NRL Round 1 – Not Vegas

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Roosters V Broncos – Allianz Stadium – 22.00NZT

No team needed to win the Pre-Season Comp. The scrutiny around sacking Walters and employing Macguire was a huge talking point.

Now they get to take that momentum into week one against a Roosters side who will be underdogs for the first time in a long time, especially after their trial performance (that you have to take with a grain of salt) against Newcastle

No way are the Roosters just rolling over, they are still a talented side with plenty to offer.

I just think that the Broncos look better in key positions.  And they are lucky they’re not playing at home this weekend.

TIP: Broncos 13+

FRIDAY: Tigers V Knights – Campbelltown Sports Stadium – 20.00NZT

The new era starts now for Wests. With Luai at the helm, and all the additional off-season signings, they need to start strong.

Newcastle rotating Sharpe and Ponga at first receiver looked really good at the trials. But we’re into big boy footy now and there’s no chance the Tigers will let them walk away with an easy win.

I think there’s something in the home advantage. Tigers starting at home, so desperate for a win and to not finish last, this could be a season-defining game even in the first week of the season.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

Rabbitohs V Dolphins – Commbank Stadium – 22.05NZT

Firstly, thoughts go out to those in Queensland who are copping a pounding from Cyclone Alfred. Which is why this game is now being played in New South Wales.

Of course, the narrative is all about Wayne V Woolf. The master and the successor.

Souths are under a mountain of pressure already, with captain Cam Murray out for what will more than likely be the season, and Latrell Mitchell out for the first six weeks minimum.

What’s going to stir this up is how well the halves go. Jamie Humphreys with one NRL appearance next to his name – pairing with Cody Walker – against Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa.

Whoever dictates the tempo and controls the game will do their bit to take their team to the promiseland.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Dragons V Bulldogs – Netstrata Jubilee Oval – 19.30NZT

What a fixture for these two to start the year!

Dragons need a tough opposition to see just where they are at. The Bulldogs, a side that’s built themselves around defence for the previous season will be doubling down again in 2025.

What excites me about the Red V is there experience in key positions. Gutherson, Holmes, and Cook will add so much to this side. They’re the exact players this team needs to succeed.

But this Bulldogs side will want to take two points and run. They’ve definitely got the muscle up front to get it done.

A real close one.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Cowboys – 4 Pines Park – 21.35NZT

Manly-Warringah are ready to take themselves to the next level in 2025. Another season in the bag means they can work on what let them down last year and perfect it this season.

There’s definitely some rumblings around the Cowboys and just how they will fare this season – and a lot of that comes down to the pressure on Todd Payten as coach. What can he do to get the most out of this squad?

This is the perfect game to start the season. A real challenge.

Manly at home, Saturday night – you love to see it.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Storm V Eels – AAMI Park – 18.05NZT

Mate, when I saw the Eels team list and it didn’t have Mitchell Moses at 7, any of my thoughts around Parra getting a win was thwarted.

This Storm round one record will live on again for another year. At home – with pretty much a full-strength side. Good luck Parramatta.

And despite some new troops, the Eels really need that Mitchell Moses boost. However, with all the contract chat around Dylan Brown – this is the perfect time for him to stand up and deliver and see if he truly can be a halfback.

Storm will be good enough without being great. They know a week one win is important, and will get the points.

TIP: Storm 1-12

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