The NRL kicks off in only eight days and every coach is preparing his starting 17 for the highly-anticipated first round of the season.
Every club has injuries to deal with and there’s plenty of selection headaches to solve after plenty of players impressed in the trials.
We’ve covered everything from the Panthers’ ready-made replacement for Taylan May to the Broncos’ fullback selection.
Here’s every club’s potential Round 1 starting team!
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PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Soni Luke
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Jaeman Salmon
Analysis: The Panthers lost two of their key players in Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau, however the reigning premiers have signed two players who have fought it out for the vacant spot through pre-season. Former Tigers second-rower Luke Garner is likely to step into Kikau’s position, with former Bronco Zac Hosking hot on his tail. Gun winger Taylan May, who was already set to miss the first two games of the season, suffered a season-ending ACL blow in the first week of trials opening the wing spot for Fijian flyer Sunia Turuva to make his own. Panthers pathways manager Lee Hopkins described Turuva’s performances in NSW Cup last year as “astounding” while speaking to foxsports.com.au. Youngster Jesse McLean and the versatile Tom Jenkins are also pushing for the vacant spot in the backline. Meanwhile, Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke are set to pick up the slack in the absence of gun hooker Apisai Koroisau. The remainder of the team remains unchanged with Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in the halves and Scott Sorensen and Jaeman Salmon making up the remaining bench spots.
SHARKS
1. Will Kennedy
2. Ronaldo Mulitalo
3. Siosifa Talakai
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Sione Katoa
6. Matt Moylan
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Braden Hamlin-Uele
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Dale Finucane
14. Braydon Trindall
15. Cameron McInness
16. Wade Graham
17. Oregon Kaufusi
Analysis: Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks finished second last season and as such, the majority of their team remains unchanged. The backline of Will Kennedy, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Siosifa Talakai, Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa have all remained fit and make up one of the NRL’s most potent attacking threats. Meanwhile, Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan again pair in the halves with Blayke Brailey at hooker and Dale Finucane in the No.13 jersey. Braden Hamlin-Uele and Toby Rudolf will pack the scrum, with Briton Nikora on the right edge. Meanwhile, Wade Graham is set to shift to the bench with Teig Wilton taking over on the left. Former Eels enforcer Oregon Kaufusi and Cameron McInnes taking the final two spots in the 17 alongside utility Braydon Trindall.
COWBOYS
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Peta Hiku
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Coen Hess
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Tom Chester
15. Griffin Neame
16. Jack Gosiewski
17. James Tamou
Analysis: Backrower Heilum Luki ruptured his ACL in Round 14 last season, and is set to return in Round 4, paving the way for Coen Hess to slot into the backrow. Hess will partner Dally M rookie of the year Jeremiah Nanai in the backrow, making up a scary pairing. North Queensland have also lost backline utility Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and emerging second-rower Connelly Lemuelu to the Dolphins. Tabuai-Fidow filled the bench utility role when he returned from injury last season, with Jake Granville and Tom Chester in the running to fill the role. Granville featured in the club’s final trial wearing the No.14 jersey, but Chester could edge him out given he can play fullback. Reuben Cotter also provides an option at dummy-half should Reece Robson need a breather. North Queensland’s backline will remain untouched, with Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend once again pairing in the halves. Jordan McLean and Cotter make up the front row, while Jason Taumalolo once again slots into lock. Griffin Neame and James Tamou provide the firepower off the bench, while off-season recruit Jack Gosiewski has impressed in two trial appearances and is a strong chance of making the top 17. Meanwhile, Luciano Leilua remains stood down under the NRL’s No-Fault Stand Down policy after he was charged with common assault (domestic violence related) and intentionally or recklessly destroy/damage property (domestic violence related). Mitch Dunn is also a chance of returning come Round 1, however the forward didn’t feature in the trials and may need more time to regain fitness after a season-ending ACL blow last year.
