With the NRL fully back up and running this weekend, will you be watching some of our England stars in action?
Two NRL openers were staged at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas last Saturday – Premier winners Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks and Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors – with England’s Morgan Smithies featuring for the Raiders.
Canberra eased a 30-8 victory over their opponents in the American continent, with Smithies’ side scoring five tries.
Round 1 of the NRL will continue on Thursday morning - and fans can watch England speedsters Dom Young and Victor Radley in action for Sydney Roosters as they host Brisbane Broncos.
The Roosters duo will be hoping for a strong start to the new NRL campaign and will look to go one step further than a Preliminary Final in 2025.
Radley is already a back-to-back Premiership winner with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, but could 2025 finally see a different name on the trophy after Penrith's formidable four-peat? Can anybody stop the Panthers?
Young also finished as the NRL’s third top try scorer with 20 tries in 2024 - can he continue with his fine form this year?
Centre Herbie Farnworth, who stole the show in England’s test series against Samoa last autumn, will then play for The Dolphins on Friday, whilst Kai Pearce-Paul’s Newcastle Knights go up against Wests Tigers.
Farnworth will hit a milestone match as he is set to play in his 100th NRL game – a remarkable achievement for the 25-year-old – who was recognised for his performances and deservedly named in the coveted Dally M Team of the Year last season.
England fans will also remember his exceptional efforts across the Samoa games – emerging as the top metre maker and earning Player of the Match at AMT Headingley Stadium. He also scored three tries, including England's first of the series.
Finally, England veteran John Bateman could make his debut for North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday. Bateman returned Down Under at the end of last year, following a short stint at Warrington Wolves. He has played for Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders previously.
Will you be getting your NRL fix and watching any of our England stars this weekend?
NRL Round 1 fixtures live on Sky Sports:
Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos, Thursday 6 March (K.O. 9am, UK time)
South Sydney Rabbitohs v The Dolphins, Friday 7 March (K.O. 9am, UK time)
Manly Sea Eagles v North Queensland Cowboys, Saturday 8 March (K.O. 8.35am, UK time)
As always, England RL's official shirt and merchandise can be purchased from Oxen’s Elite Pro Sports online store. Have you got your kit yet?
