The most surprising performance of Round 1 came from the Dragons, whose line speed and silky skills in attack were a joy to watch. But the Eels were equally as impressive.
There are a number of other mouth-watering clashes this weekend to preview first though.
Manly Sea Eagles versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday, 11 March
Kick-off: 5:30pm at Lottoland
Two teams coming off Round 1 losses, Manly suffered from a lack of possession in their defeat to Parramatta, while the Rabbitohs lost Greg Inglis to an ACL injury and questions were asked after the international star was left to hobble on for more than a half.
The suspensions of Addin Fonua-Blake and Martin Taupau, as well as an eye injury to Lloyd Perrett gives Trent Barrett a selection headache, with the underdone Nate Myles starting at prop and former Bulldog and Warrior Shaun Lane coming off the bench.
As for Souths, they could regain the services of halfback Adam Reynolds after he trained solidly mid-week.
This is a tough game to gauge. Manly showed excellent defensive prowess in the face of very little possession, while the Bunnies were hapless without Reynolds leading them around the park.
Manly will struggle in the middle of the field, but they’ll get the job done against quite an average Souths pack.
Prediction: Manly by 6.
Canberra Raiders versus Cronulla Sharks
Saturday, 11 March
Kick-off: 7:30pm at GIO Stadium
The Raiders were very unlucky to have a try-scoring play called back for a forward pass in golden point. Ricky Stuart welcomes back fullback Jack Wighton, but loses Clay Priest and Joseph Tapine to injury.
The Sharks were slow out of the gates last weekend against the Broncos, as was expected, and Valentine Holmes is once again not named to feature.
Canberra will want to exact revenge on the Sharks after their qualifying final loss last season, and Josh Hodgson will be the difference.
Prediction: Canberra by 12.
Wests Tigers versus Penrith Panthers
Sunday, 12 March
Kick-off: 4pm at Campbelltown Stadium
The most disappointing performance in Round 1 came from the Penrith Panthers at Kogarah, where they made 600 fewer metres and conceded 42 points to one of the worst offensive line-ups in rugby league.
The Panthers lose Peta Hiku to an eye injury this week, but welcome back New Zealand international Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
As for the Tigers, they were exquisite in their win over the Rabbitohs, with their Big Four all firing and David Nofoaluma playing a stand-out game.
Off the back of their Round 1 performance, it would almost be impossible to pick the Panthers, but that’s what I’m doing. The Panthers need this victory more than the Tigers, and big men Trent Merrin and James Tamou were anonymous last weekend and will be eager to make amends.
Prediction: Penrith by 4.
St George Illawarra Dragons versus Parramatta Eels
Sunday, 12 March
Kick-off: 6:30pm at WIN Stadium
The Dragons clearly took exception to the club’s pre-season prediction and produced one of their best games in many seasons last weekend.
Meanwhile Parra controlled the ball the entire game and gave Manly nothing. Corey Norman was sensational, continuing to stake his claim for a representative jersey.
Though neither side is making changegs from last weekend, the Eels have the better line-up, and Norman will produce another masterclass.
Prediction: Parramatta by 10.
Billy Stevenson
Roar Guru
Interesting take. I didn't feel the Eels were quite as impressive as you've argued (after all, Manly is a pretty soft side at the moment) while it's hard to say if the Dragons are totally revitalised either - part of what I think will be interesting about the match is seeing which team really manages to make good on their Round 1 promises (or whether both teams manage to make good). I agree that the Tigers-Panthers match is more clear cut: Tiges will be anxious to continue their momentum, Panthers will be anxious to rebuild momentum and the team that wants it most will get it (although I'm backing and hoping for the Tigers - personal bias!). Thanks for the writeup - nice work.
Big Daddy
Guest
One interesting point this weekend will be the crowds. If you look at all the matches scheduled and the weather is fine there should be no excuses for poor crowds. Firstly Thursday night there was about 14k and this was a late night shopping night so they could have a bigger crowd if played over weekend. Friday - 2 matches - 1 in Brisbane and 1 in Auckland. Saturday - ,1 in Newcastle, 1 in Canberra and 1 in Sydney. Sunday- 1 in Wollongong and 1 in Campbell town So of the 8 eight matches 5 are being played out of town so there is no excuse that we have poor crowds tomorrow. This happens regularly throughout season. Sydney supporters are being starved of matches to attend. Look at round 3 - 6 out of town and 2 in Sydney. Very bad programming.
bearfax
Guest
It seems to take 3 or 4 rounds for teams to settle into their pattern and the winners and loses become evident (barring injury of course). So at the moment I think anything can happen especially with the lower ranked teams. And of course if teams get off to a good start they often seem to get their confidence up and go on with it. If St George beat Parramatta, dont be surprised if there is a dragon resurgence this year.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't think the Eels were super impressive last week. I'm reserving judgement on the Dragons attack at the moment despite the impressive score line. Panthers defence was soft and several tries were scored by players strolling over the line through wafer thin defence. They also scored a couple from broken field play. The Dragons get A+ for their effort and intensity and maybe their points came off the back of that...but I need to see a few more games before I declare their attack revitalised.
PatchMan
Guest
The Dragon's played much more fiercely than the Eels! With all that possession, parra' still couldn't get past the white strip' as often as they shouldve' compared to what the Dragon's did to Panther's! Yes it will be a great game with these two teams' but especially at home'..Dragon's should run riot nearing the end'.
peeeko
Roar Guru
"But the Eels were equally as impressive " - disagree