Six must watch NRL matches in 2016
The start of the NRL season is only a matter of weeks away. The teams have engaged in their pre-season preparations and when the season kicks-off, we should expect the NRL teams to electrify the rugby audiences on the field. There are several blockbuster matches lined up for the 2016 season. Punters that want to win big on NRL betting in 2016 will keep a watchful eye on the NRL games this season.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos
This is the fixture that every rugby league fan wants to see. After the two teams epic encounter in the grand final in 2015, audiences will be eager to see if the Cowboys can repeat their performance, shaking off any notions that their win was nothing more than a ‘stroke of luck’. For the Broncos, it will offer them the chance to get first blood after their epic finals match-up. The game takes place on Good Friday, the 25th of March at Suncorp Stadium.
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors
April 25th will see the spirit of Anzac flowing through the veins of the players and the fans. Expect the Australian and New Zealand rivalry to ignite as the Melbourne Storm, who boast several New Zealand Test rugby league stars, come up against their teammates based at the Auckland club. This trans-Tasman competition should not be missed.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Another highly anticipated match-up would see the two 2014 finalists the South Sydney Rabbitohs pitted against the Canterbury Bulldogs in another Good Friday clash. One of the interesting elements about their intense rivalry is that they share the same ground. Their finals appearance two years ago saw the Rabbitohs come out on top as victors. This Good Friday clash between the two teams will be electrifying.
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Roosters showed incredible form throughout the 2015 season to take out the minor premiership. It was a shame that although they performed stellar throughout the season, they ran out of steam and tumbled out of the finals contention. On March 6th, they kick-off against their oldest foes in rugby league. The match will also see the return of prodigal son Sam Burgess, which will create huge interest among Rabbitohs fans. This fixture is one of the most mouth-watering contests in round one.
Queensland vs New South Wales – State of Origin series (Games 1, 2 and 3)
With the exception of the NRL grand final, the State of Origin series will pit an all-star lineup on both the Queensland and New South Wales teams. Over the last decade, Queensland have dominated State of Origin. The team has rugby stars that have been among the best the game has ever seen. New South Wales have also shown fine form, however they are competing in an era where so many talented players are coming from Queensland. In the final game from 2015, Queensland broke the record for the largest win margin in a State of Origin game by claiming victory 52-6. If NSW can get their preparation in order, we may see a more competitive competition in 2016.
NRL Grand Final
The pinnacle of the Aussie rugby league season will have the best two teams from the season vying for rugby supremacy. It is uncertain who will be a clear favourite to take out the title. If the game is anything like last year’s grand final it will be enthralling, surprising and enlightening. Make sure you save the date!
This year’s NRL season should be one to remember. There are many epic games that will keep you on the edge of your seat for months to come. Save the date, choose your teams and enjoy the action!