Eastbourne Eagles skipper Cameron Woodward is in the running for a first Australian national title after the opening round.
Woodward scored 13 points in five heats at Kurri Kurri in the first of three meetings.
That left him just one point behind Jason Doyle and one ahead of both Troy Batchelor and Josh Grajczonek.
Former world champion Chris Holder, making his way back from serious injuries last summer, scored 11 in the heats.
Woodward led the meeting final early on but was pegged back to third place as home favourite Doyle charged through for the win.
Scorers: Jason Doyle 20, Chris Holder 18, Cameron Woodward 17, Troy Batchelor 16, Josh Grajczonek 15.
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