The opening round of the 2020 NRL season is upon us and every club will be keen to get off to a flying start.
After an off-season littered with superstar acquisitions and departures, each club has named their best available squad to kick-start their premiership tilt.
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game.
Bulldog vs. Eels
Raiders vs. Titans
Cowboys vs. Broncos
Knights vs. Warriors
Rabbitohs vs. Sharks
Panthers vs. Roosters
Sea Eagles vs. Storm
Dragons vs. Tigers
Thursday, March 12
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, Bankwest Stadium, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown Reserves: 14. Brad Takairangi 15. Marata Niukore 16. Kane Evans 17. Peni Terepo 18. Will Smith 19. Ray Stone 20. Oregon Kaufusi 21. George Jennings
Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Reimis Smith 4. Will Hopoate 5. Christian Crichton 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Joe Stimson 13. Adam Elliott Reserves: 14. Dean Britt 15. Renouf To'omaga 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Kerrod Holland 19. Ofahiki Ogden 20. Jake Averillo 21. Sione Katoa 22. Jack Cogger
Verdict: If time has taught us anything, it's that this matchup will be tough, gritty and could go either way. Having said that, Parramatta will have genuine ambitions of winning a premiership this year and they certainly have the roster to do it with the signings of Ryan Matterson and Regan Campbell-Gillard. The Bulldogs will fight to the end, as they do, but will fall flat offensively through their inexperienced halves.
Tip: Eels by 2
TAB odds: Eels $1.33 (-9.5 $1.85) Bulldogs $3.35 (+9.5 $1.95)
Friday, March 13
Canberra Raiders vs. Gold Coast Titans, GIO Stadium, 6:00pm (AEDT)
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Curtis Scott 5. Nick Cotric 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Corey Horsburgh 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine Reserves: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Emre Guler 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Michael Oldfield 18. Jack Murchie 19. Sam Williams 20. Semi Valemi 21. Tom Starling
Titans: 1. Phillip Sami 2. Anthony Don 3. Kallum Watkins 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dale Copley 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ash Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Sam Lisone 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow Reserves: 14. Nathan Peats 15. Jai Whitbread 16. Brian Kelly 17. Jaimin Jolliffe 18. Sam Stone 19. Jonus Pearson 20. Moeaki Fotuaika 21. Alexander Brimson
Verdict: .The Raiders will be hungrier than ever to redeem themselves after their grand final loss in 2019, and despite losing bulldozing centre Joey Leilua, they have acquired the service of Super League star halfback George Williams. With Canberra forwards John Bateman (shoulder), Ryan Sutton (suspension) and Hudson Young (suspension) all missing, the Titans have an excellent chance to start their season on the right foot. There will be a mountain of pressure on returning halfback Ash Taylor to take control and win this game, but the home side should be too strong.
Tip: Raiders by 10
TAB odds: Raiders $1.32 (-9.5 $1.90) Titans $3.40 (+9.50 $1.90)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Stadium, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Esan Marsters 5. Ben Hampton 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Michael Morgan 8. John Asiata 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo Reserves: 14. Reece Robson 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Shane Wright 17. Francis Molo 18. Corey Jensen 19. Connelly Lemuelu 20. Tom Opacic 21. Jake Clifford
Broncos: 14. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. David Fifita 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Patty Carrigan Reserves: 15. Andrew McCullough 16. Rhys Kennedy 17. Jamil Hopoate 18. Xavier Coates 19. Herbie Farnworth 20. Tom Dearden 21. Ethan Bullemor
Verdict: A classic match-up in recent years, all eyes will be on Valentine Holmes and the Cowboys to impress at their brand new stadium. North Queensland fans will be hoping their star recruit - fresh from his NFL adventure - has lost none of the skills that saw him light up the competition with the Sharks. With few offseason moves, Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has given Jack Bird first crack at fullback in the hopes of sparking some attacking flair- a move Bird's preseason form suggests will fail.
Tip: Cowboys by 4.
TAB odds: Cowboys $1.77 (-1.5 $1.85) Broncos $2.05 (+1.5 $1.95)
Saturday, March 14
Newcastle Knights vs. New Zealand Warriors, McDonald Jones Stadium, 3:00pm (AEDT)
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Enari Tuala 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Herman Ese'ese Reserves: 14. Connor Watson 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Aidan Guerra 18. Pasami Saulo 19. Starford To'a 20. Mason Lino 21. Brodie Jones
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Patrick Herbert 3. David Fusitua 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Wayde Egan 10. Lachlan Burr 11. Adam Blair 12. Tohu Harris 13. Isaiah Papalii Reserces: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Karl Lawton 18. King Vuniyayawa 20. Hayze Perham 21. Leivaha Pulu 22. Taane Milne
Verdict: Two notoriously underperforming sides will face off at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium in what will very much be the battle of the fullbacks. The Knights' Kalyn Ponga needs to put his latest contract drama behind him for the sake of new coach Adam O'Brien and his team's fortunes, while the Warriors' Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will need a dominant performance to offset his side's thin stocks at prop. This one promises to be unpredictable.