EELS
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Waqa Blake
4. Will Penisini
5. Sean Russell
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Junior Paulo
11. Jack Murchie
12. Matt Doorey
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Jakob Arthur
15. Makahesi Makatoa
16. Jirah Momoisea
17. Bryce Cartwright
Analysis: Eels fans are nervously awaiting to hear when star forward Shaun Lane is set to return after the 28-year-old sustained an injury to his jaw in the club’s trial against the Knights. Jack Murchie is set to fill the void on the left edge and will be handed a starting debut by Brad come Round 1. Parramatta will also be without Ryan Matterson for three games, allowing for Panther J’maine Hopgood to take over at lock. Hopgood was impressive during the pre-season trials and will likely be an important player for the Eels this season. Josh Hodgson will replace Reed Mahoney at hooker, with the remaining spine of Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown remaining the same. Will Penisini and Waqa Blake will likely partner in the centres, with Sean Russell and Maika Sivo on the wings. Bailey Simonsson will be pushing for a spot in the backline once he returns from a shoulder injury suffered during last year’s grand final. Matt Doorey, after impressing since arriving from the Bulldogs, is set to win a backrow spot and replace Isaiah Papali’I who departed for the Tigers. Knights recruit Jirah Momoisea could win a bench spot alongside Jakob Arthur, Makahesi Makatoa and Bryce Cartwright.
Is Dom Young heading to the Chooks? | 01:44
STORM
1. Nick Meaney
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Young Tonumaipea
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9. Harry Grant
10. Christian Welch
11. Eliesa Katoa
12. Trent Loiero
13. Josh King
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec McDonald
16. Chris Lewis
17. Tui Kamikamica
Analysis: Despite having a lengthy sideline spell with a knee injury last year last year the Storm will be without Ryan Papenhuyzen until Rounds 6-8. Joining Papenhuyzen in the club’s injury ward will be Justin Olam (arm), forward Tariq Sims (calf) and winger George Jennings (knee). Nick Meaney is set to replace Papenhuyzen at fullback while Reimis Smith should return to the club’s starting side following a pectoral injury he sustained last season. The departure of Brandon Smith will likely also see Tyran Wishart win the utility role, with Harry Grant playing bulk of the minutes at hooker. Christian Welch will also return to the starting side after a season-ending ACL blow in Round 1 last season. Olam’s injury could also see a number of players win a spot in the centres, however Young Tonumaipea played in the club’s final trial and could get first crack alongside former All Blacks Sevens player Will Warbrick who also impressed in pre-season. Tariq Sims is also out for the first round with a calf injury, meaning young gun Trent Loiero gets a start with Alec McDonald, Chris Lewis and Tui Kamikamica off the bench.
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Joseph Suaali’i
4. Joseph Manu
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Matt Lodge
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Nat Butcher
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Jake Turpin
15. Egan Butcher
16. Terrell May
17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Analysis: With Sam Verrills departing for the Titans, Brandon Smith is set to wear the No.9 jersey after joining from the Storm in the off-season. In 2022, Freddy Lussick (Warriors), Ronald Volkman (Warriors), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs), Lachlan Lam (Super League), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Super League), Adam Keighran (Super League) and Kevin Naqaima (Super League) all departed the Bondi club. Trent Robinson will also have to pick his side for Round 1 without Angus Crichton (personal reasons), Billy Smith (knee), Connor Watson (knee) and Sitili Tupouniua (knee). However, the Roosters have strong squad depth and still will field a very strong team to open the season, with a star-studded backline of James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Joseph Suaalii, Joey Manu and Jaxson Paulo. Manu is in doubt for Round 1 with a facial injury, and Paul Momirovski could be his replacement should he be ruled out. Luke Keary, Sam Walker and Victor Radley make-up the remaining spine members, with Matt Lodge and Lindsay Collins in the front row. Siua Wong is set to make his debut and could start in the backrow alongside Nat Butcher. Jake Turpin could win the utility spot, with Egan Butcher, Terrell May and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on the bench.
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RABBITOHS
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Izaac Thompson
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Thomas Burgess
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray
14. Blake Taaffe
15. Hame Sele
16. Jacob Host
17. Davvy Moale
Analysis: Winger Taane Milne will miss Round 1 as he serves the last game of his six match suspension, with Izaac Thompson the most likely candidate to start in his spot, featuring in the World Club Challenge. Following Siliva Havili’s ankle injury, Blake Taaffe is set to wear the No.14. The remainder of the starting team remains almost unchanged, with Thomas Burgess coming into the front row in the absence of Mark Nicholls (Dolphins). Hame Sele could miss the first week of the season with a calf injury, but if fit will play off the bench, alongside Jacob Host and David Moale who provide impact off the bench.
