Parramatta v St George Illawarra, Parramatta Stadium, Friday 7.35pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Mad respect for Kim and DG, not letting the successes of 2009 go to their heads. I couldn`t agree more – the Eels will be there or thereabouts after 26 rounds but that doesn`t mean they will set the world on fire from game one. Both these sides will take a while to get going but as a true student of the game, your friend The Adjudicator revels in useless historical trivia, and facts say that no team starts seasons worse than the Dragons. They can’t both fail to impress, surely, so let`s stick with the Eels by two."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator , including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Dragons fan brodie from Newy says: "I believe that after another six months or so under Bennett, with few team changes (albeit the few they had were for the worse unfortunately) the Dragons will be a stronger and more closely bonded team. Soward should now be able to make those snap decisions based on trust in your teammates a key playmaker should. They still have plenty of power up front even without Justin Poore, and obviously a lot of depth as well, naming four forwards for the bench, as you probably already know Mr. A. The Eels may have a good team, but on paper, I`d say that they are quite even teams. Coach and bonding factor I`ll put Dragons by six."

Eels fan Kim says: "As a long time Eels fan I am sometimes one-eyed. But I know that that the Eels look good on paper and it just may take 2-3 games to get in sync when the season gets going. In regards to attacking power or defensive powers, stats don’t lie. They are not just a one-man team with Hayne. They have Tahu, Mortimer, Mateo, Hindmarsh and Moi Moi. They have also added Poore and Shackleton. A Stephen Bradbury – please. They played with flair, skill and a truckload of confidence. Even getting smacked in the final round against St George didn`t dent their enthusiasm and confidence."

DG from Northmead: "As a long time Eels fan, I know exactly what they will do this year. They will lose 4 of their first 5 like they always do, then :"click" and start carving it up, then lose 2 of their last 3 games against some bottom-ladder dwellers. Well, that`s what they usually do anyway, so based on that, I will be screaming for my Eels to come home but predict Dragons by 6"

Stephen from Sydney says: "Adjudicator, first let me say welcome back to Rugby League Season. Second let me say the dragons still have the basic same team as last year and are now a year stronger under the brilliance of Bennett. I think this will be an awesome match but i think the eels will take a few games to get the new players into the game plan and there will be a bit of second year syndrome with the expectations people have on them. Dragons by 8."

Jason says: "Hi Adjudicator. Last year the eels done a steven bradbury, were lucky the opposition fell over which they did (depleted sharks, warriors, knights, panthers and a bad defensive team in the tigers), thats the only way the eels will make the finals again they dont have tgh strike power apart from hayne and this is coming from an eels supporter of a long time , its a shamed the eels dont have other attackers."

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Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Friday 8.35pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "I was already finding it hard to back the Broncos and that was before Brisbane fan Rob started casting aspersions on my male pattern baldness. In fact it seems my early prediction of the Cows by a nose hair is about spot on – nobody seems to be able to pick a winner with any real conviction. With fans giving each other`s teams massive raps in their predictions, I want to know where good old fashioned Queensland parochialism has gone? I`ve spent all off-season writing JT and Big Willie Styles off – and apparently they weren`t impressed. Cowboys by four."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Awesomo says: "The only real interest in this game is whether Lockyer should still be nicknamed Louis Vuitton (overpriced, overrated and a massive handbag), or whether that title has now passed on to Jonathan Thurston. I’d suggest JT is the new King (or Queen as it is in this case). Expect a brawl you say Mr Adjudicator, handbags at 10 paces I say. Broncos by 1."

David Wilson from Burleigh Heads says: "North Queensland travel like home brew. I agree they are a better side on paper this year, but the destabilising influence of an unfit Big Willie and their star with his mind on playing how many times one can kick mixed with a tad of footy in gay Paris for a motza, I think the Baby Broncos may have the stability to get over the line. I really don’t care about either of the sides, but anybody but the Broncos again (ABBA)."

Rob from Dapto says: "Mr A is back – bigger, balder and broader I expect. Lockyer and Wallace will lead the kids around home turf and send Cowboys home bucked under 8 secs and so no cheque. Thaiday out to prove not just a pretty face and I think Kenny will welcome them to his world. Look for us to lead early and hold the NQC to win by about 8."

Matthew says: "I will keep this short and simple. Cowboys 50 Broncos 4. And Adjudicator, Titans will miss the finals, sorry....."

