 19 year old. Both trying to learn how to play the game and we’ll play first grade level.”

And in more bad news for the club, captain Tim Mannah is suffering a suspected broken leg.

The loss puts the Eels almost at the bottom of the ladder at number 15.

North Queensland Cowboys players are receiving counselling following the shock death of 20-year-old club mate and friend Alex Elisala.

Elisala was admitted to Mackay Hospital on the weekend after an off field incident.

Yesterday his family made the decision to turn off his life support.

At the swimming, James Magnussen won the 100 metre freestyle semi final.

Olympic medalist Bronte Barratt won her fourth national title for the 200 metre freestlye.

And Christian Sprenger won the 50 metre breastroke final landing him the new national record.

Laura Churchill, QUT News.