Tip: Knights by 4.
TAB odds: Knights $1.45 (-6.5 $1.95) Warriors $2.75 (+6.5 $1.85)
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, ANZ Stadium, 5:30pm (AEDT)
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 4. Braidon Burns 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su'A 12. Cameron Murray 13. Liam Knight Reserves: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Ethan Lowe 16. Hame Sele 17. Alex Johnston 18. George Williams 19. Bayley Sironen 20. Troy Dargan 21. Keaon Koloamatangi
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Morris 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Jack Williams Reserves: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Billy Magoulias 19. Braydon Trindall 20. Royce Hunt 21. Jackson Ferris
Verdict: After months of contract negotiations with several clubs, Latrell Mitchell finally makes his debut with South Sydney. Heading into their first season without the services of Sam Burgess, John Sutton and Greg Inglis, Mitchell will have to step straight into a leadership role when they take on the Sharks. With Matt Moylan, Josh Dugan and Bronson Xerri all under injury clouds, and Paul Gallen finally succumbing to retirement, too much responsibility will fall on the shoulders of halves Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend to lead Cronulla.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 8
TAB odds: Rabbitohs $1.58 (-4.5 $1.95) Sharks $2.40 (+4.5 $1.85)
Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters, Panthers Stadium, 5:35pm (AEDT)
Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Zane Tetevano 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Reserves: 14. Stephen Crichton 15. James Fisher-Harris 16. Moses Leota 17. Jack Hetherington 18. Billy Burns 19. Matt Burton 20. Jed Cartwright 21. Kaide Ellis
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Angus Crichton 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Victor Radley Reserves: 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins 18. Matt Ikuvalu 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Asu Kepaoa
Verdict: With 79 NRL games and five Origin appearances under his belt, 2020 has to be the year that young playmaker Nathan Cleary steps up and leads his inexperienced Panthers side. The return of hooker Api Koroisau should somewhat offset the departure of James Maloney, but they'll be tested by the Roosters as they begin their title defense. Despite the losses Latrell Mitchell and Cooper Cronk, the Tricolours have managed to acquire Josh Morris and Kyle Flanagan in their stead and should prove too strong.
Tip: Roosters by 12
TAB odds: Panthers $2.70 (+6.5 $1.85) Roosters $1.47 (-6.5 $1.95)
Sunday, March 15
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Melbourne Storm, Lottoland, 4:05pm (AEDT)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic Reserves: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Sean Keppie 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Haumole Olakauatu 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Tevita Funa 21. Zac Saddler
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane Reserves: 14. Harry Grant 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Max King 17. Tom Eisenhuth 18. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 19. Brenko Lee 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Darryn Schonig
Verdict: As two of the most successful sides in the NRL era, this matchup always promises intense drama. The Sea Eagles have lost Api Koroisau to Penrith and a host of forwards to injury, but will be high on confidence after a promising 2019 season. For Melbourne, Cameron Smith is another year older and how coach Craig Bellamy manages his playing time could be critical for his side's success this week and throughout the season - especially given Brandon Smith's (facial fracture) multi-week absence.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 4.
TAB odds: Sea Eagles $2.25 (+3.5 $1.90) Storm $1.65 (-3.5 $1.90)
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Wests Tigers, WIN Stadium, 6:15pm (AEDT)
Dragons: 1. Zac Lomax 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Tim Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Issac Luke 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie Reserves: 14. Trent Merrin 15. Tyrell Fuimaono 16. Billy Brittain 17. Jacob Host 18. Jackson Ford 19. Adam Clune 20. Euan Aitken 21. Josh Kerr
Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joseph Leilua 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Robert Jennings 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Billy Walters 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Elijah Taylor Reserves: 14. Thomas Mikaele 15. Josh Reynolds 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Chris Lawrence 18. Michael Chee-Kam 19. Oliver Clark 20. Matt Eisenhuth 21. Paul Momirovski
Verdict: Both of these sides have endured a number of underwhelming seasons of late, and as such, will be desperate to record a Round One victory. Without the services of Gareth Widdop, halfback Ben Hunt will be needing to show the Dragons faithful why he's worth his multimillion dollar contract. His case won't be helped, however, with captain Cameron McInnes (knee) and Korbin Sims (arm) both unavailable. Tigers co-captain Moses Mbye (knee) is also missing for the visitors, but expect halves Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall to finally start lifting the club out of mediocrity.
Tip: Tigers by 6
TAB odds: Dragons $1.77 (-1.5 $1.85) Tigers $2.05 (+1.5 $1.95)
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