Almanac Rugby League – 2022 NRL Round 1: And away we go!

 

2022 NRL Round 1: And Away We Go!

 

 

NRL 2022 kicks off tonight with the prospect of a bumper season as we start the ride towards the Grand Final on October 2. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves and get Round 1 out of the way before I attempt a few bold predictions.

 

We start with a beauty tonight as the Panthers begin their premiership defence against one of last year’s big improvers, the Sea Eagles. Nathan Cleary is out for a few weeks, a blow to the Panthers with their back line looking less dangerous with the departure of Matt Burton. But up forward they look as formidable as ever. Manly looks settled and has the ‘X factor’ of Tom Trbojevic. There’s a big battle up front in prospect and that’s where I see the game being won or lost. I’ll go with Penrith as I think they may have a bit more mongrel among their forwards and a reliable defence. But if it’s open and fast, Manly is right in it.

 

The early game on Friday sees a new-look-Sharks take on the Raiders who also look a bit different in the backs with the absence of Jarrod Croker. Recruits Nicho Hynes, Matt Ikuvalu and Dale Finucane will be out to show they are worth their money to the Shire. Jack Wighton is the key to this game. After an indifferent 2021 season, he’ll be looking to regain his attacking flair to launch the Raiders on the back of their experienced forward pack. This is a tough one but I’ll go with the Raiders – by a whisker.

 

South Sydney will go to Brisbane looking strong and mean as they aim to go one better than last year. The Broncos will be without star recruit Adam Reynolds who is still recovering from Covid (and a suspect hammy?). I can see only one outcome but it will be interesting to see if the Broncos can show some of the improved effort evident at the end of last season. The Rabbitohs comfortably.

 

I’ll be at the SCG on Saturday afternoon to see the Roosters host the Knights. The Chooks look very strong and the return of Luke Keary adds an extra dimension to their balance and creativity. The Knights will be without Daniel Saifiti, their best forward, and, although I expect them to be competitive, I can’t see them going close in this one. The Roosters by quite a margin.

 

Later on, the (we’re still in Australia) Warriors will tackle the Dragons on the Sunshine Coast. The Dragons are promising big things this year and won’t get a better chance to start the season with a win than against the honest but less-than-daunting Warriors. I see more potential point scorers among the Dragons and I think they’ll take the chocolates in this one.

 

Then the Tigers host the Storm in the evening game. Melbourne have not lost a season opener since goodness knows when, but the Tigers are saying we’ll see a lot more of them this year. The Storm will be without the suspended Cameron Munster but still look impressive on paper. Luke Brooks, here is a season-defining moment for you to take this game by the scruff of the neck and dominate. But I can’t go past the Storm – an even spread of power, talent and structure.

 

On Sunday the Eels take on the Titans with both sides promising big things this year. It looks like a great battle up front while neither back line inspires any great confidence. The influence of the the respective 6s, Dylan Brown and AJ Brimson may have a major influence on the outcome. I’ll go with the Eels as their pack look a bit more balanced and experienced to me.

 

Finally, the Cowboys host the Bulldogs in Townsville. The Bulldogs have a very different roster this year after buying up big in the last 12 months. The Cowboys also have a few new faces and have talked themselves up ahead of the season. If the Bulldogs can get their new combinations to gel, then I think they can win this one. The Cowboys have been too disappointing for too long to inspire confidence. Reluctantly, I’ll go with the Dogs.

 

So my winners this week are the Panthers, Raiders, Rabbitohs, Roosters, Dragons, Storm, Eels and Bulldogs.

 

As for my predictions for the season, it’s hard to see much change at the top of the ladder. I think the Roosters, Panthers and Storm are the teams to beat. On the second line I have the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles. After that it’s pure guess work. Perhaps the Eels and Raiders in the 8 just ahead of the Knights, Dragons, Sharks and Broncos fighting it our for a finals berth.

 

And then the rest in no particular order. State of Origin: NSW 2-1. Dally M: Turbo again.

 

 

Join our NRL Tipping Comp HERE

 

[Comp closes at kick off to the season March 10]

 

 

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About Ian Hauser

A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.

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