NRL Round 2 expert tips and predictions, burning issues facing teams

Round one winners need to prove they are the real deal while the round two losers need to need a win on the board. Our experts deliver their tips ahead of a crucial round.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

One of the greatest opening rounds in NRL history is done and dusted. Can week two live up to expectations?

Our experts deliver their tips and burning issues for Round 2.

Round 2 Burning Issue: Peter Badel

Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has been towelled up by Cowboys rival Valentine Holmes in their last three meetings. Staggs has been dormant for too long. It’s time for him to explode in the XXXX derby.

Round 2 Burning Issue: Travis Meyn

Little brother syndrome. After being flogged 38-12 in last year’s Queensland derby at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos will flex their muscles with a win over the Cowboys on Friday night to prove they mean business this year.

Broncos tipped for derby revenge. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Round 2 Burning Issue: Fatima Kdouh

The Tigers nailed their recruitment ahead of the 2023 but will find out on Sunday whether the club made the right call backing Luke Brooks over Jackson Hastings, who’ll have a point to prove.

Round 2 Burning Issue: Paul Crawley

The halves battle between Adam Reynolds and Chad Townsend. Reynolds will get the Broncos home against the Cowboys. These games are traditionally tight contests and this will be no different, with Reynolds nailing the match winner in another golden point shootout.

Round 2 Burning Issue: Brent Read

Cracks in the windscreen? We’re about to find out. The Panthers have lost two straight at home, unheard-of in recent years. Souths are on fire after beating the Sharks in week one. Let’s see where the premiers are at.

Can Penrith bounce back against South Sydney. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Round 2 Burning Issue: Michael Carayannis

While many don’t have the Tigers in the top eight by the end of the season, if they lose on Sunday it will be a tough ask for them to make it already. Dropping two games at home against teams (Titans and Knights) who some don’t think will challenge for the top eight could make it a long year for the Tigers faithful.

Round 2 Burning Issue: David Riccio

Three months of pressure will boil to the surface on Sunday night to reveal just what the Dragons have got to offer in 2023. I haven’t watched a more woeful effort in a Charity Shield than what Saints dished up a fortnight ago. I’ve got the Titans winning in a close one, but anything less than a competitive effort by the Dragons and the heat will be well and truly on.

Anthony Griffin is under extreme pressure. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Round 2 Burning Issue: Paul Kent

Early form is often false form in the NRL and the first week had various examples of that. Are the Dolphins and the Broncos the real deal? Was it just a lapse at Penrith and the Roosters? And what do we make of the Tigers, or Knights? This week gets us closer to the answer.

Round 2 Burning Issue: Dean Ritchie

The form of the St George Illawarra Dragons. They will stun their critics with a win over Gold Coast. It won’t completely silence the never-ending detractors but at least give Hook Griffin a week of peace.

Round 2 Burning Issue: Phil Rothfield

Knights. Desperation game for Adam O’Brien. If he can’t knock off the Wests Tigers, on their form against the Titans, there will be major drama in the Hunter next week. Klemmer v the Knights, Hastings v the Wests Tigers adds to a huge game for both clubs needing to make an early season statement.