Where star recruits will fit in; new boys take shape: Every NRL club’s best 17 for 2023

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Taylan May

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 have lost two high profile players in Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau, but have a number of strong replacements waiting in the wings. Luke Garner is set to take Kikau’s spot on the left edge after signing with the Panthers in June last year, but one recruit is hot on his heels. Former Bronco Zac Hosking will also be desperate to win that spot, while Scott Sorensen is also contender to start. Meanwhile, jersey numbers one to seven will remain the same and Panthers fans can expect further improvement from the young and impressive duo of Taylan May and Izack Tago on the left side of the field. Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris once again make a formidable front row pairing, while Mitch Kenny earns the starting hooker spot, with Soni Luke in the utility role ready to come on and cause chaos. Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo take their usual positions, while Spencer Leniu, Sorensen and Jaeman Salmon once again make up the remaining spots on the pine.

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SHARKS

1. Will Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien

4. Siosifa Talakai

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Matt Moylan

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Toby Rudolf

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Braden Hamlin-Uele

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton

13. Dale Finucane

14. Cameron McInnes

15. Oregon Kaufusi

16. Royce Hunt

17. Wade Graham

Analysis: Another team that remains largely unchanged from their best 17 of the 2022 season. Wade Graham is no longer a guaranteed starter and will likely play off the bench with Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora the starting backrowers. Graham’s leadership and experience can’t be understated and he will likely provide a burst of energy off the bench this season. Cameron McInnes is the club’s best utility option with Dale Finucane still wearing the No.13 jersey. McInnes could start if Fitzgibbon decides to move his club captain to prop. Cronulla’s dangerous backline of Will Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, Siosifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo remains unchanged. Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan forged an impressive partnership in 2022, while the ever present Toby Rudolf will pair with Braden Hamlin-Uele at prop. Former Parramatta prop Oregon Kaufusi is a strong chance of making the team with he and Royce Hunt, packing a formidable punch off the bench.

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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. Heilum Luki

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Griffin Neame

15. Mitch Dunn

16. Coen Hess

17. Luciano Leilua

Analysis: The Cowboys unearthed then lost Tom Gilbert (Dolphins) but they’ve got a young gun that will be itching to return to the field. Backrower Heilum Luki is hopeful of returning early in the season after rupturing his ACL in Round 14 and he’ll form a formidable back-row partnership alongside Dally M rookie of the year Jeremiah Nanai. 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, but Todd Payten could look to pack his bench with forwards given the utility value Reuben Cotter provides and Reece Robson’s ability to play 80 minutes. North Queensland’s backline should 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, Mitch Dunn, Coen Hess and Luciano Leilua make up the bench. Leilua has been 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).

EELS

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Maika Sivo

3. Will Penisini

4. Waqa Blake

5. Haze Dunster

6. Dylan Brown

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

9. Josh Hodgson

10. Junior Paulo

11. Shaun Lane

12. Ryan Matterson

13. Nathan Brown

14. Bryce Cartwright

15. Makahesi Makatoa

16. J’maine Hopgood

17. Ky Rodwell

Analysis: Clint Gutherson will co-captain the side and is a lock for the fullback role as is Maika Sivo on one of the wings. Haze Dunster is returning from a knee injury that cut short his 2022 campaign, but at his best he is deserving of the other flank spot. Waqa Blake’s deficiencies under the high ball should end the experiment of playing him on the wing and despite his defensive deficiencies, centre is still his best position. He will fight it out with Bailey Simonsson, who is returning from a shoulder injury to partner breakout star Will Penisini in the centres. Dylan Brown is a lock at five-eighth after signing on potentially until 2031 if he takes up his player options. Mitchell Moses is entering the final year of his deal as he mulls a contract extension, but is a lock at No.7 for 2023 at least. Twin towers Reagan Campbell-Gillard and co-skipper Junior Paulo are certainties for the front row, as is recruit Josh Hodgson, who replaces Bulldogs signing Reed Mahoney in the No.9 jersey, provided he can put his injury struggles behind him. Shaun Lane is a certainty in the second row and Arthur is not short on options for who partners him. Ryan Matterson played lock and off the bench last season, but on paper his best spot is second row when he returns from his three game suspension, with Nathan Brown at lock. Brown has been linked to the Tigers after falling out of the team last year, but at his best he is in the Eels best side at No.13 while he is at the club. Jake Arthur is a halfback and should not be considered as a No.14 option at this stage of his career. Bryce Cartwright is far more versatile on the bench, despite not being a noted No.9 either. Makahesi Makatoa was hard done by to be dropped for the grand final and deserves a bench spot. New recruits J’maine Hopgood, Jirah Momoisea and Jack Murchie will compete with Ky Rodwell for the final two bench spots.