David Tepra from Port Moresby, PNG says: "Mr. Adjudicator; Thank you for another wonderful year of rugby league with predictions and tipping. For this game between Broncos and Cowboys, I cannot see any form of any particular player nor the team to tip as I write though am I a Queensland fan from Papua New Guinea. Broncos have a lot of adjustments to make with couple of new players whereas Cowboys have slight upper hand with big off-season recruits. The game will be determined by endurance and determination by either JT or Locky on the field for 80 mins. The experience will matter on Friday night at Suncorp."

Broncos fans Jamie from Brisbane: " Mr adjudicator i think you spent too much time in the sun on the coast, how can you say that the titans are qlds number1 side did you watch the finals at all last year, Broncos will be in the top 4 this year titans wont make the 8 if they keep boozing it up like they were in coolie on Friday night they might get some wooden cutlery. Broncos by 8."

Mitch from Brisbane says: "Broncos will take the early points in the season with a solid performance over the `Boys. I`m sad to say that I don`t think they will put up much of a fight this year until they can sort themselves out. The drama with Thurston and the absolute rubbish player that Mason is will let them down against a strong Broncos pack. The Broncs are rebuilding their backline with the loss of Hodges and Taylor, but the young guns will show them their talent. Broncos by 6."

Cowboys fan Jim from Ashgrove says: "Given its the first game of the season, I’ll keep this nice and simple. These young Broncos have just come down from cloud nine at schoolies where no doubt they were wide eyed at their first sightings of topless females and now they’re expected to take on THE big willie. As per that hit song of 2008 – I DONT THINK SO!! The Cowboys led by the NRL’s version of Bill Gates in headgear will get home by 8. 24-16. Support your local betting agency and get on it kids. "

Janey from Townsville says: "Darren Lockyer will always bring out the best in the Broncos players (new or experienced), however the Cowboys have a huge amount of depth in all areas across the park this year with every player having to prove their worth. With a forward pack bustling for position each week, each doing their bit to get Johnathan Thurston close to the line and the much awaited return of Matty Bowen in round four as a big incentive, be prepared for the unexpected. My money is on the Cowboys by 8+.  "

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Canterbury-Bankstown v Newcastle Knights, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Here we go, another season where yours truly has to listen to Knights fans pin all their hopes on a three-quarter whose form peaked in the mid 90s. To Steve Bull and any other Novocastrians stuck in 1997, Mad Dog will not win you a premiership. Much less he won`t even win you a round-one encounter. According to Ian, the Canterbrians have plenty of sympathy for the Knights but I think you`ll find on Saturday, the Bulldogs couldn`t care less. Doggies by 32."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Zig from Canberra says: " Hey Adjy, long time no see. Some phony calling himself super 14 adjudicator has been trying to fool people in giving him tips. This is the real show though bro. The knights seem to have been doing all their `scoring` in the off season and as a result the fans in blue and white will be in `ecstasy` once the full-time whistle `blows`. Dogs by plenty. 22 to be exact."

Knights fan Steve Bull says: You are forgetting one thing Adjudicator. I think you know what I’m talking about. Some say his legs are made from plates of steel, and the reason he is bald is his hair is afraid to grow. He is MADDOG! Forget Houston and Wicksy, and missing Gids and De Gois. Even without those two clowns we have the best forward pack in the comp, and without Brian Smith’s circus acts this year are set for some consistent results. With The Dog in charge, Knights are certainties. Knights by 10.

Jake says: "Why is everybody writing off the Knights? Oh no we lost Wicks and Houston. I am amazed that Wicks was able to make it into first grade each week, and Houston, well the Knights and Rabbits are probably the only teams in the NRL that could afford to lose a player of his calibre and make it look easy. The only real loss we have is Gidley, and the impact he made in the All Stars game shows how much we will miss him considering he showed up a team of `All Stars.` I dislike the Bulldogs with a passion and I hope to see fall from grace this year, which is also why I could never say they will win and be able to sleep at night. Knights by 14 just to give the critics something to print in Sunday`s paper."

Ian Camlett from Mount Colah says: "Welcome back Adjudicator to the year of the Bulldog. Having lived through the Coffs Harbour accusations and the salary cap disaster I actually feel sorry for the Knights supporters because I know exactly what they are going through. However that sympathy will not be shown by the bulldog players on the field as they cross those white lines rather than snort them. Dogs by 16."

Justin de Mari says: "The Knights still have Mullen, Dureau, Simpson, Sau, Vuna, Tolar, Patterson, Naiqama, the Mad Dog, Hilder, Faoso, de gois, Macmanus to name some of the squad. All of the players mentioned are more than capable players, with the half combination being more than able to mix it with the best in the comp, and some storming forwards who have the ability to get the ball moving forward. Wide out- Mad Dog, Macmanus, Junior, etc, are all very capable finishers. So, will the dogs shread the Knights? I am having a lazy $10.00 on the Knights, because the team has the ability to rise to this challenge, and cause not only a round one upset, but will shake, rattle and roll into the top 8 by the end of the comp."

