NRL Tipping is back for 2020, with round one providing fresh hope for all competitors.
Will the clubs that enjoyed strong 2019 campaigns take up where they left off or will they need a few weeks to find their stride?
The experts at NRL.com have largely stuck with home teams for round one, with the Eels, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Knights and Raiders all heavily backed.
If you haven't already signed up for NRL Tipping get in now, and if you have, take a look at who the experts are backing and read Brett Kimmorley's previews (below).
As well as the regular competitions, streak tipping is also back for 2020.
All you need to start or join a league to take on family, friends, workmates or the experts is a free NRL account.
The tipster who creates the "private" competition with the most entrants before round one will win the early-league creator prize: a VIP trip for two to the 2020 grand final with three nights accommodation.
The overall winner will receive a VIP trip for two to next year's NRL Nines (three nights accommodation) plus $5000.
Brett Kimmorley's round 1 previews
Eels v Bulldogs, Thursday, 8:05pm at Bankwest Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: I'm expecting Parramatta to make Bankwest Stadium a fortress again in 2020. Mitchell Moses would have already benefited from Andrew Johns's tutelage, while Reagan Campbell-Gillard could return to the best prop in the game at his new club. Eels by 8.
Raiders v Titans, Friday, 6pm at GIO Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: I think Canberra are probably the easiest winners to pick this week. They'll be motivated after losing last year's grand final and they got the good news that Curtis Scott is able to play. The Titans should be better than 2019, and I like new coach Justin Holbrook, but I'm not sure they have the talent to match the top teams. Raiders by 10.
Cowboys v Broncos, Friday, 8:05pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Riding the atmosphere of their new stadium, I've got the Cowboys to beat Brisbane in another epic. Michael Morgan's now had 12 months without Johnathan Thurston and he's got to stand up for his side to shine. I think Valentine Holmes will remain the match-winning player he was at Cronulla, while Anthony Milford will show his class for Brisbane. Cowboys by 7.
Knights v Warriors, Saturday, 3pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Adam O'Brien's done his coaching apprenticeship and he gets the chance to stamp his style on Newcastle. He should enjoy a winning start. The Knights have a great forward pack, Mitchell Pearce steering the ship and the dangerous Kalyn Ponga at fullback. Meanwhile, the Warriors don't have a genuine No.7 to run the side and lack experience at hooker. Knights by 10.
NRL panelists predict this year's grand final
Rabbitohs v Sharks, Saturday, 5:30pm at ANZ Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Latrell Mitchell signing with any club has got to make them favourites, but we probably won't see his best at fullback for about half the season until he gets match fit. Still, with Adam Reynolds set to grow a leg as captain, I think Souths will play the well-disciplined brand of footy synonymous with master coach Wayne Bennett to edge the injury-hit Sharks. Rabbitohs by 4.
Panthers v Roosters, Saturday, 7:35pm at Panthers Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: Coming off a solid World Club Challenge victory, I expect the Roosters to win first up. Kyle Flanagan is a quality player – he'll learn under the retired Cooper Cronk and play a similar style – while Luke Keary and James Tedesco finished last year on fire. Api Koroisau is an amazing buy for Penrith, but I think the Roosters will have too much mental toughness. Roosters by 8.
Round 1 - Jake Trbojevic makes shock return, Boyd Cordner out
Sea Eagles v Storm, Sunday, 4:05pm at Lottoland
Brett Kimmorley says: Manly are no longer flying under the radar after a wonderful 2019. The home ground advantage is big and I think they'll cause an upset thanks to a Des Hasler coaching masterclass. It's interesting how the Storm keep having to develop players and they lost a few again this year. They couldn't settle on a halfback last season, so I look forward to seeing who plays where for Melbourne and what style they employ in the opening weeks. Sea Eagles by 2.
Dragons v Wests Tigers, Sunday, 6:15pm at WIN Stadium
Brett Kimmorley says: There's a bit of pressure on the Dragons this year. They should have the ability to win this game given it's in Wollongong but I like the Tigers under Michael Maguire; they're a tough and gritty side. There's a question over the dummy-half role but halfback Luke Brooks was consistent last year and Benji Marshall is still in brilliant form. Tigers by 4.
