NRL Round 1 Preview - Dragons v Broncos @ Jubilee

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos @ UOWJubilee Oval
 
Preview - It's an explosive start to season 2018 when Ben Hunt and his Dragons take on his old chargers in the Broncos on Thursday night football at Jubilee Oval. The Dragons will be desperate to get off to a fast start in 2018 after a disastrous end to season 2017 saw them miss the Top 8, despite leading the competition after eight rounds. The Broncos are now in their fourth season under Wayne Bennett and, despite making the Preliminary Final and the Grand Final in the past three seasons, are still without a premiership since 2006. 
 
History - The Broncos have loved taking on the Dragons over the past decade, with an extremely dominant record. Brisbane have won 12 of the last 13 against the Red V, including a victory in Round 25 against them last season.
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos have had a relatively quiet summer in regards to signings, with their only big name in Jack Bird sidelined through injury. What will be interesting is to see how Matt Lodge goes in his controversial return to the NRL up front, as the Broncos’ pack looks to lack a bit of size and aggression this season. It will also be an opportunity for Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima to put their stamp on a team that plenty of people expect to go backwards this season. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons will be expected to come out firing at one of their spiritual home grounds, as well as showcasing big name signings Ben Hunt and James Graham. Ben Hunt will have plenty of motivation here to beat his old side in his debut for the Dragons, after often being shifted to hooker last season by Wayne Bennett. 
 
Verdict - Dragons by 1-8 in a low scoring game
 
I think the Dragons can overcome their horrendous record against the Broncos here and win a low scoring and physical game. The Dragons have an excellent record at Kogarah over the past few years and, in front of a big home crowd, I'm expecting them to be very hard to beat. The Broncos look a little bit underdone, for me, without having Jack Bird, and with their halves being a combination that I feel lacks a controlling player. I expect defences to get on top in this game, but I just think the Dragons will have bit too much to prove being at home.