The NRL season is set to kick off on Australian soil after two Las Vegas matches. The opening round is crucial as it sets the tone for the long campaign ahead. Teams’ performances in the initial matches often indicate their form and potential for the season. The Sporting News provides insights into Round 1, offering predictions and best bets based on odds from Sportsbet.
The Sydney Roosters will face the Brisbane Broncos in a highly anticipated Thursday night clash. Both teams have undergone significant changes, with the Roosters introducing young talents and the Broncos being led by new coach Michael Maguire. The match will showcase new halves pairings for both sides, potentially leading to some uncertainties on the field. The Roosters’ forward pack strength could give them an edge at Allianz Stadium. The prediction leans towards the Roosters winning by a narrow margin, with a suggested best bet of Roosters +7.5.
In another matchup, the St George Illawarra Dragons will take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The Dragons will be without Ben Hunt, but new additions like Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, and Damien Cook bring hope for a successful season. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are expected to perform well in Round 1 due to their stable roster and positive momentum. The prediction favors the Bulldogs to win by a small margin, with a recommended best bet of Bulldogs 1-12.
The Melbourne Storm will go head-to-head with the Parramatta Eels in a game where the Storm aim to extend their impressive 22-match Round 1 winning streak. Despite Parramatta missing key players like captain Mitchell Moses, Melbourne’s strong lineup and home advantage make them favorites for this encounter. Keep an eye on Will Warbrick, a player expected to shine and potentially score multiple tries against the Eels. The prediction tips the Storm to win comfortably by a significant margin, with a suggested best bet of Will Warbrick to score 2 or more tries.
As the NRL season commences, fans eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these exciting Round 1 matches. Stay tuned for thrilling rugby league action and keep track of the evolving dynamics within each team as the season progresses.