NRL 2012 - Round 1

[Northern_Union]

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.

I'm proud to say i converted her to rugby league from union. She doesn't watch any union anymore, says it to slow after watching league.

 

[Bomber Bears]

Round one preview

Finally, footy is back. Trials, pre-season innuendo, arguments over the running of the game can take a back seat as the season proper kicks off this Thursday night. And what a first round has been thrown up. Bennett taking on his old club, the Tigers at Leichhardt, a replay of last seasons Grand Final and a battle between the foundation clubs amongst a host of enthralling matches. Should be a cracker of a round starting with the Thursday night kick off.

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Thursday 7:30pm, Hunter Stadium
Newcastle$1.62, St George Illawarra $2.45
Played 24, Dragons 15, Newcastle 9

A cracker of an opening match of a season. Wayne Bennett, Darius Boyd, Cuthbertson and McKinnon line up against their club of last season. The new era for the Knights under Tinkler against the team to beat of the past three seasons. A side fired up to prove they will still be competitive without the master coach and a very large attendance expected at the Hunter Stadium. Not to mention the return of a club legend. All the ingredients for a fiery clash.

It’s looking likely that the weather will play a large part in this match, with continuing rain likely to turn this match into a grind for territory. Not the ideal start to the season but can still make for a classic encounter. This helps the Dragons, as their forward pack is well suited to this style of play whilst the slightly bigger Knights pack will be brought back to their level. Mind you, if Bennett’s tenure at Saints is anything to go by the Knights will be well and truly ready for a grind.

Beyond that, Boyd will probably be the deciding factor. His kick returns will need to be high quality all night to cancel out Soward’s astute kicking game, as this is the sort of match Soward thrives on. If his returning of the ball prevents the Dragons pinning Newcastle down their own end I think the Knights have more points in them than the Dragons, although they’ll have to over come a terrible record at home having won just two out of 13 matches against the Dragons in Newcastle. Newcastle by 8

Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos
Friday 7:30pm,Parramatta Stadium
Parramatta $2.55, Brisbane $1.58
Played 43, Brisbane 26, Parramatta 16, 1 draw

These two clubs have had an enduring rivalry, particularly during the Brian Smith era at the Eels. They’ve tended to trade results, Brisbane too strong in Parramatta whilst the Eels have one of the better records in Brisbane. Both sides are going into this season with cautious optimism. Parramatta have recruited a new set of halves that they will hope will solve some of their atticking woes whilst Brisbane boast a very highly rated backline, albeit one that doesn’t have Lockyer to hold its hand.

Injuries have reared their ugly head with this one, with Jarryd Hayne missing for the Eels. They’ve only won once in the past seven matches he has missed so it will be a telling blow you would feel. Brisbane’s stronger forward pack should be able to get them home in this one, although don’t underestimate the Eels defense or Sandow’s ability to pull something out a hat but with no Hayne or Willie Tonga the backline doesn’t look to have enough points in it. Brisbane by 10

Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm
Saturday 5:30 pm, Canberra Stadium
Canberra $2.45, Melbourne $1.62
Played 29, Melbourne 22, Canberra 7

This is a match up that has been dominated byMelbourne. That Canberra managed to win in Melbourne last year, in the process breaking an eight match losing streak, was one of the upsets of the season. But this particular match doesn’t look to be one to break the mould.

Both sides are likely to be rusty, given that key players on each team have had a limited pre-season, but Melbourne still look the stronger team. A better spine and better coaching than what Furner offers the Raiders. For Canberra to win this one they will need their monster forward pack to dominate and not let Melbourne make metres. If they do get themselves some decent field position a lot will rest on Campese’s shoulders in what should be his first full match since 2010.

Melbourne of course have Cameron Smith, who will keep his side moving forwards. Their defence is generally good enough to stop opposition packs getting on top of them whilst their spine will be as dangerous as ever. I think they just look to be a stronger side across the park and will get the victory here. Melbourne by 12

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Saturday 7:30pm, Centrebet Stadium
Penrith $2.10,Canterbury$1.83
Played 81,Canterbury46, Penrith 32, 3 draws

Two sides which have had some pretty important changes over the last twelve months, both from a coaching and administrative perspective. Neither has yet had a big impact on their playing squads, and as such also rans from last season both look like also rans this season.

