After Round 1 we know that there are only 15 teams in the running for the premiership. Having had 50 or more points put on them, the Roosters and the Eels are no longer contenders. What’s worse is that those two also looked awful – and it might get even worse given their injury counts and the news that Dylan Brown is slipping away from Parramatta in 2026. Teddy is already arguing with the refs which is not just a bad look but also an indication of frustration – and it’s only one game into the season.
The Broncos and the Storm looked very good, sharp, precise, energetic. Let’s see if they can maintain that form. It’s a long way to September. Manly were impressive and played like a well oiled team. Turbo in full flight is a joy to behold, even if he does play for Manly. The Rabbitohs were gutsy, the Bulldogs looked a lot better with Tupuoniua aboard (how the Roosters would have liked him in their colours!), the Knights did enough – just.
On the other side of the ledger, the Tigers have to learn to win, the Dolphins should have won but were loose in the last 15 minutes, and the Dragons gave away too great a lead. The Cowboys were ordinary, and that’s being kind.
The refs must have had a pretty reasonable week because I heard very little whinging. A rare occurrence indeed!
Round 2 starts tonight with the Knights hosting the Dolphins. It should be competitive if the Dolphins can overcome their cyclone-enforced disruptions. At least they’ll be close to full strength. Newcastle will hope that they’ve blown out the cobwebs and can get their act together this time around. I’ll go with the Knights (but without any confidence whatever).
Tomorrow sees the Warriors at home to the Sea Eagles. Based on Round 1 you’d say that Manly will have another night out, and that’s exactly how I see it panning out. Not much more to say, I’m afraid. Then the Panthers take on the Roosters. Another roasting for the Chooks coming up. It’s just a matter of how far Penrith.
Saturday afternoon kicks off with the Dragons up against the Rabbitohs. The hosts will hope to pick up from where they finished last week, on the attack and scoring. The undermanned Rabbitohs will look to dig deep once again and win what they shouldn’t. A typical setting for a Wayne Bennett ambush. I’ll be a believer, at least for this week. Souths. The twilight game has the Cowboys at home to the Sharks. It looks like too much is being asked of Dearden and Drinkwater while the Sharks are a shiver awaiting their next prey. It could be a long season for the lads from ‘up there’. I’ll be on the Sharks. The evening game has the Raiders hosting the Broncos. No Tapine, no Savage – does that equal no Raiders? I think so. Brisbane looked very sharp and will go far as long as both Reynolds and Hunt are fit. And are we going to see the full might of Haas this year? It’ll be Brisbane.
Sunday action begins with the Eels against the Wests Tigers. Already without Moses, how will the Eels react to news of the 2026 departure of Dylan Brown? It can’t help matters one little bit. By comparison, the Tigers are looking to build and, based on last week, they may well have more than enough on board to take this one. If they don’t, September will seem an eternity away. Get on the Wests Tigers. The round will be completed with the Bulldogs v Titans fixture. Have the Dogs finally been let out? They looked ok last week with what looked like an extra yard of pace and a bit better in the middle. (What will Prop say about that?) The Titans will be making their first appearance for the season and might be caught short. It’s hard to prejudge them. Regardless, I think I’d still pick the Bulldogs.
Melbourne Storm have the bye.
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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.
It seems like we viewed round1a and b through similar lenses. I also think (even after 1 round) there is a significant chasm between the top 5 and the rest. Especially concerning are the roosters-eels- cowboys performances last week. Assuming Riles is safe we are about to enter the coach sacking rounds- cowboys coach should have the full support of the board soon!
Yes, Prop, Ryles has been dealt a bad hand to start with: Gutho moved on, Moses with a long term injury, Brown leaving at season’s end, drawing Storm in Round 1. It’ll be a long season for the Eels. What is the likelihood of the Eels, Dragons, Warriors and Cowboys to be in the bottom third of the ladder, probably along with Wests Tigers? Not a good look after just one round. We’ll have to hope for some upsets, and soon!
I foresee another battle between Tigers & Ells for the wooden spoon. I think the Eels were VERY lucky to avoid the wooden spoon by beating the Tigers in the final match last year. I don’t see the Eels being that lucky this year.