Round 1 will determine the Broncos and Dragons' seasons

I don't disagree. It has been widely acknowledged that up front is where the Broncos have lacked in recent years. Petro was last good prop with both size and skill and Wallace, while not a giant, was just starting to find his form before going to the Titans. The fact he made the Qld team shows he is quality. Lodge was very dominant in Q Cup but there is a big leap to NRL. Sammy (possibly Tagatese but until he plays I'll reserve judgement) aside, the other younger fellas are getting better and still in early 20s. Haas and Fifita are 18 and pushing all these guys already. I am interested in your thoughts about Bennett though. The loss of Hunt is a big one but considering he only played a handful of early round games at #7 yet the Broncos went to Prelim Final. Bird for Moga out wide and a better group of forwards, I would say the are better this year than last but still behind Storm, Roosters, Cowboys.

In 2006 Brisbane lost rnd 1 36 - 4 to the Cows and finished as premiers. In 2015 Brisbane lost Rnd 1 36 - 4 to Rabbits and made the GF. Should I be hoping for a drubbing rnd 1? Go the Broncs!

Still,there’s plenty to said for the article written by the loud and proud fan who actually watches his team closely and critically each week rather than the writer,occasional watcher who bases his view primarily from the stats sheet.. I’ve never been a Big Benny fan,but if he can get this squad into the semis it will cause me to rethink..Sims,Lodge Taga and Offen..would have to be the weakest prop rotation in Bronco history..and more significantly in the league..love to see what the coach has up his sleeve to counter his big boppers inability to get over the advantage line... On the other hand you’d have to be a disappointed Dragon fan if Mary can’t go deep into the semis with this roster on the back of last years frustration and the recruitment of the best prop from England and the best number 14 in Australia..

I wouldn’t read too much into one round. I was talking to a Broncos fan the other da6 and mentioned the lack of forward depth and he said that they’ve actually got quite a few young forwards in waiting and was quite comfortable with the losses of Ese’ese and Blair. Mirrors Nats comment above. I guess it remains to be seen if they’re first grade standard but Wayne-o knows his stuff...

If you want an NRL article to be popular, put “Broncos” in the title. If you don’t care at all about accuracy, write them off pre season.

Thats a bit harsh mate

Brisbane have a history of strong starts in round 1 however they have a few new blokes coming in, an out or two, and 3 of their four spine players won’t be playing any trials so they’re bound to be rusty. Neither team will be taking anything much out of this game though apart from the two points. I’d probably have dragons as slight favourites. If I tipped them they’d be sure to lose though ?

I am leaning towards the Dragons for this one . The Broncos will look very different this year and may take a few weeks to get going . Will it define their season if they lose . Hardly ..... and to quote , " premierships aren't won in March ". I think starting the season well is way more important for teams like the Knights , Warriors and Tigers who haven't an established much of a winning culture in recent times and need some wins to boost confidence and belief . I don't think anyone will be writing off the Storm or Roosters if they take only one win from their first four . You can probably put the Broncos and Cowboys in that basket as well .

Boring. Please don't write another article again. 20 seconds of my life wasted.

Walter, the early games can highlight issues, particularly a lack of depth, if any Club scores injuries in key positions. It can also highlight where more work needs to be done, eg if the Whiddup/Hunt combination does not immediately fire. What the early rounds can't do is truly indicate how a side might go in the Finals, or if they'll even make the Finals, as the mighty Dragons proved last year. The most exciting thing about the start of the season is the anticipation and you've managed to single out a game and provide some thoughts which are fair. Can't wait for the season to start.

I would give this article more credit if it wasn't written by a loud and proud Saints man. That and some facts. Your Dragons killed the opening part of the season in '17 but how did your finals campaign go? I would argue the Broncos finally have some depth. Hunt is the biggest loss but Kodi is no slouch and bucked up by Sam Scarlett and 20s NSW half Troy Dargan who is considered to be 2nd only to Cleary for their age. With an international backrow, Lodge, Sammy, Sims supported by Joey O, Tagatese, TPJ then young Haas and Fifita behind them. Up Front is where the Broncos have lacked before but all these young fellas are now 3-4 seasons in, half rep'd for Tonga/Samoa or Fiji and ready to match it in the NRL. While I don't put much weight in Rd 1, I am quite confident the Broncos will have the Saints measure.

This is going to be a really good round 1 clash. Broncos for the factors you mentioned will probably not be at their best, new players and Bird out. Both teams played very well in their Round 1 matches last year. Broncos beating reigning premiers Sharks in their home ground and Dragons demolishing premiership favorites Panthers. I really think the pressure is on the Dragons to win this one. For the aforementioned reasons Broncos have some 'excuses' for a slow start. Dragons are playing at home, no injuries and according to Mcgregor he finally has the roster that he always wanted. I actually like the fact that he's put himself under pressure with those statements so he's not going to have any excuses for this team not making the eight.

Oh, when the saints go marching in Oh Lord I want to be in that number When the saints go marching in That is what Walter is trying to say but did not want to upset too many opposition fans.

Must be a Souths fan. If they beat the Warriors in round one, the premiership is theirs.

Although the last line asking whether the first game of the year could define the season for the Broncos and the Dragons can't be anything but rhetorical and is a result of editing it seems it amazes me how many fans do panic about the results in the first few games. In some ways it's understandable because of the pent up anticipation. History proves that you can have a dismal start to the season like the Cows did a few years back and win the comp or blow the opposition away and miss the eight like the Dragons did in 17 Can the old fox Bennett prove that he is a super coach in the next few years? His record over the last 10 is that of a good coach but nothing special perhaps.

This article is so dumb. Round 1 never determines anyones' season. Dragons beat Penrith 42-10 last season in round one and missed the finals. Write about something else because rugby league isn't your thing

Oh come on, seriously no one knows. Anything can happen, just let it play out and see what happens!