Broncos’ No.9 dilemma; Eels’ huge void: Verdict on hottest positional battles at every NRL club

BRONCOS

Positional battle: Hooker

Analysis: The Broncos have plenty of contenders to play fullback, but Reece Walsh looks like getting first crack, so the biggest positional battle is looming at hooker. Cory Paix, Billy Walters and rookie Blake Mozer are in a three-way battle for the starting dummyhalf role heading into the season. The fact that Jake Turpin, who is now at the Roosters finished last season as the starting hooker shows how Walters and Paix failed to make the position their own last year. Walters had the most starts at hooker, but found himself benched late in the season. Paix has plenty of potential, but has so far struggled for consistency in first grade. Paix battled a knee injury late last season after picking up an MCL against the Raiders in Round 14, but has come back to pre-season training in incredible shape and with extra muscle and condition, according to the Broncos. Mozer is a prodigious talent and tipped to be the Broncos’ long-term solution at No.9, but it remains to be seen if he will be ready to start in 2023. Much will depend on the trials as Kevin Walters assesses his best option in the key dummyhalf role ahead of the season kick-off.

Verdict: Cory Paix

BULLDOGS

Positional battle: Fullback

Analysis: Jake Averillo made a successful switch from halfback to fullback last season in a breakout year that saw the Bulldogs become the entertainers at the back end of the year. However, he will have no shortage of contenders for the No.1 jersey in Cameron Ciraldo’s first year in charge at Belmore. Young gun Jacob Kiraz excelled in the position for Lebanon at the World Cup and while he can also play wing and centre, fullback might be his best position. Adding to the scramble for the custodian role is former Eels player Hayze Perham, who joins the club in 2023 as he can cover both wing and fullback. Former Broncos and Rabbitohs fullback Corey Allan is another on the books who can cover No.1 and has played Origin in the position, although he has found himself more in the centres and on the wing in his time at Belmore. Still, he is another that adds to the fullback logjam and the Bulldogs are not short on options for the crucial position heading into 2023.

Verdict: Jake Averillo

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COWBOYS

Positional battle: Prop

Analysis: The Cowboys are not light on for options in the front row with veteran Jordan McLean signing an extension for 2023. The versatile Coen Hess is signed until 2024 and can cover both front row and back row. Reuben Cotter is coming off a breakout year and can cover both front row, back and hooker at a pinch. Jamayne Taumoa-Brown is also signed for 2023, while former Cowboys premiership winner James Tamou has rejoined the club from the Wests Tigers and will come into calculations for the front row rotation. Todd Payten also has the option of using skipper Jason Taumalolo up front, so prop is a position the Cowboys are spoiled for choice in. Payten has shown a willingness to rotate his front-rowers throughout the season, but the battle for the starting prop roles promises to be the most hotly contested in the squad heading into 2023.

Verdict: Reuben Cotter and Jordan McLean

DRAGONS

Positional battle: Fullback

Analysis: The biggest talking point from the Dragons’ 2022 campaign was coach Anthony Griffin’s decision to go with Cody Ramsey at fullback over young gun Tyrell Sloan. Veteran Moses Mbye was even preferred ahead of Sloan at times throughout the season prompting the rookie to twice ask for a release. Sloan has since committed to the club for the duration of his two year contract that expires in 2024 and will ramp up his bid for the No.1 jersey heading into 2023. Ramsey has had a battle with an illness, which has seen him spend time in hospital during the off-season, but is hopeful of being right to resume training in the new year. Ramsey and Mbye are solid options at the back, but Sloan has the speed and skill to offer the Dragons a point of difference and some much needed attacking spark in the custodian role. Who Griffin instils as his fullback could have a massive bearing on the Dragons’ bid to return to the finals next season.

Verdict: Tyrell Sloan

DOLPHINS

Positional battle: Halfback

Analysis: The Dolphins have plenty of options to play halfback in their inaugural season, with Sean O’Sullivan the likely frontrunner after he filled in for Nathan Cleary at the Panthers last season with aplomb. However, O’Sullivan won’t have the calibre of players that surrounded him at the Panthers at Redcliffe, so he will need to up his game. O’Sullivan is yet to establish himself as a regular first grade halfback and he will have another former Panther in rookie sensation Isaiya Katoa breathing down his neck. Katoa is a prodigious talent and excelled for the Tongan side at the World Cup, while he is also regarded as one of the best No.7’s coming up through the junior ranks. The Dolphins also have former Broncos halves Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford, who have both played halfback at various levels, so there will be no shortage of options in the key No.7 role for Wayne Bennett to choose form.

