It was doubtful if the NRL season will ever push through. However, the season opener started the action in remarkable feats that are recapped as follows:
Eels vs Bulldogs
Many have claimed the Eels to end their title drought this season and they delivered with an 8-2 win against the Bulldogs. However, it was no cruise with the Bulldogs answering in kind for every shot that alluded to their Eighties bouts.
Raiders vs Titans
It was a stroll for the Raiders in towering over the Titans 24-6 at GIO Stadium. The Titans had a defensively soft start that Jack Wighton crushed, leaving the Titans defence eventually cracked at the end when Elliott Whitehead slammed the ball down for the win.
Cowboys vs Broncos
The Broncos came to crush at Queensland Country Bank Stadium with a 28-21 win that spoilt the Cowboys party. It was David Fifita and new fullback Jamayne Isaako who lead the gatecrash. Kotoni Staggs suffered cramps while Justin O’Neill took a head knock.
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Knights vs Warriors
Conditions were miserable at the McDonald Jones Stadium but the Knights shut out the Warriors with a 20-0 win on Saturday. It’s the first victory that new Newcastle head coach Adam O’Brien enjoyed while it could be the Warriors’ last game for the foreseeable future due to new travel restrictions.
Rabbitohs vs Sharks
The Rabbitohs opened their 2020 season with a 22-18 win over the Sharks. It was a victory without John Sutton, Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis in the side while Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo failed his HIA after a head knock.
Panthers vs Roosters
It was a spectacular 20-14 win for the Panthers against the Roosters. Starting off the pace with the Roosters striking first, the Panthers returned to life on the back of Api Koroisau in the second half.
Sea Eagles vs Storm
The Sea Eagles have failed to clear the Storm with Cameron Smith as a usual Melbourne asset for the 18-4 win. Tui Kamikamica (194 metres) and Jesse Bromwich (184 metres) laid a stunning platform while Smith and Jahrome Hughes made the most out of it.
Dragons vs Wests Tigers
Tigers’ Benji Marshall starred in the 24-14 victory over the Dragons, laying on two of four tries with perfectly placed kicks and forced three repeat sets that kept the pressure on the Dragons. The stunning sequence concluded the last game before NRL matches go behind closed doors.