NRL Early Mail round 1 2024: Predicted teams for opening round
The Dolphins have breathed a sigh of relief after new recruit Herbie Farnworth sent a scare through Redcliffe, after the recruit suffered a pre-season injury. See the latest team news here
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The Dolphins are confident Herbie Farnworth has dodged a bullet after their star recruit limped from training on Tuesday
Less than 24 hours after Tom Gilbert was ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture, Farnworth sent a scare through Redcliffe after jarring his knee during a training session.
The England international looked to be in pain as he hobbled from the field and didn’t return to the session.
However Dolphins fitness staff cleared Farnworth of a serious injury and he will be monitored throughout the week.
The Dolphins are confident Farnworth will be on deck to launch their 2024 NRL Premiership campaign against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on March 10.
Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace said the club was in a better position to cover the loss of players this year than in their foundation season.
“I didn’t even see he got injured. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” he said.
“He’s a bit of a princess after being named number one on the NRL’s hottest list.
“I’m sure he’ll put some ice on it and be back at training on Thursday.
“If something was to happen to him we’ve got Tesi (Niu), Jake Averillo. We have two weeks to be ready for round one.
“We’ve got five players ready in every position. That’s something every club needs and we lacked last year.”
A scare for @dolphinsnrl this morning. Herbie Farnworth appears to have jarred his knee at training. Has attempted to stride out a few times and struggled. Club doc seems to think he’ll be okay. @10NewsFirstQLD#NRLpic.twitter.com/iQV1dc52T3
— Veronica Eggleton (@veggleton) February 26, 2024
While Farnworth is expected to be fit for the Cowboys blockbuster, the Dolphins will be without Queensland Origin representative Gilbert for the entire season.
The backrow enforcer was limited to 11 games last year before undergoing a shoulder reconstruction and now his second season with the Dolphins is over before it started.
The likes of Kenny Bromwich and Ray Stone are now in the mix for the No. 13 jersey and Wallace backed Gilbert to overcome his latest setback.
“He’s one of the most mentally strong, hardworking players I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“It’s going to be soul crushing for a week or so but he’ll be back and ready to go next year. The boys will be keeping him up.
“That’s the rough part of our game we play. We all know it can happen to anyone.”
—Travis Meyn
MANLY TO NAME NEW RECRUITS
Jaxson Paulo and Nathan Brown are set to join Luke Brooks in making their premiership debuts for Manly under the bright lights in Las Vegas.
Brooks was always destined to start in the halves alongside Daly Cherry-Evans against South Sydney at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday afternoon (AEDT) but the selections of Paulo and Brown were less clear cut.
Paulo, a former Rabbitoh who played 43 games for Souths and scored 19 tries over three seasons, looks to have won the wing spot opposite Jason Saab while Brown – having recently been upgraded to a top 30 contract – is expected to take his place on the interchange bench.
As revealed in this masthead last week, the youngest of the Trbojevic brothers – Ben – will start in the second row in place of the injured Josh Schuster, who stayed in Sydney to work on his recover from a calf problem.
The Sea Eagles have been in Las Vegas since late last week and trained at the UFC performance centre on Monday afternoon local time.
— Brent Read
PANTHERS STAR SUSPENDED FOR ROUND 1
Penrith premiership winning hooker Mitch Kenny will miss the Panthers’ start to the season after being suspended for a “couple Boxing Day lines” social media post.
Kenny was allowed to play in Penrith’s World Club Challenge loss to Wigan last weekend however the NRL have imposed a one game ban and a $10,000 fine for the post-Christmas post. It means Kenny will miss Penrith’s first match of the season against the Storm next Friday.
Half of his $10,000 fine is suspended for 12 months. The Panthers successfully asked the NRL to impose the ban during the season instead of the dummy half missing the game in England.
Kenny was hit with a breach notice earlier this month after the NRL’s integrity unit investigated his post.
“Couple Boxing Day lines have got me in trouble,” the post read on Kenny’s Instagram account along with a selfie. Kenny had tried to distance himself from the post.
“Happy New Year guys. Enjoy and ignore trolls who grabbed my phone. Happy New Year,” he later wrote on his page.
