Round 1 of the NRL 2026 season is finally here, and fans across Australia and New Zealand are gearing up for a blockbuster weekend of rugby league. From semi final rematches to coaching debuts and record-chasing superstars, this opening round has it all.
Here are our NRL Round 1 tips and predictions, plus the key storylines to watch as the new season kicks off!
Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels:
The Storm enter Round 1 chasing an extraordinary milestone 23 consecutive opening-round victories under Craig Bellamy. Remarkably, Bellamy has never lost in Round 1, and Melbourne pride themselves on fast starts.
With Ryan Papenhuyzen departing, excitement machine Sua Fa’alogo takes over at fullback, while the halves pairing of Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster remains one of the most dangerous combinations in the NRL.
The Eels, meanwhile, are desperate to return to the top eight after finishing 11th in 2025. Mitch Moses teams up with former Storm playmaker Jonah Pezet in a pivotal new halves pairing. If Parramatta are to contend for their first premiership since 1986, it starts here. The task is simple: Eat. Sleep. Break the streak.
Prediction: Despite Melbourne’s record, the Eels’ forward pack led by Junior Paulo looks primed. Eels by 6 points
New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters:
The Roosters begin the Daly Cherry-Evans era with a tough trip to Go Media Stadium but history favours them, having won eight of their past nine meetings with the Warriors.
With Sam Walker at halfback and James Tedesco chiming in from the back, the Roosters boast elite attacking firepower. They’ll also be keen to avoid another sluggish start after poor early-season form in recent years.
The Warriors, however, have strengthened their roster with try-scoring machine Alofiana Khan-Pereira and English recruit Morgan Gannon. Backed by a passionate Auckland crowd, they’ll be looking to turn home form into a fortress, however missing their starting halves in Luke Metcalf could prove a for a difficult first seven weeks.
Prediction: Too much polish and class from the Roosters’ spine. Roosters by 22 points
Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers:
A grand final-calibre clash headlines the round as the Broncos return from the UK World Club Challenge to host the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane begin their premiership defence with Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam steering the side, while Ben Hunt adds impact off the bench. The Panthers welcome back Nathan Cleary after successfully challenging his judiciary charge and will be hungry after last year’s preliminary final heartbreak.
Expect a brutal contest through the middle with momentum swings throughout.
Prediction: Cleary’s game management proves decisive in a tight one. Panthers by 8 points.
Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans:
The Josh Hannay era begins for the Titans as they face his former club, Cronulla.
The Sharks are settled and structured, with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall building a lethal halves combination. Up front, the showdown between Addin Fonua-Blake and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could shape the contest.
Gold Coast were unbeaten in the pre-season challenge, but Round 1 intensity is another level.
Prediction: Cronulla’s cohesion and forward dominance win out. Sharks by 12 points.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders:
All eyes will be on Jamal Fogarty as he faces his former club after leading Canberra to the 2025 minor premiership.
Manly welcome back Jake Trbojevic, Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu from injury, giving them much-needed firepower. The Raiders, however, boast one of the NRL’s most formidable forward packs led by Joe Tapine and Josh Papalii.
Prediction: Canberra’s middle dominance edges a tight encounter. Raiders by 10 points
Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
History beckons for Alex Johnston, who sits just two tries shy of Ken Irvine’s all-time record.
The Rabbitohs welcome back Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Cameron Murray, with David Fifita adding punch on the left edge. Wayne Bennett’s side looks refreshed after injury-plagued seasons.
The Dolphins’ backline featuring Isaiya Katoa, Herbie Farnworth and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow promises fireworks, but South Sydney’s experience may prove decisive.
Prediction: The Bunnies make a statement in Round 1. Rabbitohs by 18 points.
Round 1 of the NRL is always unpredictable, but early momentum can shape the season ahead. Whether you're backing premiership heavyweights like the Panthers and Broncos or eyeing value in teams like the Eels, this weekend promises elite rugby league action.
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