The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 1 of the 2021 NRL NT season

Sistaz still in business, South Darwin show first half promise and new look Bears unit. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 1 ACTION

Litchfield have formed a largley new look side Photo: Che Chorley

THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from an exciting opening round of NRL NT action with both the men’s and women’s comps back in full swing.

Brothers, Nightcliff and Palmerston triumphed in the men’s competition while Sistaz, Sharks and Palmerston tasted victory in the women’s.

SISTAZ RIGHT BACK IN BUSINESS

Latoniya Norris on her way to a bag of trys. Photo: Che Chorley

Undefeated premiers in 2020 and still on a roll after beating a battling Bears unit 38-0 in the opening round.

The Sistaz are still the target and look likely to dominate for some time yet with many of their premier players returning.

Bianca Stokes and Bianca Scrymgour were once again essential running the ball up the middle while Talia Corrie put in some massive defensive shifts.

Last season’s top try scorer and Gaynor Magg’s Medal winner Latoniya Norris also welcomed the new season in fine fashion scoring four tries.

And newcomers also impressed with debutants Erica Kurnoth and Tyla Kingdon (two tries) fitting right into the outfit.

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NEW LOOK LITCHFIELD NEEDS TIME TO GEL

Bill Burn with a pass down the line as Litchfield move on the attack. Photo: Che Chorley

The 2021 season will be seen as a changing of the guard for the Litchfield Bears with older players hanging up their boots and others moving away.

Of the Bears that played in the 2020 grand final only four, captain Luke Mahood, Dillan Vanderberg, Robert Campbell and Daniel Gallow, played in the season opener.

That change gives a chance for Litchfield’s depth to show with a strong junior base and reserve squad getting a chance to stick their hands up for A-grade selection.

Litchfield’s focus in the early rounds will be to build experience and combinations as they get used to a new squad and a new system under new coach Joe Carbone.

But in spite of the loss to Brothers there was plenty of talent on show from the Bears and a hint of more to come as they develop that A-grade experience.

NIGHTCLIFF RECRUITS SHOWCASE TALENT

Nightcliff held off fierce competition from Sharks in the opening round with new recruit and captain Brent Crisp (right) pivotal. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Nightcliff Dragons started their 2021 campaign on the right foot with new captain and star recruit Brent Crisp adding plenty of structure in their 24-8 win over Northern Sharks.

It was that structure and leadership from the former Canterbury Bulldog that lifted the whole side in what looks like an improving 2021 season for the Dragons.

Former Bear Clint Chettle looked strong on the wing throwing his weight around in the tackle and showing his pace out wide to deliver a big second half try.

It wasn’t always easy for the Dragons with Sharks making life difficult in the first half though the defensive composure and fitness showed in the second.

SHARK WOMEN MAKE WINNING RETURN

Perhaps one of the biggest additions to the women’s comp in 2021 is the return of 2019 premiers Northern Sharks.

The Sharks did not enter a team in the 2020 season with player number concerns, with some players making the move to new power side Sistaz.

Though the side returned in style repeating their 2019 grand final victory with a 14-4 win over old foes Nightcliff Dragons.

The additions of the Richard Hill coached side should herald in a more competitive competition across the six sides.

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SOUTH DARWIN SHOW FIRST HALF PROMISE

South's Tian Nichols and Palmerston’s Tian Nichols ahead of Round 1. Picture Glenn Campbell

The 40-12 win for the Raiders is what will go down in the records but it says little about the promise South Darwin showed in the opening half.

In recent years the Rabbitohs have been haunted by lacking player numbers and uncompetitive showings.

The same seemed likely when they landed a more favoured Palmerston outfit in the opening round and even more so when Palmerston scored twice in the opening ten minutes.

But Souths rallied against one of the league favourites showing grit and determination to prove they no longer want to be seen as pushovers.

Two Aaron Glenny tries and subsequent conversions from captain Tian Nicholls had the Bunnies within a score going into half time.

They slumped away in the second half as Palmerston picked up, but a confident first half gives them plenty to work on.