The NRL is back in Las Vegas for the second straight year and we have two interesting matchups on Sunday afternoon. The Raiders and Warriors are both looking to start their season on a high after missing the finals. Meanwhile, the Panthers and Sharks will have a rematch after facing each other in the finals last year.
Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors
The Raiders head to Las Vegas looking to improve on their 9th finish last year. They have a great record in Round 1, winning 5 of their last 6. So expect a good showing from Canberra in this one. However, I think their attack needs to show improvement. They finished last year with just 19.8 points per game, ranking them 15th in the NRL - near the bottom of the league. So Jamal Fogarty and Ethan Strange need to dominate the game in the halves. Their defence also struggled last year, allowing 25 points per game. If they can't handle the Warriors pack, it could be tough to see the Raiders getting an upset.
The Warriors were disappointing last year after a finals appearance in 2023. They won just 9 games last year and have now lost the services of Shaun Johnson at halfback. But they picked up James Fisher-Harris from the Panthers and his finals experience should be valuable. Luke Metcalf gets the nod at halfback and showed good signs last year. They have lost Watene-Zelezniak on the wing so they'll be hoping Roger Tuivasa-Sheck can have success on the wing. Discipline is the key for the Warriors, they finished last year as the 2nd best team in the NRL for errors made so they'll need to continue that in 2025 without Johnson steering them around.
Stadium Record
Canberra and New Zealand are 0-0 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
I think this is a tough matchup to pick in the head-to-head as both sides have plenty of question marks after missing the finals in 2024. So I like the chances of the Under. It's 9-1 in the Raiders last 10 games and I think both sides lack attacking options this year.
Same Game Multi
I think the Raiders at +7.5 is a safe bet considering their Round 1 record and this should be a close game. Also, RTS has scored in his last 3 against Canberra and should get opportunities on the wing.
Under 42.5 / Canberra Raiders +7.5 / Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Anytime Tryscorer = $7.00
Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
The Panthers begin their quest for a 5th straight Grand Final victory and their season will start over in Las Vegas. They'll be a bit weaker on paper without the likes of Luai and Fisher-Harris going to other clubs and To'o is out with injury. But Nathan Cleary is still out there and they've added the experience of Isaiah Papali'i. Last year, they were the best team in the NRL for points allowed (15.4 per game) and they have an excellent record against the Sharks. In last year's finals, they beat them 26-6. Before that, they smashed them 42-0 and 28-0 in 2023. So in the last 3 games, the Panthers have only conceded a total of 6 points against Cronulla - talk about dominance.
The Sharks get the tough matchup in Round 1, facing the reigning premiers. But I think playing them in Las Vegas should help level the playing field. Last year, the Sharks were a consistent team and they've now added Addin Fonua-Blake, which should help their forward pack against the best teams like the Panthers. Last season, they ranked 5th for points scored and 4th for points allowed. But they'll need Nicho Hynes to have a blinder against Cleary and hope their defence can lock down after a poor record against Penrith in the last 3 meetings.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 0-0 at this venue. Cronulla are 0-0 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Panthers hold a 7-3 record.
Best Bet
The Sharks record against the top teams isn't great and Penrith have smashed them in the last 3. So I like the Panthers to cover in Round 1.
Same Game Multi
I expect the Panthers defence to continue their dominance over the Sharks and the Under is 6-0 in the Panthers last 6 games. Paul Alamoti has scored in his last 2 games against the Sharks and will get plenty of ball with no To'o.
Penrith Panthers -2.5 / Under 40.5 / Paul Alamoti Anytime Tryscorer = $6.75
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
Preview tba next week.
Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights
Preview tba next week.
Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Preview tba next week.
St George Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Preview tba next week.
Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys
Preview tba next week.
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels
Preview tba next week.
