NRL teams Round One and KFC SuperCoach NRL chat
It’s KFC SuperCoach NRL Christmas and all the teams for Round 1 are in - and there’s plenty of shocks. SEE EVERY TEAM FOR ROUND ONE HERE!
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It’s the greatest day of the year for NRL fans, the first Team List Tuesday of the season.
Fire in your KFC SuperCoach NRL selection questions via the comments section below and we will do our best to answer them with the help of your fellow SuperCoach fanatics.
PARRAMATTA EELS VS CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
BankWest Stadium, 8:05pm, Thursday, March 12th,
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown
Interchange: 14. Brad Takarangi, 15. Marata Niukore, 16. Kane Evans 17. Peni Terepo
Reserves: 18. Will Smith, 19. Ray Stone, 20. Oregon Kaufusi, 21. George Jennings
SuperCoach analysis: Waqa Blake (shoulder) has been named at centre despite not playing any trials. KFC SuperCoach cheapie prospects Oregon Kaufusi and Stefano Utoikamanu miss the 17.Star recruits Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Ryan Matterson will make their club debuts in the starting pack.
Bulldogs: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Will Hopoate, 5. Christian Crichton, 6. Brandon Wakeham, 7 Lachlan Lewis, 8. Aiden Tolman, 9.Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Dylan Napa, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Joe Stimson, 13. Adam Elliott
Interchange: 14. Dean Britt, 15. Renouf To’omaga, 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 17. Kerrod Holland
Reserves: 19. Ofahiki Ogden, 20. Jake Averillo, 21. Sione Katoa, 22. Jack Cogger
SuperCoach analysis: Carnage at the “Family Club” with Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbur stood down. Recruit Joe Stimson scores the starting back row spot earmarked for CHN. Christian Crichton (knee) returns from injury to take the wing spot reserved for Okunbur. As revealed by The Daily Telegraph over the weekend, Brandon Wakeham has scored a halves spot over Jack Cogger. Outside back Kerrod Holland will play as back-up hooker off the interchange bench. Dean Britt will follow in his dad Darren’s footsteps in making his Bulldogs debut. Nick Meaney (wing) and Jeremy Marshall-King (hooker) have won the battle to be passed fit.
CANBERRA RAIDERS VS GOLD COAST TITANS
GIO Stadium, 6:00pm, Friday, March 13th
Raiders: 1.Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Corey Horsburgh, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine
Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Iosia Soliola 17.Michael Oldfield
Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie, 19. Sam Williams, 20. Semi Valemei, 21. Tom Starling
SuperCoach analysis: As predicted in Early Mail, Michael Oldfield scores the final bench spot ahead of forward Luke Bateman. Curtis Scott has been cleared by the NRL and will line up at right centre. John Bateman will miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury, pushing Corey Horsburgh to right backrow. English international George Williams will make his club debut in the halves.
Titans: 1. Phillip Sami, 2. Anthony Don, 3.Kallum Watkins, 4. Tyrone Peachey, 5. Dale Copley, 6. Tyrone Roberts, 7. Ash Taylor, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Sam Lisone, 11.Kevin Proctor, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14.Nathan Peats, 15. Jai Whitbread, 16. Brian Kelly, 17. Jaimin Jolliffe
Reserves: 18 Sam Stone, 19 Jonus Pearson, 20 Moeaki Fotuaika, 21 AJ Brimson
SuperCoach analysis: The Gold Coast Titans are unsure when fullback AJ Brimson will be cleared to play after the rising star was ruled out of Friday’s Round 1 NRL clash against Canberra with a back injury. Brimson is managing a stress fracture in his back, with Titans head of performance and culture Mal Meninga admitting the young gun was a “week-to-week proposition”. Prop Shannon Boyd (shoulder) has also been ruled out of the game against his former club while reigning player-of-the-year Moeaki Fotuaika (knee) was named on an extended bench. If Fotuaika is ruled out, Newtown Jets premiership hero Jaimin Jolliffe will make his NRL debut while Warriors recruit Sam Lisone will play his first game for the Titans. Winger Phillip Sami will shift to fullback in place of Brimson, whose back problem flared after last month’s Nines tournament in Perth.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS VS BRISBANE BRONCOS
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 8:05pm, Friday, March 13th
Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Ben Hampton, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Michael Morgan, 8. John Asiata, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Reece Robson, 15. Mitchell Dunn, 16. Shane Wright, 17. Francis Molo
Reserves: 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Connelly Lemuelu, 20. Tom Opacic, 21. Jake Clifford
SuperCoach analysis: As expected, Scott Drinkwater scores the five-eighth spot ahead of Jake Clifford. Valentine Holmes will make his long-awaited club debut at fullback and will likely kick goals. KFC SuperCoach mid-ranger prospect Coen Hess has been named to start in the back row after a strong off-season. Forward Josh McGuire (knee, suspension) is out. Reece Robson and Esan Marsters will also make their club debuts.