RAIDERS
1. Jordan Rapana
2. Nick Cotric
3. Matt Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Harley Smith-Shields
6. Jack Wighton
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Danny Levi
10. Emre Guler
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Joseph Tapine
14. Tom Starling
15. Corey Harawira-Naera
16. Ata Mariota
17. Corey Horsburgh
Analysis: The Raiders will be without their youngster Xavier Savage leading into Round 1 after the 20-year-old suffered a broken jaw in the pre-season challenge. Savage is expected to return come Round 7. Canberra will be without a number of players including Josh Hodgson (Parramatta Eels), Adam Elliott (Newcastle Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Harry Rushton (Super League) and Ryan Sutton (Canterbury Bulldogs) who all departed the club. In what could be a shock move, Ricky Stuart played Joseph Tapine at lock in the final pre-season trial and the New Zealand gun could wear the No.13 come Round 1. Jordan Rapana takes over the fullback duties, with Matt Timoko, Seb Kris, Nick Cotric, Harley Smith-Shields, Jack Wighton and Jamal Fogarty completing the backline. Meanwhile, Emre Guler slots into prop, with Elliott Whitehead and Hudson Young in the backrow. Danny Levi looks likely to be the starting hooker, with Tom Starling in the No.14 jersey, alongside Corey Harawira-Naera, Ata Mariota and Corey Horsburgh on the bench.
Papenhuyzen might still be months away | 02:26
BRONCOS
1. Selwyn Cobbo
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Tom Flegler
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan
14. Cory Paix
15. Martin Taupau
16. Keenan Palasia
17. Brendan Piakura
Analysis: Kevin Walters’ side suffered a brutal blow with Reece Walsh in doubt for Round 1 after sustaining a jaw injury. Flyer Selwyn Cobbo was impressive at the back against the Cowboys and will likely retain the spot depending on Walsh’s situation. Jesse Arthars, returning to Red Hill after a loan stint with the Warriors, is set to take Cobbo’s spot on the wing and was solid against North Queensland. Meanwhile, Adam Reynolds will be partnered by Ezra Mam. The exciting five-eighth was impressive across his 13 games in 2022 and was solid during the pre-season challenge after being dropped by Walters for the final game of last year. The ever reliable Tom Flegler and Payne Haas forge a scary front row with Billy Walters and Cory Paix being the two hookers in the team. Young gun Blake Mozer will be hot on their tails after featuring in pre-season. Veteran Kurt Capewell partners Jordan Riki in the backrow, with Patrick Carrigan, wearing the No.13, making up an impressive trio. Kobe Hetherington is under an injury cloud due to a biceps blow and didn’t feature in the pre-season challenge. He is clearly in their best 17 when fit, while Corey Jensen, Brendan Piakura, Martin Taupau and Keenan Palasia are fighting for the remaining bench spots. Taupau, Piakura and Palasia featured in Walters’ outfit for the final trial and could ride the pine.
DRAGONS
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mikaele Ravalawa
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mat Feagai
6. Moses Mbye
7. Ben Hunt
8. Jack de Belin
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Ben Murdoch-Masila
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack Bird
14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Zane Musgrove
16. Francis Molo
17. Josh Kerr
Analysis: The Dragons have been handed the bye and an extra week of pre-season to start the year, giving Anthony Griffin more time to decide the final make-up of his starting 17. Tyrell Sloan had an indifferent game against the Rabbitohs in the Charity Shield, but still remains the club’s best option at fullback and needs to spend time on the field to develop. The back four of Zac Lomax, Mat Feagai, Moses Suli and Mikaele Ravalawa will remain, while Ben Hunt’s halves partner is still up in the air. Griffin played young gun Jayden Sullivan off the bench in pre-season, with Moses Mbye winning the five eighth spot – and that’s how the Red V could line up with Jacob Liddle at hooker. Jack Bird is set to be fit after undergoing a minor knee surgery and will likely play at lock, with Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin at prop. New recruit Ben Murdoch-Masila is set to take up an unfamiliar position in the backrow alongside Jaydn Su’A, while Zane Musgrove, Francis Molo and Josh Kerr fill out the bench.
