NRL Round 1

by Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Knights V Raiders – McDonald Jones Stadium – 22.00NZT

What a way to kick Thursday Night Footy off for 2024. These two slogged it out in an epic extra-time finals match last year, and no doubt will be leaving it all out there again.

The Knights will look to build on their hot finish last year, and have some great young talent to add to their arsenal.

For the Raiders, there are obvious concerns around the halves and backs – but we know their forwards won’t quit. Gonna have to rely heavily on their go-forward to maximize opportunities in the red-zone.

TIP: Knights 1-12

FRIDAY: Warriors V Sharks – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

One of the true sides who stood out in the trials with a similar form to last season, the Warriors will want to start the year with a solid win with as close to full strength as they will get.

The Sharks will be aware of the Warriors, and their poor record against good sides under Craig Fitzgibbon. The prize of this scalp away from home is huge for this Cronulla side.
Wahs at home will get the two points comfortably.

TIP: Warriors 13+

 

Storm V Panthers – AAMI Park – 22.00NZT

What a barnstormer this is! The Storm were smacked off the park disgracefully in the finals by the Panthers, who are back from England with a vengeance.

We’re all aware of Melbourne’s brilliant round-one record, but they’re not the favourites at the bookies.

Concerns over Munster’s fitness, and the lack of oomph in their forwards – but let’s be real – this is the Storm and they will be right.

Penrith, slow start in 2023 meant absolutely nothing. Of course, having beaten the Storm in their last four starts will want to keep it going. A great test for their attempt at four-in-a-row.

Panthers 13+

 

SATURDAY: Eels V Bulldogs – Commbank Stadium – 19.30NZT

It’s a great little rivalry match-up in round one for these two sides.

Parramatta will need to learn from last year’s disappointment – and with the caliber of their spine they should be better.

For the Doggies, well – holy hecka – every year is a new year for this side, but I am excited to see what they can do with this roster. They have some genuine winners in their ranks, and this should help their cause massively.

I think an inspired Bulldogs effort will get them over the line in a close one.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Titans V Dragons – CBus Super Stadium – 21.30NZT

A couple of injuries for this Titans side leaves them a little vulnerable.

With the Dragons looking to get that winning mentality back under Shane Flannagan, they have plenty of new faces who want to impress and get the choccies.

Gold Coast still have plenty to offer in attack, as we know, but I’m very interested to see what they look like defensively under new coach Des Hasler.

The Dragons always give me hope for a win, but the Titans at home, even without Fifita and Campbell, I think will sneak home in a tight one.

TIP: Titans 1-12

SUNDAY: Dolphins V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 18.05NZT
The first Queensland derby of the season! How good!
We all know what Redcliffe did last season in round one with all that hype, but what will Wayne Bennett have up his sleeve for year two?
For the Cowboys, there’s no doubt they shit the bed last year. I think there’s a lot of pressure on them to be consistent and good for the season ahead.

I believe they should put the Dolphins to the sword and win well.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

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