Round 1 NRL Preview
We’ve finally made it! After months of sitting around pretending to be passionate about Cricket, Gridiron and Basketball we are here! The season kicks off this Thursday with the Storm taking in the Eels at Commbank Stadium and I personally can’t wait…
I’m going to take you through all this round’s games here at bunniestv.au and give you my thoughts and insights for all the games. I’m going to try my best to give you a bit of punting insight too. This advice shouldn’t be taken too seriously of course and if you do have a wager – gamble responsibly.
It’s a difficult task in Round 1 as there’s so many factors that are yet to be exposed.. Traditionally, Round 1 often contains a few surprises as teams may tend to over-achieve. After all, if you’re not going to be up for the start of the season then when are you ever going to be motivated? Also, attacks can be a bit clunky as teams get used to different combinations, the heat and the dropped ball that tends to happen in the early rounds…
Let’s go!
Uncool Dad’s NRL Round 1 Preview
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Jirah Momoisea 15. Jack Murchie 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Ky Rodwell 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Mitch Rein 22. Isaac Lumelume
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec Macdonald 16. Chris Lewis 17. Jordan Grant 18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Joe Chan 22. Jonah Pezet
Eels +2.5, Storm -2.5
The Match
What a match to kick us off in Season 2023! Last year’s Grand Finalists – The Eels up against the ever dominant Storm. Both sides are in a similar position this year with both packs decimated with players moving elsewhere as well as some pre-season injuries. It’s certainly a difficult predicament to tip first-up with all the changes.
The Storm are Round 1 specialists, apparently not losing an opening game for some ridiculous amount of time, whilst The Eels are always strong at home. Despite the transition for both sides in the forwards, both spines seem relatively intact. Papenhuyzen is a massive out for Melbourne and Hodgson is an interesting replacement for Reed Mahoney.
Injuries have played their part too with powerhouse centre with The Storm’s Justin Olam missing, together with new signing Tariq Sims. The Eels also miss rangy back rower Shaun Lane as well as Ryan Matterson who didn’t want to pay his miniscule suspension fine last year season Not such a great look now Ryan…
The Tip
I don’t have a massive opinion either way but I’m going to side with the Eels at home for this one. I like the look of their halves, fullback and hooker and they seem slightly more settled than a Storm side which doesn’t look as scary as previous years.
The Bet
Again, no strong feelings but it’s going to be hard not having a wager on the first blockbuster game of the year. Maybe Eels 1-12 or even just straight out. For the more conservative punter the 2.5 start seems decent if you like Parra like I do.
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Josh Curran 17. Tom Ale 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Edward Kosi
Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Adam Elliott 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Leo Thompson 18. Jack Johns 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Brodie Jones 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Bailey Hodgson
NZ -5.5, Knights +5.5
The Match
Two sides that had underwhelming campaigns in Season 2022 will be looking to kick things off strongly with a big win. Both teams have had some changes and additions to their line-ups with some interesting signings having their first official outings.
Some items of note include Nicoll-Klokstad, Martin and ex-Knight Barnett making their debuts for the Warriors whilst new halfback Hastings and tough forward Elliot turn up in Knights colours for the first time. We also see Kalyn Ponga start at 5/8 – I’m not sure if having less time to wind up will suit Ponga. The defense will be onto him a lot quicker than when he was fullback but who knows? It could be an Adam Elliot masterstroke? I suppose there’s a first time for everything.
The NZ Warriors will also return to a full slate of home games in Auckland this year which no doubt will be a massive benefit after spending the last 2 years plus on the road. I’m certain a bumper crowd will be on hand to cheer their boys home.
The Tip
There seems to be a bit of love for the Knights across social media but I’m pretty keen on the Warriors here. I like the fact that they’re at home in front of an adoring crowd and their side doesn’t look too bad on paper – particularly the forwards.