For Penrith Lachlan Coote has won the fullback position from Michael Gordon. They will be hoping for a strong performance from him. Much will be reliant on McKendry and Grant up front and Lewis in the back row having strong performances, whilst Walsh’s kicking game will have to be spot on. On the other hand Hasler has given the 5/8 jersey to Josh Reynolds. Pressure will be on their halves to provide opportunities for their backline, which last season was very reliant on individual brilliance from Barba to score points. Ultimately Ennis will have to be at the top of his game, getting his forward moving whilst providing organisation from dummy half, if Canterbury are to succeed.

For me this isn’t a particularly appealing match, both sides are a year or two off challenging for the title, but I think at home Penrith can get the points. Penrith by 8
North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans
Saturday 7:30pm (8:30 AEDST), Dairy Farmers Stadium
Nth Qld $1.53, Gold Coast $2.70
Played 9, Nth Qld 5, Gold Coast 4

A Queensland derby in round one, albeit one between sides a couple of thousands km apart, will get the viewers up north excited. Both sides will be desperate to get off to a good start after disappointing seasons last year.

North Queensland often hit the ground running and will be looking for another strong start to the year. Matt Scott up front is sure to lead his pack around strongly. It’s a pack that looks relatively strong despite Tariq Sims continued absence after his injury of last season. They should be able to get over the Gold Coast forwards who, despite the addition of Douglas and Myles, look a bit average. In the backs Thurston will be the key as ever. With Thurston’s range of attacking skills backed up by the support play of Bowen and a very solid centre combination in Tate and Linnett, the Cowboys look to be superior to a Gold Coast side that lacks creativity. Idris has a load of potential in his game but does not have a lot of support around him. Cowboys should be far too strong. North Queensland by 18

New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles
Sunday 12pm AEDST (2pm NZ, 11am Qld), Eden Park
Warriors $1.67, Manly $2.35
Played 21, Manly 14, Warriors 7

It was a bit of an occasion the last time these two sides faced off, Manly managing to walk away with a premiership trophy. Both sides will be fired up for bragging rights after round one. A big crowd is expected at the cauldron like atmosphere of Eden Park, scene of recent sporting triumphs in some other code, and it can be taken as read they will be very parochial.

On the field it should be a good contest, although a few external factors may influence proceedings. The Warriors have been hit by some key injuries, with starting front rowers Lillyman and Rapira absent. New signing Hurrell gets a run in the centres whilst Ropati is back from injuries. Despite injuries it still looks a very strong side. Nathan Friend should add a lot to this side, his dummy half work is quality. If Johnson and Locke can continue their form from last season there are points a-plenty in their side.

Manly, on the other hand, are at full strength, but could well be a bit fatigued after a tough off season. Travel toEnglandfor the World Club Challenge followed by travel for this match inAuckland could see them drop off in the last twenty minutes. Their side is a strong one, the back row in particular very dangerous, and with the Stewarts roving around ready to run off Foran and Cherry-Evans the Warriors defence will have to be on top of its game.

New Zealand aren’t known for their great starts and Manly will be targeting their fringe defence, I think they’ll spring an upset in what could be match of the round. Manly by 10

Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks
Sunday 2pm, Leichhardt Oval
Tigers $1.45, Cronulla $3
Played 20, Tigers 14, Cronulla 5, 1 draw

Nothing says rugby league in Sydney like Leichhardt on a sunny Sunday arvo. Unfortunately it feels like it’s rained for three months so I’m not sure if that’s going to happen this week. Still, it should be a pretty good match.

The Tigers have an imposing record over Cronulla, particularly over the last seven or so years. Their attacking class has tended to be far too much for the Sharks to deal with. Still, Cronulla do have Todd Carney this year and if he can perform he will certainly make them more dangerous. Unfortunately for them their centres and wingers are of a pretty average standard, and are unlikely to give Graham, Carney and Gardner much to work with.

The Tigers on the other hand look strong out of dummy half with Farah, especially if the likes of Galloway, Blair and Ellis give him room to move. How well Moltzen can link between Farah and Marshall will be a key to how their attack functions. Young fullback James Tedesco is very highly rated whilst Utai will step into the role left by Tuqiri’s injury. The Tigers just look stronger right across the board and should get their season off to a good start. Tigers by 14

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters
Monday 7pm, ANZ Stadium
Souths $1.90 Roosters $2
Played 203, Souths 106, Easts 92, 5 draws

The foundation clubs face off for the 204th time in the final match of this opening round. It’s a shame it’s a Monday as this could’ve drawn a much better crowd on another night, but it should be an interesting match up.

