The NRL season is finally back!
Our experts break down the bet tips for the best games from a monstrous Round One of action.
Eels vs. Storm
2nd March 7:50pm
What better way to kick off the start of the new season with two sides some predict to slide down the ladder in 2023?
Parramatta was outstanding last season, culminating in an unsuccessful grand-final appearance against the might of the Panthers. But it was a grand final appearance, nonetheless.
Unfortunately for Eels fans, Brad Arthur’s men copped a left, proper goodnight during the off-season with the departure of Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Reed Mahoney (Canterbury), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Marata Niukore (Warriors), and Oregon Kaufusi (Cronulla). Their pre-season form was solid, however, with a six-point loss to the Panthers followed by a 22-point hammering of the Knights.
Coming up against the Storm in R1 is a difficult ask for any team, given their recent success, but it’s a Storm side that lost Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich, and Kenny Bromwich during the off-season.
Craig Bellamy is the master coach when it comes to backs-against-the-wall-type media speculation, so expect the Storm boys to be switched on from the opening minute.
Suggested Bet: Storm to win @ $1.68
Panthers vs. Broncos
3rd March 8:05pm
The three-peat starts here. The back-to-back reigning champions commence their history-making premiership campaign against the Broncos. Not since the Eels of 1981-83 has the hat-trick occurred in the NRL, but a first-up home win against the Broncos is an absolute must.
The Panthers did what they had to with a six-point victory over the Eels in their first Pre-Season Challenge game before losing to St Helens by golden point in the World Club Challenge last week.
That loss could be the spark the Panthers needed ahead of their season opener – a firm reminder they’re not invincible.
As for the Broncos, they’re coming off a strong performance during their pre-season. They drew against a much-improved Titans outfit in R1 before defeating the Cowboys by two points. They were close games, but the results shouldn’t be underestimated.
Suggested Bet: Panthers (-12.5) @ $1.86
Sharks vs. Rabbitohs
4th March 7:35PM
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the match of the round. The Sharks and the Rabbitohs are two teams with genuine premiership aspirations.
The Sharks have been circling during the pre-season and showcased their talent with two strong wins over the Knights and the Bulldogs. While the Rabbitohs will provide another level of competition altogether, there’s no doubt the Sharks will not roll over.
The Rabbitohs, oh the Rabbitohs. They have been so close many times, yet haven’t tasted premiership success since 2014. But this is a chance to prove they’re the real deal yet again.
With names like Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker and Cameron Murray in their starting line-up, they could get their season off to a winning start away from home.
Suggested Bet: Rabbitohs to win @ $1.45
Dolphins vs. Roosters
5th March 4:05PM
Ok, this game doesn’t exactly scream golden point decider. However, we can’t leave out the newest team in the NRL as they debut against the Sydney Roosters.
Yes, it’s a baptism of fire. Yes, they will likely struggle. But we can’t wait to see Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins strut their stuff at Suncorp Stadium. And with a handicap of +18.5 with BetDeluxe, punters can add to their kitty.
The Roosters are coming off a tough 12-point loss to the Sea Eagles in their final Pre-Season Challenge game, so there’s no doubt Trent Robinson’s men will be hungry to ruin the Dolphins’ debut.
James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Joseph Suaalii and Luke Keary have all been named as the premiership fancies look to make their mark with a big R1 win.
Suggested Bet: Roosters (-18.5) @ $1.91