STORM

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Nick Meaney

3. Reimis Smith

4. Justin Olam

5. Xavier Coates

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Tui Kamikamica

9. Harry Grant

10. Christian Welch

11. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

12. Eliesa Katoa

13. Josh King

14. Tyran Wishart

15. Tariq Sims

16. Trent Loiero

17. Alec McDonald

Analysis: Ryan Papenhuyzen is on the comeback trail from a serious knee injury but is a lock for the No.1 jersey when fit. Xavier Coates will take one of the wing spots after signing a contract extension, with the versatile Nick Meaney on the other. Justin Olam is a lock for one centre role with Reimis Smith returning from injury to reclaim the other centre position from Marion Seve, who could vie with Meaney for a wing spot. Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes are certainties in the halves after inking long-term extensions. Christian Welch returns from injury as one starting prop, while Tui Kamikamica is tipped to fill the void left by Jesse Bromwich’s departure. Nelson Asofa-Solomona will take one second row spot after his successful switch to the edge last year, while former Warrior Eliesa Katoa is tipped to fill Kenny Bromwich’s shoes. Josh King will come in for Roosters signing Brandon Smith at lock. The versatile Tyran Wishart is tipped to fill the utility role on the bench. Star signing Tariq Sims will provide impact off the bench if he doesn’t land a starting role, while Trent Loiero and Alec Macdonald round on the 17 after impressive 2022 campaigns.

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. Davvy Moale

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jai Arrow

13. Cameron Murray

14. Siliva Havili

15. Tom Burgess

16. Jacob Host

17. Hame Sele

Analysis: Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker will lead the side’s attack from fullback and five-eighth after recently signing extensions with Souths. Alex Johnston is a lock on one wing, but who will partner him is less clear with Izaac Thompson pushing Taane Milne, who has a history of suspensions for the other flank spot. Milne still has a game to serve of his latest suspension, but should be right to play in Round 1 if selected. Kangaroos World Cup debutant Campbell Graham and young gun Isaiah Tass will be the centre pairing. Lachlan Ilias is tipped to beat Dean Hawkins to the halfback role after his solid debut season. Damien Cook is a lock at hooker after signing a contract extension in the off-season. Tevita Tatola is a lock at one starting prop position, with breakout star Davvy Moale tipped to partner him after Mark Nicholls’ departure to the Dolphins. Cameron Murray will skipper the side from lock, with back row partners Keaon Koloamatangi and Jai Arrow a lock to start alongside him. The bench is where things get contentious, but Siliva Havili should be the back-up dummyhalf given his versatility to cover lock as well. Veteran Tom Burgess and back-rower Jacob Host are also tipped to make the best 17. Host is due back from a shoulder injury that cut short his 2022 campaign in the pre-season. Props Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Hame Sele will fight it out for the final bench spot when everyone is fit. Liam Knight is another option on the bench, but is returning from knee and shoulder injuries and may take time to get back to peak fitness.

