Newcastle and the Raiders last faced off in an epic extra-time final last year filled with drama and will get the rivalry fired up again for Round 1.
At McDonald Jones Stadium, the Knights knocked Canberra out of the premiership race, with Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga kicking an 89th minute penalty goal to secure a 30-28 win.
While no-one is expecting quite the same fireworks to start the season, there's plenty on the line for both teams who will field vastly different lineups.