Verdict: Sean O’Sullivan

EELS

Positional battle: Second row

Analysis: Shaun Lane is a lock for one edge spot, but who replaces Tigers recruit Isaiah Papali’i on the other for the Eels is less clear. Ryan Matterson could potentially return to the edge from lock to allow Nathan Brown to start at No.13. However, Brown has been linked to the Tigers and has fallen out of favour with Brad Arthur in recent seasons. Former Panthers back-rower J’maine Hopgood and Knights counterpart Jirah Momoisea have joined the club and both new recruits will have an eye on a starting berth. Hopgood is seen more as a lock, which could again see Matterson switch back to second row. Former Bulldogs back-rower Matt Doorey is another player vying for a role in Arthur’s back row rotation. Makahesi Makatoa covers both prop and lock, so he will have his sights set on returning to the team after being overlooked for the 2022 Grand Final. Papali’i’s impact will be tough to replace, but the Eels have no shortage of options looking to step up and grab a starting berth.

Verdict: 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood

KNIGHTS

Positional battle: Second row

Analysis: Veteran Tyson Frizell is set to be one edge player, but who partners him is less certain after a poor season for the Knights in 2022. The Knights have recruited Adam Elliott, who is tipped to play lock, but he can also cover second row. Lachlan Fitzgibbon struggled with injuries last season, but will be motivated heading into a contract year to win back his starting role. Brodie Jones has been a real find for the Knights in recent seasons and will have his sights set on cementing a starting role in the back row. Former Bulldog Jack Hetherington has also been signed and was converted to an edge player at the back end of his Belmore career, so he is another option in the second row. Leo Thompson is more of a prop and lock, but should he nab a starting role at No.13, it could see Elliott switch to the edge. Jack Johns also adds to the Knights’ depth in the back row and will come into calculations for a spot in the Knights’ forward rotation.

Verdict: No.11 Brodie Jones No.12 Tyson Frizell No.13. Adam Elliott

PANTHERS

Positional battle: Hooker

Analysis: Api Koroisau’s departure to the Tigers has created a massive void with last year’s bench player Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke set to go head-to-head for the vacant No.9 jersey. Kenny is signed until 2024 and with 60 games under his belt the premiership winner can cement a starting berth after years of being Koroisau’s understudy. 26-year-old Luke is a late bloomer with just four NRL games to his name, but he is arguably a better like for like replacement for Koroisau and offers plenty of spark and deception out of dummyhalf. Kenny relies more on solid defence and good service, so it will depend what Ivan Cleary wants from his starting No.9 and utility off the bench. How the Panthers fill the hooker role could make or break their bid for a premiership three-peat.

Verdict: Mitch Kenny

RABBITOHS

Positional battle: Prop

Analysis: Mark Nicholls’ departure has left a hole at starting prop for Souths, who will have a number of options vying to fill the void. Thomas Burgess has started plenty of games for Souths at prop, but at his age and entering the final year of his deal, he may be better suited to the bench role at this stage of his career. Daniel Suluka-Fifita joined Souths mid-season from the Roosters in 2022 and looked impressive in limited opportunities last season, but he is a big body that could compliment Tevita Tatola well up front. Liam Knight has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but can cover both front row and back row and will be an option for both in 2023. Davvy Moale was impressive in 12 games last season and also starred for Cook Islands at the World Cup and at 19 he is a real player of the future for Souths. Hame Sele played 14 games last year and will also add to Jason Demetriou’s plethora of options to replace Nicholls in the prop rotation.

Verdict: Tevita Tatola and Davvy Moale

RAIDERS

Positional battle: Centre

Analysis: The Raiders have no shortage of options when it comes to the centre position. Incumbents Matthew Timoko and Sebastian Kris are the frontrunners to retain their jerseys after strong 2022 campaigns, but they will have plenty of competition within the squad. Club captain Jarrod Croker has had a wretched run with injuries, but will be hellbent on reclaiming his starting position and finishing his career at the club on a high. Harley Smith-Shields is a highly rated youngster, who was rubbed out of most of last season due to injury, but will also come into contention for a centre berth. Ricky Stuart also has winger Nick Cotric and fullback Albert Hopoate, who can both cover centre, which adds to their impressive depth in the position going into 2023.

Verdict: Matthew Timoko and Harley Smith-Shields

ROOSTERS

Positional battle: Centre

Analysis: The Roosters have an embarrassment of riches at centre heading into the 2023 season with five players competing for two spots. Joey Manu is a lock for one centre spot, but he will also vie for the fullback and five-eighth roles at different times throughout the season. Paul Momirovski struggled to cement a centre spot in his return to the Roosters last season after winning a premiership with Penrith and he found himself on the wing at times in 2022 and even out of the side. Joseph Suaalii starred on the wing last season, but wants to get closer to the action. With Tedesco unlikely to move from fullback in the short-term, Suaalii may be moved to centre to get him more involved. Billy Smith has had a horror run with injuries, but at 23 time is still on his side to realise his potential as an NRL centre, if he can stay out of the casualty ward. Adding to the Roosters’ depth in the outside backs is the signing of former Rabbitohs winger and centre Jaxson Paulo, whose versatility will add to Trent Robinson’s options next season.

