Well here we are, the beginning of another NRL season. All sixteen teams and their fans have been waiting months for this, a chance to start afresh and lay claim to the premiership title they all crave.
The first few rounds are notoriously difficult to tip as teams bed in new players, new game plans and do their very best to start the season on a positive note. How much can we read into trial form? What about this weekend's horrible conditions which usually bring teams closer, do we have any real mud-runners out there?
With all that in mind, we present your full guide to the opening round of the 2022 NRL season.
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game
Panthers vs. Sea Eagles
Raiders vs. Sharks
Broncos vs. Rabbitohs
Roosters vs. Knights
Warriors vs. Dragons
Tigers vs. Storm
Eels vs. Titans
Cowboys vs. Bulldogs
Thursday, March 10
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c). Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Matt Eisenhuth. Reserves: 18. Chris Smith 19. J'maine Hopgood 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Taylan May 22. Kurt Falls 23. Soni Luke 24. Robert Jennings.
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Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Tolutau Koula 15. Karl Lawton 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka. Reserves: 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Andrew Davey 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Alex Tuitavake
Verdict: This promises to be a brilliant start to the season, although the track at Penrith will no doubt be on the heavy side. The big wet could detract from the spectacle of some of the league's quickest outside backs, and bring these two sides even closer together. The Sea Eagles will be very hopeful of springing the upset here, especially with Panthers leader Nathan Cleary out with a shoulder injury. Sean O'Sullivan replaces him at halfback. With Daly Cherry-Evans leading Manly around the sodden park with his astute kicking game, we think they just might do it.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 4
TAB odds: Panthers $1.58 (-4.5 $1.90) Sea Eagles $2.40 (+4.5 $1.90)
Friday, March 11
Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 6:00pm (AEDT)
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. James Schiller 4. Matt Timoko 5. Semi Valemei 6. Jack Wighton 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead (c). Interchange: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh. Reserves: 18. Ryan Sutton 19. Matt Frawley 20. Trey Mooney 21. Harry Rushton 22. Jarrod Croker 23. Xavier Savage 24. Sam Williams
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Andrew Fifita. Reserves: 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Jesse Colquhoun 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Jayden Berrell.
Verdict: This also promises to be a great game and one that is incredibly difficult to tip. The Sharks have gained a couple of top notch recruits from the Storm and a new coach in Craig Fitzgibbon, in what promises to be a much-improved season after they missed the finals last year. The Raiders are an interesting prospect. If Ricky Stuart can get them all working together from the onset, they'll be tough to beat, although I think the visiting Sharks could have their measure in a tight tussle. Raiders rookies Brad Schneider and James Schiller replace injured halfback Jamal Fogarty and veteran centre Jarrod Croker in the backline.
Tip: Sharks by 4
TAB odds: Raiders $1.90 (+1.5 $1.80) Sharks $1.90 (-1.5 $2)
Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Billy Walters 7. Albert Kelly 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Ryan James 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Teui Robati 17. Tyrone Roberts. Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen 19. Brenko Lee 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ezra Mam
Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Junior Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray (c). Interchange: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam. Reserves: 18. Davvy Moale 19. Josh Mansour 20. Liam Knight 21. Richie Kennar 22. Peter Mamouzelos 23. Isaiah Tass 24. Dean Hawkins
Verdict: This was set to be a monumental moment for the Broncos, with new halfback Adam Reynolds leading them out against the club that decided he was surplus to their long-term needs. Reynolds will sit this clash out and his absence might swing the balance of the game further towards the Rabbitohs. Brisbane has taken a lot of rain in the lead-up, but the stadium should be good to go. Can the Broncos continue the improvement they showed towards the end of last year and will the new-look Rabbitohs be able to pick up from where they left off? Cody Walker could prove to be the difference in this one, while Latrell Mitchell is suspended.
Tip: Rabbitohs by 8
TAB odds: Broncos $3.60 (+10.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $1.29 (-10.5 $1.90)
Saturday, March 12
Sydney Roosters vs. Newcastle Knights, SCG, 3:00pm (AEDT)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Paul Momirovski 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley. Interchange: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Nat Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho. Reserves: 18. Kevin Naiqama 19. Daniel Sulka-Fifita 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Adam Keighran
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga (c) 2. Dom Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann. Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Leo Thompson 17. Jirah Momoisea. Reserves: 18. Tex Hoy 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Brayden Musgrove 22. Mathew Croker 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Jaron Purcell
Verdict: The Roosters look to have the Knights covered for class in this game at the SCG, but Sydney's big wet might even things out a bit on the day. The Knights' best hope is to keep it tight, maintain possession and frustrate the Roosters with a wall of defence. That's not an easy task over a full 80 minutes of rugby league and the Roosters should finish this one ahead on the scoreboard. Daniel Saifiti (tibia) is sidelined for the Knights, while Leo Thompson will make his club debut from the bench.
