Friday, 7.45pm Pirtek Stadium.

Anthony Watmough's clash with his former team steals the headlines here. The question is whether a Watmough-led Eels forward pack can deny Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran room to work their magic? Too many questions surround Manly; the Eels at home in a close one. The blue and gold faithful will be buoyed by the naming of their strongest forward pack in years with Manu Ma'u and Tepai Moeroa forming a strong back row.

The odds: BetEasy: Sea Eagles  $1.87, Eels $1.97, Ladbrokes: Sea Eagles $1.87, Eels $1.95

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Saturday, 4.30pm, Hunter Stadium

The Warriors look strong on paper with Shaun Johnson leading an exciting team full of young stars. New recruits Bodene Thompson and Ryan Hoffman add depth and experience to a team full of potential. Their form this side of the Tasman is a concern and expect a relatively settled Knights team to want to continue its strong finish from last year. Kurt Gidley looms as a pivotal piece of the Knight puzzle at fullback.

The odds: BetEasy:  Warriors $1.87, Knights $1.97. Ladbrokes: Warriors $1.83, Knights $1.98

WESTS TIGERS v GOLD COAST TITANS

Saturday, 7pm, Cbus Super Stadium

It's hard to see the Titans overcoming their recent drama to post a first-up win. The Tigers have all their big guns on deck with exciting trio James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks fit and ready to go. Robbie Farah's kicking game could prove pivotal to guide the young tiger cubs around the field. For the Titans, Nate Myles will lead a largely inexperienced forward pack looking to give speedsters James Roberts and Josh Hoffman room to move.

The odds: BetEasy: Tigers $1.52, Titans $2.55. Ladbrokes: Tigers $1.45, Titans $2.70

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Saturday, 9pm, 1300 Smiles Stadium

The Roosters – minus hooker Jake Friend – take on a full-strength Cowboys line-up in the Townsville heat in the game of the round. A refreshed Johnathan Thurston could be the key for the Cowboys to get off to a better start in 2015 and contend for the title. Of the many head-to-head match ups, the Matt Scott v Jared Waerea-Hargreaves looms as a real highlight. The game will also mark the return to the NRL for Blake Ferguson.

The odds: BetEasy: Cowboys $1.75, Roosters $2.12. Ladbrokes: Cowboys $1.70, Roosters $2.20

PENRITH PANTHERS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4pm, Pepper Stadium

Not much has changed personal wise for both teams from the preliminary final with Brett Morris and Michael Lichaa (Bulldogs) the only new recruits of note. Penrith welcome back young guns Tyrone Peachey and Bryce Cartwright from injury to tackle the hardened Bulldogs forwards headed by new skipper James Graham. Matt Moylan, who kicked the winning goal after the siren between the two teams last year, is poised for a big year.

The odds: BetEasy: Bulldogs $1.85, Panthers $1.95. Ladbrokes: Bulldogs $1.87, Panthers $1.96

CRONULLA SHARKS v CANBERRA RAIDERS

Sunday, 6.30pm, Remondis Stadium

It's hard to imagine the Sharks not improving in 2015 with new recruit Ben Barba behind a potent forward pack. Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita hold the key for the Sharks especially with their off loading ability. For the visitors, young guns Jake Wighton and Mitchell Cornish carry the Green Machine's hopes of a first up win as part of an exciting backline. The inclusion of Shaun Fensom from injury is a big bonus.

The odds: BetEasy: Sharks $1.45, Raiders $2.80. Ladbrokes: Sharks $1.42, Raiders $2.90

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v MELBOURNE STORM

Monday, 7pm, Jubilee Oval

The inclusion of Cameron Smith swings the game in the Storm's way especially with a fully fit Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater in the mix. New recruits Dale Finucane and Blake Green will start for their new club. The Dragons forwards are their main concern but have match winners Benji Marshall , Josh Dugan and  Gareth Widdop in the backline.  Former Storm prop George Rose will start in the front row against his former team.

The odds: BetEasy: Storm $1.70, Dragons $2.20. Ladbrokes: Storm $1.73, Dragons $2.15