South Sydney’s strength is clearly in the forwards, although Luke Burgess is a loss there. With Burgess, Asotasi, Taylor and Crocker though it is a very strong looking side. Likewise the backline with Inglis fit looks dangerous. Dylan Farrell is surprisingly starting at fullback with Merritt back on the wing, and it will be interesting to see if this move pays off. All eyes will be on the halves, however, to see how Reynolds can go on debut.

Easts have been strong in their trials and, whilst they are missing centres Kenny-Dowall and Moga, they are a young side full of both enthusiasm and talent. Mitch Pearce and Jake Friend will have to play well for points to be scored, whilst they will be expecting a lot from their young forward pack.

I think these sides will go in opposite directions over the course of the season. Souths will take a few weeks to gel but will get better and better, whilst the Chooks seem like they will hit the ground running, although any young side is liable to burn out over a long season. I think the Roosters will get up in this one, ahead of a South Sydney side still finding its feet. Should be a cracker. Roosters by 7

The mighty North Sydney Bears are back in action this week, taking on the Balmain Tigers at the unfamiliar surrounds of Concord Oval on Saturday. It’s a strong Norths side featuring eight players on South Sydney’s books, including last season NSW Cup leading try scorer Curtis Johnston. Hopefully a win coming up to get the season off to a good start
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I'm writing them for a website that has it's URL blocked because the admins around here have a dose of paranoia in their actions but the link to a preview of every club as well as this opening round is on my twitter if any of you feel like having a look
https://twitter.com/#!/JackParle

 

[Aucklander]

Great stuff mate.

 

[The AXXXMAN]

Probably considered a minor issue but is really bigger than people may think.........and it really bugs me too......I wish the NRL (& the AFL because they're guilty of it as well) would be consistent and list all match scheduled kick-off times in one time zone, i.e., the NRL's (Sydney), rather than inconsistently using all 3 time zones which is the case when local times are used. The NRL.com (as well as the AFL.com.au) match centre banner doesn't even provide a quick key to inform the time zone used. A mate of mine was organising a get together for the GF rematch for 2pm EDT when the match is in fact scheduled for 12pm EDT. Clear and consistent application is required because it easily misleads visitors to the official website, affects supporters attending matches, and viewers planning to watch live broadcasts both within Australia and overseas.

As a comparison, the NFL schedules matches across 4 American time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain & Pacific) but officially uses Eastern Time start times of New York where the NFL is based. This clear and consistent application makes it easy to convert all start times to other time zones.

I guess as with most things in the Australian leagues, it will eventually follow the way it's properly done at some stage.

 

[red+black]

Given that 90%+ of BF'ers would be in Melbourne, can we have Melbourne times listed also when TV times are mentioned?

I won't be surprised if the next round of NRL TV rights do not bring the sport to the level of AFL coverage around the country. It is a disgrace that in 2012, almost 15 years after we have had an NRL presence, that we have to wait 3 hours or more for coverage.

THURSDAY, 1ST MARCH
Newcastle vs St George-Illawarra (7.40pm - Ch 9)
- Melbourne (1.00am - Ch 9, 10:30pm - FS 2)

FRIDAY, 2ND MARCH
Parramatta vs Brisbane (7.40pm - Ch 9)
- Melbourne (12.00am - Ch 9, 10:30pm - FS 2)

 

[Bomber Bears]

You'd think at this point they'd be putting matches on Gem.

At least the Warriors Manly match will be live

 

[Aucklander]

You'd think at this point they'd be putting matches on Gem.

At least the Warriors Manly match will be live

Yes and yes.

They'll get pumped anyway now with live AFL friday night on Fox and delay on 7, so what possible harm can it do?

 

[lockscombi]

knights -3.5 Sportsbet @ 2

 

[red+black]

I assume as per last year there will be a couple pubs here in Melbourne showing the ch 9 games live.

Refer to http://www.leagueofourown.net/page2.html

I just called the Imperial Hotel and they said they'll be showing the games live tonight and tomorrow, even though that page doesn't say they are. From speaking to the manager last year, he said his intention was to show every ch 9 game live into Melbourne.

