NRL 2012 - Round 1

[balmainforever]

THURSDAY, 1ST MARCH
Newcastle vs St George-Illawarra (7.40pm - Ch 9)

FRIDAY, 2ND MARCH
Parramatta vs Brisbane (7.40pm - Ch 9)

SATURDAY, 3RD MARCH
Canberra vs Melbourne (5.35pm - FOX-LIVE)
Penrith vs Canterbury (7.35pm - FOX-LIVE)
North Queensland vs Gold Coast (9.35pm - FOX-LIVE) [8.35pm local]

SUNDAY, 4TH MARCH
New Zealand vs Manly (12.05pm - Ch 9) [2.05pm local]
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla (2.05pm - FOX-LIVE)

MONDAY, 5TH MARCH
South Sydney vs Sydney Roosters (7.05pm - FOX-LIVE)

 

[Aucklander]

Finally. Roll on Super Saturday.

Go the Warriors!!!

 

[balmainforever]

Am I reading the guide right???

Warrios-Manly will be live on Channel 9 before the cricket starts???

I just don't believe it

 

[Aucklander]

Yep, live on 9. Looks like it's live into Melbourne too.

 

[balmainforever]

Yep, live on 9. Looks like it's live into Melbourne too.

Sorry mate, knew it was live into the league states, did mean to say live into Victoria.

 

[meltiger]

Robbie/AMel can we get a sticky on this till Tuesday night?

 

[Aucklander]

Sorry mate, knew it was live into the league states, did mean to say live into Victoria.

All good mate. Complete shock.

Robbie/AMel can we get a sticky on this till Tuesday night?

Done.

 

[Aucklander]

Konrad Hurrell to debut for the Warriors. Exciting player.

 

[meltiger]

This the new centre?

 

[Aucklander]

This the new centre?

Yep. That's him.

 

[storm fan]

Top player.

 

[Northern_Union]

Geez i hate seeing the Warriors called the New Zealand Warriors. The only New Zealand team is the New Zealand Kiwis.

 

[Bomber Bears]

Should be a good opening round

 

[Aucklander]

Official teams

THURSDAY:

Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons at Hunter Stadium, 7:30pm

KNIGHTS: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Wes Naiqama, Timana Tahu, Akuila Uate, Kurt Gidley (c), Jarrod Mullen, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, Adam Cuthbertson, Chris Houston, Zeb Taia, Neville Costigan. Reserves: Matt Hilder, Richie Fa’aoso, Joel Edwards, Alex McKinnon.

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Danny Buderus

DRAGONS: Kyle Stanley, Brett Morris, Beau Scott, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (c), Jeremy Latimore, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Matt Prior, Ben Creagh, Dean Young. Interchange: Nathan Fien, Leeson Ah Mau, Trent Merrin, Jack de Belin

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Kyle Stanley

- Newcastle has lost at home in the first round only once since 1993
- The Dragons have won 11 of 13 matches at Hunter Stadium (undefeated since '03)
- 9 of the Dragons last 10 opening round fixtures have been decided by single figures

FRIDAY:

Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos at Parramatta Stadium, 7:30pm

EELS: Luke Burt, Ken Sio, Esi Tonga, Ryan Morgan, Cheyse Blair, Ben Roberts, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Mitchell Allgood, Nathan Hindmarsh, Taniela Lasalo Justin Horo. Interchange (from): Casey McGuire, Fuifui Moimoi, Justin Poore, Reni Maitua, Taulima Tautai

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Ben Roberts

BRONCOS: Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (c), Alex Glenn, Ben Te'o, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett, Scott Anderson.

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Corey Norman

- Brisbane have a better record at Parramatta Stadium than they do at home (71%)
- The past 3 games between Brisbane and the Eels at home have been decided by a combined 15pts
- Nathan Hindmarsh has faced Brisbane more times than any other opponent (25)

SATURDAY:

Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, 5:30pm

RAIDERS: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Shaun Berrigan, Reece Robinson, Terry Campese (c), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Travis Waddell, Learoyd-Lahrs, Josh Papalii , Bronson Harrison , Shaun Fensom. Reserves (from): Glen Buttriss, Joel Thompson, Dane Tilse, Brett White, Trevor Thurling

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Terry Campese

STORM: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Dane Nielsen, Justin O'Neill, Anthony Quinn, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Sika Manu, Ryan Hoffman, Todd Lowrie. Reserves (from): Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kevin Proctor, Siosaia Vave, Michael Greenfield, Sisa Waqa, Rory Kostjasyn

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Ryan Hoffman

- Melbourne has won 17 of their past 19 games against the Raiders
- Last season Canberra endured their worst ever home season (4-8)
- Billy Slater remains one try shy of 500 career points

Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Centrebet Stadium, 7:30pm

PANTHERS: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Michael Gordon, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Luke Lewis (c), Cameron Ciraldo, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Dayne Weston, Chris Armit, Nafe Seluini, Clint Newton, Blake Austin, Danny Galea

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Nathan Smith

BULLDOGS: Ben Barba, Steve Turner, Josh Morris, Jonathan Wright, Bryson Goodwin, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (c), Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, Dene Halatau, David Stagg. Interchange (from): James Graham, Greg Eastwood, Corey Payne, Joel Romelo, Kris Keating, Martin Taupau

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Josh Reynolds

- Penrith has won 9 of their last 12 games against the Bulldogs (4 by 20pts or more)
- Penrith has scored more tries against the Bulldogs at Centrebet Stadium than any other opponent (138)
- During their playing careers Des Hasler won 5 of 6 games when opposing Ivan Cleary

