Darren ArthurMar 5, 2026, 10:30 AM
CloseDarren has been a keen follower of sport his entire life, developing a strong love of rugby league, cricket, baseball and just about any competitive event involving an Australian athlete. Darren’s editorial journey included stops at AOL|7, Wide World of Sports and Sportsfan.
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The fans, the players, the media and thousands of support staff have all returned from Las Vegas. The NRL has completed its victory lap, with plans revealed for further global expansion. With everyone taking a deep breath, we now prepare for the season proper to take flight.
If all the drama of the double header on the other side of the world whet your appetite, the NRL has plated up a feast to end the week, starting with the extra spicy clash between Melbourne and Parramatta.
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These two clubs have just walked out of a court room following a fight over the services of Zac Lomax. In short, the Eels released Lomax last year to join R360, which has since failed to get off the ground. The release contained a condition that he could not play for another NRL club, without the Eels’ permission. That permission rested largely on suitable compensation from any interested party. After failing to reach an agreement, the Storm took the case to court, and the court backed the Eels. As it stands, Lomax will not pull on a Storm jersey this season.
“He (Lomax) is a quality player, but even more than that, he’s a quality person and he would have fit in here really well,” Storm coach Craig Bellamy said.
“But more than anything else, we’re disappointed for him – I’m not quite sure what happens now with him.”
Jack Howarth of the Storm is tackled by Mitchell Moses of the Eels. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The Storm have famously won every Round 1 game since Bellamy took the head coaching reins in 2003. Bellamy has an agreement with the club that allows him to keep coaching for as long as he likes, and it is his success, born of meticulous preparation, that has earned that privilege. The Storm’s Round 1 record has not happened through luck or good fortune, each year Melbourne begins the season as near to the top of their game as is physically possible.
The Eels have been unlucky enough to be victims of the Storm’s opening round dominance two out of the last three seasons. Last year they were torn apart to the tune of 56-18 in Melbourne, two years previously they lost 16-12 at Parramatta. The Eels last beat the Storm in 2022.
This game is one you cannot miss. Mitchell Moses and former Storm half Jonah Pezet up against the NRL’s premier halves combination of Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. Stefano Utoikamanu and Josh King charging into J’maine Hopgood and Junior Paulo. Sualauvi Faalogo and Isaiah Iongi, two exciting young fullbacks trying to make a name in the NRL. And young Eels hooker Ryley Smith up against the masterful Harry Grant. All playing with a bit of extra spite because of a player who wont even be on the field.
Daly Cherry-Evans of the Roosters in action against the Eels. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Friday brings us an intriguing double header, with the Roosters travelling to New Zealand to face the enigmatic Warriors, before the blockbuster clash between the Broncos and Panthers.
The Roosters and Warriors always put on a show and all eyes will be on Daly Cherry-Evans who makes his debut in red, white and blue wearing the No.6 jersey. Can he lead the Roosters to premiership glory the same way Cooper Cronk did? We will get an early indication of just how well he can play away from his beloved Sea Eagles. The clash in Auckland will be a fine entrée prior the main meal on Friday night.
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Brisbane Broncos, nose bloodied by Hull KR in England, run out onto Suncorp Stadium to begin the defence of their premiership title. And what a first-up opponent they face. The Panthers, who retained the majority of their 2025 squad, will be determined to prove that their premiership window is anything but closed. After winning four straight titles, their run came to an end last year at the hands of the Broncos, something that will have haunted Nathan Cleary and his teammates for the entire offseason.
Reece Walsh up against Dylan Edwards, the wily old Adam Reynolds on wobbly legs facing Nathan Cleary, forward packs primed to build the platform, fleet footed backs ready to capitilise. It should be an absolute belter of a game.
With the razzle dazzle of Vegas behind us for another year, the 2026 NRL season will be well and truly launched by the time Saturday rolls around. To paraphrase Roy and H.G. – too much footy will be barely enough!