Verdict: Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii

SEA EAGLES

Positional battle: Centre

Analysis: The emergence of flyer Tolu Koula has seen one Manly centre spot all but locked up, but who partners him is less clear. Koula can also cover fullback, but while ever Tom Trbojevic is fit he will be the Manly No.1. Morgan Harper and Brad Parker were the long-time centre pairing at Manly, until Koula burst onto the scene. Both Harper and Parker will be motivated to cement a starting spot as they are heading into the final year of their deals. Adding to the logjam is the fact winger Reuben Garrick was reportedly re-signed on a long-term deal with the promise of moving off the flank closer to the action at centre. New Manly coach Anthony Seibold also has Ben Trbojevic, who can cover centre and back row to add to his depth in the position.

Verdict: Tolutau Koula and Morgan Harper

SHARKS

Positional battle: Fullback

Analysis: The Sharks have a welcome dilemma over who will wear the No.1 jersey heading into the 2023 season. Incumbent William Kennedy struggled to reach the heights of his 2021 campaign as he battled injuries at times in 2022. Kennedy is also coming into the last year of his deal and it remains to be seen if he is in Craig Fitzgibbon’s long-term plans, but he will be motivated to earn a new deal at the Sharks or elsewhere. Former Rugby Sevens star Lachlan Miller was impressive in his rookie season and will provide plenty of depth and competition for the No.1 jersey with his speed and skill. Miller is also entering the final year of his deal and will be keen to earn a new contract either at Cronulla or an NRL rival, while he has been linked to the Knights to allow Kalyn Ponga’s mooted switch to five-eighth. However, rookie Kade Dykes looms as the smokey for the fullback role after impressing in his rookie campaign in 2022. Dykes is signed until the end of 2024 and looks to be a potential long-term option to wear Cronulla’s No.1 jersey.

Verdict: William Kennedy

STORM

Positional battle: Centre

Analysis: The Storm may have lost a fair chunk of their pack, but they are flush for options when it comes to the centre position. Justin Olam has cemented one of the centre spots after inking a deal that takes him through until 2026 on the back of his excellent form over the last three seasons. Incumbent Marion Seve took his opportunities last season after an injury to Reimis Smith and will look to hold onto his spot heading into 2023. Smith is the forgotten man of the Storm backline after being rubbed out for the bulk of 2022 due to injury, but prior to that he had cemented a spot in the Storm centres after scoring 14 tries in 25 games in 2021. Along with Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, highly rated youngster Jack Howarth has the longest deal at the club through until 2027 and the 20-year-old will also be looking to break into the starting line-up in 2023.

Verdict: Justin Olam and Reimis Smith

TITANS

Positional battle: Halfback

Analysis: Former Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran is likely to be one half, but who partners him at the Titans’ scrumbase is less clear, with incumbent Tanah Boyd and Toby Sexton bidding for the No.7 jersey, while Paul Turner adds to the depth for the position. Sexton failed to light the world on fire in his first full season in first grade in 2022 and was replaced by Boyd at the back half of the year. Boyd and Sexton will learn plenty from Foran, which will help their development as they aim to cement a starting berth alongside the veteran. However, Foran could also play halfback, with AJ Brimson a potential option at five-eighth. Brimson struggled in his switch to the No.6 jersey last season and found himself back at fullback late in the campaign where he has excelled for the Titans and Queensland in Origin in the past. Adding to the intrigue is the fact Brimson’s best position historically is fullback, with young gun Jayden Campbell also vying for the No.1 jersey. Getting the mix right in their spine with the options they have at fullback and in the halves could make or break the Titans’ bid to return to the finals.

Verdict: No.7 Kieran Foran No.6 AJ Brimson

WARRIORS

Positional battle: Halfback

Analysis: Incumbent halfback Shaun Johnson struggled for form in his return to the Warriors in 2022 and while he is the frontrunner for the halfback role, he will have plenty of competition breathing down his neck in 2023. Johnson is entering the final year of his deal and at 32 he needs a big campaign if he wants to prolong his career beyond next season. Former Roosters player Ronald Volkman is a highly touted youngster, who will be looking for more game time after joining the Warriors mid-season in 2022. Former Broncos fullback Te Maire Martin was signed by the club as a half and will likely get first crack at the No.6 jersey, but he could also be an option at halfback if Johnson fails to fire. Meanwhile, former Sharks five-eighth Luke Metcalf is another option in the halves entering his first season at the Warriors.

Verdict: No.7 Shaun Johnson No.6 Te Maire Martin

TIGERS

Positional battle: Fullback

Analysis: Incumbent fullback Daine Laurie has arguably been one of the club’s best players over the last two seasons, but the club has been reluctant to offer him an extension. Laurie will face competition from former Panthers teammate and 2023 Tigers recruit Charlie Staines for the fullback position in 2023. Interestingly, Laurie is entering the final year of his deal and Staines has been signed for just one season, which points to a shootout between the two players to see who will be the Tigers’ long-term fullback. That is unless the Tigers can pull off an audacious bid to lure James Tedesco home from the Roosters, which seems very unlikely at best at this stage. Staines could also be used on the wing, but the Tigers have no shortage of flyers vying for the flank positions, so the battle for the fullback role will be an intriguing one at Concord in 2023.

Verdict: Charlie Staines