LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The 2025 NRL season is shaping up to be a real test for tippers.
With player movements aplenty during the off-season, clubs are either aiming to turn their luck around or maintain their stronghold on the competition.
Picking eight winners each week is going to be as tough as tackling a runaway forward, so we'll be providing some extra insights each round with three standout games.
The Eels will be looking to kick off their season on the right foot under new coach Jason Ryles.
With his time spent on the Storm coaching staff, Ryles could bring some valuable insider knowledge to this showdown.
It's no secret that the Storm have never stumbled in a season opener under the guidance of coach Craig Bellamy.
Fresh off their defeat in last year's grand final against the Panthers, the Storm are early frontrunners to bounce back stronger this season.
Some teams who have fallen to the Panthers in the ultimate showdown have struggled in the following year, but the Storm are a well-drilled machine that won't allow history to repeat itself.
They'll be revved up for a big performance at home to kick off their campaign.
Round 1 sure thing: Storm
The new season kicks off in Las Vegas with a tantalizing clash between the Raiders and the Warriors at Allegiant Stadium.
On paper, the Warriors appear to have the edge across the board.
The acquisition of former Panther James Fisher-Harris is set to bolster the side, bringing a tough edge to the team's overall demeanor.
The Raiders have hit the ground running in Las Vegas, with two players getting into a scuffle over room assignments.
It might be a tough season ahead for the Green Machine, but they could just surprise everyone with an upset in this opening match in uncharted territory.
Last season taught us that the Warriors can often be unreliable when it comes to winning games they should, making this matchup a real toss-up.
They should come out on top, but can they pull it off?
Toss of the coin game winner: Warriors