Tip: Roosters by 14
TAB odds: Roosters $1.20 (-13.5 $1.90) Knights $4.50 (+13.5 $1.90)
New Zealand Warriors vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 5:30pm (AEDT)
Warriors: 1. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Viliami Vailea, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake (c), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Josh Curran. Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Aaron Pene, 17. Bayley Sironen. Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie, 20. Ash Taylor, 21. Adam Pompey, 22. Pride Petterson-Robati, 23. Taniela Otukolo, 24. Jesse Arthars, 25. Edward Kosi.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Aaron Woods 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin. Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Francis Molo 16. Josh Kerr 17. Jack Gosiewski. Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Poasa Faamausili 22. Tautau Moga.
Verdict: The "Queensland" Warriors look set for another season away from home and start their campaign on the Sunshine Cast against the new-look Dragons. Going on trial form the Dragons are much better than they might look on paper. Could it be that they have cleared the cobwebs, and have a unit willing to rip in for each other with a seasoned halfback leading the way and a sprinkling of raw young talent to spark their attack? Tariq Sims is a surprise omission, with Jack Bird partnering recruit Jaydn Su'A in the second row. The Warriors look like they have a team capable of challenging anyone on their day, but can they put it all together from the very start? Reece Walsh is out suspended, with Chanel Harris-Tavita filling in at fullback.
Tip: Warriors by 6
TAB odds: Warriors $1.90 (-1.5 $2) Dragons $1.90 (+1.5 $1.80)
Wests Tigers vs. Melbourne Storm, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Luke Brooks (c) 8. Alex Twal 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue. Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Luke Garner 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Alex Seyfarth. Reserves: 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Starford Toa 20. Jock Madden 21. Tuki Simpkins 22. Rua Ngatikaura 23. Austin Dias 24. Will Kei
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Nick Meaney 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King. Interchange: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jayden Nikorima 16. Trent Loiero 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Reserves: 18. Dean Ieremia 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Jack Howarth 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Bronson Garlick
Verdict: The Tigers and Storm have first use of the stadium at Parramatta this weekend and it will be interesting to see how it holds up considering the rising river and water table have hampered drainage. The conditions and the fact the Storm are missing some key players -- Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are suspended -- could make this clash a lot closer than anticipated, even with the hosts missing Adam Doueihi and Jacob Liddle. If ever the Tigers were going to rally and provide their beleaguered coach and disgruntled fans an upset over a top team, then this could be it. Still, would you risk a first round tip on them? Probably not.
Tip: Storm by 12
TAB odds: Tigers $4 (+11.5 $1.90) Storm $1.25 (-11.5 $1.90)
Sunday, March 13
Paramatta Eels vs. Gold Coast Titans, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, 4:05pm (AEDT)
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Ryan Matterson. Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Oregon Kaufusi 16. Ray Stone 17. Jakob Arthur. Reserves: 18. Nathan Brown 19. Bryce Cartwright 20. Mitch Rein 21. Tom Opacic 22. Hayze Perham
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Alexander Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor. Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Herman Ese'ese 21. Esan Marsters 22. Sam McIntyre
Verdict: The Eels have a fairly settled squad this year ahead of some big departures in 2023, so they'll be fired up from the onset to make this season count. The Titans have thrown out their halves and are looking to start again in that crucial part of their game. The Titans pack is very formidable and the sloppy conditions in Parramatta might suit a possession-based grind up the middle of the park. Ball control will be key as always, with the Eels prevailing based on their desire to start well in front of their adoring fans.
Tip: Eels by 10
TAB odds: Eels $1.52 (-5.5 $1.90) Titans $2.55 (+5.5 $1.90)
Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Reuben Cotter 15. Jordan McLean 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Tom Gilbert. Reserves: 18. Jake Granville 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Griffin Neame 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon
Bulldogs: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Braidon Burns 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Jake Averillo 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremey Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jack Hetherington 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Josh Jackson (c). Interchange: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Corey Waddell 16. Max King 17. Chris Patolo. Reserves: 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Aaron Schoupp 21. Joe Stimson 22. Josh Cook 23. Ava Seumanufagai 24. Kyle Flanagan 25. Reece Hoffman
Verdict: Townsville should present a relatively dry track, although storms are predicted for the weekend. The Cowboys and Bulldogs don't really need conditions to draw them close though, based on their 2021 efforts. Both teams have been involved in offseason recruitment, so it will be interesting to see which coach can have their shiny new squad up and running quickest. Going on trial form alone, the new Bulldogs line-up is till desperately short on talent in key positions and showed very little improvement from last year when it comes to attacking flair. The Cowboys should have them covered at home.
Tip: Cowboys by 16
TAB odds: Cowboys $1.90 (-1.5 $2) Bulldogs $1.90 (+1.5 $1.80)
All odds correct at time of publication. Check tab.com.au for the latest.