Broncos: 1 Jack Bird, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Kotoni Staggs, 4 Darius Boyd, 5 Jesse Arthars, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Brodie Croft (c), 8 Tom Flegler, 9 Jake Turpin, 10 Payne Haas, 11 David Fifita, 12 Tevita Pangai Jr, 13 Pat Carrigan (c)
Interchange: 14 Jamayne Isaako, 15 Andrew McCullough, 16 Rhys Kennedy, 17 Jamil Hopoate
Reserves: 18 Xavier Coates, 19 Herbie Farnworth, 20 Tom Dearden, 21 Ethan Bullemor.
SuperCoach analysis: Alex Glenn (hamstring) misses the squad. Glenn’s scratching sees Tevita Pangai Jr start in the back row, with Tom Flegler to partner Payne Haas in the front row and Jamil Hopoate to debut from the bench. Jesse Arthars wins a wing spot ahead of popular KFC SuperCoach cheapie Xavier Coates. Pat Carrigan scores the starting No. 13 jumper and should be locked in as a KFC SuperCoach buy. Jack Bird scores the fullback spot ahead of Jamayne Isaako, who will play from a strange bench that includes two utilities and two big men. Rhys Kennedy wins the final interchange spot ahead of Ethan Bullemore and Jordan Riki.
Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO. Every game of every round LIVE & Ad-Break Free during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS VS NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
McDonald Jones Stadium, 3:00pm, Saturday, March 14th
Knights: 1.Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Kurt Mann, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 12. Mitchell Barnett, 13. Herman Ese’ese
Interchange: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Tim Glasby, 17. Aidan Guerra
Reserves: 18. Pasami Saulo, 19. Starford To’a, 20. Mason Lino, 21. Brodie Jones
SuperCoach analysis: Kurt Mann will start the year as Mitchell Pearce’s five-eighth partner. Mann’s selection means Kalyn Ponga will kick goals. Gehamat Shibasaki and Enari Tuala form a new-look centre pairing with Bradman Best (foot) out until Round 4. Mitch Barnett moves to the right edge to cover for the injured Sione Mata’utia (ankle) with Herman Ese’ese to start at lock.
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2. Patrick Herbert, 3. David Fusitu’a, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Chanel Haris-Tavita, 7. Blake Green, 8. Leeson Ah Mau, 9.Wayde Egan, 10. Lachlan Burr, 11. Adam Blair, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Isaiah Papali’i
Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Karl Lawton
Reserves: 18. King Vuniyayawa, 20. Hayze Perham, 21. Leivaha Pulu, 22. Taane Milne
SuperCoach analysis: Cheapie option Jamayne Taunoa-Brown scores a bench spot and is the KFC SuperCoach player to watch. He was brilliant in the trials and should see decent minutes given the Warriors’ lack of middle forwards. However, put a line through heavily-fancied cheapie Josh Curran as he has missed the squad altogether. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ankle) is racing the clock.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS VS CRONULLA SHARKS
ANZ Stadium, 5:30pm, Saturday, March 14th
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. James Roberts, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Campbell Graham, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Cameron Murray, 13. Liam Knight
Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Ethan Lowe, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Alex Johnston
Reserves: 18. George Williams, 19. Bayley Sironen, 20. Troy Dragan, 21. Keaon Koloamatangi
SuperCoach analysis: Very much as expected here with Cam Murray shifting to second row and Liam Knight to lock. Latrell Mitchell gets his first start at fullback for the Rabbitohs but Alex Johnston is on the bench so maybe Latrell gets a blow at some point? No joy for Keaon Koloamatangi with the SuperCoach cheapie named 21st man.
