Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos

Finally, the wait is over and the NRL is back! The season kicks off at Parramatta with the Eels hosting the Broncos. The Eels are full of hope and are feeling rejuvenated after winning the Auckland 9’s and have a very tough test to begin their 2016 campaign. The Broncos are coming off a trip to the UK where they were successful and looked as dominant as ever. They begin 2016 hoping to go one better and win the premiership after going agonizingly close in 2015. While it wasn’t meant to be, they are appearing to be extremely strong where it counts. The Broncos have a host of talented players across the park and it will be up to the halves to utilize their potential as much as possible. The Eels also have plenty to prove and will be hoping that their new recruits finding their feet straight away. Foran is there to lead the ship and the other players will hopefully thrive of the stability he provides in the halves. Fatigue may be an issue for the Broncos at the back end of the match; however you can counter that by saying that the trip north has left them match-fit. It is great to have the footy back!

Team News
Eels = doubts around Foran with his hamstring. Pay attention to the final teams named. If he plays, he will join Michael Jennings, Michael Gordon and Beau Scott in making their debut for the club.
Broncos = Ben Hunt is back at halfback after missing the WCC in an otherwise unchanged squad.

History
Overall = Eels 19 Draw 1 Broncos 29
Last 5 matches = Eels 3 Broncos 2
At Pirtek Stadium = Eels 6 Broncos 15

Verdict
With plenty of doubt around the fitness of Kieran Foran, many people are moving away from thinking that the Eels have a chance. If they were to run out with the team that is named, they would be fairly competitive. However the Broncos appear to be in a class of their own and while it wasn’t a team with the quality that they will face in the NRL, they were brilliant in the WCC. The fact that the Eels will be missing some attacking structure means that they will find it difficult to keep pace with the Broncos. The visitors will have no trouble scoring points so the Eels will either need to tighten up defence or learn to score points against a very capable defenders. This all points to the Broncos controlling this match with comfort and capturing the desired victory. Once they are in control, they should jump out to a lead more than 2-converted tries.

Suggested Bet
Broncos -4.5 @ $1.90

Bucking to a win = Broncos 13+ @ $3.25 – The Broncos form during the WCC was special and with Hunt returning to the team, they will only lift to another level. They have match fitness under their belts and they will be difficult to stop and it doesn’t appear as if the Eels have the power to stick with them.

Oatemeal = Corey Oates FTS and/or LTS @ $8 – Oates was one of the premier wingers in 2015 and despite it not being his favoured position, his big frame is difficult to stop close to the line. Furthermore, he is a threat in the air and will be a handful for whoever has to defend him.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The Sea Eagles begin a new era on Friday with a new look team lead by rookie coach, Trent Barrett. It has many involved with the club excited about their prospects. They have recruited very well, offering support to DCE in the absence of Foran and strengthening the forwards. It will be an intriguing test first up against the Bulldogs, who have arguably one of the most physical packs in the competition. The new interchange rules has meant the Bulldogs forwards have had to make some changes, with plenty dropping 4kgs to allow more playing minutes. How this actually works under game intensity though is another test altogether. Both sides will be egger to see what the other possesses, with many suggesting that both sides will feature prominently at the business end of the season. The spark that was once around the Bulldogs is still present, and their new halves pairing will mean a new challenge for Moses Mbye. With the added pressure, Josh Reynolds also needs to stand up; and the Manly crowd at Brookvale Oval will be sure to remind the visitors whom they’re supporting.

Team News
Sea Eagles = Apisai Koroisau will start at hooker, making his Sea Eagles debut along with Dylan Walker (6), Nate Myles (10), Lewis Brown (11), Nathan Green (12) and Martin Taupau (13). Basically a new look forward pack.
Bulldogs = Will Hopoate makes his club debut at fullback replacing Brett Morris (injured). Tony Williams (injury) returns in the second-row, while the final spot is between either Adam Elliot, makes his NRL, or Shaun Lane, to cover for David Klemmer (suspended).

