NRL 2023: Pre-season training kicks off, four-way battle for Titans halfback spot

Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook has a serious dilemma on his hands with four players gunning for one spot. See every clubs’ pre-season progress.

Who to watch for when your club begins pre-season training.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook has declared Gold Coast’s halves race wide open as Toby Sexton vowed to rebound from his 2022 axing and reclaim the No. 7 jersey.

The Titans reported for the first day of pre-season training on Tuesday as they begin their 2023 redemption mission following this year’s dramatic crash.

After playing finals in 2021, the Titans slumped to a bottom four finish and at one stage were in danger of collecting the dreaded wooden spoon for the second time in four seasons.

A late flurry of wins saved Gold Coast from the NRL’s ultimate humiliation and gave Holbrook a launch pad to resurrect the Titans next season.

And the fourth-year coach will head into the pre-season without a concrete plan about who will play in Gold Coast’s key positions.

Holbrook has a number of playmaking options following the recruitment of Manly veteran Kieran Foran and Tanah Boyd’s impressive end to the 2022 season at halfback following Sexton’s dropping.

Toby Sexton hopes to regain his spot after being dropped last year. Picture: Getty

Throw AJ Brimson into the mix, and Holbrook has four players that could feature at his scrumbase, with the pre-season to decide who starts round one.

“It’s probably not perfect going into the season not knowing who your seven (halfback) is,” Holbrook said.

“Penrith know Nathan Cleary is their half and Parramatta know Mitch Moses is their half, but for us, I honestly don’t know right now.

“I am really confident with the way Tanah finished. It took him a few years to find his feet, that’s why I moved him into nine and took him away from the decision making at seven, but the way he finished the year shows he has a bit more maturity to handle the responsibility.

“Toby is right in the mix. He will have another pre-season and he will have experience around him. It will be a battle in the halves. This year, we didn’t have those options.”

After playing four NRL games in 2021, Sexton was handed the No. 7 jersey this year following Holbrook’s decision to release co-captain Jamal Fogarty to Canberra.

At age 21, and in a team lacking experience in key positions, Sexton struggled and was ultimately dropped for the last month of the season, with the Titans winning three of their final five games.

The schoolboys star only tasted victory in three of 19 games (15.8 per cent) last season and said the constant losses took a toll.

Toby Sexton had a winning percentage of 15.8 per cent last year.

“It was a massive year physically, but more than anything it was mental,” Sexton said.

“Looking at it now, (being dropped) was the best thing for me. It was a massive year and I took a lot out of it. At the same time it was pretty tough.

“The biggest thing for me was trying to enjoy my footy again. I didn’t necessarily lose confidence last year, I just lost that enjoyment of playing.

“I went back to Q-Cup and there wasn’t that pressure to perform every week. I could go back to playing footy and enjoying what I do.

“I got to go back to Tweed, win a few games and really enjoy my footy again. I didn’t get to experience too many wins last year so it was nice to finish on that winning feeling.”

Sexton hit the training paddock with the first cohort reporting for pre-season, including fullback Jayden Campbell and emerging backrower Klese Haas.

He is hoping to win back the No. 7 jersey from Boyd and play alongside 262-game NRL veteran Foran, who may not be required at pre-season training until the New Year, depending on when his World Cup commitments with New Zealand end.

“Sometimes you need a year like that to really move forward,” Sexton said.

“I’ve learnt so many lessons. Not many halves would learn that many lessons in their first year and I’ve been able to learn from that.

Kieran Foran will lead youngsters at the club. Picture: Getty

“(Foran) will be unreal, having an experienced half I can turn to when I need to. Whether it’s advice or footy in general … he’s won premierships, played for his country and done everything in the game.

“He is going to be a massive factor for myself and the other halves. I’m really keen to learn from him.

“It drives competition as well. That was one of our problems last year, we had our spots cemented before round one.

“This year every spot is up for grabs and it gets the best out of every player. That’s what we need at this club.”

Pre-season guide: Raiders ready to rip in two weeks early

Marquee Broncos recruit Reece Walsh will headline more than 100 NRL players ready to chase their 2023 premiership dreams with another gruelling pre-season - some as soon as this week.

Despite the rugby league World Cup in England still in full swing, Walsh will be among a raft of NRL players primed to kick off their 2023 pre-season over the next fortnight.

