Round one had it all. Big wins to Parramatta, Newcastle and Penrith, the return of Sonny Bill Williams and the Storm opening up their premiership defence in style.

Now, let’s see what’s in offer for round two.

Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Thursday March 14
8:05pm AEDT
ANZ Stadium

This is no doubt the match of the round. The Parramatta Eels, all guns firing in their demolition of the Warriors, take on the Bulldogs who return to ANZ Stadium for the first time since last year’s grand final loss.

Parramatta fans must be very excited about their team’s big win last week, but they should remember that it’s only round one and that premierships are not won in the first round.

But the manner in which they so easily dominated the Warriors will surely worry Des Hasler and the Bulldogs, against whom they have lost their last four dating back to 2010.

Jarryd Hayne and Chris Sandow are rediscovering the form that wasn’t seen last year, and their progress under Ricky Stuart should be heartening to long-suffering Eels fans who have seen their side struggle in the last three seasons.

The Bulldogs had a disappointing first round loss to the Cowboys last week, though this was not helped by Ben Barba’s indefinite suspension which could have an effect on the team this season.

So far it’s not known when he will come back, but fans must surely be wishing it comes sooner rather than later, given the team struggled in attack last week, scoring only 12 points.

Their fans should also remember that it’s only the beginning of the season and not all teams that go on to win the premiership will start a season strongly.

Last meeting: Bulldogs 32-12 at ANZ Stadium, Round 19, 2012.

Last week: Parramatta were clinical in thrashing the Warriors, whilst the Bulldogs were disappointing in a loss to the Cowboys.

KEY: Jarryd Hayne/Chris Sandow vs. Josh Turner/Josh Reynolds. The Turner/Reynolds combination struggled against the Bowen/Thurston combination last week. How will they fare against Parramatta’s combination of Hayne and Sandow?

TIP: I’m predicting the Eels will continue where they left off last week. Eels by 10 points.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Brisbane Broncos

Friday, March 15
8:05pm AEDT
WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Two powerhouse clubs of the past head-to-head in what could be an indicator as to which team will continue to struggle this season. Both teams suffered contrasting disappointing losses which suggest that their former glory days are well and truly behind them.

The Dragons’ loss to Melbourne last week was expected, given the lack of experience in the playing squad, and the fact they were facing the defending premiers in their own backyard.

The retirement of Ben Hornby leaves a big hole in the Dragons’ playmaking department, and without Dean Young, the forward pack isn’t as strong as it was.

This leaves Steve Price with a headache. Does he try to experiment with the experienced players he has, or take risks and blood some new talent?

Last week, the Dragons never really got going, enduring a scoreless first half and only scoring 10 points in the second.

The Broncos must still be kicking themselves after letting slip a 14-6 halftime lead to lose to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22-14 at home last week.

They performed well in the first half, but lost it completely in the second half, raising fears that attitude problems were likely to blame.

Like their opposition this Friday night, the Broncos are in rebuilding mode, following the retirements of Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva. As a result of their retirements, as well as the departures of Gerard Beale and Ben Te’o to other clubs, this Broncos side has been severely weakened.

Besides David Stagg and Scott Prince, the club was unable to successfully lure any other players to Red Hill.

Last meeting: Broncos 28-20 at Suncorp Stadium, Round 5, 2012.

Last week: Both clubs were disappointing first round losers to the Storm and Sea Eagles respectively.

KEY: Jamie Soward vs. Scott Prince. The same year Soward made his first grade debut, 2005, was the same year Prince led the Wests Tigers to the premiership. After hitting their peaks, both are now struggling with real confidence issues.

TIP: Dragons by 6 points.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm

Saturday, March 16
6:30pm AEDT
1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville

This is the latest test in Melbourne’s tough start to the 2013 season. They’ve already played a trial match in Geelong and recently won the World Club Challenge playing in London’s cold weather.

They also had to play their first round match against the Dragons in 30-degree temperatures, and mercy will not be welcome when they face up to the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.

Melbourne were clinical from the start in its win over the Dragons, never letting them into the match and producing a dominant first half to lead 18-0 at halftime.

Billy Slater and Cameron Smith will once again be the brains trust at the Storm as they attempt to win back the second of their stripped premierships.

And their recent form is likely to suggest that no other team, maybe apart from the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles, will threaten this champion side at all this season.

Now that the Cowboys have finally sorted out the future regarding Johnathan Thurston, they should now let their football do the talking.