History
Overall = Sea Eagles 63 Draw 5 Bulldogs 55
Last 5 matches = Sea Eagles 1 Bulldogs 4
At Brookvale Oval = Sea Eagles 34 Draw 3 Bulldogs 20

Verdict
The Sea Eagles head into this match as favorites based on the fact that they’re fielding a new side, which is deemed to be stronger than their opponents. The Bulldogs will struggle without Morris at fullback and Hopoate will have his work cut out for him. The question still remains; whether or not the Sea Eagles will gel together immediately. Their opponents have a new pairing also, but they worked closely together at times towards the end of 2015. With so much uncertainty around the result, it is better to select a tight match above all else. Teams are generally water tight with their defence and these two sides should be no different. The interchange rule will test both sides because of their large packs but once the forwards are fatigued, the game is won and lost on the performance of the halves. For the sake of picking a winner, it is hard to go past the Bulldogs because they know how one another players compared with their opponents. Nevertheless, the ideal betting option is a close match; especially considering that in 2015, both sides won majority of their matches by 1-12 points.

Suggested Bet
Either team under 6.5 points @ $2.90

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers

These two sides are keen to put 2015 behind them and start afresh with a win. Both missed the Finals last year and underachieved by the standards they would’ve set for themselves. The Raiders problem was losing a home ground advantage and they must reestablish that in this match. It is never an easy trip to Canberra, especially in the middle of winter. Furthermore, they need to play consistently over 80 minutes and not rely on a few individuals to get them over the line. The Panthers will aim to do the same, although they have the benefit of more experienced halves. The young Raiders team will take some time to adjust to the NRL as a team, whereas the Panthers are attempting to build on 2015. They will do this with new coach, Anthony Griffin, who has his first appointment post-Broncos. Despite that not ending as planned, Griffin had moments of promise and the Panthers will be hoping that this becomes a regular occurrence. Either way, just building on what was developed last year will only take them so far and they need to establish a stronger platform up-front with the forwards.

Team News
Raiders = Blake Austin, Sia Soliola and Paul Vaughan have all been interestingly named on the bench. Aidan Sezer (7) and Elliot Whitehead (12) will start in their club debut, but Jeff Lima (17) will come from the bench. Sisa Waqa will also play reserve grade this week.
Panthers = Will Smith will start at fullback for Matt Moylan (injured), while Waqa Blake is named in the centres for Dean Whare (injured). Trent Merrin (13) makes his debut for the club in the starting team, with Tyrone Peachey (14) coming off the bench.

History
Overall = Raiders 33 Draw 1 Panthers 33
Last 5 matches = Raiders 3 Panthers 2
At GIO Stadium = Raiders 17 Panthers 8

Verdict
Another game where it will be difficult to have knowledge on how each team will perform. The fact that Austin is coming off the bench will add spark for the Raiders, but there is the suggestion around that he is not at full-fitness. If that is the case, they will lose some stability in the middle. In saying that, the loss of Moylan is perhaps worse for the Panthers. They would’ve trained during the preseason with Moylan filling in at numerous attack opportunities. His omission heaps greater pressure on those players taking the field, including Soward and Wallace; two players that are already under enormous pressure. Then again, the Panthers have the advantage in the forwards, especially at hooker. You cannot write them off just yet and Griffin will have them ready to go. The Raiders need to show more as a young side before you can back them with confidence, even more so with their abysmal home record in 2015. With this in mind, there appears to be an upset on the cards in favour of the visitors.

Suggested Bet
Panthers @ $2.40

Purring Panthers = Panthers 1-12 @ $3.50 – If they are to win, it would be surprising to see them win by more than 2-consecutive tries. If they had Moylan, it would be a different story but in this instance they will still be building around their experienced halves.