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2.Sione Katoa, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Jack Williams
Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Tody Rudolf, 17. Scott Sorensen
Reserves: 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Braydon Trindall, 20. Royce Hunt, 21. Jackson Ferris
SuperCoach analysis: William Kennedy named to start at fullback with no sign of Josh Dugan or Matt Moylan. A well deserved NRL debut for Toby Rudolf though fellow SuperCoach cheapie Billy Magoulias misses out named as 18th man.
PENRITH PANTHERS VS SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Panthers Stadium, 7:30pm, Saturday, March 14th
Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Zane Tetevano, 11.Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Stephen Crichton, 15. James Fisher-Harris, 16. Moses Leota, 17. Jack Hetherington
Reserves: 18. Billy Burns, 19. Matt Burton, 20. Jed Cartwright, 21. Kaide Ellis
SuperCoach analysis: James Fisher-Harris was close to Penrith’s best player in 2019 but the big man is relegated to the bench for round one with Isaah Yeo preferred at lock and new recruit Zane Tetevano named to start at prop. Jerome Luai named at five-eighth and Matt Burton in the reserves as 19th man.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Angus Crichton, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Luke Cleary, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Sitili Tupouniua, 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 13. Victor Radley
Interchange: 14. Sam Verrills, 15. Isaac Liu, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Lindsay Collins
Reserves: 18. Matt Ikuvalu, 19. Poasa Faamausili, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Asu Kepaoa
SuperCoach analysis: No Boyd Cordner for the Roosters with the skipper not named in the 21 which sees Sitili Tupouniua named to start. Angus Crichton to continue his his experiment in the centres and Sam Verrills named on the bench which should ensure Victor Radley gets more time in his preferred lock position.
MANLY SEA EAGLES VS MELBOURNE STORM
Lottoland, 4:05pm, Sunday, March 15th
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Sean Keppie 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Haumole Olakau’atu
Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Tevita Funa 21. Zac Saddler
SuperCoach analysis: Huge news for the Sea Eagles with both Jake Trbojevic and Addin Fonua-Blake shaking off pre-season injury/operations to be named in the starting team. Danny Levi to make his NRL debut for the club at hooker with Lachlan Croker on the bench as a utility. Good news for cheapie hunters with Sean Keppie and Haumole Olakau’atu on the interchange bench.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Harry Grant 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Max King 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Reserves: 18. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 19. Brenko Lee 20. Ryley Jacks 21. Darryn Schonig
SuperCoach analysis: Marion Seve has beaten out Brenko Lee for a spot in the centres in an otherwise settled backline. Tui Kamikamica wins a start with Nelson Asofa-Solomona relegated to 18th man in the reserves. Livewire Harry Grant is on the bench as is giant youngster Tino Faasuamaleaui.
ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS VS WESTS TIGERS
WIN Stadium, 6:15pm, Sunday, March 15th
Dragons: 1. Zac Lomax 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Brayden Williame 4. Tim Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Issac Luke 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie
Interchange: 14. Trent Merrin 15. Tyrell Fuimaono 16. Billy Brittain 17. Jacob Host
Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford 19. Adam Clune 20. Euan Aitken 21. Josh Kerr
SuperCoach analysis: Brayden Wiliame has converted his fine pre-season form into a starting role in the centres. No room for Jason Saab with the coach preferring Mikaele Ravalawa. Blake Lawrie has beaten off the challenge of Trent Merrin (interchange) to be named at lock while Tyrell Fuimaono is a surprise inclusion and Josh Kerr a surprise ommission.
Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Joseph Leilua 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Robert Jennings 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Billy Walters 10. Alex Twal 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Thomas Mikaele 15. Josh Reynolds 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Chris Lawrence
Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Oliver Clark 20. Matthew Eisenhuth 21. Paul Momirovski
SuperCoach analysis: As expected Corey Thompson has won the race for the fullback jersey with new recruit Adam Doueihi to start at centre. Billy Walters will start at hooker with Josh Reynolds on the bench to back him up. Giant young props Thomas Mikaele and Zane Musgrove will come off the bench with Josh Aloiai preferred to partner Alex Twal in the starting front row. No love for Michael Chee-Kam, Matt Eisenhuth or Paul Momirovski all named in the reserves.
Originally published as NRL teams Round One and KFC SuperCoach NRL chat