The Tip Sheet – 2026 Ep 17: Rd 1 Preview Vs Storm + Crystal Ball

Round 1 has finally arrived and the Parramatta Eels face the Melbourne Storm as story line after story line converge on the two clubs ahead of a cracking start to the NRL in Australia. Can the Eels finally end the Storms' legendary Round 1 streak? Will the backdrop of the Zac Lomax legal outcome add extra spice to the contest? What has Parramatta learned from their season opener in 2025? Sixties and Forty20 break down all the key players and match-ups on Thursday night and how the Eels can be the ones to end Melbourne's mythical opening week streak. The show also previews the action in the Jersey Flegg Cup and NSW Cup as the Eels hit take on the Storm in both of those grades as well. How do the odds stack up for the lower grades and can they start their campaigns on winning notes? Sixties rolls out the crystal ball to close out the show as the boys put their cards on the table for the competition. Who makes the 8? Which team will suffer the biggest falter and who is the unheralded bolter? To whom shall the wooden spoon belong to and which teams will meet in October? The boys lay it all on the line and be sure to leave your own bold predictions for the season in the comments!