Other top-liners not at the World Cup and bracing for a sweltering summer include Queensland Origin star Kalyn Ponga, Bulldogs firebrand Tevita Pangai Jnr, Roosters whiz-kid Sam Walker, Penrith recruit Luke Garner and Dragons forward Jack de Belin.

Raiders playmaker Jamal Fogarty is so keen for action he has told coach Ricky Stuart he will return two weeks early to spearhead Canberra’s campaign.

Brisbane fans will finally see Reece Walsh play a game for the club. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Supercoach Wayne Bennett is also back in business in charge of new franchise the Dolphins, who will embark on their historic debut pre-season as the NRL’s 17th team.

But all eyes will be on Walsh, the former Broncos Academy young gun who is back at the club he loves after an 18-month, 38-game stint at the Warriors.

Brisbane will officially kick off their pre-season on Tuesday week and former Warriors whiz-kid Walsh will be among the 10 full-time Broncos stars to report for duty at Red Hill.

“I never thought I would leave the Broncos,” Walsh said recently.

“It was a dream of mine to play NRL for Brisbane. I remember when I was seven years old, I would run around with a Broncos jersey on wishing I could play for the Broncos.”

Jamal Fogarty is returning to training early for the Raiders. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The Raiders are one of the earliest clubs back to pre-season training with head coach Ricky Stuart excited by a recent phone call he received from two of his key spine players.

“We’ll have our train and trial guys, our NYC players and our NSW Cup players back for our first day next Thursday,’’ Stuart said.

“However, both Jamal Fogarty and Tom Starling have both asked if they could return earlier.

“I love that type of attitude.’’

Bennett is facing one of the toughest challenges of his 45-year career bringing together a new club on the back of a disrupted pre-season.

But the super coach is relishing the prospect of proving his critics wrong.

“I’ve done pre-seasons for 40 years,” Bennett said. “I know what it takes ... we will be OK.”

Kevin Walters needs to get the Broncos into the finals in 2023. Picture: Liam Kidston

BRONCOS

Return date: Tuesday, November 8

Who will be there: 10 full-time players will report for training on day one headlined by star recruit Reece Walsh, Tigers import Jock Madden and rookie of the year Ezra Mam. Four players are in rehab, with Kotoni Staggs, Delouise Hoeter, Xavier Willison and Blake Mozer all undergoing shoulder surgery.

Ins: Reece Walsh (Warriors), Jesse Arthars (returns from loan deal at Warriors), Jock Madden (Tigers)

Outs: Brenko Lee (Dolphins), David Mead (retired), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Ryan James (retired), Tyson Gamble (Knights), Jake Turpin (Roosters), Zac Hosking (Panthers)

Burning issue: Can the Broncos bounce back from the psychological scars of their horror late-season fadeout that caused them to miss the finals this year? Coach Kevin Walters is under pressure to steer Brisbane to the playoffs after two consecutive top-eight misses on his watch.

Xavier Savage will be one of the first to return for the Raiders. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

RAIDERS

Return date: Thursday, November 3

Expected day one returnees: The Raiders will have 25 players returning over the next two weeks, commencing November 3. Among the first to return will be Harley Smith-Shields, Xavier Savage, James Schiller, Brad Schneider, Albert Hopoate and Matt Timoko. And in an indication of how determined they are, spine leaders Jamal Fogarty and Tom Starling will return this week, two weeks before their due to return date.

Ins: Danny Levi (Huddersfield), Pasami Saulo (Knights)

Outs: Josh Hodgson (Eels), Adam Elliott (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs)

Burning issue: How the Raiders most influential figures including Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii return from the World Cup. It’s imperative they return injury-free.

Who will new Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo appoint as his captain? Picture: Justin Lloyd

BULLDOGS

Return date: Monday, November 7

Expected day one returnees: The Cameron Ciraldo era at the Bulldogs will begin with a huge contingent of his squad ready to train from day one. Only the club’s World Cup participants including Viliame Kikau, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Luke Thompson, Ryan Sutton and Jacob Kiraz will be missing. New buy Reed Mahoney will also be absent due to his required leave post the grand final. The likes of Tevita Pangai Jr, Corey Waddell, Andrew Davey, Kyle Flanagan, Jake Averillo and Max King will get the first taste of life under Ciraldo and new head of high performance Travis Touma.

