Defending premiers Penrith will launch their quest for a third premiership on Friday night when they host the Broncos in Round 1 at BlueBet Stadium.
Both sides have been in the headlines over the summer with star players already sorting out their futures elsewhere in 2024 with coaches Ivan Cleary and Kevin Walters sure to want the focus to being back on the field.
Penrith's golden point loss in the World Club Challenge to St Helens less than a fortnight ago will sting the two-time champions, who will officially start life without the services of Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau.
Brisbane's Pre-season Challenge form looked promising in clashes against the Titans and Cowboys but it was the side's slide down the Telstra Premiership ladder in the second half of the season last year that will provide all the motivation.
The battle of the forwards - particularly through the middle with Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan taking on James Fisher-Harris and Isaah Yeo - is a big drawcard, while halves Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will want to make an early statement.
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Team news
Panthers: There are no late changes for the home side. World Cup winner Liam Martin (knee) and Clive Churchill Medalist Dylan Edwards (hamstring) are both good to go for the season opener. Eleven members of the starting 13 from last year's grand final will line up against the Broncos. The season-ending injury to Taylan May sees Sunia Turuva start on the wing in Round 1 and permanently if he can cement the spot in the early rounds. Former Tiger Luke Garner fills the left edge spot vacated by Viliame Kikau while Soni Luke comes off the bench to back up Mitch Kenny at hooker.
Broncos:Kevin Walters' side remains 1-17 on game day with no late changes. Selwyn Cobbo moves to fullback to replace Reece Walsh, who is nursing a fractured eye socket and Jesse Arthars comes onto the wing in his return to the club after a season with the Warriors. Cory Paix's impressive start to the year has earned him a spot on the bench alongside Keenan Palasia, Thomas Flegler and Martin Taupau in his Broncos debut.
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Stat attack
- The Panthers have won 25 of their 27 NRL games at BlueBet Stadium since 2020.
- The Broncos have not won at BlueBet Stadium since 2009.
- The Panthers will field 14 members of last year’s grand final-winning team.
- Broncos coach Kevin Walters has lost three from three against the Panthers.
- Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary requires one try for 50 NRL tries and one goal for 500 goals.