What an entertaining string of fixtures we had in the opening round and round two will be no different.
There were surprise packets, predictable moments but plenty of excitement as teams jostle for early bragging rights.
Here are the teams for round two of the NRL Telstra Premiership:
Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm (#NRLEelsStorm); Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta; Thursday, March 18. Kick-off: 8:05 pm.
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson (C) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown.
Interchange: 14. Oregon Kaufusi 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Will Smith 17. Marata Niukore.
Reserves: 18. Keegan Hipgrave 19. Haze Dunster 20. Ray Stone 21. Joey Lussick.
Coach: Brad Arthur.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich (C) 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Interchange: 14. Tyson Smooth 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Chris Lewis.
Reserves: 18. Nicho Hynes 19. Darryn Schonig 20. Cooper Johns 21. Dean Ieremaia.
Coach: Craig Bellamy.
Ricky’s View: As much as it pains us to say this, the Storm probably wins this one. Their fluidity, execution, and lawlessness blew the Rabbitohs off the park in round 1.
The Eels had a poor first half against the Broncos and were able to bounce back to win in the second but the Storm are a well-oiled machine.
Trying to stop their momentum will take a herculean effort and you have to think that although it will be a tight game, that the Storm will prevail.
New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights (#NRLWarriorsKnights); Central Coast Stadium, Gosford; Friday, March 19. Kick-off: 6 pm.
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C) 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Adam Pompey 4. Peta Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tohu Harris.
Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Bunty Afoa.
Reserves: 18. Marcelo Montoya 20. Sean O’Sullivan 21. Tom Ale 22. Jack Murchie.
Coach: Nathan Brown.
Knights: 1. Tex Hoy 2. Starford To’a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti (C) 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Connor Watson.
Interchange: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones.
Reserves: 18. Phoenix Crossland 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Dominic Young 21. Gehamat Shibasaki.
Coach: Adam O’Brien.
Ricky’s View: The Warriors’ forward pack was colossal in round 1 against the Titans and they were the difference-maker.
Hard runs, tough runs, two of which resulted in classic barge-over tries. They will want that momentum to continue against an equally impressive pack.
Led by Daniel Saifiti and David Klemmer, the potential loss of Kurt Mann may hurt the Knights but if he plays, his smarts will go a long way.
This is very much a tough one to pick given how well both sides can perform but the Warriors might just get over the line here based on last week.
Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos (#NRLTitansBroncos); Cbus Super Stadium, Robina; Friday, March 19. Kick-off: 8:05 pm.
Titans: 1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Philip Sami 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty (C) 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Erin Clark.
Reserves: 18. Beau Fermor 19. Herman Ese’ese 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Tanah Boyd.
Coach: Justin Holbrook.
Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Tesi Niu 5. David Mead 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Tevita Panga Junior 9. Jake Turpin 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Alex Glenn (C) 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan.
Interchange: 14. John Asiata 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Ben Te’o.
Reserves: 18. Tom Dearden 19. Richie Kennar 20. Cory Paix 21. Corey Oates.
Coach: Kevin Walters.
Ricky’s View: Although the Broncos were resilient, their QLD rivals will be itching for a win to assert their authority as they did in 2020.
Injuries did not help the Broncos who were actually very slick in the opening half of round 1 but consistency is what they have to establish.
The majority of the Titans forwards were unable to stake their claim in last week’s game but a local grudge match will have them fired up.
If AJ Brimson can sniff around the ruck and run off the big men, there could be a few exciting plays down the edges or through the middle.
The Titans in a good contest here.
Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers (#NRLBulldogsPanthers); Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta; Saturday, March 20. Kick-off: 3 pm.
Bulldogs: 1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Will Hopoate 4. Nick Cotric 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jake Averillo 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Sione Katoa 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Adam Elliott 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Josh Jackson (C).
Interchange: 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Renouf Atoni 16. Corey Waddell 17. Dylan Napa.
Reserves: 19. Tuipolutu Katoa 20. Chris Smith 21. Lachlan Lewis 22. Joe Stimson.
Coach: Trent Barrett.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary (C) 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo (C).
Interchange: 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Liam Martin.
Reserves: 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Matt Burton 20. Robert Jennings 21. Mitch Kenny.
Coach: Ivan Cleary.
Ricky’s View: Although the Dogs were valiant in defeat and Kyle Flanagan looking good in the process, their forwards probably let them down in some ways.
Missing some grunt with Luke Thompson still suspended, the Panthers, although not convincing against the Cowboys, should take the spoils here.
Kurt Capewell has found a home on the edge and with one of the most potent left-hand sides in the competition, the Dogs defence could be in for a bloodbath.
Penrith by a few tries.
Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs; Lottoland, Brookvale; Saturday, March 20. Kick-off: 5:30 pm.
Manly: 1. Dylan Walker 2. Jason Saab 3. Moses Suli 4. Brad Parker 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Andrew Davey 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic.
Interchange: 14. Cade Cust 15. Jack Gosiewksi 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka.
Reserves: 18. Josh Schuster 19. Tevita Funa 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Morgan Harper.
Coach: Des Hasler.
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds (C) 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cameron Murray.
Interchange: 14. Benji Marshall 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Patrick Mago 17. Jai Arrow.
Reserves: 18. Liam Knight 19. Tautau Moga 20. Josh Mansour 21. Jacob Host.
Coach: Wayne Bennett.
Ricky’s View: It was nothing short of embarrassing for the Sea Eagles in round 1. The attitude was poor and needs stark improvement if they are to challenge the Bunnies.
Although the Bunnies looked flat in the first half, the Storm are the benchmark and you would expect them to bounce back against Manly.
It is through the middle where they struggled so if Manly is to have any chance, that is where they must penetrate the Rabbitohs.
Purely on how they performed in round 1, the Bunnies will get the nod but by how much, we will have to wait and see.
North Queensland Cowboys v St George Illawarra Dragons (#NRLCowboysDragons); Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville; Saturday, March 20. Kick-off: 7:35 pm AEDT.
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Esan Marsters 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Michael Morgan (C) 7. Jake Clifford 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Mitchell Dunn 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo.
Interchange: 14. Jake Granville 15. Josh McGuire 16. Corey Jensen 17. Reuben Cotter.
Reserves: 18. Lachlan Burr 19. Shane Wright 20. Murray Taulagi 21. Ben Hampton.
Coach: Todd Payten.
Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt (C) 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Kerr 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyrell Fuimaono.
Interchange: 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Trent Merrin 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Brayden Wiliame.
Reserves: 18. Adam Clune 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Jackson Ford 21. Jordan Pereira.
Coach: Anthony Griffin.
Ricky’s View: Both teams lost in round one for different reasons; the Cowboys looked rather flat and the unusual combinations and decisions did not help.
The Dragons, you could argue, were unlucky. In patches, they looked solid and seem to have found a nice balance. They just need wins and solidity.
The Cowboys decision to play Tabuai-Fidow at centre, Holmes on the wing and reduced minutes for Taumalolo arguably cost them.
Griffin has instilled a desire in the Dragons side and there were enough bright spots to suggest that they will get the win to open their 2021 account.
Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters (#NRLTigersRoosters); Campbelltown Sports Stadium; Sunday, March 21. Kick-off: 4:05 pm.
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Asu Kepaoa 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou (C) 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Luke Garner 13. Alex Twal.
Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Tommy Talau.
Reserves: 18. Russell Packer 19. Alex Seyfarth 20. Michael Chee-Kam 21. Jock Madden.
Coach: Michael Maguire.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Lachlan Lam 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu.
Interchange: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
Reserves: 18. Matt Ikuvalu 19. Egan Butcher 20. Sam Walker 21. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha.
Coach: Trent Robinson.
Ricky’s View: The Roosters outlined their premiership credentials with a dominating win over Manly.
As expected, James Tedesco starred but the question will be can they back it up? They got an early win but have been traditionally slow starters in recent years.
A win should be on the cards against the Tigers who had a poor second half against the Raiders.
With their backs against the wall, poor discipline and decision-making saw the Raiders get a roll on and the Tigers had no idea how to respond.
There were some good moments in the first half but it is difficult to see them producing enough of those to upset a red-hot Roosters.
Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders (#NRLSharksRaiders); Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah; Sunday, March 21. Kick-off: 6:15 pm.
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Toby Rudolf.
Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Jack Williams 17. Toby Rudolf.
Reserves: 18. Nene Macdonald 19. Teig Wilton 20. Andrew Fifita 21. Braydon Trindall.
Coach: John Morris.
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine.
Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Iosia Soliola 17. Ryan James.
Reserves: 18. Sam Williams 19. Tom Starling 20. Emre Guler 21. Harley Smith-Shields.
Coach: Ricky Stuart.
Ricky’s View: Although the Sharks perhaps performed better than many expected without Shaun Johnson, the Raiders are no easybeats.
The Sharks have to be at the top of their game if they are to win but the round 1 form of Will Kennedy can have them smiling.
So, too, can the Raiders with the form of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Even more impressive was the resurgence of Hudson Young and Joe Tapine.
Both are key forward factors for the Raiders in different ways. Both possess a certain x-factor that could trouble many sides.
With all that in mind, the Raiders have too many pieces that can step up to allow an upset to happen. The Raiders in a quality match will get the nod.