Sharks v Broncos preview - 2017 Round 1

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Reigning premiers battle Bennett's boys in blockbuster opener.

Football is back folks and what better than to have the reigning premiers hosting one of the NRL's most successful teams in a blockbusting round one fixture.

The Cronulla Sharks defied all odds last year to take out their first NRL crown, but if you think Paul Gallen and co. are content with that then think again. Having tasted success, the Sharks like that feeling and now want more.

However, this is a unit that is severely weakened by the losses of Ben Barba and Michael Ennis. How this affects the boys from the Shire in this game - as well as the whole season - will be intriguing.

They still have one of the more formidable packs in the NRL however with the likes of Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis. They are sure to be the Sharks strength yet again in 2017. Young gun Jayden Brailey gets first shot at hooker and there is excitement around the Shire about how good he is. He has big boots to fill but Cronulla brass are confident he can get the job done.

Brisbane went out in week two of the 2016 finals series despite a demanding contest with the Cowboys, and will be doing its best to make amends in 2017.

Wayne Bennett has his side well trained and focused for the forthcoming season and any side that has Bennett at the helm needs to be feared. With quality all over the park they could not just cause the Sharks troubles on Thursday night but the rest of the NRL throughout the year.

Consistency will be the aim of the game for the Broncos as they look to challenge for a top four spot. The loss of Corey Parker has hurt the Broncos but with an embarrassment of riches in the forward department (including the offseason signing of Korbin Sims) it looks as though its in good hands.

Last meeting: Round 9 2016 - Sharks 30 Broncos 28

The Sharks held off a fast finishing Broncos outfit in the only fixture between the two last season at SCGS, however Brisbane has had success travelling down to the Shire of late recording three wins out of the last four games there.

Brisbane hold a 6-4 advantage over the last ten matches at all grounds.

Who to watch: Cronulla have been hindered at the fullback position by first losing Ben Barba and then replacement Valentine Holmes ruling himself out of round one action. Next man up is New Zealand international Gerard Beale.

Beale has been Mr fix it for the Sharks over the last few seasons, plunging positions from centre to second row to fullback. His involvement will be vital for a Sharks win on Thursday. Look for him to get involved returning the ball with strong carries as well as showing support in attack off the Sharks big forward pack who will try and keep the ball alive with second phase play.

Tautau Moga, meanwhile, gets first shot at the troublesome centre position for Brisbane this Thursday. The highly touted junior struggled to make the grade at the Sydney Roosters but the sea change to Brisbane may give him the boost he needs.

Blessed with strength, power running and speed, Moga could be a handful for the Sharks defence. With his spot not locked down, look for an inspired performance by the new recruit.

The favourite: The home advantage gives the Sharks the slight favouritism in this clash.

My tip: This one is almost too close to call. The home ground advantage at a sold out Shark Park assists Cronulla but without Barba, the recently retired Michael Ennis and Holmes they will struggle for points. Brisbane by 8.

1. Gerard Beale 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Sam Tagataese 17. Fa'amanu Brown

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Alex Glenn 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Herman Essese 17. Jai Arrow

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bernard Sutton