SYDNEY: The Cronulla Sharks welcomed back their beleaguered coach with a victory on Sunday while South Sydney won for the third consecutive time to join the defending champion Melbourne Storm as the only undefeated teams in Australia’s National Rugby League.

Sharks head coach Shane Flanagan was suspended just before the season began over his reported role in a doping controversy in 2011. Flanagan, who denied any wrongdoing in the case over supplements containing banned peptides, was reinstated on Friday.

The Sharks responded with a 28-4 home win over the New Zealand Warriors — the 11th loss in a row for the Warriors.

The Rabbitohs joined Manly at the top of the standings with a 44-32 win over Penrith. South Sydney had to hold on at the end: after leading 34-16 at halftime, the Rabbitohs let the Panthers close to within two points — 34-32 — with seven minutes left before scoring two late tries.

Flanagan, who said Friday it had been “a tough couple of weeks,” was suspended and four other senior staff — including the trainer and team doctor — were sacked over the reported illegal supplement use two years ago.

Although it was reported that up to 14 Cronulla players were being investigated, none have been suspended by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. Last week, Cronulla’s board chairman quit over his handling of the affair.

In other matches, James Maloney scored all of the points, running in for the only try of the game in the 30th minute and kicking a penalty goal midway through the second half to lead the Sydney Roosters to an 8-0 win over Brisbane. Sonny Bill Williams had his best game since returning to the NRL from rugby union, clocking up 36 tackles and more than 100 meters for the Roosters.