The Panthers have reigned supreme at the end of the season for the past four years, but they haven't always started as they intended to finish.
Since their inception into the competition in 1967, the Panthers have a 40.4 per cent winning strike rate in their opening match of the season.
Across the past four seasons, they have tasted success in Round 1 twice - in 2021 against the Cowboys and 2022 against Manly - but also been beaten in 2023 by the Broncos and 2024 by the Storm.
Ironically it was the Broncos and Storm they would go on to meet in the grand final in those two seasons, having the last laugh on the game's biggest stage.
The only two sides with worse strike rates than the Panthers in Round 1 games historically are the Dragons (10 wins from 25) and the Warriors (9 wins from 28).
Titans v Dragons - Round 1, 2024
The Dragons have gone some way towards changing the trend in the past three seasons with first-up wins over the Titans in 2024 and Warriors in 2022. They had a bye in Round 1 in 2023.
Sitting at the top of the heap when it comes to starting the season fast are the Melbourne Storm, with 22 wins from 24 games since their inception in 1998.
The Storm's only Round 1 losses came in 2000 against the Warriors and 2001 against the Bulldogs, and they haven't lost a Round 1 game since Craig Bellamy took charge in 2003.
Sitting second and third on the all-time Round 1 list are the Knights and Broncos, who both entered the competition in 1988 and have both won 23 of 36 opening round games at 63.9 per cent.
Match Highlights: Roosters v Knights
The Knights haven't tasted Round 1 success since 2022 against the Roosters but they will fancy their chances against Wests Tigers, who are coming off three straight spoons.
The Broncos went down to the Roosters in Las Vegas in the opening round of the 2024 season but did get the better of eventual champions Penrith (13-12) in 2023 and the Rabbitohs (11-4) in 2022 to kick start their campaigns.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
ROUND 1, 2025
Sunday March 2
Raiders v Warriors at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 11.00am (AEDT), 4.00pm (local time) - Fox
Panthers v Sharks at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3.30pm (AEDT), 8.30pm (local time) - Nine/Fox
Thursday March 6
Roosters v Broncos, 8.00pm (AEDT), 8.00pm (local time) - Nine
Friday March 7
Wests Tigers v Knights, 6.00pm (AEDT), 6.00pm (local time) - Fox
Dolphins v Rabbitohs, 8.05pm (AEDT), 7.05pm (local time) - Nine
Saturday March 8
Dragons v Bulldogs, 5.30pm (AEDT), 5.30pm (local time) - Fox
Sea Eagles v Cowboys, 7.35pm (AEDT), 7.35pm (local time) - Fox
Sunday March 9
Storm v Eels, 4.05pm (EST), 4.05pm (local time) - Nine
