Round 1 of the 2017 NRL season started last Thursday and my beloved Dragons kicked their season off on Saturday against the Penrith Panthers. If you follow the experts the two teams are headed towards different ends of the table by seasons end. Penrith are expected to finish in the top 2 with their skillful yet youthful side who have had another year of experience, where as the Dragons are expected to finish in the bottom 2 as the side on paper does not look a lot different than last year except for a few new purchases.

So with that said it was looking like a bleak, rainy, wet, and cold Saturday afternoon at Kogarah Oval. I got myself comfortable on the Northern end of the ground where I have sat in the same seat for 3 years. Not the best seat in the house but it gives a view close the action without a media pass. I need to find out how to get one of those!

Photo kit wise it's all the same equipment except I got myself a 2nd hand Canon 1.4x Mk II extender to give my 70-200mm a bit more reach. I get 280mm @ f/4.0 now which is still not ideal but hey... its the cheapest way in to the market for a 300mm. No where to rent the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 unfortunately so I'm still saving my pennies.

Here are some pics, I'm a bit rusty so nothing seemed to be tack sharp. At the moment I'm blaming myself and not the equipment. So here are some pics for you to enjoy

I get close but the visiting side always warms up on the Northern end of Jubilee. Peachy and Cartwright warming up

No warm up here, no one calls Hiku and Moylan go for an early bomb

Dragons one the front foot early in the first half. Penrith seemed a little flat. Thompson getting involved early and steams on to a short ball to make 4-0

Forwards are really going forward today for the Dragons, but the backs are making it a game of it too

Josh Dugan on the charge early taking a hand off McCrone

It's all in the eyes, Paul Vaughn making a strong debut for the Red V.

Tim Lafai out in the open spaces, which was something rare last year

P train they were yelling out at the ground. Awesome go forward from the props

There was tough defence too, Gypsy helping out the skipper

Widdop didn't do much of this yesterday, his running game was back and reaped in the dividends with 2 meat pies

Frizell was not to be out done by his 2nd row partner, took the line on all game

Thompson goes over for his 2nd meat pie of the day

Waqa Blake goes up high to defuse a bomb

Jack de Belin, contract extension ... shows what he is worth with a powerful run to get over the line

Celebrations all around the try scorer de Belin, but he is no where to be seen

That's half time, the Dragons showing some enterprise with the ball and using it well to be ahead at half time 18 - 4. 2 tries to Joel Thompson and one to Jack de Belin. Rain has held off, let's hope the Dragons continue with their form in the 2nd half.

The less photos in the 2nd half will be a good sign as the Dragons run down Southern end of Kogarah oval and I don't have that angle.

Te Maire Martin tries to spark up his side. Running in to traffic close to the line

Waqa Blake on the charge... not looking good for the Dragons here

Cleary steps inside Frizell, heading towards the try line

The view Russell Packer has when heading into the Panther's defensive line

After Thompson scores his 3rd the right side back 3 give the crowd a well deserved applause to making it out to the oval as it was a wet Saturday before the game started

Hopefully not celebrating too soon, 10 to go and up by 32 points

Former Dragon trying to lift his Panthers late in the game, Trent Merrin takes the line on

Winners are grinners, Nene McDonald successful as a Dragon in his first NRL game in the Red V

A real positive result today 42-10 winners. Dragons go forward was excellent and they used all that domination in a positive manner to score some really nice tries and weren't always relying on putting the boot to the ball to cross the white line, which was pleasing to see.

It's the first game of the year, and it's a long season. If we see more of this then it can be a promising season ahead. Not getting ahead of myself but it's always a good week ahead if your footy team wins!

Dragons 42 (Joel Thompson 3, Gareth Widdop 2, Jack de Belin, Cameron McInnes tries; Gareth Widdop 7 goals) def. Panthers 10 (Waqa Blake, Tyrone Peachey tries; Nathan Cleary 1 goal) at UOW Jubilee Oval. Half-time: 18-4 Crowd: 7,283.