The Bet
Probably not really worth it at the price but I think Warriors at $1.62 seems ok. It might drift a bit too before kick-off.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Jack Cogger 22. Lindsay Smith
Broncos team: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Xavier Willison 21. Jock Madden 22. Delouise Hoeter
Panthers -13.5, Broncos +13.5
The Match
The poor old Brisbane Broncos have the tough task of travelling out to Penrith Stadium to face the Premiers in Round 1. I suppose things will only get easier right? This situation is not helped by the fact Penrith lost unexpectedly to St Helens in the World Club Challenge… Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin also return. Oh dear..
Still, playing Penrith may not be as daunting as it one was and the Broncos do look pretty strong on paper. Their brilliant leader Adam Reynolds makes his 2023 debut and they boast some very exciting players in their line-up. Guys like Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo and Herbie Farnworth are some of their best in the comp in their positions on their day. They’ll be confident of an upset.
The Tip
It’s difficult to tip against the Panthers in this situation but I’m not sure if it will be a walkover. Brisbane have a bit to offer and the Premiers shouldn’t have it all their own way. Don’t forget the Broncos were on fire at the start of last season before falling in a heap at the end. However, Penrith to win.
The Bet
I actually quite like Brisbane with a 13.5 start here.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Sean Keppie 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Ben Condon 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Morgan Harper 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Bulldogs team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Fa’amanu Brown 14. Jayden Tanner 15. Corey Waddell 16. Franklin Pele 17. Jacob Preston 19. Braidon Burns 20. Josh Reynolds 21. Andrew Davey 22. Jackson Topine 23. Jayden Okunbor
Sea Eagles -4.5, Bulldogs +4.5
The Match
The much-hyped Bulldogs side travel out to Brookvale for the first match of a new era for the Blue and Whites. Every Doggies fan I know is bursting at the seams to get this season started and they all have very high hopes for their new look side. It will be interesting to see how new signings Kikau and Mahoney go and what impact they have.
Manly, however, have had a fair bit of turmoil and setbacks in recent times and will be looking to have a bit of a reset in 2023. The Pride jersey scandal really made them hit some pretty low depths at the end of last season. They need to have moned on from this or it could be more trouble for this previously fractured playing group. Their gun player Tom Trojevic has had ongoing problems with injury and the club will be hoping he stays on the field this year. If he does it changes everything.
The Tip
I had serious doubts about the Sea Eagles this year with their constant drama and their strange appointment of Anthony Seibold. Despite this, they looked really good in the pre-season. I know you can’t say much about trials but they certainly didn’t look like a side who were struggling. Dogs will improve but their team still has some holes and a lot of inconsistent players. I like Manly at home to get the win.
The Bet
Like the Warriors game, not a lot of value. But Manly at $1.66 head-to-head looks solid to me.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. James Tamou 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Price 20. Tomas Chester 21. Gehamat Shibasaki 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Pasami Saulo 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Emre Guler 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Matt Frawley 20. Zac Woolford 21. Trey Mooney 22. Peter Hola
Cowboys -8.5, Raiders +8.5
The Match
Last season’s surprise packets The Cowboys return home to Townsville to take on The Raiders in their opener for Season 2023. The Cowboys will be looking to build on their awesome season last year and go the next step to the grand final or even beyond. The Raiders, who were inconsistent but finished last season well, will also be looking to be a major contender this year.
There aren’t too many changes on either side but the Raiders have suffered a few injuries early on. Young fullback Xavier Savage is a notable out for them which has forced them into a backline reshuffle. They possess a big strong forward pack though who will be looking to get on top early – not an easy task against an equally tough NQ pack.
The Tip
I think you have to go for the Cowboys here. They are at home, have a very settled line-up and quite simply a very good side! I don’t mind the Raiders as a team and I think they can have a good season but this is a particularly difficult clash first up.
The Bet
No strong opinions here even though I’m pretty sure the Cowboys get home. I think The Raiders will make a game of it though so maybe NQ 1-12 might be an ok bet if you’re keen for a punt.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Jack Williams 18. Connor Tracey 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Thomas Hazelton 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Niwhai Puru
Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Davvy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Terrell Kalo Kalo 20. Ben Lovett 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Josiah Karapani
Sharks +5.5, Rabbitohs -5.5
The Match
Two of the better sides of last year square up in a Round 1 clash will be sure to have plenty of interest across the Rugby League world. The Sharks were one of the big performers of 2022, ultimately finishing 2nd before being bundled out in the semis in straight sets. My Rabbitohs were strong finishers to the season last year after a slowish start and will be looking to add to their record 21 titles in Season 2023.
