Eels vs Dragons Round 1 2016

North Queensland are set to host Canterbury in the opening match of the season, with Channel Nine and the NRL resisting the temptation of repeating this year's blockbuster premiership kick-off between South Sydney and Brisbane to capitalise on the return of Sam Burgess.Instead, the Rabbitohs and Broncos are expected to meet in round two at Suncorp Stadium in a match which is sure to be one of the most watched regular season games of the season, given the rating success of the two clashes between the clubs this year.The season-opening Brisbane-Souths match, which was played on a Thursday night, attracted a capital city audience of 729,000, while the return game at Allianz Stadium was watched by 711,000 metro viewers.Fans in regional areas took the number of people tuning in to both games to more than 1 million nationally and along with the Storm-Broncos clashes in round 26, which drew a television audience of 723,000 in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, they were among the three most watched regular season matches.The return of Burgess after a 12-month stint in English rugby union should ensure even bigger viewing numbers this season, with the hype around the dual international likely to be similar to that when Sonny Bill Williams joined Sydney Roosters in 2013 after a five-year absence from the NRL.Burgess' decision to quit Bath and return to Souths on a three-year deal dominated weekend headlines in Australia and England and he will be an even bigger star than he was before he left at the end of the 2014 season after leading the Rabbitohs to their first premiership in 43 years.However, Fairfax Media was told Nine and the NRL were well advanced in discussions about the 2016 draw before the return of Burgess was confirmed last Friday and intend to stick with their plan for the Cowboys to host the season opener after winning the grand final.Parramatta had been considered as North Queensland's first opponents but it is understood that the Eels will play St George Illawarra in the opening round, with the Bulldogs to travel to Townsville for the March 3 clash.The Broncos had requested to play their first home match in round two against either the Cowboys or Rabbitohs, and it is believed they will face Souths, with the grand final replay to be played later in the season.The NRL is expected to release the full 2016 draw later this month, officials determined to announce the fixtures earlier than last year when fans had to wait until December to learn their team's schedule.The Bulldogs have announced trial matches against Penrith at Pepper Stadium on February 13 and Melbourne at Belmore Oval on February 20.The Panthers will also host Parramatta on February 20 at Pepper Stadium, while the Eels play Gold Coast at ANZAC Oval, Alice Springs, on February 13.

"I just don't get Ryan Matterson. Let's be frank. He is 6'2 and 105kg, and it's basically all lean muscle judging by his modelling/training photos. He also has some 5/8 skills, playing juniors and lower grades in the halves or centres (helping…"

"I'm not entirely sure Lomax lost a lot of money. There's talk about a golden handshake and a signing bonus with R360. I think more will come to light over the next few weeks or months, but I think Lomax will pick and choose what he wants to do next.…"

Replies

Ham Sammich November 9, 2015 at 9:02pm

The Dragons are a good start to the season and it could be a Sunday afternoon game. I'd like that very much, especially if it's played at Parra stadium.
aveel November 9, 2015 at 9:04pm

We played Manly first round this year
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 November 9, 2015 at 9:08pm

Automatic 2 points for the eels. The dragons have fallen away badly due mainly to recruitment and retention malpractice.
- GRUNTA - Death of a Salesman > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 November 9, 2015 at 9:14pm
  
  The opposite Chief.
  The dragons are unbeatable for the first few rounds each year.
  Massive danger game for us!
  I just hope we don't draw the Titans second round or we are in deep fecal matta.
Ham Sammich November 9, 2015 at 9:23pm

The Dragons lost their first 2 rounds this year only scoring 4 points in both games.
- GRUNTA - Death of a Salesman > Ham Sammich November 10, 2015 at 5:30am
  
  But then went on to win a heap on the run.
  Ok...early in the season.
Chris November 9, 2015 at 9:27pm

The eels requested the St George game so very surprised the NRL look to have accommodated us.
hindy November 9, 2015 at 9:28pm

Why is Dugan out Ron?
Dorki wizard November 9, 2015 at 9:28pm

It will mark 30 years since the opening Parramatta stadium clash with saints in 86, so no doubt the match celebrate that
- Scott Mangold > Dorki wizard November 9, 2015 at 10:11pm
  
  if that true got be game one round one