Round 1
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ound-one-of-2014/story-fni3fbgz-1226774547540
Rabbitohs v Roosters, Bulldogs v Broncos, Sea Eagles v Storm headline Round one of 2014.
PHIL ROTHFIELD AND DEAN RITCHIE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH DECEMBER 03, 2013 10:00PM
THIS is the story that millions of rugby league fans have been desperately waiting for.
Finally, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the draw for round one and a spectacular launch to the 2014 NRL season, which is expected to attract 200,000 fans. Three matches will be played at Homebush, confirming the NRL's new policy to use ANZ and Allianz Stadium for big games.
As expected, archrivals the Roosters and the Rabbitohs will launch the season on Thursday night. March 6, at ANZ in front of an anticipated 50,000-strong crowd.
The next night, the Broncos' new superstar signing Ben Barba will be up against his old club Canterbury at the same ground. Fans will get a Roosters v Manly grand final rematch in round four on Friday night, March 28, at Allianz.
New Raiders coach Ricky Stuart also appears to have dodged a return to confront angry Eels fans because the club's round 22 fixture is set down for Darwin.
Round One: March 6-10
Rabbitohs v Roosters
Thursday, 7.30pm ANZ Stadium
We can't wait to see what young Adam Reyonalds has picked up over the off-season for his first-up assignment against premier half-back Mitchell Pearce. The game deserves to attract more than 50,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.
Bulldogs v Broncos
Friday, 7.30pm ANZ Stadium
The biggest story is the Bronocs' superstar signing Ben Barba against many of the players he fell out with last season at Belmore. Should be an awesome game. No one needs a strong start more than the under-pressure Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.
Panthers v Knights
Saturday, 4.30pm Centrebet Stadium
Is Jamie Soward really a marquee player? We'll find out when he meets last year's Knights player of year Jarrod Mullen. Soward's combination with Peter Wallace is crucial to the Panthers' hopes in 2014.
Sea Eagles v Storm
Saturday, 7pm Brookvale Oval
The game that needs no introduction between two sides that passionately hate each other. We can't wait to see local hero Daly Cherry-Evans v Cooper Cronk in what will be a sensational duel.
Cowboys v Raiders
xxxday, 8.45pm 1300 SMILES Stadium
Poor Ricky Stuart. Townsville in steamy March is the last place you'd want to be in Round 1 of the premiership. Both coaches, Stuart and Paul Green, in their first appearance at the two clubs.
Dragons v Tigers
Sunday, 4pm ANZ Stadium
Two coach Steve Price and Mick Potter under enormous pressure from the outset of the competition. All eyes will be on Gareth Widdop in the No. 6 jersey at the Dragons and book rookie Luke Brooks at No. 7 for the Tigers.
Eels v Warriors
Sunday, 6pm Parramatta Stadium
Will Hopoate will make the most anticipated debut in the competition. Will the two years off affect his form. Can Brad Arthur lift the Eels off the bottom? Can 15 Warriors recover in time from the World Cup?
Sharks v Titans
Monday, 7pm Remondis Stadium
ASADA will determine the make-up of the Sharkes in upcoming weeks. Both sides will field similar Rosters to last season. John Cartwright will be under pressure in 2014. Paul Gallen v Greg Bird will be the highlight.