ROOSTERS

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Joseph Suaalii

4. Joseph Manu

5. Paul Momirovski

6. Luke Keary

7. Sam Walker

8. Matt Lodge

9. Brandon Smith

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Sitili Tuiponiua

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson

15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

16. Nat Butcher

17. Egan Butcher

Analysis: James Tedesco is certain to skipper the side from fullback, despite Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii’s abilities in the No.1 role. Daniel Tupou is a lock for one wing spot, but Suaalii is tipped to move to the centres in 2023 to partner Manu. That leaves a vacant wing spot with Paul Momirovski and Billy Smith, when he returns mid-season, to fight it out for a spot on the flank. Manu is expected to play a roving role in attack from centre and cover both five-eighth and fullback at times. Luke Keary and Sam Walker will be the halves, with their combination starting to click late last year. Keary will be hoping his injury troubles are behind him, with Manu waiting in the wings as a No.6 option. Despite signing a train and trial deal Matt Lodge will start at prop alongside Origin star Lindsay Collins. Star recruit Brandon Smith will be the hooker after Sam Verrills’ departure. Angus Crichton is a certainty in the second row after re-signing, with Sitili Tupouniua returning from a knee injury mid-season to partner him. In a contract year Victor Radley will start at No.13 as he pushes for a new deal. Connor Watson will be the utility when he returns from a knee injury, with Drew Hutchison to take the role in his absence. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will play his last season off the bench as an impact player upfront. The Butcher brothers are expected to round out the 17, with Nat to start in the second row until Tupouniua returns.

RAIDERS

1. Xavier Savage

2. Nick Cotric

3. Matt Timoko

4. Sebastian Kris

5. Jordan Rapana

6. Jack Wighton

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Josh Papalii

9. Zac Woolford

10. Joseph Tapine

11. Hudson Young

12. Elliott Whitehead

13. Corey Harawira-Naera

14. Tom Starling

15. Corey Horsburgh

16. Emre Guler

17. Pasami Saulo

Analysis: Like the Rabbitohs, the Raiders have one of the most settled teams from last season to this year. Xavier Savage has cemented the fullback role after Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s departure. Veteran Jordan Rapana should keep Albert Hopoate out in likely his last year in the NRL and he will partner Nick Cotric on the flanks. Matt Timoko should keep Harley Smith-Shields and Jarrod Croker out to partner Sebastian Kris in the centres after both had excellent seasons in 2022. Jack Wighton and Jamal Fogarty are certainties in the halves as are Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine in the front row. Zac Woolford should hold onto the starting hooker role, with Tom Starling providing more impact in the utility spot on the bench. Hudson Young and Elliott Whitehead are certainties in the second row, while Corey Harawira-Naera gets a promotion to starting lock after Adam Elliott’s departure to the Knights. Starling is joined on the bench by Corey Horsburgh, Emre Guler and former Knights player Pasami Saulo, who should keep young guns Ata Mariota and Trey Mooney out of the 17 in the short-term, but they will push hard for inclusion as they develop.

BRONCOS

1. Reece Walsh

2. Corey Oates

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

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. Kobe Hetherington

15. Cory Paix

16. Keenan Palasia

17. Corey Jensen

Analysis: The return of Reece Walsh. The 20-year-old returns to Red Hill after a stint at the Warriors and Kevin Walters is hoping he can be the spark that surges the Broncos into the eight. Brisbane’s backline remains stacked, with Selwyn Cobbo and Corey Oates on the wings alongside the impressive pairing of Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth. Jesse Arthars also returns from a loan spell across the Tasman and will provide strong back-up for the starting duo. Meanwhile, Adam Reynolds’ best halves partner is Ezra Mam. The exciting five-eighth was impressive across his 13 games despite being dropped by Walters for the final game of the 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. The experienced Kurt Capewell partners Jordan Riki in the back row, with one of rugby league’s rising stars, Patrick Carrigan, wearing the No.13. Kobe Hetherington is under an injury cloud due to a biceps blow, but is clearly in their best 17 when fit, while Corey Jensen and Keenan Palasia make up the remaining bench spots.