Last week’s win over the Bulldogs was an impressive way to start the season and maybe it will lay the platform for what should be a successful season for the 2005 grand finalists. The Cowboys will also enter this match full of confidence knowing they also beat the Storm in Melbourne last year, a hard task for most clubs in the NRL.

Last meeting: Cowboys 20-16 at AAMI Park, Round 19, 2012.

Last week: Melbourne were clinical in thrashing the Dragons, whilst the Cowboys sprung an upset win over the Bulldogs in Townsville.

KEY: Slater/Cronk vs. Bowen/Thurston. This makes for a dream match-up, especially if you are a Queensland Origin supporter.

TIP: Storm by 14 points.

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters

Saturday, March 16
7:30pm AEDT
Eden Park

Two teams with new coaches, hired to rescue their teams in the wake of a disappointing 2012 season. Both first round losers, one of them will finally win their first match of the season this Saturday night.

The New Zealand Warriors’ dismal first round loss to Parramatta illustrates why they are favourites for the wooden spoon this year. They lacked direction and could not attack a revitalised Eels side which were led superbly by Jarryd Hayne and Chris Sandow.

They have also lost the leadership of James Maloney, who will now line up against the team-mates he deserted in favour of bigger money at the Roosters and, what he claims, “more freedom”.

His defection to the Roosters has earned the ire of the Warriors fans, as he was one of their best when the Warriors made the Grand Final in 2011. Now, he will be on the receiving end from what is expected to be a pro-Warriors crowd at Eden Park.

The Roosters weren’t all that disappointing last week, but there was no shame in losing to a club which made the preliminary finals last year.

Sonny Bill Williams was solid in his return to rugby league and even scored a try in the 50 minutes he was given to perform.

Michael Jennings was also quiet in his tricolours debut, but as the season progresses we may finally get to see the best of him. But their defence needs to tighten up a bit as they conceeded five tries last week against the South Sydney machine.

The fact that James Maloney is facing his old club, and Sonny Bill Williams returning to New Zealand for the first time since featuring in the All Blacks’ World Cup winning team of 2011, should spur the Roosters to victory.

Winning over the crowd, however, is another matter.

Last meeting: Warriors 30-26 at Mt Smart Stadium, Round 10, 2012.

Last week: Both clubs were very disappointing, the Warriors losing decisively to Parramatta and the Roosters getting hammered by the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

KEY: The Roosters’ recruits. They’ve had one game together (except Luke O’Donnell), now they need to develop combinations.

TIP: Roosters by 18 points.

Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders

Sunday, March 17
1:00pm AEDT
Skilled Park

Judging by their form last week, I think it’s pretty fair to say that little will be expected of both teams this season.

Canberra, without Josh Dugan (who, along with Blake Ferguson have been suspended indefinitely for alcohol issues), struggled to put anything together against Penrith.

The Titans were just edged out by the Sharks, though they had numerous chances to win that match with only a missed conversion the difference between glory and heartbreak.

The Titans have rebuilt their list following its disastrous 2011 season in which they picked up the wooden spoon, and they have done so impressively.

The Coal Train, Dave Taylor, is their latest big name recruit, from the Rabbitohs. He was very impressive on his Titans debut last week, scoring the final try.

His appearance in a forward pack which features fellow import Nate Myles (though he has been at the club for more than one season now) makes for an intimidating forward pack.

Nothing seems to be going right for the Canberra Raiders right now.

Not only did they lose 32-10 to the Penrith Panthers last week, they have since stood down Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson indefinitely over alcohol issues.

Canberra have had a history of underachieving in odd years (it’s been a decade since they last made the finals in an odd year) which follows great seasons in even years.

Unless they start picking up some attitude and consistency soon, it’s hard to see Canberra making the finals this year.

And they are facing a team that is smarting from a two-point defeat.

Last meeting: Titans 38-26 at Canberra Stadium, Round 19, 2012.

Last week: Both teams suffered contrasting losses: Canberra were disappointing against Penrith whilst the Titans were just edged out by the Sharks.

KEY: The Titans’ imports. Can they return the club to the finals this year? Also, home ground advantage will be a massive factor.

TIP: Titans by 16 points.

Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers

Sunday, March 17
3:00pm AEDT
Campbelltown Sports Stadium

On paper, it appears like a battle between two contenders for the wooden spoon. One team is living up to that expectation, whilst another appeared anything but wooden spoon contenders by their performance last week.

The Wests Tigers’ first round hammering by Newcastle is a likely indication that the club will continue to struggle in 2013.

