With Las Vegas well and truly in the rear vision mirror, the NRL moves onto Round 2. The opening round saw an abundance of upsets as 2023 form was completely thrown out the window. Historically, the second round is where we see the teams that were upset in week one, bounce back to avoid going 0-2.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, March 14
Brisbane Broncos vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Suncorp Stadium, 8pm (AEDT)
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau Reserves: 19. Xavier Willison 20. Tristan Sailor
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Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray Bench: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Davvy Moale 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Thomas Burgess Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Taane Milne
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: David Munro, Tyson Brough Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction: These two teams return from Las Vegas having lost their opening round games. They've had an extra week to recover from the jetlag and neither will want to start the season with two losses, so this should be an enthralling battle. At this stage, both teams have some improvement needed if they are to fulfil their goal of making the finals. At home I think the Broncos will bounce back to win this one.
Tip: Broncos by 14
PointsBet odds: Broncos $1.40 (-8.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $2.95 (+8.5 $1.90)
Friday, March 15
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
PointsBet Stadium, 6pm (AEDT)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton Reserves: 18. Kayal Iro 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Daniel Atkinson 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jayden Berrell
Bulldogs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin Reserves: 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Kitione Kautoga 21. Jake Turpin 22. Toby Sexton 23. Josh Addo-Carr
Officials
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Touchies: Phil Henderson, Damian Brady Bunker: Todd Smith
Prediction: The Sharks surprised most pundits last weekend with an impressive effort in beating the highly touted Warriors in Auckland. The Bulldogs surprised no one when outgunned by the Eels. This game would be a prime candidate for a second round rebound, only the Bulldogs don't seem to have the forwards needed to trouble the Sharks' pack. At home the Sharks should make it two from two to start the season.
Tip: Sharks by 10
PointsBet odds: Sharks $1.35 (-8.5 $1.90) Bulldogs $3.20 (+8.5 $1.90)
Penrith Panthers vs. Parramatta Eels
Accor Stadium, 8pm (AEDT)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner Reserves: 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Paul Alamoti 22. Brad Schneider
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood Bench: 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Luca Moretti 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Blaize Talagi
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Chris Sutton, Matt Noyen Bunker: Grant Atkins
Prediction: The Panthers looked out of sorts last week as the Storm stepped up the pressure on halfback Nathan Clearly. The Eels had little trouble taking care of the Bulldogs, although their attack did splutter at times against a determined defence. On first round form you might pick the Eels, but it is hard to imagine the Panthers losing a second straight game, particularly at home.
Tip: Panthers by 10
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.40 (-7.5 $1.90) Eels $2.95 (+7.5 $1.90)
Saturday, March 16
Canberra Raiders vs. Wests Tigers
GIO Stadium, 3pm (AEDT)
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo Reserves: 18. Nick Cotric 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Zac Woolford 22. Trey Mooney
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Starford To'a 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Alex Seyfarth Bench: 14. Aidan Sezer 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Twal 17. Samuela Fainu Reserves: 18. Asu Kepaoa 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Justin Matamua 21. Alexander Lobb 22. Jake Simpkin
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Wyatt Raymond, Paki Parkinson Bunker: Ashley Klein
Prediction: Ricky Stuart's Raiders were very impressive last week in upsetting the Knights in Newcastle. The Tigers have had their feet up enjoying the bye as they prepare to put into action Benji Marshall's plans for leaving the wooden spoon behind. A Tigers victory here would be a massive upset, but after last weekend, nothing would surprise.
Tip: Raiders by 8
PointsBet odds: Raiders $1.47 (-6.5 $1.90) Tigers $2.70 (+6.5 $1.90)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle Knights
Queensland Country Bank, 5:30pm (AEDT)
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki Reserves:18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Jack Gosiewski 22. Jake Clifford
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Jed Cartwright Reserves: 18. Brodie Jones 19. Will Pryce 20. Mathew Croker 21. Fletcher Sharpe 22. Thomas Cant
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Belinda Sharpe, Michael Wise Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Prediction: The Cowboys blew the Dolphins out of the water last week with a dominating first half performance. The Knights were disappointing against the Raiders at home and will be one of the clubs determined not to lose two straight. Expect a bounce back performance from the Knights, but the difference in form from last week might be too much to overcome, particularly in Townsville.
Tip: Cowboys by 8
PointsBet odds: Cowboys $1.42 (-7.5 $1.90) Knights $2.85 (+7.5 $1.90)
Melbourne Storm vs. New Zealand Warriors
AAMI Park, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald Reserves: 18. Shawn Blore 19. Kane Bradley 20. Marion Seve 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Tepai Moeroa
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Officials
Referee: Chris Butler Touchies: David Munro, Kasey Badger Bunker: Matt Noyen
Prediction: The Storm were magnificent against the Panthers last week, stifling their every attack, while doing enough with the ball to get the points. The Warriors started strongly and threatened to wipe the floor with the Sharks, before losing their way and the game. This is a game where I predict a second round upset, as the Warriors will pull out everything to avoid a 0-2 start and the Storm will perhaps be a little weary after their Herculian efforts against the Panthers.
Tip: Warriors by 6
PointsBet odds: Storm $1.40 (-7.5 $1.90) Warriors $2.95 (+7.5 $1.90)
Sunday, March 17
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Sydney Roosters
4 Pines Park, 4:05pm (AEDT)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown Reserves: 18. Jakob Arthur 20. Aaron Woods
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley Bench: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May Reserves: 18. Connor Watson 19. Fetalaiga Pauga
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Jon Stone, Drew Oultram Bunker: Gerard Sutton
Prediction: These two teams returned from Las Vegas victorious after upsetting their opponents. They've had an extra week off and go into this game fired up to make it two from two in front of a packed 4 Pines Park crowd. This is a real toss of a coin game, with the Sea Eagles perhaps having an edge at home, but the Roosters looking very sharp in Las Vegas against the Broncos. I think the Roosters looked better in defence and that could see them home.
Tip: Roosters by 9
PointsBet odds: Sea Eagles $2 (+1.5 $1.90) Roosters $1.80 (-1.5 $1.90)
Dolphins vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, 6:15pm (AEDT)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Kurt Donoghoe Reserves: 15. Kenny Bromwich 21. Tesi Niu 22. Mason Teague
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin Bench: 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Luciano Leilua Reserves: 18. Viliami Fifita 19. Christian Tuipulotu
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Liam Kennedy, Phil Henderson Bunker: Chris Butler
Prediction: The Dolphins were awful against the Cowboys last week as they struggled to gel in defence or with the ball in hand. The Dragons surprised most by thumping the promising Titans on the Gold Coast. This is another game where I expect to see a form reversal, with Wayne Bennett dropping half Sean O'Sullivan and centre Tesi Niu and having the team fired up for a big one at their spiritual home.
Tip: Dolphins by 4
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $1.85 (-1.5 $1.95) Dragons $1.95 (+1.5 $1.85)
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.