The opening round of the 2024 NRL season concludes after the festivities in Las Vegas. It continues to be a difficult round to pick, as all first rounds inevitably are. How much have the bottom sides improved? How much notice should we take of trial game form? We have picked the first two winners, let's see how we go with the rest.
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game.
Sea Eagles vs. Rabbitohs
Roosters vs. Broncos
Knights vs. Raiders
Warriors vs. Sharks
Storm vs. Panthers
Eels vs. Bulldogs
Titans vs. Dragons
Dolphins vs. Cowboys
BYE: Tigers
Sunday, March 3
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1:30pm (AEDT)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown Reserves: 18. Jakob Arthur
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Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Jacob Host 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess Reserves: 24. Dean Hawkins
Verdict: This is a tough game to pick, with both sides having their pre-seasons interrupted by the journey to the USA. Both teams had disappointing 2023 seasons and will be very keen to start the year with a win. With Tom Trbojevic back at fullback and a possible edge in the halves, I think the Sea Eagles might sneak through for a victory here.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 6
PointsBet odds: Sea Eagles $2 (+1.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $1.80 (-1.5 $1.90)
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3:30pm (AEDT)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 18. Fetalaiga Pauga 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley Bench: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May Reserves: 22. Connor Watson 19. Angus Crichton
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Xavier Willison Reserves: 18. Corey Oates 21. Martin Taupau
Verdict: This game could go either way as well, with the smaller field in Las Vegas playing an unknown role in the outcome. Dominance up the middle could be key in this clash, with Brandon Smith leading the Roosters forwards into the fray. The Roosters can't afford to give Reece Walsh any room to move and the narrower field will only help with that task. I'm tipping a Roosters victory, but with little confidence.
Tip: Roosters by 4
PointsBet odds: Roosters $2.35 (+3.5 $1.95) Broncos $1.60 (-3.5 $1.85)
Thursday, March 7
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders, McDonald Jones Stadium, 8pm (AEDT)
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Kai Pearce-Paul Reserves: 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Thomas Jenkins 20. Will Pryce 21. Brodie Jones 22. Thomas Cant
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo Reserves: 18. Kaeo Weekes 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Zac Woolford 21. James Schiller 22. Trey Mooney
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Kasey Badger, Jon Stone Bunker: Chris Butle
Verdict: The Knights ended the Raiders' season last year in the first week of the finals, so Ricky Stuart's men will be keen for revenge here. Canberra have lost Jack Wighton to the Rabbitohs, and have been relatively quiet on the player market. The Knights at home, with Ponga leading from fullback, should be too good first up.
Tip: Knights by 8
PointsBet odds: Knights $1.42 (-7.5 $1.90) Raiders $2.90 (+7.5 $1.90)
Friday, March 8
New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, Go Media Stadium, Auckland, 6pm (AEDT)
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Jacob Laban
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton Reserves: 18. Kayal Iro 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Daniel Atkinson 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Belinda Sharpe, Paki Parkinson Bunker: Matt Noyen
Verdict: The Warriors start their season at home against the unpredictable Sharks. Coach Andrew Webster had the previously error-prone Warriors playing some quality completion footy last year, without stifling their flair. They welcome back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to add another dangerous attacking weapon to the backline. They should win this to start the year off strongly.
Tip: Warriors by 12
PointsBet odds: Warriors $1.53 (-5.5 $1.90) Sharks $2.50 (+5.5 $1.90)
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers, AAMI Park, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 20. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald Reserves: 18. Shawn Blore 19. Kane Bradley
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Soni Luke Reserves: 18. Daine Laurie 22. Mavrik Geyer
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Phil Henderson, David Munro Bunker: Adam Gee
Verdict: This game lines up as the match of the round, with the Storm at home and still stinging from their Preliminary Final hammering at the hands of the Panthers last year. The Panthers look to begin their quest for a fourth straight title without Stephen Crichton and a couple of others who have been lured away from the club. With the late withdrawal of Cameron Munster, it is not too late to change your tip to the Panthers who should end the Storm's unbeaten first round run.
Tip: Panthers by 6
PointsBet odds: Storm $2.75 (+6.5 $1.85) Panthers $1.45 (-6.5 $1.95)
Saturday, March 9
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, CommBank Stadium, 5:30pm (AEDT)
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood Bench: 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Daejarn Asi 20. Luca Moretti 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Blaize Talagi
Bulldogs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin Reserves: 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Toby Sexton 21. Jake Turpin 22. Connor Tracey 23. Kitione Kautoga
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Damian Brady, Chris Sutton Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Verdict: The Eels will be keen to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 with a winning start against bitter rivals the Bulldogs. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has rebuilt the Bulldogs squad and they will be hoping to catch the Eels off guard. Still it might take a few rounds before the Bulldogs new combinations gel and the Eels really should win this at home.
Tip: Eels by 10
PointsBet odds: Eels $1.40 (-7.5 $1.85) Bulldogs $3 (+7.5 $1.95)
Gold Coast Titans vs. St George Illawarra Dragons, Cbus Super Stadium, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Keenan Palasia Bench: 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Jaimin Jolliffe Reserves: 18. Joe Stimson 19. Jojo Fifita 20. Jacob Alick 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Josiah Pahulu
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin Bench: 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner Reserves: 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Jesse Marschke 21. Ryan Couchman 22. Mathew Feagai
Officials
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Touchies: Matt Noyen, Tyson Brough Bunker: Ashley Klein
Verdict: The Dragons venture north under new coach Shane Flanagan to face the Titans who themselves have a new coach in Des Hasler. Talk out of the Gold Coast is that the Titans have never been fitter nor keener to start a season. This will be a telling clash for both clubs, with the Titans carrying expectations of a run towards the finals and the Dragons desperate to leave the bottom rungs of the premiership ladder.
Tip: Titans by 8
PointsBet odds: Titans $1.50 (-5.5 $1.90) Dragons $2.60 (+5.5 $1.90)
Sunday, March 10
Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys, Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm (AEDT)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Max Plath 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Mark Nicholls Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace 22. Isaiya Katoa
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki Reserves: 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele
Officials
Referee: Chris Butler Touchies: Wyatt Raymond, Drew Oultram Bunker: Kasey Badger
Verdict: The Dolphins start their second season in the NRL against Queensland rivals the Cowboys in balmy Brisbane. The Dolphins have strengthened their squad with several astute buys and look better on paper than they did last season when they shocked everyone with a series of early victories. Wayne Bennett, in his last season at the club, will have them ready to make a statement first up.
Tip: Dolphins by 10
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $2.50 (+5.5 $1.90) Cowboys $1.90 (-5.5 $2)
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.