<p>The wait is almost over, NRLW round 1 is on our doorstep. Australia’s premier women’s rugby league competition returns on July 25th, with 10 teams hoping to write their names into history.</p> <p>So, before we dive into the action, what are the major talking points ahead of NRLW round 1?</p> <p>Well, the Knights are looking to establish a dynasty, the Roosters have to deal with some major injury setbacks and the Eels are going to do everything in their power to put as much distance between themselves and the wooden spoon.</p> <p>With so many storylines set to play out, the<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/predictions/nrlw-2024-season-preview"> NRLW 2024 season</a> is not to be missed, and neither is round 1, which looks set to be the ultimate opening chapter.</p> <p>NRLW round 1 is also part of Sportsbet’s <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/try-july-2024">Try July</a> and if last season’s efforts are anything to go by, we’re about to be treated to some truly epic post-try celebrations.</p> <p>Alright, let’s get into the action, shall we? For the latest news, analysis, odds betting advice and more, check out our NRLW round 1 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Newcastle Knights Women vs Sydney Roosters Women Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, July 25, 7:45pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What a way to start both the new NRLW season and NRLW round 1. The defending champions versus the number one contenders, could we see the game of the season straight out of the gate?</p> <p>Unfortunately, the gloss has been taken off this one ever so slightly due to some last-minute injuries to a number of the Roosters’ stars.</p> <p>NSW State of Origin five-eighth Corban Baxter will not just miss this game, but the whole season for the Chooks after rupturing her ACL in pre-season.</p> <p>The loss of such a key player, will surely prove detrimental to the Tri-colours hopes of winning this one.</p> <p>To make matters worse, Baxter will be joined in the treatment room by both Brydie Parker and Shawden Burton.</p> <p>No doubt, the all-conquering Knights and the current best player in the women’s game - Tamika Upton will be waiting capitalise on the Roosters misfortune in the curtain raiser for the new NRLW season.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/newcastle-knights-women-v-sydney-roosters-women-8402881">Newcastle Knights.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Tamika Upton anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>Cronulla Sharks Women vs North Queensland Cowboys Women Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Saturday, July 27, 11:00am AEST – Shark Park</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Up next the Cowboys are off to swim with the Sharks in the first of two Saturday specials.</p> <p>There’s not a lot to love about the North Queenslanders at the moment, as they are firmly in a rebuilding stage after narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon last season.</p> <p>The Sharks will be hoping to swim towards the top four and with players like newly minted captain and international centre Tiana Penitani in their side, they are every chance of making a real splash this season.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/cronulla-sharks-women-v-north-queensland-cowboys-women-8402882">Cronulla Sharks.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Tiana Penitani first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Broncos Women vs Parramatta Eels Women</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 27, 12:45pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One of the favourites for the premiership, against the favourite for the wooden spoon. This could be a very one-sided NRLW contest indeed.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since the inception of the women’s competition, the Brisbane Broncos have been a perennial powerhouse. With strike players such as Ali Brigginshaw, Julia Robinson and barnstorming centre Mele Hufanga in their side, they look destined for the upper echelons of the table once more.</p> <p>At home against an Eels side who finished at the foot of the ladder last season and are heavily tipped to do so again in 2024, it should be all one-way traffic at Lang Park on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/brisbane-broncos-women-v-parramatta-eels-women-8402893">Brisbane Broncos.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Mele Hufanga anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>St George Illawarra Dragons Women vs Gold Coast Titans Women’s Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 28, 12:00pm AEST – Win Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Titans will be highly rated this season, but for those looking for a value bet in NRLW round 1, this could be it.</p> <p>The Dragons were fairly inconsistent last year, while the Titans found themselves finishing in the top four.</p> <p>However, at the start of a new season, anything can happen. With home ground advantage and strike centre Margot Vella on their side, a Red and White boilover could be on the cards.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/st-george-illawarra-dragons-women-v-gold-coast-titans-women-8403059">St George Illawarra Dragons.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Margot Vella first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wests Tigers Women vs Canberra Raiders Women Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 28, 1:45pm AEST – Campbelltown Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The final game of NRLW round 1 sees the Wests Tigers welcome the Canberra Raiders to Campbelltown Stadium.</p> <p>Unfortunately for fans of the Balmain club, there are far too many similarities between the men’s and women’s team in terms of form.</p> <p>They only won twice last year, while their opponents recorded a respectable fifth placed finish in 2023.</p> <p>We think the Tigers will offer a decent amount of resistance at home and force the Green Machine to really work and grind for the two points on Sunday arvo, but we won’t be backing an upset here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrlw/wests-tigers-women-v-canberra-raiders-women-8403198">Canberra Raiders</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Under total match points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRLW 2024 Premiership Odds</h2>