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 8:30pm

COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (c), Ray Thompson, Matthew Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall. Dallas Johnson. Interchange (from):James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Johnathan Thurston

TITANS: William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Jamal Idris, Dominique Peyroux, David Mead, Jordan Rankin, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Kayne Lawton, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange (from): Luke Douglas, Matt White, Ben Ridge, Matt Srama, Luke O'Dwyer

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Jordan Rankin

- North Queensland has won only 5 of 15 first round fixtures
- Gold Coast has lost 7 of their past 8 games against Queensland based opponents
- Matt Bowen requires 7 more for 500 career points

SUNDAY:

Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles at Eden Park, 2:00pm

WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Konrad Hurrell, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Elijah Taylor. Interchange (from): Lewis Brown, Sione Lousi, Ben Henry, Ukuma Ta'ai, Glen Fisiiahi, Krisnan Inu, Alehana Mara.

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Konrad Hurrell

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Oldfield, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams, Glenn Stewart. Interchange (from): Jamie Buhrer, Vic Mauro, Darcy Lussick, George Rose, Jorge Taufua

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Tony Williams

- The previous seasons’ Grand Finalists will open the following season for the first time since 1992
- The Warriors have won only 2 of their past 10 clashes against the Sea Eagles
- The Warriors have never held Manly to single figures

Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval, 2:00pm

TIGERS: James Tedesco, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Tim Moltzen, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Adam Blair, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange (from): Liam Fulton, Matt Groat, Matt Bell, Tom Humble, Joel Reddy

Toyota NRL Dream Team Players to Watch: James Tedesco

SHARKS: Nathan Gardner, Stewart Mills, Ben Pomeroy, Colin Best, Matthew Wright, Wade Graham, Todd Carney, Bryce Gibbs, Isaac De Gois, Ben Ross, Jeremy Smith, Anthony Tupou, Paul Gallen (c). Reserves (from): Andrew Fifita, Sam Tagataese, John Morris, Mark Taufua, Jayson Bukuya, Jon Green

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Todd Carney

- The Tigers have won 8 of their past 9 games at Leichhardt Oval
- Cronulla has defeated the Tigers only once in their past 13 clashes
- Benji Marshall scores more tries against Cronulla than any other opponent (7 from 9)

MONDAY:

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium, 7:00pm

RABBITOHS: Dylan Farrell, Matt King, Shaune Corrigan, Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess, Nathan Peats, Roy Asotasi, Dave Taylor, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker. Interchange (from): Dave Tyrell, Chris McQueen, Scott Geddes, Jason Clark, Necron Areaiiti, Fetuli Talanoa

Toyota NRL Dream Team Player to Watch: Adam Reynolds

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Justin Carney, Joseph Leilua, Mitchell Aubusson, Sam Perrett, Braith Anasta (c), Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Lama Tasi, Aidan Guerra, Boyd Cordner, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange (from): Tinirau Arona, Mose Masoe, Martin Kennedy, Daniel Mortimer, Anthony Mitchell, Peni Tagive

Toyota NRL Dream Team Players to Watch: Boyd Cordner

The Roosters have won 23 of their past 30 games against the Rabbitohs
Only 49pts separates the teams from 203 previous encounters
The Roosters have lost 7 of their last 8 games at ANZ Stadium

 

[Northern_Union]

Well, i've handed my wife her 6 months divorce papers. I'm pretty much a single man again till the season ends

 

[Aucklander]

Well, i've handed my wife her 6 months divorce papers. I'm pretty much a single man again till the season ends

LoL

Thank heavens for two tv's.

 

[storm fan]

Should be a good opening round

Understatement of the year? lol

 

[Northern_Union]

LoL

Thank heavens for two tv's.

The second TV was sent straight from god himself!

 

[Aucklander]

The second TV was sent straight from god himself!

Gotta keep the boss happy.

 

[moto748]

Who's this James Tedesco? Is he a youngster from the TC?

 

[storm fan]

Yep. He has performed great by all reports in the trials.

 

[CooperCronk]

Well, i've handed my wife her 6 months divorce papers. I'm pretty much a single man again till the season ends

ha ha

That's something you did wrong when you first met her.
Your first pick-up line should have been "are you a Warriors fan or a rugby league supporter"?

I give them a heave ho if they say NO
Don't mind if he's not a Storm fan but has to follow rugby league then you can work on him, lol.

 

[Luigi742]

Geez i hate seeing the Warriors called the New Zealand Warriors. The only New Zealand team is the New Zealand Kiwis.

totally agree, they are the Auckland Warriors, not the New Zealand Warriors. I know they are trying to make it seem like they represent all of New Zealand, but lets face it, they play most of their home games in Auckland, and for the most part, the only part of New Zealand the represent is the Auckland area.

On another note, can't wait for Monday night! Get to see Slipknot and the Rabbitohs smashing the roosters on the same night

 

[meltiger]

Mot, young Tedesco actually played SG Ball last year for Western Suburbs if I recall correctly.

Certainly didn't make his TC debut until mid season, something around 12 or 13 rounds in.

They are trying to keep the pressure off but many are quite a wrap on the boy. "in the Slater mould" has been bandied around. Obviously I haven't seen the trials though bar from some you tube highlights of the Parrascums game do couldn't comment personally.

 

[tugga]

Newcastle vs St George-Illawarra 22-16
Parramatta vs Brisbane 18-10
Canberra vs Melbourne 24-18
Penrith vs Canterbury 8-14
North Queensland vs Gold Coast 26-10
New Zealand vs Manly 16-14
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla 32-10
South Sydney vs Sydney Roosters nil-all (haha!) - 12-18