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Penrith v Canberra, CUA Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Give me some credit Pete – I wrote the journo`s pre-season cheat sheet. Raiders fans can arc up all they like, it won`t change the fact that the almighty dollar will prevent them from ever assembling another premiership-contending Green Machine. I feel sorry for their youngsters who are constantly labelled as wooden spoon favourites – it`s not their fault – but this match up will give them a good look at a team they`ll probably end up being lured to. Following in the footsteps of Purtell, Plum and Smith. Like it or lump it, Panthers by eight."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
James Hughes says: "With only a day until season kick off and only two days until Penrith go through to the next round with a win certainly makes me excited. My reasoning for Penrith to win. Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings are both on the same team these guys are both great in attack and consistent in defence. I am also tipping that Joseph Paulo will shine throughout the season and earn another contract, this guy is only just bursting on the scene but has already shown a huge amount of potential. Sam McKendry is another, fresh from the NYC he will be looking at a starting spot by the end of the year, expect a lot from this kid, he has trimmed down and is very fit, coming off the bench this round the Raiders won`t know what hit them. My hot tip for the season: Ryan Walker, impressed during the trials wouldn`t surprise me to see him be in Panthers colours by the end of the season. Panthers to beat the Raiders 13+"

Smat says: "The Panthers are finally out of the rebuilding mode and after a lack of depth and experience was exposed and ruined a promising start to the 2009 season. They have added some good players in Kevin Kingston, Travis Burns and Daine Laurie to a team boasting 5 internationals and their youngsters are now in their 3rd full season of NRL. The Panthers are in prime position to finally realise their potential and a 1st up home game against one of the wooden spoon favourites to start the year, after some scintillating trial form should see the Panthers successfully open their account in week one."

Pete says: "So you`re saying bringing through a quality group of youngsters and developing them as a unit is a bad thing? That opinion is very narrow minded and also somewhat illogical. These young Raiders are some of the best youngsters in the comp and are all 1 year in the top flight better off. Mr Adjudicator you disappoint me, I thought you were able to think for yourself and not read from the Sydney Journo`s pre season cheat sheet."

Luke says: "Hi Adjudicator, I agree, being a huge Panthers fan I feel they have to live up to the hype, they don’t deserve it. Many teams are active in the off-season player market but never live up to expectation with their new signings on board. This is Matty Elliott`s best chance to show how good a coach he is (or isn`t). Go the Black `n` Teal!"

Darren says: "Mr Adjudicator, have you seen who the Panthers have bought?, Purtell who loves to be a hog then you have Laurie who plays for 10minutes then needs CPR or you have plumb who does what!, all he might be good for is fixing some leaks in their defence but the Panthers have irrigation pipes all around the park. Guess they bought byrne to go with there season as sides will be on fire when they come up against such a woeful side."

The No.1 Fan says: "I love this game but don’t follow any team in particular,but I must say that wen I study the teams schedule year by year I notice 1 team lacks day matches more so then any other,and always have byes within 4 weaks of eachother.Round 9 and round 14.Every year.last year this team had three day games and more Saturday night games then a teenager with a pill bag.Ii think this year I will pledge my allegiance to the panthers.I believe they are the true underdogs of this league and breaking in the juniors the way they do is noble.Rabbits you are not underdogs because you are the second richest club in the comp.Uve missed out on my support,sorry rusty,im heading out to buy panthers membership.oh!hey mister A "

Patrick Cleave from Auckland says: "I like what you think about the Panthers winning. This year my team looks in hot form. Our halfs have been getitng coaching from Brandy Alexander so no doubt that they will be ready to throw some bullets to our speedsters on the outside. As for the potholes, we aren`t bothered by them our backs are so fast they fly!"

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Cronulla v Melbourne Storm, Toyota Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Jarrod, this notion that Melbourne will be tired is nonsense. I only had three days rest after returning from my Bali bender in January and still managed to take out first place at the National Adjudicating Championships. Now fair play, I am a total athlete, but even so I expect that a week and a half back in the country should be plenty of time for the Storm to recover from their overseas adventure. Why the public is being so kind to the Sharks I do not know, I can only put it down to pity. Storm by 16."   

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Sharks fan Jarrod from Sutherland says: "Adjudicator, how could you say that. Cronulla have a really good chance of beating Melbourne for two reasons 1.They would be very tired from the World Club Challenge and wouldn`t be used to our conditions. 2.They have up to four of their premiership players out due to injury. Melbourne will probably still win, but they won`t belt the Sharks. Go Sharkies!"