 

[The Passenger]

here we go. game on. being back in sydney and with foxtel it will be a lot easier to follow the league than it has been over the past couple of years down in melbourne.

though if this chick does any more opening game montague voice overs, my mute button is going to get a workout.

EDIT: and they've just informed michael slater is on the footy show. not that i really watch it. but for those they do, and haven't been subjected to him through the cricket, all i'll say is good luck. he's a ******** enough commenting on a sport he played at international level....

 

[red+black]

At the Imperial Hotel. Looks like coverage here doesn't start until 8:30pm.

 

[tugga]

here we go. game on. being back in sydney and with foxtel it will be a lot easier to follow the league than it has been over the past couple of years down in melbourne.

though if this chick does any more opening game montague voice overs, my mute button is going to get a workout.

EDIT: and they've just informed michael slater is on the footy show. not that i really watch it. but for those they do, and haven't been subjected to him through the cricket, all i'll say is good luck. he's a ******** enough commenting on a sport he played at international level....

Thank god i have found someone else who thinks Slater is the most annoying gimp of a commentator on earth. I hate his commentary with a passion. Does not shut up and says nothing atbthe same time.

 

[The Passenger]

Thank god i have found someone else who thinks Slater is the most annoying gimp of a commentator on earth. I hate his commentary with a passion. Does not shut up and says nothing atbthe same time.

just go to the cricket board.

he, ian healy and brad haddin are the evil trinity at the moment.

 

[Bomber Bears]

Slater got channel nined, he was quite a good commentator on ABC and Channel 4 in england during the 05 Ashes, progressively worse since.

Although doesnt top Heals in the w***er stakes.

Anyway, what a game

 

[red+black]

Picked a good game to go out and watch. Imperial Hotel couldn't get the Imparja feed working so my mate and I had some pub grub and a couple beers. They finally got it working after 50 minutes so we saw the end.

 

[storm fan]

What a way to start the season? Great atmosphere and a great solid round 1 game to back up all the hype. Beautiful.

 

[red+black]

1:20am and the game hasn't started yet on ch9 in Melbourne

 

[tugga]

1:20am and the game hasn't started yet on ch9 in Melbourne

That is disgraceful

 

[meltiger]

At the Imperial Hotel. Looks like coverage here doesn't start until 8:30pm.

Always check the QLD times if heading to one of the pubs showi g 9's games mate.

As for 9. **** them. Footy Show before the game? They are genuinely taking the piss out of the NRL and us fans now.

Scumbags

 

[meltiger]

The Tigers have an imposing record over Cronulla, particularly over the last seven or so years.

What's our record against teams featuring one T Carney tho?

I truly hate him

Cronulla will win

 

[damochandler]

how stupid is tahu. he'll get 3 or more weeks for that. soward is still a primadonna

 

[damochandler]

corey norman is going to be a gun

 

[tugga]

What's our record against teams featuring one T Carney tho?

I truly hate him

Cronulla will win

You guys will smash them.

 

[CooperCronk]

Always check the QLD times if heading to one of the pubs showi g 9's games mate.

As for 9. **** them. Footy Show before the game? They are genuinely taking the piss out of the NRL and us fans now.

Scumbags

Well said MelT, stuff them and to put on the Footy Show before the game was a slap in the face to league (or fans of sport) not only in Melbourne but other afl states, including Tasmania.

Ch.9 also showed in the game on a 1 hr. delay into Q'ld!!!

And Ch.9's response when I rang them was - be grateful, we'll be showing the Manly vs Warriors game live into Melbourne Sunday Noon

There was an absolute flood of complaints on the WWOS Facebook and Twitter, and not once did they respond to a question or post.

 

[CooperCronk]

Had to have the above rant, sorry guys, but Ch.Nein just gives me the irrites!

Here are my Tips for Rd1 :

Thurs & Fridays game were :

St. Merge (too classy and the payback factor for Bennet leaving)

Broncos again too classy for Parra and I fear for S. Kearney's future at the club if his club keeps losing games this year.

Remaining games :

Raiders - 1st home game, huge forward pack will kill us, Cronk, Smith and Slater too underdone due to injuries in the off-season, the announcement of Dugan re-signing will also spur them.

Panthers

Cowboys

Tigers

Warriors (cos I hate Manly)

Rabbits