In October last year, North Queensland star Valentine Holmes was whacked with a $25,000 fine and rubbed out of the Kangaroos’ first Test of the Pacific Championships after posting a photo to his social media of him holding a bag of white powder.
Luke Sommerton and Soni Luke spent time at dummy half last year in Kenny’s absence. Kenny will be right to play for Penrith in their round two game against arch rivals Parramatta.
While Kenny is unavailable for the Panthers, outside back Taylan May has been given the green light to play in round one with the NRL deeming him to have served his two game ban while injured.
May had a two-game ban hanging over his head last year but was injured before the start of the season.
—Michael Carayannis
STORM ROOKIE GIVES BELLYACHE A HEADACHE
Joe Chan has vowed to go hard if he forces his way into the Melbourne Storm side for their season opener against Penrith after leaving coach Craig Bellamy with a genuine headache as he prepares to name his side to take on the premiers.
Chan, the son of former Storm forward Alex Chan, made one appearance last season after joining Melbourne from French club Catalans. If his form against Newcastle in Fiji last weekend is any guide, Chan is set to significantly add to his appearances in 2024.
Eli Katoa will be one fixture in the Storm back row but the remaining places appear wide open.
Shawn Blore, recruited from the Wests Tigers, has struggled in the pre-season for fitness after suffering a series of niggling injuries.
Another back rower Trent Loiero took an early mark last weekend after suffering an injury scare, leaving the door for Chan. He ran through it last weekend.
—Brent Read
KEY DRAGONS SET FOR ROUND ONE
St George Illawarra have received a round one boost after scans cleared forward Blake Lawrie and hooker Jacob Liddle of serious injury on Monday.
Lawrie is expected to be available for the season opener against the Gold Coast Titans after suffering a rib cartilage injury in Saturday’s trial against the Tigers.
Like Lawrie, Liddle failed to finish the second trial after picking up a hamstring complaint.
Scans revealed Liddle suffered a low-grade hamstring strain and is aiming for a round one return.
—Fatima Kdouh
ROOSTERS RECRUIT AVOIDS SURGERY
Sydney Roosters star Dom Young has avoided neck surgery but still won’t play the club’s historic game in Las Vegas.
Young has flown to Los Angeles with the team and resumed training after sustaining a neck injury in a trial against Manly.
He was wearing a red bib – ensuring no contact – during training at UCLA on Saturday.
He has also been completing neck injury exercises.
He should be available for the club’s round two game against Manly at Brookvale.
– Dean Ritchie
WINNER DECLARED IN CANBERRA FULLBACK RACE
Jordan Rapana has won the battle for the Canberra fullback spot.
Coach Ricky Stuart has opted for experience in the position despite a strong push from young gun Chevy Stewart.
The Raiders have a tough away trip in round one against the Knights.
Sebastian Kris played all but three of his games at fullback last year but will play centre when he returns from suspension in round two, with Rapana to stay at fullback.
Stewart is highly-rated at the club but won’t feature over the opening rounds.
—Phil Rothfield
SEA EAGLES v RABBITOHS
Sunday, 3rd March, 1:30pm, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Sea Eagles: Josh Schuster has been ruled out of round 1 with an ongoing calf injury. Ben Trbojevic is now a certain starter on the left-edge on the back of a strong showing in the trials.
Matt Lodge will miss the start of the season due to injury, as will fellow enforcer Toa Sipley after being charged with a crusher on Dom Young.
Jaxson Paulo nabbed the wing spot ahead of Raymond Tuaimalo-Vaega, with Reuben Garrick shifting to centre this season.
Jamie Humphreys looked set to score the bench utility/hooker role, but was nowhere to be seen on Manly’s Round one team list.
Sea Eagles’ Round One team
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange:
14. Karl Lawton
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown
Rabbitohs: Jack Wighton (suspension), Campbell Graham (sternum) and Tyrone Munro (shoulder) are all set to miss the start of the season leaving the backline short.
This is likely to see Taane Milne join Alex Johnston on the wing, with Isaiah Tass and Jacob Gagai in the centres.
