It's the centenary year of competitive rugby league in Australia in 2008, although it could be argued that the game is in a sorrier state these days since its Faustian encounter with News Limited began thirteen years ago. It's no coincidence that News Ltd owns 50 per cent of the NRL while also owning 100 per cent of the current premiers Melbourne Storm, who are also 5/2 favourites to win the premiership this year.

Which is one reason why I take a closer interest in the NSW Cup, which is the erstwhile Premier League and erst-erstwhile Reserve Grade, as a supporter of the Newtown Bluebags.

That grumble off my chest, I figured that the best way for me to attempt to maintain interest in this year's NRL is to engage in the tipping competitions. I'll post my selections on this blog every week until/if/when I get sick of it.

With the 2008 season kicking off tonight between Souths and Easts at the second stadium in NRL history to be called ANZ Stadium, here are my Round One Selections:

Friday:
Souths to beat Easts
Townsville to beat the Gold Coast

Saturday:
Parramatta to beat Canterbury
Manly to beat Cronulla
Canberra to beat Newcastle

Sunday:
Penrith to beat Brisbane
Balmain to beat St George

Monday:
News Ltd (the Storm to you) to beat Auckland