Ins: Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Ryan Sutton (Raiders), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Hayze Perham (Eels), Franklin Pele (Sharks), Jacob Preston (Roosters)

Outs: Jack Hetherington (Knights), Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Matt Dufty (released), Joe Stimson (Titans)

Burning issue: The leadership vacuum left by the shock retirement of club champion and fearless leader Josh Jackson. Who will step up to lead the Dogs through the summer slog, particularly given Addo-Carr, Burton and Thompson will be on leave?

Jesse Colquhoun of the Sharksis an impressive rookie. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

SHARKS

Return date: Friday, November 4

Expected day one returnees: Rookies Kade Dykes, Jesse Colquhoun, Tom Hazleton, Jayden Berrell. Big guns including Nicho Hynes, Wade Graham, Matt Moylan, Dale Finucane and Cameron McInnes are due to begin training at the end of November.

Ins: Oregon Kaufusi (Eels)

Outs: Andrew Fifita (retired), Aiden Tolman (retired), Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Franklin Pele (Bulldogs)

Burning issue: How driven will the Sharks be to pick up and go again over summer following their painful backdoor exit from the 2022 finals series?

Kieran Foran brings plenty of experience to the Gold Coast spine. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

TITANS

Return date: Tuesday, November 1

Expected day one returnees: Aaron Booth, Oskar Bryant, Jayden Campbell, Erin Clark, Jaylan De Groot, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Jojo Fifita, Ryan Foran, Tony Francis, Klese Haas, Patrick Herbert, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Keano Kini, Ben Liyou, Toby Sexton, Paul Turner, Joe Vuna, Tom Weaver will all be there.

Ins: Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Sam Verrills (Roosters), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs)

Outs: Jarrod Wallace (Dolphins), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Corey Thompson (retired), Herman Ese’ese (Dolphins), Sam Lisone (released), Kevin Proctor (Wakefield Trinity)

Burning issue: The Titans promised the world last season and delivered nothing, crashing to a bottom four finish after being in wooden spoon contention. Justin Holbrook’s Gold Coast revival crumbled with an inexperienced spine, prompting the Titans to offer Manly veteran Kieran Foran a career lifeline and sign Roosters hooker Sam Verrills. The Titans have plenty of muscle up front, but Holbrook must find the right playmaking partnerships if the Gold Coast is to become a finals force in 2023. He has more options at his disposal next year and the Titans must have a massive pre-season to develop some resilience in their defence under new assistant coach Brett White.

Anthony Seibold will have his hands full at the Sea Eagles. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

SEA EAGLES

Return date: Monday, November 14

Expected day one returnees: The likes of Sean Keppie (shoulder), Karl Lawton (knee), Reuben Garrick (shoulder) and Jason Saab (knee) will be on restricted duties. Tom Trbojevic should be in full training before Christmas. Have seven players at the World Cup.

Ins: Kelma Tuilagi (Tigers), Ben Condon (Cowboys)

Outs: Kieran Foran (Titans), Dylan Walker (Warriors), Martin Taupau (unsigned), Andrew Davey (Bulldogs)

Burning issue: So much drama has followed the Sea Eagles this year. Can new coach Anthony Seibold bring the group together and turn them back into a top eight side? On-field – the biggest question surrounds Josh Schuster and if he will be able to replace Kieran Foran and develop into a first grade half.

The Storm need Ryan Papenhuyzen to stay healthy through an entire season. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

STORM

Return date: Monday, November 7 (rookies) November 14 (part), November 21 (full squad)

Expected day one returnees: Have a few injury concerns with the likes of Christian Welch (Achilles), Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) and Reimis Smith (pectoral) still working their way back. Have 12 players at the World Cup who aren’t expected back until the new year.

Ins: Eliesa Katoa (Warriors), Tariq Sims (Dragons), Joe Chan (Catalans), Aaron Pene (Warriors)

Outs: Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Jesse Bromwich (Dolphins), Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins), David Nofoaluma (Tigers - leaves after loan).

Burning issue: The loss of some experienced forwards. How will that impact their leadership more so than the on-field performance. Some younger players will need to stand up. Also need Papenhuyzen to get through a full season unscathed.

Where will Kalyn Ponga play in 2023? Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

KNIGHTS

Return date: Tuesday, November 1 (rookies), November 7 (part) November 14 (full squad)

Expected day one returnees: The Knights have a huge advantage with 29/30 players to be at training. Dom Young is the only player missing at the World Cup. Jack Hetherington (shoulder) will be limited until around Christmas.