DRAGONS

1. Cody Ramsey

2. Mikaele Ravalawa

3. Moses Suli

4. Zac Lomax

5. Mat Feagai

6. Junior Amone

7. Ben Hunt

8. Jack de Belin

9. Jacob Liddle

10. Blake Lawrie

11. Tyrell Fuimaono

12. Jaydn Su’A

13. Jack Bird

14. Jayden Sullivan

15. Zane Musgrove

16. Francis Molo

17. Ben Murdoch-Masila

Analysis: The Dragons have made a handful of signings to strengthen their forward pack for the 2023 season, but their inclusion could push out some emerging stars. Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin have the starting prop positions, with Zane Musgrove, Francis Molo and Ben Murdoch-Masila on the bench. That leaves both Jaiyden Hunt and Michael Molo out of the team, although both have showed promise and will be banging on the door for selection. Cody Ramsey was battling a serious illness late last year, but when fit is the club’s best fullback option off his 2022 season. Moses Mbye is the likely man to take his spot should he be unfit, but Tyrell Sloan will be hot on his heels. Meanwhile, Mikaele Ravalawa, Moses Suli, Zac Lomax and Mat Feagai make up the remainder of the backline. Ben Hunt and Junior Amone partner in the halves, however the young half has been charged over an alleged hammer attack which occurred late in 2022. Tyrell Fuimaono and Jaydn Su’A make up the backrow with Jack Bird finding a home at lock after being moved around the team by coach Anthony Griffin last season. Francis Molo is also a strong injection off the bench, but will sit out the start of the 2023 season due to suspension. The former Cowboy will be available from Round 3 onwards. New recruit Jacob Liddle also takes over at dummy-half with Jayden Sullivan playing the utility role after opting to remain with the Red V after handing in a request for an immediate release.

SEA EAGLES

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Reuben Garrick

3. Tolu Koula

4. Brad Parker

5. Jason Saab

6. Josh Schuster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Josh Aloiai

9. Lachlan Croker

10. Sean Keppie

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Kelma Tuilagi

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Karl Lawton

15. Ben Condon

16. Toafofoa Sipley

17. Ben Trbojevic

Analysis: After a year of turmoil, Anthony Seibold has been drafted in to return the Sea Eagles to finals football. The pride jersey saga rocked the Manly club, but with a talented squad the Brookvale-based team can return to the top eight. Tom Trbojevic’s injury issues could be a hammer blow to the Sea Eagles but he remains their best fullback when fit — and arguably the best in the competition. Reuben Garrick and Jason Saab have been one of the NRL’s best wing pairings in seasons gone by but Saab struggled in 2022 and Garrick was slotted into the No.1 jersey to fill in for Trbojevic who suffered a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, emerging star Toluta’u Koula and Brad Parker make up the centres. Josh Schuster slots into five-eighth after Kieran Foran’s departure alongside the ever-reliable Daly Cherry-Evans. Lachlan Croker and Karl Lawton provide the one-two punch at dummy-half while recruit Kelma Tuilagi is set to start in the back row alongside Haumole Olakau’atu with Jake Trbojevic wearing the No.13. Former Cowboy Ben Condon slots onto the pine alongside Toafofoa Sipley and Ben Trbojevic, but Taniela Paseka could easily be the man to take the last spot on the bench.

BULLDOGS

1. Jake Averillo

2. Hayze Perham

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Jacob Kiraz

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Matt Burton

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Max King

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Luke Thompson

11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

12. Viliame Kikau

13. Tevita Pangai Junior

14. Nu Brown

15. Ryan Sutton

16. Andrew Davey

17. Chris Patolo

Analysis: The Bulldogs welcome a number of new faces into their starting 17, but none bigger than two-time premiership winner Viliame Kikau. The barnstorming backrower is set to spearhead the Bulldogs attack and be a trusty defender on the left edge. Reed Mahoney also takes over at dummy-half, with Fa’amanu Brown playing the utility role after making the move from the Tigers. New signings Ryan Sutton and Andrew Davey look likely to start off the bench alongside Chris Patolo. Meanwhile, a new and improved Tevita Pangai Junior promised coach Cameron Ciraldo to come back firing after an underwhelming 2022 campaign. Pangai Junior sat out of Tonga’s World Cup campaign last year. The former Bronco could make the No.13 jersey his own, with Raymond Faitala-Mariner filling out the back row. Ciraldo has a headache in his backline with Paul Alamoti emerging as a star of the future, while Jacob Kiraz is deserving of a shift to the centres. Hayze Perham could be the man to take a spot on the wing, while Jake Averillo impressed in his stint at fullback in 2022. Josh Addo-Carr has a mortgage on the other wing spot and will be fit and firing fresh off a mind-blowing campaign which saw him win a World Cup with Australia.

