After an exciting doubleheader in Las Vegas, the NRL will begin its season back home this weekend.
The Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders will go toe-to-toe on Thursday night in a rematch of their thrilling finals clash last year.
On Friday, the Melbourne Storm will attempt to maintain their stunning opening round streak, while the Dolphins and North Queensland Cowboys will play out an all-Queensland affair on Saturday.
Below are The Sporting News’ tips and predictions for a selection of Round 1 games:
Odds via TAB.
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders: Prediction, tip, best bet
Newcastle have won their last three games against Canberra, and it’s hard to see them losing this one.
Crucially, the Knights have a relatively unchanged team from the side that went on a stunning run at the end of last season. Dom Young will be missed, but Enari Tuala and Greg Marzhew are still top options on the wing.
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Jack Wighton’s departure from the Raiders will be harder to manage, however. Ethan Strange could be the next big thing at five-eighth, but there is likely to be plenty of learning early in the season.
If the Knights start this campaign the way they finished 2023, they should be able to secure a nice win at home.
Prediction: Knights by 12
Best bet: Tuala try + Newcastle win ($2.05)
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers: Prediction, tip, best bet
Remarkably, the Storm have never lost a Round 1 match since Craig Bellamy joined the club as coach in 2003.
That record will certainly be under threat on Friday night, with the reigning premiers heading down to Melbourne.
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However, the Panthers were underwhelming in the World Club Challenge against Wigan, and will have to recover after a long-haul return journey.
On paper, Penrith should win this … but the Storm’s opening round record is very hard to ignore.
Bellamy will have them prepared, and even if they don’t win, they likely keep it very close.
Prediction: Storm by 2
Best bet: Melbourne +6.5 ($1.68)
Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys: Prediction, tip, best bet
Much like Bellamy’s Storm, we can expect Wayne Bennett to have the Dolphins fit and firing.
While their overall season was underwhelming last year, the NRL’s newest team were strong to begin 2023.
With Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler all joining the club, there is no reason why the Dolphins can’t push for the finals this campaign.
While the Cowboys are a strong opposition, they proved last season they can be inconsistent.
Even as underdogs in the betting market, the Dolphins have a great chance of grabbing two points at home.
Prediction: Dolphins by 4
Best bet: Dolphins H2H ($2.50)