And this is a club that was touted as premiership favourites twelve months ago.

Although they scored the first try last week, they simply had no answer to a red-hot Newcastle side and missed over 30 tackles with Chris Lawrence and new import Braith Anasta being one of the chief culprits.

Mick Potter clearly has a lot of work to do, especially with his forwards, if the Tigers are ever going to bounce back from this debacle.

Nothing negative can be said about Penrith at the moment, who were very impressive against the Raiders last week.

They have showed signs that they have moved on without Michael Jennings and Luke Lewis, two products of the club who were there when Penrith needed them most.

Ivan Cleary has done a good job in cleaning out the club even if it meant they finished second last in 2012.

He will also very likely continue the Panthers’ tradition of blooding new players from their junior clubs, and soon develop a team that will challenge for a premiership in the next decade.

Last meeting: Wests Tigers 26-18 at Campbelltown Stadium, Round 19, 2012.

Last week: The Tigers were dismal against Newcastle, but Penrith were very impressive against Canberra.

KEY: Home ground advantage. The Tigers have beaten the Panthers the last few times they have played at Campbelltown, in 2010 and 2012, and will surely want to relish bouncing back in front of their home fans. But I can’t see that happening.

TIP: Panthers by 12 points.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights

Sunday, March 17
6:30pm AEDT
Brookvale Oval

A team that is still going strong against a team that is very close to rediscovering their best form and their potential. These two teams’ performances last week make for an intriguing second round match here at Brookvale Oval.

The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles showed why they are one of the most consistent teams in the NRL with a come-from-behind victory over the Brisbane Broncos last Friday night.

They know how to keep calm on the field, even when they were behind at half-time.

They achieved the victory without Glenn Stewart, who is out until the representative weekend with a shoulder injury. The team can still carry on without him but this will be their first genuine test this season, facing a side which leads the competition after just one round.

Newcastle were impressive in all aspects of its win against Wests Tigers last week, missing just five tackles and finally starting to show their potential under Wayne Bennett, who last year missed the finals for the first time since 1991.

The main reason why Newcastle missed the finals last year was the absence of captain Kurt Gidley, who last week was impressive in his first match since April last year.

Akuila Uate also showed why he will be unstoppable this year, scoring a hat-trick and running with the ball more metres than any other player on the field.

Last meeting: Sea Eagles 42-20 at Brookvale Oval, Round 24, 2012.

Last week: Both were impressive winners in their first round matches over the Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers respectively.

KEY: Akuila Uate. It will take a lot of effort for Manly to stop him. Likewise, Newcastle have set their sights on stopping Brett Stewart.

TIP: Sea Eagles by 8 points.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Monday, March 18
7:00pm AEDT
ANZ Stadium

The side that has been touted as premiership favourites, against a side which finally appeared to be heading towards the upper until a drugs scandal grounded the team and coach Shane Flanagan.

This sets up what should be an entertaining Monday night second round match.

The Rabbitohs are second-favourites for this year’s premiership and last week’s win over the new-look Sydney Roosters explains why.

They have trained hard during the off-season in an effort to go one better this year, after they were crushed by the Bulldogs in the preliminary final.

Greg Inglis played most of last year at fullback, which coincided with the Bunnies’ best season since 1989, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t be the best fullback in the competition right now, given the indefinite suspension of Ben Barba.

If Inglis can stay fit throughout the season, the Rabbitohs will be unbeatable.

A drugs scandal appeared to spell the end of the Sharks’ premiership hopes even before the season started. But it has not dented the confidence of the players as they vow to play for their embattled coach and their fans.

Last week’s victory over the Titans showed the strong character of a club which has had its fair share of hell over the last 46 years. Just when the Sharks appeared to have assembled their best roster in a very long while, the drugs scandal which hit the club this time last week claimed its biggest victim in Flanagan.

Whilst there’s talk that he could be back in the job as early as next week, the Sharks should now focus on trying to play through the season without being distracted by what is potentially the biggest drugs scandal in NRL history.

Last meeting: Sharks 20-7 at Sharks Stadium, Round 24, 2012.

Last week: The Rabbitohs fended off the new-look Roosters, whilst the Sharks held out the Gold Coast Titans after a week from hell.

KEY: Both clubs have assembled very strong rosters in its bid to go deep in this year’s competition. But, based on experience, the Rabbitohs are ahead in its premiership plans than the Sharks are.

TIP: Rabbitohs by 10 points.