NRL Round 1 Preview and Prediction - Cronulla Sharks v Brisbane Broncos @ Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks (0-0) v Brisbane Broncos (0-0) @ Shark Park
 
Preview - The Sharks and the Broncos kick off the NRL season with a blockbuster at Shark Park on Thursday night. The Sharks will no doubt unveil their maiden NRL title as defending Premiers in front of what is sure to be a sold out Shark Park. The Sharks had an historical season in 2016 winning their first Premiership in their 50th season. The highlight for Sharks’ fans would have been an amazing 14-game winning streak between Round 4 and Round 20. The Broncos will be looking to spoil the party as they look to bounce back from what was an underwhelming 2016 campaign, a season they exited in the second week of the finals, despite being clear Premiership favourites back at the start of the season. Despite starting 2016 with four straight victories, the Broncos lost their way in the middle of the season and were never able to find the same defensive resolve and team mentality that carried them to within 10 seconds of a title in 2015. Both sides are coming back from unsuccessful trips to the UK where the Sharks were stunned 22-6 by Wigan in the World Club Championship, and Brisbane were beaten by Warrington after a shocking first half. 
 
History - Brisbane have a good overall record against Cronulla winning 31 and losing 20. However the Sharks have won 4 of their past 5, including a 30-28 victory at Shark Park last year in age where they jumped out to a 28-6 lead. 
 
Sharks Scouting Report - The Sharks come into this game with some key positional changes in the spine from the side that beat Melbourne in the Grand Final last year. With Ben Barba having departed to French Rugby, and the exciting Valentine Holmes out injured, the Sharks have been forced to turn to Gerard Beale at fullback. Whilst Beale is an experienced and safe outside back, he will provide nowhere near the level of threat Barba or Holmes would have in terms of his running game and speed. Edrick Lee has been named on the wing after his late transfer from Canberra and will provide the Sharks with plenty of speed and will be a huge threat under the high ball given his size. The retirement of Michael Ennis has paved the way for youngster Jayden Brailey to start at hooker in what will be his First Grade debut. While there is no doubt Brailey is an exciting prospect, having won Holden Cup Player of the Year last year, it will be a big ask for him to step straight into the role vacated by Ennis. 
 
Broncos Scouting Report - The Broncos are only missing Benji Marshall and Tom Opacic through injury and, to me, it's doubtful whether they would have made the Broncos’ starting back line regardless of whether they were fit or not. Perhaps the only surprise for the Broncos was the elevation of Tautau Moga in the centres ahead of David Mead who looks like he will miss out on winning a place in the Broncos final 17. Mead was a teenage prodigy coming through the ranks at the Roosters and Cowboys, however has missed plenty of football over the past 5 years and never lived up to the hype he had as a junior. 
 
Verdict - Broncos 1-12 In a Low Scoring Game
 
This is one of many hard games to call over the weekend. I am just leaning towards the Broncos as I think that Gerard Beale at fullback really nullifies some of the Sharks attacking threat. I expect this game to be a really tough, grinding affair, with both teams playing a relatively safe brand of football in what is sure to be a heavy track at Shark Park. The highlight for me of this game is the battle in the back row between the two sides with Gallen, Lewis and Graham up against Thaiday, Blair and Gillette. I expect this game to be quite a niggly and aggressive affair with plenty of penalties and a bit of fire and brimstone. I just think the Sharks’ heads are still a little bit in last year and they come into this game a little under done. Whilst there is no doubt, at home in front of a huge crowd, they are going to be hard to beat and are ready to play, I just think the Broncos look a little more settled and can squeeze out a tight win.