Wests Tigers v New Zealand Warriors

Another match where two sides are out to make amends for 2015. The Tigers have a great chance to put an offseason of turmoil behind them out at Campbelltown, a place where is used to be very hard to win. Their task isn’t easy though, with many tipping the Warriors to be a force once again in the NRL. They have recruited strongly, most notably the spine of Johnson, Luke, RTS and Robson. The quality Robson will bring to this team is vital also, with him having the ability to take pressure of Johnson to lead the team around the field. Providing they learn how to play consistent football, anything is possible for this team. The Warriors have a tough start with consecutive away matches, whereas the Tigers have quite a soft one in terms of travel. The Tigers will also need to lift in the absence of Robbie Farah, who would’ve offered vital experience for the younger players in the team. They were vulnerable at times last year and the losing streak they suffered only dented their confidence further. While they still have to answer a host of questions, they have a chance to start on a clean slate here.

Team News
Tigers = Jack Littlejohn is named to replace Luke Brooks (suspended) and will have Manaia Cherrington at hooker for Robbie Farah (injured) and Matt Ballin (injured). Jordan Rankin makes his club debut on the wing, while Josh Aloiai will make his NRL debut from the bench.
Warriors = Former Tigers Blake Ayshford (centre) and James Gavet (bench) will make their Warriors debut. Tuimoala Lolohea is on the wing with Konrad Hurrell playing reserve grade. Hooker Nathaniel Roache will make his NRL debut from the bench.

History
Overall = Tigers 12 Warriors 13
Last 5 matches = Tigers 2 Warriors 3
At Campbelltown Stadium = Tigers 3 Warriors 2

Verdict
Not too many people are giving the Tigers a chance of winning this match and rightly so. They’re down on players and it will take something special to overcome the attacking weapons that the Warriors have. Of course, the Warriors will need to take the field in the right frame of mind and if they do, this could get ugly. It will also take time for the Warriors to click together in this match and the pressure the Tigers build in defence will help them early on. Although, this can only last so long and once the Warriors crack their opponents, it is a matter of time before they get out to an insurmountable lead.

Suggested Bet 
Warriors 13+ @ $2.40

Just can’t trust them = Warriors -8.5 @ $1.90 – If you cannot trust the Warriors to run up a total on their opponents, then play it safe and expect them to cover the 8-point start. The Tigers have minimal attack threats to keep pace with the Warriors and if there is some fight, they should still win by this margin.

Cowboys v Sharks

The Premiers begin their season at home in a mirror of the match they won in Week 2 of the Finals. The Sharks may say that they’ve forgotten that game but a slight reminder of the 39-nil score line could be enough to bring back the pain. It was an impressive display from the Cowboys and one that was the catalyst for their eventual success. They are looking strong this season too, maintaining the same 17 that was successful in the GF and starting the season strongly in the WCC. The Sharks will be out to avenge that defeated and hopefully avoid a similar start to the 2015; where they didn’t win a match until Round 5. While they have lost some quality, they have acquired a new halves pairing that can hopefully build on the strength of their forwards. There is plenty of experience floating around at Cronulla and the wise heads will sense that now is their opportunity. The more thought that is given, the strong the Sharks appear; to the point where last years revelation, Jack Bird, has been forced to play out of position. Both teams are expected to feature heavily in the business end of the season so it is a great chance to see what they have to offer early on in the competition.

Team News
Cowboys = Amazingly, the same 17 that won the GF in 2015.
Sharks = Ben Barba will start at fullback, with Jack Bird named at centre. James Maloney will make his club debut at 5/8, partnering the returning Chad Townsend.

History
Overall = Cowboys 15 Sharks 23
Last 5 matches = Cowboys 3 Sharks 2
At 1300Smile Stadium = Cowboys 9 Sharks 11

Verdict
Just like the Rabbitohs last year, nothing appears as though it will get in the way of the Cowboys. However, you can see here just how highly the Sharks are rated. For their first match since winning the title, the Cowboys are highly unlikely to let this match slip. The fact that they one their WCC match by so much means little for this match. The Sharks will be a different class of opponent altogether and could go very close to causing an upset. Rather than tip that though, there are ridiculous odds around for the Sharks with a start. The Sharks are a much better side than the one that took the field last year and they will be out to prove a point in this match against the reigning premiers. Expect a grinding, yet exciting contest over 80 minutes.