KNIGHTS

1. Bailey Hodgson

2. Greg Marzhew

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Dominic Young

6. Kalyn Ponga

7. Jackson Hastings

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Jayden Brailey

10. Daniel Saifiti

11. Tyson Frizell

12. Jack Hetherington

13. Adam Elliott

14. Kurt Mann

15. Mat Croker

16. Brodie Jones

17. Leo Thompson

Analysis: The Knights finally got the halfback they were desperately searching for after their pursuit of Luke Brooks was unsuccessful. Jackson Hastings looks set to pair superstar Kalyn Ponga in the halves, but that leaves Newcastle without a recognised fullback. Bailey Hodgson could be the man to take the No.1 jersey after suffering a fractured elbow during pre-season ahead of the 2022 season. New recruit Greg Marzhew is set to form a powerhouse wing partnership with English gun Dominic Young in what could be one of the competition’s best pairings while Dane Gagai and Bradman Best take the centre spots. Young gun Krystian Mapapalangi, who looked impressive in his handful of NRL appearances, will be hot on their tail hoping to win a spot in the Knights backline. Former Raider Adam Elliott found a home at lock last season and will likely be O’Brien’s first choice No.13 with Jack Hetherington also slotting into the back row alongside Tyson Frizell, Daniel Saifiti and Jacob Saifiti. Kurt Mann looks to be the man to play the utility role while Mat Croker, Brodie Jones and Leo Thomspon make up the bench with Chris Randall and Phoenix Crossland missing out on the utility spot. Croker won’t be able to take the field until Round 3 due to suspension but had a breakout season in 2022 and will be in O’Brien’s plans.

TITANS

1. Jayden Campbell

2. Phillip Sami

3. Aaron Schoupp

4. Jojo Fifita

5. Patrick Herbert

6. AJ Brimson

7. Kieran Foran

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Sam Verrills

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. David Fifita

12. Beau Fermor

13. Erin Clark

14. Tanah Boyd

15. Joe Stimson

16. Isaac Liu

17. Jaiman Jollife

Analysis: Justin Holbrook’s Titans underperformed in 2022 after slotting in the finals in 2021 and the Gold Coast club has recruited well. The spine of Sam Verrills, Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell is impressive and if the quartet can gel the Titans could play an exciting brand of football in 2023. Campbell is one of the league’s most exciting talents and Foran could be the level head the Titans have been crying out for to steer them around the park after Jamal Fogarty’s departure. Meanwhile, Bulldogs recruit Aaron Schoupp could take one centre spot alongside rising star Jojo Fifita with Phillip Sami and Patrick Herbert on the wings. Greg Marzhew could have had the other wing spot locked up but departed for the Knights, while Brian Kelly is suspended until Round 4 and Holbrook could look to Herbert to give him a prolonged opportunity. The Titans forward pack remains largely unchanged and Holbrook will be desperate to unlock million-dollar man David Fifita, while new signing Joe Stimson is a strong chance of taking a spot on the pine after making the move from the Bulldogs.