Ins: Adam Elliott (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Tyson Gamble (Broncos)

Outs: Mitchell Barnett (Warriors), Edrick Lee (Dolphins), Jirah Momoisea (Eels), Tex Hoy (Hull FC), Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Sauaso Sue (Hull KR), Pasami Saulo (Raiders)

Burning issue: Who makes up their spine? They’ve added Tyson Gamble but have made it clear they want to sign a high profile player - either Luke Brooks or Reuben Garrick. Kalyn Ponga will either start in the halves or fullback but his position will have a huge impact on the team’s structure.

Riley Price will be sweating it out early. Picture: Shae Beplate.

COWBOYS

Return date: Wednesday, November 9

Expected day one returnees: Six players from the top 30 will be back on day one, including Dragons recruit Jack Gosiewski and Riley Price, the son of Bulldogs legend Steve. A group of Cowboys under-21s players will train for the first fortnight. Mitch Dunn and Heilum Luki are on the comeback trail from knee reconstructions.

Ins: James Tamou (Tigers), Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), Taniela Sadrugu (Fiji rugby sevens)

Outs: Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Ben Condon (Sea Eagles)

Burning issue: All eyes will be on the Cowboys after their fairytale charge to the preliminary final last season. Few gave coach Todd Payten any hope of a finals campaign in 2022. Now the youthful Cowboys will be expected to be grand-final contenders. Can they handle the expectation?

The Eels need Josh Hodgson at his best by round one. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

EELS

Return date: Players start filtering back Monday, November 7, but the majority of squad not due back until December 7.

Who will be there: Bailey Simmonson is the only injury concern after he underwent a shoulder reconstruction following the grand final loss. World Cup players unlikely to be seen until the new year. Josh Hodgson should be near full training.

Ins: Josh Hodgson (Raiders), J’maine Hopgood (Panthers), Jirah Momoisea (Knights), Jack Murchie (Warriors)

Outs: Marata Niukore (Warriors), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Tom Opacic (Hull KR), Hayze Perham (Bulldogs), David Hollis (released)

Burning issue: Will Josh Hodgson’s arrival be enough to have the side stay as a premiership contender? They need to overcome the loss of a host of players. Has their premiership window closed?

Apisai Koroisau is a big loss for the Panthers. Picture: John Feder/The Daily Telegraph

PANTHERS

Return date: Monday, November 28 with the younger players returning from November 14.

Expected day one returnees: The Panthers are expecting about just 10 of their top squad to be there including new recruits Luke Garner and Jack Cogger. They have 17 players involved in the World Cup and those players aren’t due back until the new year. Have a clean bill of health with no off-season surgeries.

Ins: Luke Garner (Tigers), Tyrone Peachey (Tigers), Zac Hosking (Broncos), Jack Cogger (Huddersfield)

Outs: Apisai Koroisau (Tigers), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Robert Jennings (Dolphins), J’maine Hopgood (Eels), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Charlie Staines (Tigers)

Burning issue: How will the counter the loss of three time premiership winner Api Koroisau? The Panthers have overcome high profile departures in recent years but this could be their biggest challenge. Mitch Kenny will takeover the no.9 duties.

Blake Taaffe will be one of the first back for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

RABBITOHS

Return date: Monday, November 7

Expected day one returnees: The Rabbitohs return to training will commence with 10 players before every player not involved in the World Cup returns by November 28. The likes of Blake Taaffe, Izaac Thompson and Shaq Mitchell will be the first back.

Ins: None

Outs: Mark Nicholls (Dolphins), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters)

Burning issue: The healthy return and absolutely imperative freshen-up of the Bunnies World Cup artillery that includes Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Lachlan Ilias, Tom Burgess, Davvy Moale, Keaon Koloamatangi and Tevita Tatola.

Will Dragons head coach Anthony Griffin retain his role far into 2023? Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

DRAGONS

Return date: Monday, November 7

Who will be there: Most the squad will hit the ground running aside from the handful on World Cup duties. Jack de Belin will be on a restricted program after minor shoulder surgery while Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) is expected to spend some time on the sidelines.

Ins: Jacob Liddle (Tigers), Zane Musgrove (Tigers), Nick Lui-Toso (Northern Pride)

Outs: Jackson Ford (Warriors), George Burgess (released), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins)

Burning issue: The obvious uncertainty surrounding coach Anthony Griffin will linger. And the only thing which will settle the noise is winning a few games. Haven’t been active in the player market so any improvement needs to come from within.

