NRL season 2013: Round 1 review

Round One of the NRL season kicked off with the debut of Thursday Night Football, and the much hyped return of Sonny Bill Williams.
The crowd attendance figures eclipsed the previous records, reinforcing the belief this was one of the most anticipated seasons in recent history. One of the more stranger stats to come out of the round was that six of the losing teams scored 10 points.

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium
You could sum this game up with the footage of Sam Burgess running over the top of SBW.
The Roosters scored the first try of the season through James Maloney after an Adam Reynolds kick went out on the full. A pass was touched by a Souths defender and landed in the arms of Maloney who only had to stroll over. From that point it was all South Sydney, who put in a performace that has seen many commentators suggest it could be their year. Nathan Merritt proved the hero with a hat trick.
Souths 28 Roosters 10

Brisbane Broncos v Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium
The first game of the season at Suncorp saw the Broncos take advantage of their home ground advantage and race out of the blocks. Dominating the first 40 minutes, the Broncos dictated terms to take a slender eight point lead into the break. Geoff Toovey must have fired the rocket of all rockets - or the wheels simply fell off the Broncos bus - but the second half was completely different. Manly ran over the top of Brisbane, ensuring they began their season with two points.
Manly 22 Brisbane 10

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors at Parramatta Stadium
Who would've thought the Eels would end the first round of competition on top of the table?
That is exactly what happened when they hosted a Warriors outfit surrounded by plenty of expectation after a less than average season. Every touch the Eels had was straight from the hand of King Midas, as they went into the break with an 18 point buffer. The Warriors pegged the difference back to 10 afte two tries, but the Eels ran away with it by doubling their score in an eight minute blitzkrieg. Another try before full time made them the first team to breach 40 points, with Jarryd Hayne celebrating a hat trick.
Eels 40 Warriors 10

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v North Queensland Cowboys at BluetonguevStadium
Two teams that have been touted as having the potential to be premiers this season.
Canterbury made the big dance last year while the Cowboys came into the team with a squad that could go all the way this year. The game didn't disappoint either, with both teams putting forward their cases as to why they should be favourites. They traded tries early but it would be the Cowboys who went to the break with their noses in front by six. The second half proved to be a much closer affair, with only six points added through a try and a penalty goal. All points went the way of North Queensland, as did the two points for the victory.
Cowboys 24 Bulldogs 12

Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders at Centrebet Stadium
The complete opposite of the previous game, this was a battle between two teams that could easily finish in the bottom half of the competition. The game seemingly produced that type of contest, with errors plaguin both sides. Penrith went into the break ahead thanks to a 39th minute try to James Segeyaro. The slender six point lead blew open in the second half as the Panthers showed the first signs of a positive 2013 season. Three more converted tries and a penalty gave Penrith a comfortable 22 point victory to start the season.
Panthers 32 Raiders 10

Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons at AAMI Park
This match was always going to be a one-sided contest, and it both teams ended up playing as predicted.
Melbourne are the defending premiers, and they should exactly why they are favourites to go back to back with another of their famous clinical performances. They completely out-played and out-muscled the Dragons, who are going to need find some spark to their attack if they are to end up on the right side of the scoreline any time soon.
Storm 30 Dragons 10

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans at Shark Stadium
Much has been made of the pressure the Sharks were under when they entered this match. The Titans came in with a lot to prove, especially the rookie halves behind the monstrous pack. What followed was a delightful contest for any rugby league fan, both team pressing for points and looking sharp. It was close to match of the round, with victory only secured for the Sharks when the final hooter sounded.
Sharks 12 Titans 10

Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers at Hunter Stadium
The Wayne Bennett effect took a long while to rub off on the Knights last year, but judging by their performance in the season opener, it may be a much better year. The Tigers crossed first through Adam Blair, but would've gone home if they knew what was going to happen next. A three try haul to Akuila Uate was the catalyst behind the performance, as the Knights ran in seven unanswered and converted tries. A consolation try to Tim Moltzen improved the Tigers' score, but was not enough to stop them from playing anchor on the NRL ladder.
Knights 42 Tigers 10