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.
4. The bye
The only real issue I had with the Dolphins inclusion was it created an uneven number of teams. This of course necessitates a bye each week.
Ask Dragons fans how they enjoyed Round 1. I'll add the sarcastic comment of it may be their best route to points this season but I can tell you, it killed their excitement.
Manly are up and flying on the back of a marvelous Round 1 performance. They can carry the momentum of that win into a week off.
Penrith fans play Thursday night and then have a bye. Only another Thursday night game saves fans from a maximum wait between fixtures.
I fully understand it and expect it to become routine but right now I hate it. Loathe it!
Selfish, I am fully aware, and perhaps it will become a positive as the season progresses, but as of right now it is a real downer.
