  Week 1 of the NRL kicks off tonight with a Queensland local derby - Brisbane vs Noth Queensland. This is a different Broncoes outfit in 2009 with the loss of super coach Wayne Bennett. His replacement, Ivan Henjak, will be looking for a strong start to 2009. One key player to watch out for will be former Melbourne sensation Israel Folau. A local derby always brings out the best in both sets of players, but I think Brisbane will be too good.
  Next up is the Storm vs the Draggons. Wayne Bennetts first game in charge of the Draggons couldn't have been much tougher. Melbourne will again be a team to watch this season, although the loss of a few key players and increased scrutiney of the play the ball could slow them down. Having said that the Draggons pack looks very exciting and if they get on a roll could push Melbourne hard. Ultimitely though its tough to look past the Storm.
  Last week the Manly vs Bulldogs game would have been an easy call - Manly by lots - but Manly have lost fullback Brett Stewart, suspended by the NRL for a minimum five weeks. This is going to be a big blow and the off field dramas will no doubt have an effect. The Bulldogs have been the ones in this position in the past and will no doubt be looking to use it as helpful motivation. On paper Manly should be home easy .. but a lot will depend on the Manly players being able to block out the jeers from the Bulldogs home supporters.
  Next up is the game that holds the most interest in New Zealand - Warriors vs Eels. Price's 300th NRL game, Daniel Anderson returning to Mt Smart, no Wiki, the inclusion of new talent, the loss of Sonny Fai ... its going to be a big emotional day for everyone. On the park though the Warriors look to have the goods over the Eels. The pre-season has been good for the Warriors and for once there are few injuries to be concerned with. If the weather is favourable the Warriors could very well put some big points on the board in front of a sell out crowd.
  The Sharks and Panthers game is one of Round 1's hardest games to pick. Both sides have lost a lot of talent in the off season although the new boys in the Shark side look to have it over thier Penrith counterparts. I say sit back and just enjoy a game whioch has traditionally been the closest of the season.
  This should be an intriguing clash, with two sides who failed to make the finals in 2008 trying to kick-start their 2009 season on a positive note. The Gold Coast enter their third season full of optimism, believing they can qualify for their first finals series. Meanwhile the Knights have been progressively building since Brian Smith joined as coach; they too expect to head into the top half of the competition in 2009. Playing the match in Queensland does benefit the Gold Coast . .again sit back and enjoy a close one.
  For so long the easy beats of the NRL this season sees the Rabbits start with a more determined look. The return of the world’s best prop in Roy Asotasi will bolster thiwer confidence, and who could forget last years late hit on defector and star playmaker Craig Wing by the Roosters Riley Brown. After missing the top eight and losing all but one of their first 10 games last season, Souths will be out with a real point to prove this year. Creativity and attacking options should see Souths get the points in what many would view as an upset.
  The final game of round 1 is on Monday night with Wests Tigers and the Raiders going into battle at Campbelltown. The Wests Tigers have now gone three seasons without being part of the finals and in their minds, enough is enough. Benji Marshall at halfback for the Tigers has cleared up his contract negotiations and signed for 2 more years. The Raiders don't tend to travel very well and across the park they look competitive but lacking. The likes of Raiders skipper Alan Tongue and Australian World Cup players Joel Monaghan and Terry Campese will ensure Canberra aren’t easy-beats by any means.
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