THE countdown to the NRL 2015 season has been filled with anticipation, excitement and drama but the wait is over.
Tipsters are nervously asking if they are ready to take on the challenge of another season.
Fans, players, coaches and officials are all unsure how these opening rounds will pan out.
From the kick off at Suncorp tonight until the first weekend in October many of us will be consumed by the greatest game of all. Let the fun begin.
The Broncos and Premiers, the Bunnies both tasted recent success in the UK.
The Bunnies have picked up where they left off in 2014. Already they have the Auckland Nines and World Club Challenge trophies in the cabinet.
No Sam Burgess, Ben Teo and John Sutton this season – no worries. Inglis has been handed the captaincy and is setting a great example – already eyeing off premiership 2015.
The Wayne Bennett influence has been immediately noticeable at Red Hill. Busy off-season recruitment sees a very different playing roster in 2015.
Look for a big performance in the opener from Adam Blair and Ben Hunt. They are relishing the opportunity to work with Lockyer and Langer who are playing a big role at the club this season.
The Broncos pre-season form includes that tough and then bizarre extra time win over Wigan. Positive signs for the Broncos’ faithful.
Bennett surprised many announcing Justin Hodges as captain – the first of what will no doubt be many surprises as the season unfolds. Expect some bold moves from the wily Bennett.
The Eels are a team on the move. Losing J. Hayne was a blow but forces others to take more responsibility. Impressive signs in recent trial games and Parra are sure to make their presence felt this season.
The Sea Eagles have wallpapered over boardroom struggles in recent season but they are beginning to have a major impact on the field. Ongoing drama in the playing group is not good. They have lost their share of players but still have Foran and DCE.
In spite of a horror year, the Knights won their fair share of games at the back end of 2014. They are free from ownership dramas and with a new coach; new attitude and some important signings fans will be expecting a good start. Capable of beating anyone if they are on their game.
The Warriors – awesome one day, horrendous the next – drive tipsters, fans, coaches, selectors and opponents insane. Have the talent to beat any team but often prefer to beat themselves. Don’t have a good away record but wins never surprise.
The Titans have shattered but have plenty to prove. There have been so many changes players may need name badges to identify each other.
The Tigers are the brash new kids on the block. Everyone is expecting big things from this young group under their new coach and they will challenge the top teams. They are overdue for an injury-free season.
Out of adversity often comes strength. Look for a bold showing here from the Coast in their opener.
The Cowboys are a serious football team. They have a great record at home but need to improve their away record to win the premiership. Good signings in the off-season and will be boosted by the re-signing of Jason Taumalolo.
The Roosters were minor premiers in 2014 but were missing the hunger they showed in their premiership year. Blake Ferguson has been impressive in trial games and will be a real asset. Great playing roster. Another good season beckons but the Cowboys should be smiling in Townsville.
Teams and tipsters should be wary of the Panthers in 2015. They surprised everyone to still be in the mix when the whips were cracking in 2014 despite serious injuries to key players.
They have an almost unchanged roster combining youth and experience. We will see some exciting youngsters make the transition to first grade this season.
The Dogs are sure to be snapping at the heels of the top teams. They have a strong forward pack and have recruited well in the off-season. Brett Morris joins his twin brother at the club after the Dogs lured him from the Dragons Den. Englishman James Graham returns as captain. With new signings and the Blues halves combination they look contenders.
The Sharks dive into the season without the baggage that weighed them down in 2014.
They have a mix of talent, experience, match-winners and grunt. Ben Barba may provide the X-factor they need in 2015. The Sharks could be the Smokeys in 2015.
There was little joy for the Raiders in 2014 and they have lost plenty of big names without recruiting well for the upcoming season.
Ricky Stuart’s return to the club has not met with the success they anticipated and now there is a weight of expectation on the club’s favourite son. Can’t see it being a better year for you if you are a Raiders fan.
It is a new look Dragons outfit after a big recruitment drive. They impressed in the UK and under coach Mary McGregor there are signs of a change in attitude as well as personnel.
This is another club with tension simmering in the boardroom and beginning to take a toll on the playing roster. Fans will be watching closely and breathing fire if they miss the eight again.
Melbourne has retained many of their senior players – they form the nucleus of a team that plays a great brand of football. They have tinkered with the playing roster and some fresh faces joining the experienced crew.
You can never discount Melbourne and the core playing group start the season in the best shape they have been in for years. The big three Smith, Slater and Cronk are hungry for another premiership trophy before they call it quits.
Major Storm warning for all clubs this season – Melbourne will be coming at you.
Round 1 Matches
Thursday: Broncos v Rabbitohs
Friday: Eels v Sea Eagles
Saturday: Knights v Warriors
Saturday: Titans v Tigers
Saturday: Cowboys v Roosters
Sunday: Sharks v Raiders
Sunday: Panthers v Bulldogs
Monday: Dragons v Storm