Jai Arrow will start on the right edge, with Keaon Koloamatangi making the shift to the left edge.
Cody Walker and Damien Cook are under injury clouds to start the season, but are expected to line-up in Vegas.
Peter Mamouzelos was tipped to win a bench role to begin the year, but was named among the reserves for Round One.
Rabbitohs’ Round One team
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Richard Kennar
5. Jacob Gagai
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Sean Keppie
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray
Interchange
14. Siliva Havili
15. Jacob Host
16. Davvy Moale
17. Thomas Burgess
ROOSTERS v BRONCOS
Sunday, 3rd March, 3:30pm, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Roosters: Recruit Dom Young will miss the Vegas game after a nasty incident in the trial clash with Manly.
This will see Joseph Suaalii play on the wing, with Joey Manu and Billy Smith in the centres.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is unavailable due to suspension, with Spencer Leniu starting at prop over Terrell May.
Trent Robinson named a surprise back-row combination, with Sitili Tupouniua and Siua Wong named to start, with Nat Butcher on the bench and Angus Crichton among the reserves.
Roosters’ Round One team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Joey Manu
5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Sitili Tupouniua
12. Siua Wong
13. Victory Radley
Interchange:
14. Sandon Smith
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Nat Butcher
17. Terrell May
Broncos: Corey Oates was initially expected to win a starting wing role after Selwyn Cobbo’s switch to the centres, but was left out of the Broncos Round One team, with Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner named to start.
Explosive back-rower Brendan Piakura has declared himself a certain starter as the Broncos prepare to unleash their hard-hitting version of Sonny Bill Williams against the Roosters in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEST).
Corey Jensen has locked in the prop role vacated by Tom Flegler, according to coach Kevin Walters, while Fletcher Baker and Xavier Willison won bench spots over Martin Taupau.
Broncos’ Round One team
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Payne Haas
9. Billy Walters
10. Corey Jensen
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
Interchange:
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Fletcher Baker
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Xavier Willison
KNIGHTS v RAIDERS
Thursday, 7th March, 8pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Knights: Tyson Gamble is favourite to start at five-eighth, with Jack Cogger to play off the bench where he would spend time at hooker.
Jayden Brailey isn’t likely to start the season due to a hamstring niggle.
Enari Tuala is expected to line up on the right wing vacated by Dom Young.
The other battle is the left edge role of the departed Lachlan Fitzgibbon, with Dylan Lucas and English recruit Kai Pearce-Paul fighting for the spot.
Lucas is likely to start, with Pearce-Paul to come on off the bench.
Knights’ predicted team
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Enari Tuala
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliott
Interchange:
14. Jack Cogger
15. Kai Pearce-Paul
16. Daniel Saifiti
17. Jack Hetherington
Raiders: Canberra’s backline remains somewhat uncertain, with several key spots up for grabs.
Jordan Rapana is expected to start at fullback ahead of exciting rookie Chevy Stewart.
Ethan Strange may have played himself into the five-eighth spot ahead of recruit Kaeo Weekes.
Seb Kris will miss round one due to suspension, which is likely to see James Schiller start at centre.
Xavier Savage is firming to return to the team on the wing along with Albert Hopoate.
Corey Horsburgh is suspended to start the season, with English recruit Morgan Smithies tipped to start at lock.
Raiders’ predicted team
1. Jordan Rapana
2. Xavier Savage
3. James Schiller
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Albert Hopoate
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Ata Mariota
9. Danny Levi
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies
Interchange:
14. Tom Starling
15. Zac Hosking
16. Josh Papali’i
17. Emre Guler
WARRIORS v SHARKS
Friday, 8th March, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will miss the opening rounds due to injury, with Taine Tuaupiki likely to start at fullback.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck spent time at fullback in the trial win over the Knights, but he is still expected to start at centre.
Rocco Berry is expected to fend off a push from impressive rookie Ali Leiataua for the right centre role.
Luke Metcalf is favoured to win the five-eighth spot ahead of Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Kurt Capewell and Jackson Ford are likely to start in the back-row, with Marata Niukore playing off the bench.