Suggested Bet
Sharks +8.5 @ $.190

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Two traditional, yet bitter rivals do battle on Sunday afternoon. Both sides are below their best with some players missing but regardless of who takes the field for their respective teams, there will be no love lost between either side. The Roosters have had the benefit (or disadvantage – depends how you look at it) of travelling to the UK for the WCC. Even without several key players they looked strong. Expect the quality of opponent to be vastly improved in this contest, with the Rabbitohs out to silence the rumours of trouble at the club. They are a remarkably different team to the one they fielded last year after their 2014 Premiership. That appears to be a long time ago and without Keary (suspended) and Issac Luke (Warriors), they have a new spine attempting to establish themselves. Even with Burgess’ return, he will need a few matches to get his groove back. The Roosters time in the competition may come towards the end of the season, when they are strengthened by the impending return of players. They too will be out to forget about a poor offseason, which was plagued by off-field issues. Expect the frustration on both sides to be taken out on one another.

Team News
Roosters = Latrell Mitchell (5), Jayden Nikorima (6) and Vincent Leuluai (17) are named to make their NRL debut. Jackson Hastings will start at halfback, while Isaac Liu will start at lock in the absence of Boyd Cordner (injured) and JWH (injured).
Rabbitohs = Sam Burgess returns at prop, with his brothers Tom (injured) and George (suspended) both out. Cameron McInnes will start at hooker, with Damien Cook named to come off the bench. Cody Walker will make his NRL debut at 5/8 and Zane Musgrove will make his from the bench. Hymel Hunt is named in the centres ahead of Kirisome Auva’a (18).

History 
Overall = Roosters 96 Draw 5 Rabbitohs 111
Last 5 matches = Roosters 2 Rabbitohs 3
At Allianz Stadium = Roosters 23 Rabbitohs 12

Verdict
The sheer fact that the Rabbitohs are closer than the Roosters to being at full strength is leaning me towards them. The odds heavily favour the visitors at this stage and in some ways, it is justified. The Roosters are a better team than most are giving them credit for at this stage and others in the Rabbitohs pack will have to step up in the absence of the Burgess twins. The visitors also have a more capable set of outside backs and the added advantage of Reynolds’ kicking game. Without an experienced half, the Roosters may lack direction. Sure, they were fine in the WCC but that was against a lower ranked opponent. This time, things will be different. This game will be exciting and tough, so expect the Rabbitohs to win by no more than 2 converted tries.

Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs -2.5 @ $2.10

No margin for errors = Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3 – As mentioned above, things will be tight for the Rabbitohs so it will be surprising if this match blows out to a large margin.

Piling on the points = Total points over 40.5 @ $1.90 – The 5 most recent matches between these two have had an average of 46-points. The last one, which was a 30-nil drubbing bucked the trend and early on in the season, both teams will be out to excite.

Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights

As far as poor teams went in 2015, the Knights and Titans were two of the worst. The Titans finished 14th, just 2-points ahead of the Knights, who captured the dreaded wooden spoon. Despite this, the Titans had an inferior points difference of -197, compared with the Knights -154. Those stats will hardly make anyone excited about this match, although both will head into this game with a renewed hope about their 2016 chances. The Titans will battle on a number of fronts, including the ability to continue to lure star players. If anything, the snub by DCE and other off-field problems could galvanise the team in a positive way. The Knights have a new direction ahead of them, with coach Nathan Brown at the helm and a young squad at his disposal. After a poor year, a win in the first match of the season will build confidence and go a long way to ensuring 2016 is a positive one.