The Roosters will be keen to get Brandon Smith back from Rugby World Cup duties for New Zealand. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images for RLWC

ROOSTERS

Return date: Monday, November 14

Who will be there: A sprinkling of younger players before the more experienced players join the squad about a fortnight later. Have 10 players involved at the World Cup which means they won’t see their full squad until the new year. Largely injury free.

Ins: Brandon Smith (Storm), Jake Turpin (Broncos), Jaxson Paulo (Rabbitohs)

Outs: Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans Dragons), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs), Oliver Gildart (returned from loan), Sam Verrills (Titans)

Burning issue: Can Brandon Smith turn the Roosters back into a premiership threat? How will he settle into life under the bright lights in Sydney? The Roosters also have to find a way to ensure Tedesco/Manu/Suaalii all have a major impact with the ball.

The Warriors will want Shaun Johnson to lift in 2023. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

WARRIORS

Return date: Tuesday, November 1

Who will be there: New coach Andrew Webster will get his hands on the younger players in the squad on Monday. The rest of the squad is due back a week later. Have five players on World Cup duties. Ronald Volkman (shoulder) is the only major concern but that won’t sideline him for long.

Ins: Marata Niukore (Eels), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Jackson Ford (Dragons)

Outs: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Reece Walsh (Broncos), Eliesa Katoa (released), Aaron Pene (released), Jack Murchie (Eels)

Burning issue: Big off-season purchases will need to prove their worth if the Warriors are to get back in the top eight. Webster is an unknown as head coach but gets a chance to show his worth. Need Shaun Johnson to perform or make the big call to axe him.

Jackson Hastings will be on limited duties early for the Tigers. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

WESTS TIGERS

Return date: Tuesday, November 1

Who will be there: The rookies will start on Monday and the rest of the main squad filtering through a week later. A host of players are still expected to be on limited duties including Jackson Hastings, Alex Seyfarth and Shawn Blore. Big name recruits Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i aren’t due back until the new year.

Ins: Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Triston Reilly (rugby union, Waratahs), David Nofoaluma (Storm - return from loan), Charlie Staines (Panthers)

Outs: Luke Garner (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), Oliver Gildart (released)

Burning issue: Can Tim Sheens not only find his mojo again but spark some life into the Tigers organisation. Will Luke Brooks remain at the club and can Sheens get him to fire? The Tigers have recruited well but their fans have been let down by a decade of incompetence.

Dolphin’s Head Coach Wayne Bennett will have to be at his wily best to get the team ready for round one 2023. Picture: Steve Pohlner

DOLPHINS

Return date: Monday, November 7

Who will be there: Valynce Te Whare, Jack Bostock, Harrison Graham, Michael Roberts, Tory Bath, Bailey Butler, JP Donevski, Trai Fuller, Lachlan Hubner, Cody Hunter, Ryan Jackson, Setu Tu, Michael Waqa, Tyler Szepanowski, Brenton Baira.

Ins: Euan Aitken (Warriors), Jesse Bromwich (Storm), Kenny Bromwich (Storm), Tom Gilbert (Cowboys), Edrick Lee (Knights), Brenko Lee (Broncos), Connelly Lemuelu (Cowboys), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Jamayne Isaako (Titans), Felise Kaufusi (Storm), Jeremy Marshall-King (Bulldogs), Anthony Milford (Knights), Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs), Kodi Nikorima (Rabbitohs), Sean O’Sullivan (Panthers), Ray Stone (Eels), Isaiya Katoa (Panthers), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Cowboys), Mason Teague (Panthers), Jarrod Wallace (Titans), Herman Ese’ese (Titans), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Valynce Te Whare, Harrison Graham, Michael Roberts, JJ Collins, Ryan Jackson

Burning issue: The Dolphins will kick off their first NRL pre-season without one player that boasts first grade experience when they gather under coach Wayne Bennett for the first time at Redcliffe. The NRL’s newcomers have had a difficult recruitment drive and there won’t be many familiar faces running around on November 7. With a host of their big name signings on World Cup duties, it will be some time before Bennett gets his best players on the park in what is a worrying sign for a new club. The super coach is facing arguably his toughest challenge to bring together a new team with a limited pre-season and the pressure will be high.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Pre-season training kicks off, four-way battle for Titans halfback spot