JD from Canberra: "Dear Mr A, I have certainly missed our weekly battles due to your opinions. I rocked up to teach a class at the sledging school, but had to chuckle when I saw you sitting there…front row, notepad out and glasses ten inch thick. I decided to skip the class and focus on what is more important. That is - Storm 2010 Premiers. Although I am disappointed you have kicked off the year on their wagon. You will be soon be off it no doubt. Just like last season. Round 1 dinner - Shark Soup."

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Gold Coast Titans v Warriors, Skilled Park, Gold Coast, Sunday 2pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Richard, the Warriors aren`t just flying under the radar – they are about six feet under the ground if you ask me. Rob from Dapto has made up for some average calls elsewhere to nail this one – it will be the shellacking of the opening round. Not because the Titans are that good but just because the Warriors aren`t ready for the season to start. Give them until late July I reckon. I take little joy in predicting a victory lap around Skilled Park but I can’t deny the Seagulls in this one. Titans by 38."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Rob from Dapto says: "Once they were Warriors but seriously this NZ lot look weak. Titans will make a bird of this one and with someone to share the ball playing look for Prince to be king. The biggest one-sided game of the round and Titans by 20+"

Richard says: "The Warriors are flying under the radar and thats what they need to start the season with a solid defensive game to WIN against the Titans. Seymour to be the buy of the season soon to be followed by SBW in May. The heat won`t be as much of issue as its been hot in Auckland and we aren`t coming over in the middle of winter when the temperature spread is at it`s widest. Warriors to win by 7 with big Manu getting a double."

Ron says: "Me thinks you under estimate the Warriors this year at your own peril. While there is no doubting the Titans seem to start well at least over the last couple of years, the Warriors are still smarting from a humiliating 09 season and they have trained very hard in the "long" off season and flown under the radar to a degree. They are itching to get out there and prove the doubters wrong."

Dan says: "As a man who witnessed the woes of the Giants, Gulls and the Chargers, I am not used to pre-season hype and expectations. But consider what we have... We have the best halves in the competition, hand down, but not only that we have excellent depth. Chalk and Bird were brilliant pick-ups, we can now overcome up to 4 key injuries. ...And god help you all if that happens, because the Black Flash still waits in the wings! Come on Walker in 2010! This game sees last play first - it will be a massacre. Titans by 30."

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South Sydney v Sydney Roosters, ANZ Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Close your eyes and forget all you think you know about Sydney Roosters. Wipe it from your memory. Now open them again and read through the Chooks` 17-man squad. Now Souths fans, tell me how you can be so confident of another opening-round chook-house slaughter? I won`t totally rule the Bunnies out and come round 26 I`ll probably be riding the Redfern bandwagon into the finals; but for now I`m tipping the Roosters to get the early wood and Carney to be pouring the first round of celebratory schooners. Roosters by six."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Deb Bourke from Cobar says: "Regardless of mindless comments from anonymous sprookers, I think the Rabbitohs will have a good year in 2010. Pizza? No. KFC or a red, white and blue feather duster - yep, probably that could be arranged. Play hard Rabbits!!"

GH says: "Always be wary if the anonymous..never got the guts to say who they are. Chris Sandow would never get you a pizza either..only basement dwellers eat pizzas..penthouse players like Chris are well above your level."

Blake from Rosebery says: " Balance will be restored to the universe after the empty liquor cabinet at Bondi Junction is put up on EBay and Rusty puts in the highest bid, mistakenly thinking he might need something to put a trophy in. All he’ll find is a wooden spoon in the bottom drawer, returned to it’s rightful owners at Redfern. Bet on the Chooks to pop the Bunnies hot air balloon of hype and scratch out an ugly win."

Ted and/or Greg says: "Welcome back Aboobactor having won my tipping comp two years running I just want to thank you for helping me tip. Sometimes as you know its a 50/50 call so I look to you and your strike rate is legendary I always go against you and no surprise you deliver thank you Aboobacator. Being a Souths supporter I love the boobs you hacks come up with. No doubt you are doing this for free I think you should be paying them! As a Souths supporter I just want to say you are a bo bo Aboobacator good luck ya need it."

Ryan from Tweed Heads says: "The Roosters may be the most underrated team in the competition this year. Brian Smith will have spent the entire off season installing discipline into our proud club and a round one party at the expense of the joke of the league will be our first reward of many this season. With the strike power of Carney, Minichiello back and ready to pounce and our halves ready for a big year the Roosters will feast on rabbit come Sunday. Roosters by 16."

