As the Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs and Dragons travel home from Sin City after successfully flying the NRL flag stateside, the rest of the competition gear up to run out for the remainder of Round 1 on this side of the globe.

There’s some mammoth matchups on the cards this week with competition heavyweights Brisbane and Penrith squaring off on Saturday and Jamal Fogarty instantly lining up against his old side, when Manly take on the Raiders.

Elsewhere, the Eels have the unenviable task of trying to end Melbourne’s miraculous Round 1 record when they travel to AAMI Park on Thursday.

A new season always brings a renewed sense of hope and optimism from clubs and supporters alike, so let’s see who can convert this off-field belief into on-field results.

For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of the rest of Round 1, check out our expert NRL Round 1 tips and predictions below.

Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels Prediction

Thursday, March 5, 8:00pm AEDT – AAMI Park

The remainder of NRL Round 1 gets underway on Thursday night when the Parramatta Eels travel to AAMI Park to take on the Melbourne Storm.

The powers that be have decided that this year it’s the Eels turn to be the Storm’s sacrificial lamb, because if you didn’t already know, Melbourne don’t like losing in Round 1.

They are so averse to tasting defeat to start a season, that they have never done so while Craig Bellamy has been their head coach.

For those at home keeping score, that has been 24 years. As impressive as the Eels have been recently, they won the 2026 Pre-Season Challenge after all, we simply can’t see them snapping the Storm’s streak.

Particularly on the road, and particularly without the services of their 2025 top scorer Josh Addo-Carr who is out with a thumb injury.

There is one final piece of damning evidence against the Eels too, Melbourne have won each of their last five matches against Parramatta.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm.

Betting tip: Under total match points.

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters Prediction

Friday, March 6, 6:00pm AEDT – Go Media Stadium

The new look Roosters will begin life with Daly Cherry-Evans as their halfback across the ditch against the depleted Warriors.

The former Queensland Captain showed everyone it’s never too late to change jobs, moving to Bondi after 14 years at Manly.

His addition, along with that of NSW hooker Reece Robson has launched the Tri-colours back into the premiership picture, although they’ll be with Robson here who is currently injured.

Speaking of injuries, the Warriors are set to be without half their spine as Luke Metcalfe and Te Maire Martin are out, as is departing representative forward Mitch Barnett.

Home ground advantage should ensure the damage isn’t too severe, but we can’t see the hosts overcoming this many outs against a side as stacked as the Roosters.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Roosters.

Betting tip: James Tedesco anytime try scorer.

Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers Prediction

Friday, March 6, 8:00pm AEDT – Suncorp Stadium

What a game we have here! Reigning premiers Brisbane will take on the side they dethroned, the Panthers, underneath the Friday night lights of Suncorp Stadium.

In a big boost for the visitors, Nathan Cleary has been cleared to play after a quick trip to the judiciary, meaning both sides will effectively be at full-strength.

At home and the reigning champions, it’s no surprise that Brisbane are the favourites here. However, heavy lies the crown and reigning premiers have lost each of their last three matches played in March.

They also recently lost to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge, and should they start as sluggishly here, Penrith have the personnel to punish them accordingly.

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers.

Betting tip: Reece Walsh first try scorer.

Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction

Saturday, March 7, 5:30pm AEDT – Ocean Protect Stadium

It’ll be a new dawn for the Gold Coast Titans when they hit the road to take on the Cronulla Sharks in Round 1.

They’ve got a new man in charge in Josh Hannay, and he should know this opponent better than most. He has both played for and coached the Sharks, but will this insider information be enough to help him guide the Titans to the two points?

History, form and the H2H odds all say no. Not only are Cronulla the overwhelming favourites here and playing at home, but they’ve also won 11 of its last 12 matches against the Gold Coast. Yikes.

Known for scoring and conceding points at a rate of knots, the only thing we’re certain about when it comes to the Titans this season is that it won’t be boring.

Not only have each of Gold Coast's last four matches have gone over the total match points line, but have lost each of their last three matches at this venue by a margin of 13+ points.

Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders Prediction

Saturday, March 7, 7:35pm AEDT – Brookvale Oval

All eyes will be on one man when the Manly Sea Eagles welcome the Canberra Raiders to Brookvale Oval to close out Saturday’s Round 1 action.

That man is of course Jamal Fogarty who departed the Raiders at the end of last season and headed to the Northern Beaches to take on the gigantic task of replacing Daly Cherry-Evans as the Sea Eagles halfback.

Fogarty was one of the main reasons why the Raiders rock and rolled all the way to the minor premiership last season, so it will be interesting to see how they manage without him.

Still, there were 16 other players around Fogarty that helped the Green Machine finish first in 2025 so we’re not about to write them off based on one man.

Their away record is also nothing to scoff at, as they’ve won eight of their last 10 away matches.

Head-to-head prediction: Canberra Raiders.

Betting tip: Jamal Fogarty anytime try scorer.

The Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction

Sunday, March 8, 4:05pm AEDT – Suncorp Stadium

The final game of NRL Round 1 sees the Dolphins welcome the South Sydney Rabbitohs to Suncorp Stadium.

There’s no denying that the Bunnies were tormented by injuries last season as they slumped to 14th.

They should be a lot more competitive this year as they welcome back their stars and welcome onboard human wrecking ball David Fifita.

However, they still have to deal with a number of outs, with half of their spine sidelined for this one with both Brandon Smith and Jamie Humphreys unavailable.

They also despise playing at this particular stadium, losing their last five matches at Suncorp.

The Dolphins were building towards something special last term, so look to them to continue that in 2026.

In Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow they possess one of the NRL’s most lethal combinations and we back these two to link up and lead the Phins to victory here.

Head-to-head prediction: The Dolphins.

Betting tip: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow first try scorer.

Wests Tigers – BYE

The Tigers will start the season with a bye and a free two points. Enjoy Tigers fans, because if past seasons are anything to go by, it’s all downhill from here.