WARRIORS

1. Te Maire Martin

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Viliami Vailea

4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

5. Edward Kosi

6. Luke Metcalf

7. Shaun Johnson

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Wade Egan

10. Tohu Harris

11. Mitchell Barnett

12. Marata Niukore

13. Josh Curran

14. Jazz Tevaga

15. Dylan Walker

16. Bunty Afoa

17. Tom Ale

Analysis: The Warriors have made a number of signings in an attempt to improve from their 15th place finish in 2022, but none bigger than coach Andrew Webster. The former Panthers assistant has a number of big selection decisions on his hands and his first headache comes in the form of his halves pairing. Broncos recruit Te Maire Martin wore the No.1 jersey at Red Hill and could play fullback for the Warriors, leaving a spot for Shaun Johnson’s new halves partner. New recruit Luke Metcalf has shown he has blistering speed and an impressive running game and could be the man to wear the No.6 jersey. Meanwhile, former Raider Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad played in the centres for New Zealand at the World Cup and will be a great addition and likely improve their edge defence, while young gun Viliami Vailea earns the remaining spot with Edward Kosi on the wing. Meanwhile, new recruits Mitch Barnett and Marata Niukore could line-up in the back row with Tohu Harris at prop and Josh Curran at lock. Harris could easily take the No.13 jersey but has proven he can have a strong impact in the front row and still utilise his impressive ball-handling skills. Webster has already revealed he believes Manly veteran Dylan Walker is the perfect utility and his combination with Jazz Tevaga off the bench could plug almost any hole that arises in each game, while Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale make up the remaining two spots on the pine.

TIGERS

1. Daine Laurie

2. Charlie Staines

3. Asu Kepaoa

4. Brent Naden

5. David Nofoaluma

6. Adam Doueihi

7. Luke Brooks

8. David Klemmer

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. Fonua Pole

11. John Bateman

12. Isaiah Papali’I

13. Joe Ofahengaue

14. Jake Simpkin

15. Stefano Utoikamanu

16. Shawn Blore

17. Alex Twal

Analysis: Tim Sheens overhaul of the Tigers is still ongoing, but the experienced coach has already added some impressive names to his starting side. Apisai Koroisau will provide much needed stability at hooker and his consistency for the Panthers across their back-to-back premierships was crucial to their success. The new-look back row pairing of Isaiah Papali’I and John Bateman are set to be unleashed after the English international was finally unveiled, signing a four-year deal to remain in Leichhardt until the end of 2026. Joe Ofahengaue, who was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2022, deserves to wear the No.13 jersey as an integral member of this Tigers squad. David Klemmer, who made the move from the Knights could pack the scrum alongside impressive youngster Fonua Pole who burst onto the scene with 10 appearances while Stefano Utoikamanu and Alex Twal will provide a punch off the bench. Shawn Blore looked likely to start prior to Bateman’s signing but is a strong chance of taking a bench spot after a brutal ACL injury ended his 2022 season. Meanwhile, Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi will pair in the halves with Charlie Staines taking one wing spot, keeping Daine Laurie at fullback.

DOLPHINS

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Edrick Lee

3. Brenko Lee

4. Tesi Niu

5. Jamayne Isaako

6. Anthony Milford

7. Sean O’Sullivan

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Mark Nicholls

11. Kenny Bromwich

12. Felise Kaufusi

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 missing out on a marquee signature. However, even without a million-dollar player, the super coach has built a solid squad. Cowboys flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is set to wear the No.1 jersey, with Edrick Lee and Jamayne Isaako on the wings. Lee enjoyed an NRL resurgence with the Knights in 2022 and was one of the Hunter team’s in-form players. In the centres, an interesting selection battle is firming between Oliver Gildart, Valynce Te Whare, Brenko Lee, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tesi Niu. Lee has Origin experience and Gildart also has spent time in the NRL with the Roosters and Tigers, meanwhile Te Whare’s explosive power can’t be ignored. The 22-year-old won the Queensland Cup Centre of the Year award and is a strong chance of making his debut come Round 1. However, Niu’s experience and strong World Cup campaign with Tonga sees him edge out his rivals, with Lee earning the other spot. Bennett’s old faithful, Anthony Milford and Sean O’Sullivan will likely partner in the halves, while Jeremy Marshall-King takes the No.9. The Bromwich brothers both get a starting spot alongside Mark Nicholls, Felise Kaufusi and former Cowboys young gun Tom Gilbert. Ray Stone is also a chance of taking the lock position, but will likely start off the bench alongside Jarrod Wallace and Euan Aitken. Kodi Nikorima is set to wear the No.14 jersey, but faces stiff competition from Isaiya Katoa who had a strong tournament for Tonga at the World Cup.