Peter Arndell from Mollymook: "You call yourself an adjudicator, well … It`s time to take of the blinkers. Souths backline most tries last season, Sandow now has a real pack to go behind, and watch him shine. Now so called Adjudicator, dont worry about ordering pizza, he will only be serving lobster and Moet, so you take your ticket and move to the back of the cue."

Todd says: "Hi Adjudicator, I think I will take issue with you on your description of our Bunnies backline as “pure rubble”This “rubble” backline scored more tries that any other team last year, and were the best finishers by far, even behind a beaten pack. John Sutton led the league with try assists and line break assists. Nathan Merritt scored 19 tries. Beau Champion and Fetuli Talanoa both scored more than 10, and Jamie Simpson scored nine. Colin Best did not miss a one on one tackle, and Chris Sandow played will, despite being massively over coached by Jason Taylor. I think you might be in the minority with this one."

Sweeper from Port Macquarie says: "Mr A, the Rabbitohs put 90 points on the Roosters in 2009, and have added try-scoring monsters, Burgess and Taylor, to their squad. The Roosters have not bought any noted defenders into their squad, and I can’t see them stopping Souths. I think you’re wrong about Souths halves. I’m predicting Sutton and Sandow to put the Rabbits through plenty of holes in the Steggles defence."quot;

Daniel says: "It’s only taken until Round 1 for you to lose my respect, Mr A. Let’s looks at this “rubble”: Wesser, Merritt, Best, Champion, Talanoa, Sutton, Sandow. Some of these guys will play rep footy this year. Sandow was rookie of the year just two years ago. Also in the wings are Simpson, Capewell and Vaivai. Add a backline as potent as that to the best forward pack in the NRL, still missing mighty Mick Crocker, and you have a team that is expected to, and just might, beat the Roosters by 60 points. I might even call Glenn Munsie to get the odds of the mighty Rabbits beating St George’s 91-6 scoreline from 1935 against Canterbury."

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Wests Tigers v Manly, Sydney Football Stadium, Monday 7pm (EDT)
The Adjudicator`s verdict: "Just for the record I feel filthy knowing there is a whole flock of Sea Eagles supporters out there that now think I`m one of them. I am not. I am much better than you. That said, any Tigers fans who think the absence of the Ox will work in their favour are kidding themselves, Manly`s premiership credentials took a massive leap just by writing Kiwi Foran`s name next to the No.7 slot. It won`t break my heart to get this one wrong, but for me it`s Sea Eagles by four."

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you`re from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Liam says: "Typical arrogant Manly supporters(and I come from the peninsula). I agree the Tigers don`t look as strong as they could be but I think they`ll do the job on Monday night. The halves look to be the problem at Manly. Anyhow lets hope its as good as game as their final match together last year ( it nearly gave me a heart attack) with the match decided in the Tigers favour by the 20 minute mark. Go Tigers!!!"

Matthew says: " The Eagles will win be plenty. The 2009 team managed 5th and they are only stronger this year with Brett Stewart back at No.1 and a stronger No 7. Orford was far too predictable in 2009 and I can see Foran offering plenty more in attack this season. And Jamie Lyon proved how adaptable he was to the No 6 jumper in 2008 when he was close to the player of the final series for Manly on their way to 40-0."

Tigers fan Ben says: " Mate... you sure you were thinking straight when you wrote this piece? We basically have the same team as last year added some top quality players and you think we wont gel together? Put it this way last three years we have won our opening clash and this year will be no exception. Manly minus Orford = a shellacking at the hands of the Tigers. Manly 6 and 7 will get them no where this year with only Foran a recognisable kicker. Tuqiri to run rampant with Benji, and both Robbie`s to run the show. Tigers by 14"

Rob from Dapto says: "Finally some sense A – I agree Eagles look too good and hard to notice Orford name missing. It is Benji, not another Benji, who lets the Tigers down a lot. Unless he has grown a bigger heart and another shoulder he will dish up much the same stuff. Eagles by 12+ and B Stewart to bag a couple of 4 pointers."

Nathan says: "I agree, the tigers are no hope, They have an over-rated hooker, and they have a bloke at 5/8 who is more hot and cold then Katie Perry. The eagles forward back will be far too good for the tigers and they will be winning by a big margin. Foran to have a blinder, His defence is outstanding and he will rattle some cages of the tigers players in round one. Eagles by 16."

Matthew McMillan from Kellyville Ridge says: "Sorry mate but to many beers for you in the off season. If you think the tigers will choke on Monday you are in for a big disappointment. The tigers on the back of Robbie Farah and a very exciting backline will tear a new one for the beagles and start the season on a winning note."

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