SEA EAGLES
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Brad Parker
4. Tolu Koula
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Cooper Johns
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Sean Keppie
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Toafofoa Sipley
17. Ben Trbojevic
Analysis: Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic is set to make his long-awaited return to first grade in Round 1, after suffering both shoulder and hamstring injuries during last year and the 2023 pre-season. Manly have several more players sidelined with Karl Lawton (knee), Morgan Boyle (foot), Jason Saab (knee) and Alex Tuitavake (knee) all out for the opening rounds of the competition, while Josh Schuster (calf) has been ruled out of Round 1. Former Storm halfback Cooper Johns was impressive during the pre-season challenge and should fill in for Schuster. Another young gun who started at hooker against the Roosters excelled and could win the No.14 jersey after Dylan Walker’s Warriors departure. Gordon Chan Kum Tong could get the nod in the utility role, taking the burden of an 80 minute performance off Lachlan Croker. Former Tiger Kelam Tuilagi is set to start in the backrow, with Josh Schuster making the move to five eighth with Daly Cherry-Evans in the halfback role. Sean Keppie and Josh Aloiai make up the front row, while Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley and Ben Trbojevic are riding the pine alongside Chan Kum Tong. Seibold’s backline remains changed, with Brad Parker and Tolu Koula in the centres.
BULLDOGS
1. Hayze Perham
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Jake Averillo
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Matt Burton
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Ryan Sutton
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
13. Luke Thompson
14. Fa’amanu Brown
15. Jacob Preston
16. Corey Waddell
17. Andrew Davey
Analysis: Cameron Ciraldo is set to unveil his first Bulldogs team for Round 1, and the rookie coach still has some big decisions to make. The first big call comes in the centres, with Paul Alamoti and Braidon Burns fighting for a spot. The young gun, who is yet to feature in the NRL, is set to win the battle and make his debut for the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, the utility role is also being hotly contested by veteran playmaker Josh Reynolds and Fa’amanu Brown. Brown is as versatile as they come, being able to playing in the halves, at hooker and in the backrow, while Reynolds wore the No.14 jersey in the final trial. Brown’s versatility and strong finish to the 2022 season should see him in the 17 come Round 1. Meanwhile, new recruits Viliame Kikau, Ryan Sutton and Andrew Davey all feature with Jacob Preston, who impressed in the pre-season challenge, coming off the bench. Tevita Pangai Junior suffered a calf injury prior to the club’s final trial and will now sit out for the first three weeks of the season, giving Sutton a chance to start. Former Eels outside back Hayze Perham has also been handed the fullback role by Ciraldo with Kyle Flanagan and Matt Burton in the halves.
Dragons duo get into heated argument | 02:10
TITANS
1. AJ Brimson
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Aaron Schoupp
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. David Fifita
12. Beau Fermor
13. Isaac Liu
14. Jayden Campbell
15. Joe Stimson
16. Jaimin Jollife
17. Erin Clark
Analysis: Justin Holbrook’s Titans underperformed in 2022 after slotting in the finals in 2021 and the Gold Coast club has recruited well. Two spine members join the side with Kieran Foran and Sam Verrills slotting into five eighth and hooker respectively. Tanah Boyd is set to wear the No.7 jersey, with AJ Brimson at fullback and Jayden Campbell the man to make way, shifting to the utility role and providing spark off the bench. Speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira was a revelation during the pre-season challenge and will likely line-up on the wing after a four try performance against the Dolphins. Meanwhile, recruit Aaron Schoupp and Phillip Sami were solid in the centres, with Jojo Fifita on the other wing. Erin Clark looks set to start off the bench, with Isaac Liu in the No.13 jersey, while Beau Fermor and David Fifita partner in the backrow. The ever-reliable Tino Fa’asuamaleaui lines up alongside either Jaimin Jollife or Moeaki Fotuaika. Holbrook could lean towards Fotuaika after a solid performance off the bench in the final trial. Off-season recruit Joe Stimson is set to also play off the bench.
KNIGHTS
1. Lachlan Miller
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Dominic Young
6. Kalyn Ponga
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Jacob Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
13. Adam Elliott
14. Kurt Mann
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Brodie Jones
17. Leo Thompson
Analysis: Sharks recruit Lachie Miller is set to complete Adam O’Brien’s spine come Round 1 and make his regular season debut for the Knights alongside Jackson Hastings (Tigers), Kalyn Ponga and Jayden Brailey. Meanwhile, former Raider Adam Elliott is set to wear the No.13 jersey with Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Tyson Frizell in the backrow. The Saifiti brothers will pack the scrum together, with Kurt Mann playing the utility role. Jack Hetherington, who joined the Hunter club from the Bulldogs, will likely play off the bench with Brodie Jones and Leo Thompson on the bench. Dominic Young, who is reportedly set to join the Roosters in 2024, will take one wing spot with off-season recruit Greg Marzhew on the other side. Marzhew arrived in the Hunter after a swap deal with the Titans, with hooker Chris Randall making the move north. Dane Gagai and Bradman Best will once again be O’Brien’s centre pairing.
