NRL Round 0: VEGAS
0
By Stephen Gallagher
Vivaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Las Vegas!
It’s here, after what I thought was just going to be clickbait and bullshit when it was first announced – the NRL has bloody gone and done it. You beauty!
It’s only two games, but it’s kickstarting the NRL season off in style, and I can’t believe just how quickly it rolled around.
A great advertisement for the game, and the more eyes on the better in my opinion.
The four teams playing in Las Vegas will do their bit to light up the eyes of fans worldwide.
I am a little concerned about how the field dimensions will go in terms of attacking play. If we want to attract more viewers, then a regulation-size field would do the trick. With 6 less metres to play with width-wise, it will be tough.
SUNDAY: Sea Eagles V Rabbitohs – Allegiant Stadium – 15.30NZT
The Sea Eagles get to start off the season and a new era with Luke Brooks donning the maroon and white for the first time. An exciting prospect for him and Manly as they have three fit and healthy Trbojevic brothers and a side looking to leave Vegas with the two points.
Rabbitohs have a couple of injury and suspension concerns which means they aren’t fielding their best side, but it feels like now or never in terms of coming together for a premiership window.
Lots of attacking flair that will need to be somehow unlocked on this narrow field.
TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12
Roosters V Broncos – Allegiant Stadium – 17.30NZT
The Roosters are stacked beyond belief. A solid squad of 23 players, all of which I believe could be starting. Lots of good players missing out on the 17.
Brisbane’s heartbreak of 2023 will be their motivation for 2024. Just how they get over that is up to them.
They scare me with just how good they can be, but with some key losses from last season, there is a lot of emphasis on young guys to step up.
Trent Robinson’s Roosters suck at starting the season well. This needs to change. They will all be aware of it.
TIP: Roosters 1-12
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