Both sides are very settled and have had little transition which should ensure more success. The Sharks have a big advantage playing at Shark Park first up but have a massive out in their star half Nicho Hynes. A huge bonus for The Bunnies but it doesn’t mean they’re over the line – The Sharks will still be very hard to beat. Souths on their own have a few injuries with Havili missing for an extended period and Sele unfortunately missing again. This paves the way though for Rabbitoh favourite Shaq Mitchell to get a start and it won’t be just Souths fans who hope he blitzes it.
The Tip
No surprises here! I’m tipping The Rabbitohs as I will every week. I think we have a great chance at a Round 1 win here though. I thought we looked good in the trials, even though the Dragons didn’t really turn up. Hynes being out also helps a great deal.
The Bet
No bet for me. I’m only interested in a Souths win!
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Connelly Lemuelu 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Mason Teague 21. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Corey Allan 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Brandon Smith 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. Terrell May 18. Jake Turpin 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Junior Pauga
Dolphins +19.5, Roosters -19.5
The Match
Rugby League history is created here as new side The Dolphins make their long awaited debut. Their recruitment has been a bit on the disappointing side but they have master coach Wayne Bennett at the helm. The supercoach would be lapping up the negativity towards his team and will have his guys ready to fire despite their lack of star power.
Just another week in the land of the Roosters as they recruit another two star players that other sides either can’t afford or can’t keep. That’s right, Dominic Young and Spencer Leniu were snaffled up like an afterthought packet of chips and a Coke after filling up at the servo. Nothing to see here, move on league fans! I’m not sure how this continues to happen but only adds to their already stacked line-up which now also includes Brandon Smith. The Roosters wouldn’t be happy with their last couple of seasons and will be looking to add to the trophy cabinet in 2023.
Both sides look worlds apart in quality when looking at the two teams on paper..
The Tip
It pains me to say it but The Roosters should get a win here without too much trouble. I expect an effort from the new side but the Roosters should outlast them over 80 mins.
The Bet
I actually like the Dolphins with the 19.5 start here. People may think I’m nuts but I can’t see them getting flogged too badly in their first outing. The Roosters do have a habit of being slow starters too. If you do take this line though, I’d probably wait as more popular money will most likely come for The Roosters and you may get a bigger line.
Tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Tommy Talau 5. Charlie Staines 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Fonua Pole 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Starford To’a 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Justin Matamua 22. Junior Tupou
Titans team: 1. Aj Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Joe Stimson 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Keano Kini 20. Chris Randall 21. Klese Haas 22. Treymain Spry
Tigers -2.5, Titans +2.5
The Match
Wests and Gold Coast really hit rock bottom last year and both teams will be desperate to start the season with a win. It’s a winnable game for either team and most likely crucial in getting their seasons off to a positive start. These two may not be heavyweights in the league but there will be plenty of interest in this match amongst their fans.
Both sides have recruited well with the Tigers adding plenty of talent and experience with Api Koroisau being the standout. The Titans have added Verrills and Foran which will give them the direction that they sorely lacked last year. Both sides still have plenty of weak points though and it’s a difficult one to pick.
The Tip
I’m not thrilled about this selection but I’m going to side with the Tigers at Leichhardt. I hope for my sake and their long-suffering fans’ sake they don’t dish up more disappointment.
The Bet
I’m not sure how anyone could be confident about this match! It should be a close one so maybe a tri-bet with either side to win 1-12 if you’re desperate.
Match info from nrl.com
Team lists from Foxports.com.au
Betting info from Sportsbet.com.au
There you have it punters! I hope you enjoyed my Round 1 Preview here on bunniestv.au. I’ll try my best to keep it up if there’s some interest.
Go Souths!
Round 1 Preview – Greg Allan
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