Haven't seen much talk of the new NRL season on here... it was great to have it back over the weekend!
Before it got underway and after dominating for the past two years, I thought this may be the season that the top two especially in Panthers and Storm, come back to the pack a little. Panthers have lost some of their better players this year in Burton, Capewell, Momirovski, TPJ even. Storm losing the fox, Hynes, Finucane.
Summary with highlights of round 1 is here- https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/03/13/...ap-up-round-1/
I was surprised how comfortable Penrith looked against Manly (with Turbo Tom) and being without Cleary. I think they'll be up there again in top two. Melbourne just got past Wests and suffered some injuries which could really hurt them- Welch may be out for the whole season. I think Smith broke his hand.
Lots of talk down under about the Eels having a big chance but I don't see it myself. I think Gold Coast were unlucky not to win that one and Holbrook wasn't happy after the game with the officiating- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYgBdlpbvq0
I was thinking Roosters could be back challenging, because they've got a lot of their top players back (Keary, Manu etc.) and made some shrewd signings (Watson, Momirovski). I wouldn't have bet on the Knights beating them that's for sure! Early days of course, but I expect them to finish above Souths. Even with Mitchell back, I think Souths will drop down from third.
It was interesting to see two of the bottom three from last year win. I do think Bulldogs are a lot stronger on paper than last year and Broncos too. No real blowout scores, which was good to see, as there's been loads last couple of years and that has hurt the competition.
Sky schedule is here- https://www.skysports.com/watch/rugb...mpetitions/nrl