NRL Round 1

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY Eels V Storm – CommBank Stadium – 22.00NZT

Kicking the season off in Western Sydney as the grand finalists look to keep their solid record up against Melbourne, who they have beaten five of the last six occasions.

In saying that, the Storm are virtually unbeatable in round one – not having lost a round one game this Millennium.

A few key outs and losses in the second row will hamper the Eels attack, but the Storm are also down on troops after key players went elsewhere in the off-season.

I was impressed by Parra in the trials, and at home, starting the season off – they will want to set the standard from the go.

Should be a really close one. Storm are still a class side.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

FRIDAY – Warriors V Kights – Sky Stadium – 20.00NZT

Starting off the season in Wellington is as rare as the Warriors winning round one, so the odds seem very stacked against them.

However, they roll out an almost identical side to their second trial against Melbourne.

There’s plenty of pressure on the halves – with Shaun Johnson needing to stand up (again), and Kalyn Ponga slotting into six for the season alongside new recruit Jackson Hastings.

While both sides should miss the top eight, a solid start is definitely needed. Especially with Newcastle as Adam O’Brien looks to be the first coach sacked.

Reckon the Warriors will get off to a flyer, and just sneak home.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Panthers V Broncos – BlueBet Stadium – 22.05NZT

Stinging after the World Club Challenge loss, this is probably the worst time to face Penrith.

They look like they’re in for another successful season with some good replacements for those who left at the end of last year’s second premiership in a row.

Brisbane have had an off-season that revolved around headlines, and not the good kind.

Lots of attacking promise for the Broncos, and Penrith will welcome that challenge defensively.

Sunia Turuva lit up the World Cup for Fiji, and will look to link up with Izack Tago for some meat pies on the left edge.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Sea Eagles V Bulldogs – 4 Pines Park – 17.00NZT

100K richer from winning the Pre-Season Cup, the Sea Eagles go into this game with Tom Trbojevic fresh from having to change his entire running mechanic to ease tension on those million-dollar hamstrings and Cooper Johns in the six jersey.

Canterbury-Bankstown were the most talked about team off-season, with so many key recruits joining their ranks.

The eyes will be on the Bulldogs to see just how they will fare in round one, but don’t sleep on Manly.

While the Bulldogs look like the more exciting line-up, the way the Sea Eagles play their style as a united front will always continue to be a hard team to beat.

Saturday arvo in the sunshine at Brookie is a beautiful thing. There’s not much separating these two teams.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Cowboys V Raiders – QCB Stadium – 19.30NZT

The question is, how will the Cowboys back up this year after their incredible highs and success of 2023?

The answer is to dominate the Raiders completely and be ruthless in attack.

Scott Drinkwater playing a full year in the 1 jersey is exciting for all fans to witness, and with the speed of the outside backs and composure of the halves, this Cowboys side is settled and will be ready to roll.

Big shoes for Kiwi international Sebastian Kris to fill in the 1 jersey while Savage is out injured, and will be peppered by the Cowboys high balls for sure.

Still a very formidable pack, the Raiders won’t roll over – but the heat of Townsville must play a part.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

 

Sharks V Rabbitohs – PointsBet Stadium – 21.35NZT

Cronulla start off on the wrong foot missing Dally M winner Nicho Hynes through injury, but with Braydon Trindall slotting in – he won’t let this side down.

The Rabbitohs never got out of first gear in the Charity Shield, but that won’t phase them as they prepare for the Sharks.

I worry about Souths’ depth, but this starting 17 is a really dangerous team to come up against.

This is the game of the round for me.

The Sharks will feel the hurt of being bundled out in straight-sets in the finals last season, and will have that in the back of their hands all season and right up until kick-off.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Dolphins V Roosters – Suncorp Stadium – 18.05NZT

I HATE that they’re playing most of their home games at Suncorp this year, but alas.

The Dolphins! Fins up, baby! We’ve got ourselves a new NRL side and they’re also the richest club in the comp. Go figure.

Playing for the Artie Beetson medal, this game will have so much emotion in it, as well as the history that’s built us to this point.

I’ve seen so many people writing off the Dolphins this year, but under Wayne Bennett – there’s no way they will disgrace themselves.

Roosters look hella good this year, and with the Hectic Cheese at 9, I reckon there’s going to be a really quick game played around the ruck and will fatigue sides massively. 

I can’t wait to see how this game goes!

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

Tigers V Titans – Leichhardt Oval – 20.15NZT

The second-most talked about team in the off-season were Wests.

A premiership-winning hooker, international prop, two international second-rowers, and premiership-winning winger, the Sheenus of Tim Sheens looks to have really worked some magic in the roster.

But what does that mean when it comes to round one?

It means pressure. 

Titans have talked about trying to sure up their defence over the off-season, which is easily their biggest flaw.

However, this is the type of game where both teams get sucked in, there’s no defence and plenty of points on offer.

Should be a high-scorer to round out week one!

TIP: Tigers 1-12

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