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WARRIORS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Viliami Vailea
4. Brayden Williame
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Josh Curran
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris
14. Dylan Walker
15. Jackson Ford
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Tom Ale
Analysis: Shaun Johnson’s halves partner was shaping up to be former Sharks speedster Luke Metcalf until the young gun suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury. Now, Te Maire Martin is set to slot into five eighth, handing the fullback role to another new recruit in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Meanwhile, Brayden Williame, after last playing in the NRL for the Dragons in 2021, could win one centre spot after a solid pre-season campaign. Marcelo Montoya, Viliami Vailea and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak complete the backline. Wayde Egan will once again wear the No.9 jersey, with Dylan Walker the utility after arriving from Manly in the off-season. Mitch Barnett played at prop in the final trial and will likely pair Addin Fonua-Blake in the scrum. Josh Curran could play in the backrow, while Jackson Ford is hot on his tail for a spot in the starting 13, leaving Marata Niukore and Tohu Harris the play in the backrow and lock respectively. Bunty Afoa, Ford and Tom Ale will likely ride the pine under rookie coach Andrew Webster.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Daine Laurie
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tommy Talau
4. Brent Naden
5. Charlie Staines
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. John Bateman
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Joe Ofahengaue
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Shawn Blore
16. Alex Twal
17. Fonua Pole
Analysis: The Wests Tigers have a new look side going into 2023 with the inclusions of Isaiah Papali’I (Eels), Api Koroisau (Panthers), John Bateman (Wigan), David Klemmer (Knights) and the returning David Nofoaluma (Storm). All of these recruits are set to start in the club’s Round 1 fixture against the Titans. The merger club also saw a mass exodus of players last season with Luciano Leilua (Cowboys), Luke Garner (Panthers), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), James Tamou (Cowboys), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins) and Jackson Hastings (Knights) all departing Leichhardt. Tommy Talau is set to start in the centres after solid pre-season performances, alongside Brent Naden. Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi make up the halves pairing, with Stefano Uotikamanu, who was excellent for Sheens in both trials, packing in the front row alongside Klemmer. John Bateman will only arrive to his new club this week, but could be wheeled out come Round 1 with Papali’I taking the other backrow spot. The ever-reliable Joe Ofahengaue plays lock, with Koroisau at hooker and Jake Simpkin in the utility role. Shawn Blore, Alex Twal and Fonua Pole could round out the starting 17.
DOLPHINS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jack Bostock
3. Tesi Niu
4. Brenko Lee
5. Jamayne Isaako
6. Anthony Milford
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Mark Nicholls
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Euan Aitken
16. Jarrod Wallace
17. Ray Stone
Analysis: The Dolphins recruitment has been heavily scrutinised, with Wayne Bennett failing to secure a marquee superstar. However, even without a million-dollar player, the NRL’s newest franchise were able to secure a draw in their first appearance, but will be disappointed with their display against the Titans, conceding 40 points. The forward pack of Tom Gilbert, Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Mark Nicholls, Jeremy Marshall-King and Jesse Bromwich is set in stone, but the remaining bench spots remain a mystery. Ray Stone, Kodi Nikorima and Jarrod Wallace look set to ride the pine, with Euan Aitken and Herman Ese’ese fighting it out for the final spot. Ese’ese played in the No.17 jersey against the Gold Coast, but Aitken may be the man to win the shirt come Round 1. Meanwhile, young gun Jack Bostock could beat out Robert Jennings for a spot on the wing, with Jamayne Isaako likely taking the other wing position. Brenko Lee and Tesi Niu are set to play in the halves with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at the back. Edrick Lee looks set for a return in Round 3 after suffering an ankle injury. Young gun Isaiya Katoa is also pushing for a spot in the halves, but Bennett may hold the 19-year-old playmaker back and partner Anthony Milford and Sean O’Sullivan in the halves.
– with Xavier Pegum
Panthers star May RULED OUT for 2023 | 00:52
