The big event of round one is not the opening game. Wigan will safely dispose of Widnes.

The big event is Friday night's game between St Helens and Catalans. It pits the 2014 champions against the rejuvenated would be champions, with the latter having acquired an exceptional talent in Todd Carney.

Nobody should assume that Catalans will be in their best possible form, given the fact that Carney has not had any professional games in which to gel with his team. However the match offers the possibility of some exciting attacking play, which will raise the standards we will come to expect of Super League in the Carney Era.

Don't be so sure that 'Wigan will safely dispose of Widnes'.

Not if it's -1 with swirling snow which is often the case in the opening couple of rounds.

Had it been in France I would agree. Sadly the Dragons away form has generally been atrocious, especially early on in the season. They struggled last year and they've not really added anyone of note this season to change that.

Do Catalans not have their own forum?

As a neutral there are plenty of interesting picks this weekend.

Huddersfield v Hull FC (no idea)
Hull KR v Leeds (no idea)
Wakey v Cas (Probably most passionate tie of the round)

Not sure where Catalans come in as would be champions unless that tag applies to all but Saints this year.

It will be an interesting game for sure. But could be a onesided affair if Catalan have their usual slow start to the year and their usual away form.

Best match of the first round? Until it actually happens, I would ask to see your crystal ball. It could be a complete bore fest for all we know

I agree that if it's snowing, then the game could be a fizzer. It might have to be called off!

I can actually see Saints blowing Catalans away in this. Building up to the big WCC game and on a high still after a shock GF win and with genuine half backs in place.

So no, the answer is probably not.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Catalans go in this geam, unlike last season most of their players have had a full off season so hopefully they'll have a better run with injuries. However, I too think Saints will have too much for them, but at this point it's very difficult to predict how the games will go.

I think all 6 games will be close run affairs. Could even be some shocks in round with wins for Widnes, Salford and Hull KR.....

A win for Hull KR would be great for the competition. However I think that we will have to wait until round 5-7 before we see the full impact of the club's new acquisitions. The same point applies to Catalans.

yes.

Maybe one of the mods could have a word with the faux frog then and remind him.

The thread is asking about all the games of the round. No need to make something of this that isn't there.
The opening poster has every right to chose his opinion on the subject as well as ask the question