As with each full round of Rugby League, Round 1 saw eight teams' fan bases emerge with smiles on their faces while eight fan bases have to wait at least another week to celebrate a victory in 2023.
That said, some teams will be far "happier", or perhaps less upset, in defeat than others.
While it took a perfectly executed field goal by one of the game's elite halfbacks to sink the Panthers, the Dogs were played off the park by the Sea Eagles.
As with every weekend of rugby league, there were positives, which we will cover in an upcoming piece, but also negatives.
Below is a look at five things from Round 1 that should worry fans.
Of course it is only Round 1. Historically Round 1 results offer very little significance later in the season, but performances can.
Not all points will cover all fans but will focus in one something that should worry, at least in the short-term, a specific group of fans.
3. Kalyn Ponga's HIA
I am not a doctor (obviously). I cannot speak to the severity of the incident that lead to Kalyn Ponga being taken from the field on Friday evening.
To my very, very untrained eye, it looked like it hurt. It was about on par for other instances that saw players tested but return to the field.
That said, Ponga has an extensive history of head-knocks. Being that he is now defending in the line the general thinking was he'd be prone to more HIA's than before.
Again, I am not qualified to comment on whether or not the assessment was truly required but the fact is it happened. The general feeling is it will be an ongoing thing.
If I could work out a way to ensure Ponga could go head knock free for the season I would absolutely do it, twice. Here's hoping Sunday afternoon is completely incident free.
