By Casey O'Connor
Here we are after a week of tragedy in the cricket world many sports fans will be happy to refocus as the 2022 NRL season kicks off to night.
The season opens with the defending Premiers the Panthers taking on the well fancied Sea Eagles at Blue Bet stadium at the foot of the mountain. Many are tipping the premiers to go back to back in 2022 but that has proved a bridge too far for some very good teams. It is sure to be a well-covered topic during the season.
On Friday night the Raiders and Sharks kick off their season at GIO Stadium in the national capital with a 5pm kick off for the Queensland supporters of those teams.
The much anticipated clash between the Bunnies and the Broncos follows with a 7pm kick off at Suncorp Stadium which was recently resembled a lake rather than a football field. The likely hood of this match going ahead looked doubtful. That the Suncorp surface has recovered is a reminder to everyone what a magnificent venue Suncorp is and what a great job the staff have done.
There will be plenty of interest when the final run on team for the Broncos is announced with former Bunnies captain and now Broncos leader Adam Reynolds to be given until an hour before play to prove his fitness after he contracted COVID last week.
If the playmaker is unavailable the team will be under the capable guidance of Kurt Capewell. The Bunnies will be stepping out for their first NRL appearance under new coach Jason Demetriou.
Three games will be played on Saturday with the Roosters taking on the Knights at the SCG. The Roosters welcome back play maker Luke Keary after he missed the majority of last season with injury. Plenty of interest in this game as Keary and Sam Walker combine for the first time.
The Warriors and the Dragons will be in action at the Sunshine Coast Stadium at 3.30pm. Dragons fans will be hoping their team can bring their recent trial form to the table.
The game between the Tigers and Melbourne Storm looks on paper to be a mismatch and it would be a huge shock if the Storm who have an enviable first round winning record were to be beaten.
The Eels host the Titans in their season opener, and many believe these two sides have the opportunity to figure at the top end of the ladder in 2022.
The NQ Cowboys play the Bulldogs at Qld Country Bank stadium in Townsville. Plenty of questions will be asked of both teams this season. The Dogs have a new look side with plenty of star and strike power joining the kennel. The Cowboys have welcomed back their spiritual leader JT. Thurston will add his expertise to the coaching staff and mentor younger players. Unfortunately, the Cowboys might be more in need of a little of that magic JT brings on the field.
Good luck with your tips and team this season.
How round one pans out is always an unknown, but this is how I see it.
Casey’s Round One Tips
Panthers; Sharks; Broncos; Roosters; Dragons; Storm; Eels; Bulldogs.
