Roosters concerns, South Sydney’s lethal edge and Raiders rookie headline Kenty Blitz review of NRL Round 1

South Sydney’s frightening attacking edge, the Sydney Roosters’ disappointing start and the emergence of a new Raiders playmaker dominated discussion on the latest episode of Kenty Blitz as the fallout from Round 1 of the 2026 NRL season continued.

With regular host Paul Kent still on the road back, veteran journalist Paul Crawley joined the show to break down the biggest storylines from the opening weekend.

Kent recently completed radiation and chemotherapy and is expected to return once his immune system recovers. “He’s a tough little bugger and he keeps on fighting,” Crawley said.

Roosters under early pressure

The Sydney Roosters were one of the biggest disappointments of the opening round after a heavy loss to the Warriors, a result Crawley said was difficult to justify given their roster strength.

“Oh they were terrible,” Crawley said. “You look at their roster and there’s no excuses for the Roosters. They’ve got huge depth in the forwards, they’ve got two wonderful halves and they’ve got great backs.”

The defeat has raised early questions around the Roosters’ new halves combination, with Daly Cherry-Evans joining Sam Walker this season. Crawley believes the partnership will improve with time but warned the club had taken a significant gamble bringing in the veteran playmaker.

“I think in time that connection is going to work,” he said. “But defensively was the issue for Cherry-Evans. He missed two crucial tackles that led to tries.”

The decision to recruit Cherry-Evans also meant the Roosters overlooked young half Hugo Savala, something Crawley said could become a talking point if results do not improve.

“If they don’t at least make a grand final on what they achieved last year with Sam and Hugo, it’ll be a failure,” he said.

Warriors impress in statement win

While the Roosters struggled, the Warriors were one of the most impressive sides of the round. Halfback Tanah Boyd played a leading role in the upset, guiding the side around the park with authority.

“He was inspirational how he led that team around the park,” Crawley said. “He kicked well. He ran the ball. He organised. He left the Roosters for dead.”

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also delivered one of his strongest performances in recent years, dominating on the wing.

South Sydney’s attacking weapon

South Sydney’s powerful left-edge combination also caught the attention of the panel after the Rabbitohs piled on 40 points in their Round 1 victory. The quartet of Latrell Mitchell, David Fifita, Cody Walker and Alex Johnston caused constant problems for the Dolphins defence.

“I can’t remember a more powerful attacking force than what South have got now on that edge,” Crawley said.

Mitchell’s opening try, where he powered through multiple defenders, highlighted the damage the Rabbitohs can inflict when their attack clicks.

“That first try of Latrell’s where he literally had four Dolphins on him and he toyed with them — he just monstered them,” Crawley said. “He’s going to be an absolute force.”

The Rabbitohs also appear to have solved their fullback debate with young playmaker Jai Gray injecting speed and energy from the back.

“He gives them so much energy,” Crawley said. “He’s just always looking for opportunity.”

Alex Johnston chasing history

Much of the spotlight around South Sydney now centres on winger Alex Johnston, who is just one try away from equalling Ken Irvine’s all-time NRL try-scoring record.

Wayne Bennett has urged fans not to run onto the field if the milestone is reached during a match, but Crawley believes such a historic moment deserves celebration.

Raiders rookie delivers match-winning moment

The match of the round came in Canberra, where the Raiders defeated Manly thanks to a late field goal from rookie halfback Ethan Sanders. Crawley said the youngster showed remarkable composure in the clutch moment.

“Calm as you like, Ethan Sanders has just nailed that kick like it was something he did at the schoolyard,” he said.

The performance justified Canberra’s decision to move on from veteran halfback Jamal Fogarty and back their young playmaker.

“It gives you faith that the Raiders have made the right decision by letting Jamal go and sticking with this kid,” Crawley said.

Panthers continue to set the standard

Penrith also sent an early warning to the rest of the competition with a commanding victory over the Broncos. The Panthers’ ability to continually regenerate their roster remains their greatest strength.

“They just continue to come up with the answer for the next generation moving forward,” Crawley said. Despite losing stars over recent seasons, Penrith again look poised to challenge for another premiership.