New Beginnings

An insight into round 1 of the NRL pre-season

F. A. Loxton

WITH SOME HUGE SIGNINGS AT THE CLOSE OF THE 2022 SEASON, this year’s NRL calendar was set to be season to remember, and with round one of pre-season commencing last weekend, there were certainly some highlights to look forward to.

The round started with the Warriors claiming a strong win over the Tigers. Marcelo Montoya reaped havoc on the tigers backline scoring a hat-trick as the Tigers looked in awfully similar form to their disappointing 2022 season. Although the margin was thirty six points, Api Koroisau is yet to make his debut for the black and orange, and will provide valuable defense and speed to their spine.

In a grand final rematch, the Panthers edged out the Eels for a third time in a row, including the big dance, with mostly development players starting for both teams.

Finally, the Roosters new inclusion; Brandon Smith, proved pivotal in their win against his old club, with Victor Radley and Jaxson Paulo among other try scorers.

The Dolphins will also look to stamp their name into the records under Wayne Bennett’s eye, as they enter the competition as a seventeenth team this year. Ultimately, this year’s season looks to be highly promising and competitive, with narrow wins also claimed by the Sharks, Sea Eagles and Cowboys.