Team News
Titans = Nathan Davis (4) and Leivaha Pulu (16) will both make their NRL debuts in place of Nene Macdonald (injured) and Luke Douglas (suspension). Tyrone Roberts and Ash Taylor will make their Titans debut together in the halves.
Knights = Jaelen Feeney (1), Pat Mata’utai (4), Jacob Saifiti (11), David Bhana (14) and Daniel Saifiti (18) are all set to make their NRL debuts. Pauli Pauli will come of the bench for his Knights debut, while Trent Hodkinson will do the same but lead the team from halfback.

History
Overall = Titans 5 Knights 9
Last 5 matches = Titans 1 Knights 4
At Cbus Super Stadium = Titans 1 Knights 4

Verdict
The quality of this match isn’t going to excite too many people but it will be important to see how each team begins their season. The 5 new players making their NRL debuts is making the Knights very difficult to select. It is casting doubt, as it is very difficult for players to make the immediate jump to the NRL. That is not suggesting these players aren’t up to it, but the Knights are taking a chance in rebuilding their club. The Titans are not jumping out of the ground either, although they have more experience to call upon when it is needed. Their halves will be out to make a statement and they appear to have a stronger pack of forwards to get them into a winning position. It will take more than this to get them over the line, however they are slightly ahead of their opponents. If anything, I would recommend staying away from this match and saving your money, but if you cannot resist, take the Titans to edge out the Knights.

Suggested Bet
Save your money! But if you must…Titans 1-12 @ $3.25

Melbourne Storm v St George-Illawarra Dragons

The first MNF match of the season heads down to Melbourne, as the Storm attempt to make up for their GF Qualifier loss to the Cowboys on the same ground. They appear to have a strong balance between youth and experience in their team. As usual, they have the “Big 3” again holding a key to their hopes. As the years progress, their role has reduced somewhat and the importance of the forwards has grown significantly. This will again be the case as they attempt to overcome a Dragons team that built success around dour football in 2015. While it wasn’t exciting, they were great in defence, grinding and frustrating opponents over 80 minutes. The problem was that more often than not, their attack struggled as a result. With added attacking power to their team with incoming recruits, fans are hopeful of turning this around. Although, if the Charity Shield is anything to go by, the Dragons have a tough time ahead of them. They snuck into 8th spot in 2015 but the same level of play this season will see other teams go pass them on the ladder. It is a tough test for Round 1, but a great way to show everyone how much they’ve improved over the off-season.

Team News
Storm = Billy Slater is back at fullback, while Richard Kennar will start in the centres for Cameron Munster (injured). Ben Hampton will come off the bench in an expected utility role.
Dragons = Kurt Mann will make his Dragons debut at fullback, with Josh Dugan and Tim Lafai (Dragons debut) partnering in the centres. Russell Packer is named at prop, with Will Matthews in the second row for Tyson Frizell (injured).

History
Overall = Storm 22 Draw 1 Dragons 8
Last 5 matches = Storm 4 Dragons 1
At AMMI Park = Storm 3 Dragons 0

Verdict
The Dragons are going to improve on their trial form but combined with their dour play last year, it is going to be difficult to select them. While other sides have recruited strongly to change their flaws, the Dragons have relied on the same players changing their style of play. This will work into the Storms favour as they have the patience and class to handle what the Dragons has thrown at them. Their strength lies in their forwards and they will have the edge over the Dragons in this area; continually rolling over the advantage line will create more room for the “Big 3”. They don’t need too much room to change the course of the match and if they are able to do as they please, the Dragons could be in for a long night. Expect the visitors to be tough in defence throughout the match but an inability to score points will allow the Storm to pull away to a comfortable lead and win.

Suggested Bet
Storm 13+ @ $2.60

Young gun = Young Tonumaipea FTS and/or LTS @ $9 – His partner on the other wing is more favoured, but this young bloke can find his way to the tryline. He will probably line up against Aitken too, the lesser or the two Dragons wingers. Tonumaipea is a threat on the ground or in the air so watch out!

Good luck!
Scooby