"I think there's a great sense of anticipation around rugby league at the moment and people are champing at the bit to see the comp actually kick off,'' ARLC chief executive David Gallop said.
"If you look at our competition, we can genuinely say that all 16 teams are in with a chance - not only this weekend but over the course of every game.
"It's that closeness and unpredictability that makes us unique in world sport.''
That global position is one Gallop and the commissioners hope will deliver a $1 billion pay day from a would-be broadcaster, a financial boost that would put rugby league's venture into the world of professional sports into overdrive.
Interest in the opening round of the season has been swelling, with the NRL very deliberate in its scheduling to gain maximum wow-factor from week one.
St George Illawarra going up against their former coach Wayne Bennett in Newcastle on opening night is a tantalising appetiser to a feast which includes a grand final rematch and the oldest rivalry in the game - South Sydney v Sydney Roosters.
"It's a unique and exciting way to start the season,'' Gallop said of the Thursday night clash.
"I'm certainly hoping for a sell-out.
"I think it's a new era at the Knights up against Wayne's old club, but also up against a club that has got such a rich following across the country.''
Players from rival camps have been doing their best to play down the 'Bennett-factor', but there is a sense there will be more than just two points on offer on opening night.
"It's a great way to start the season for both sides and both sides have something to prove - I'm sure they'll both be pumped up,'' Dragons skipper Ben Hornby said.
Across the Tasman, the Warriors know nothing they do on Sunday will make up for losing last year's grand final to Manly, but the Sea Eagles are expecting retribution nonetheless.
But taking on a physical Warriors side will be nothing compared to what the Sea Eagles have been through since last year's decider - with the players more than happy to put behind them an off-season in which they lost coach Des Hasler.
"It seems like a long time ago now,'' skipper Jamie Lyon said of their grand final triumph.
"Been on the training paddock for quite a while now and we're just glad to get on the playing field more so than the stuff that's gone on off the field.
"The boys are sick of doing laps around the training field so it's good to play.''
Fans couldn't agree more.
- AAP
