The first round of a new competition never ceases to be problematic for tipsters. New buys and big losses all get factored in, while combinations are still up in the air for start of the new season. Putting together a winning formula at this stage of the season could be more about backing you own club, even if you think they don’t have a chance, than reading the newspaper.

Tigers v Dragons
The Dragons travel to Telstra to take on the Premiers in the opening match of 2006. Nathan Brown thinks that this is the best team (on paper) that the Dragons have produced for the first round of the competition during his tenure. He could be right with Barrett, Gasnier, Bailey and Ryles all revved up and ready to go. For their sake, we hope so. St George-Illawarra has won just two of their last eight games in round one. For the Tigers, this could be a season defining game. It’s funny to be saying that about a first round encounter, but with a title defence, everyone lifts to play you. The Tigers travelled under the radar early on last season and they won’t have that luxury again. Prediction: Dragons by 8.

Knights v Eels
More will be made about what’s happening in the coach’s box than on the park this Saturday afternoon. Brian Smith and Michael Hagan’s much publicised positional change has hogged the headlines over the past week leaving the match a poor second. Irish Winger Brian Carney starts his one season stint at the Knights before taking up residence on the Gold Coast. While he should withstand the rigours of the weekly NRL grind, it will be interesting to watch the side effects on form as the season progresses. The Eels side looks like the one that walked off last September and Newcastle have that same old look too. If Joey holds together, it will go down to the wire. Prediction: Knights by 2.

Bulldogs v Panthers
Telstra comes alive again on Saturday as the Bulldogs meet the Panthers. Off-season drama with Craig Gower and the impending departure of John Lang has left Penrith open to instability talk. The Bulldogs have lost another couple of high profile players leaving doubts about their competitive ability. Both sides would like to show the pundits that they will be candidates for the title, and it could come down to which of the experienced number sevens blinks first. Reni Maitua’s switch to the centres gives them a combination of speed and brute force out wide similar to when Sonny Bill started his career there. This should be another close one. Prediction: Bulldogs by 4.

Sea Eagles v Raiders
With no major signings Canberra looks consigned to another season of ordinary football. Manly has gained the service of one of the better halfbacks in the NRL, Matt Orford. They have also added a proven try scorer in centre Steven Bell. The Northerners will want to get out of the blocks early and that could come at a price for the departing Matt Elliott and his men. Experience in the forwards and playing at Brookvale should be more than enough to get the “silver tails” over the line. Prediction: Manly by 14.

Warriors v Storm
This game is possibly the biggest wild card of the weekend. No one quite knows how New Zealand will react to being stripped of four points ahead of this year’s campaign. Their response will go a long way to determining the outcome of this match. New Coach, Ivan Cleary will have his work cut out to get a result against the Storm, but questions about the ability of half back Cooper Cronk will remain until he converts his trial form into competition form. Depth would be a mild concern for both sides and the impact of the bench will go far to deciding the outcome. Prediction: Warriors by 2.

Rabbitohs v Roosters
While this clash is a staple in the opening weekend of football in recent times, the venue is something new. Three games in three days at Telstra will have the members cheering … assuming they turn up. Both of the Roosters marquee signings will be on deck for the game, the results Braith Anasta’s forays acting as a likely barometer for the Bondi club. With Craig Fitzgibbon and Brett Finch in the front row, a prop kicking goals seems an unlikely reality. Souths still have the look of a club without buying power, but Shaun McRae had these boys firing in the back end of ’05. Prediction: Roosters by 12.

Broncos v Cowboys
For so long the poor cousins, North Queensland upstaged their cross-state rivals in the finals last year. This year starts with the chance for them to pick up their first win in Brisbane. The departure of Paul Rauhihi looks certain to have an impact, but the omission of Carl Webb would suggest the forwards are stepping up. But it’s hard to see the Broncos not giving it a red hot go in the early stages. Points before origin are always at a premium. Prediction: Broncos by 6.

Cronulla get the first week off which is probably not what the players would be wanting. It does give the coaching staff a look at what they’ll have to deal with next weekend though.

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source: MasterTips