Warriors’ predicted team
1 Taine Tuaupiki
2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3 Rocco Berry
4 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5 Marcelo Montoya
6 Luke Metcalf
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Addin Fonua-Blake
9 Wayde Egan
10 Mitch Barnett
11 Kurt Capewell
12 Jackson Ford
13 Tohu Harris
Interchange:
14 Dylan Walker
15 Jazz Tevaga
16 Bunty Afoa
17 Marata Niukore
Sharks: Very few questions surround this settled Sharks line-up.
Siosifa Talakai faces competition from rookie Kayal Iro at centre, but the veteran is expected to retain his spot.
With the departure of Matt Moylan, All Stars man of the match Braydon Trindall will become the full time halves partner to Nicho Hynes.
Hynes will return at halfback after sitting out the trial clash with the Bulldogs.
Teig Wilton returns from a lengthy injury lay-off in the back-row.
Sharks’ predicted team
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Siosifa Talakai
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Braden Hamlin-Uele
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Dale Finucane
Interchange:
14. Cameron McInnes
15. Royce Hunt
16. Jack Williams
17. Thomas Hazelton
STORM v PANTHERS
Friday, 8th March, 8:05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm: No major questions loom around the Storm’s side, with Ryan Papenhuyzen returning at fullback.
This is set to push Nick Meaney to centre, who will also goal-kick.
With Trent Loiero moving to a middle role, recruit Shawn Blore is a strong chance to start on the edge.
Shawn Blore, Kane Bradley and Jack Howarth are battling to start on the edge.
Bradley was favoured for the trial clash with the Knights.
Joe Chan is also pushing for a spot.
Cameron Munster missed the trials but will return at five-eighth, pushing trial star Jonah Pezet out of the team.
Storm’s predicted team
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9. Harry Grant
10. Christian Welch
11. Eliesa Katoa
12. Kane Bradley/Shawn Blore
13. Josh King
Interchange
14. Bronson Garlick
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Trent Loiero
17. Aaron Pene
Panthers: The Panthers’ starting side will be very similar to last year’s grand final winning team.
Taylan May returns from injury at centre in place of the departed Stephen Crichton.
Jarome Luai remains in some doubt to start in round one due to injury, with rookie Jack Cole to replace him if unavailable.
Scott Sorensen missed the Wigan clash, but is expected to return on the edge, pushing Luke Garner to the bench.
Sunia Turuva failed to finish the game and is in doubt for round 1.
If unavailable, this could see May shift to the wing, with Tyrone Peachey at centre.
Panthers’ predicted team
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Soni Luke
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange:
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Luke Garner
17. Matt Eisenhuth
EELS v BULLDOGS
Saturday, 9th March, 5:30pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels: Bailey Simonsson was injured in the club’s final trial, opening up a spot at centre.
Maika Sivo is facing a ban that will likely see Parramatta also down a winger.
Daejarn Asi, Morgan Harper, Haze Dunster and Blaize Talagi are all fighting for these spots.
Brad Arthur stated during the pre-season his preference is an 80-minute hooker this season, which pits Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick together.
Lussick started in the trial win over the Titans, suggesting he has his head in front.
Kelma Tuilagi starred in both pre-season games, which could see the Manly recruit nab a bench role.
Eels’ predicted team
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Sean Russell
3. Morgan Harper
4. Will Penisini
5. Haze Dunster
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Joey Lussick
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’Maine Hopgood
Interchange:
14. Brendan Hands
15. Kelma Tuilagi
16. Wiremu Greig
17. Ryan Matterson
Bulldogs: Numerous spots remain up for grabs at the Bulldogs leading into round 1.
Blake Taaffe is favoured to play fullback, with Penrith recruit Stephen Crichton to play centre with Connor Tracey.
Bronson Xerri was solid in both games back from a four year ban and will also come into strong contention to partner Crichton in the centres.
Provided he’s cleared to return from injury, Tracey could also slot in at fullback.
Jacob Kiraz is also pushing to return from injury, likely on the wing in place of Blake Wilson, although he’s another who could play centre.
Drew Hutchinson looks set to partner Matt Burton in the halves, with Toby Sexton to start the year in NSW Cup.
Former Panther Jaeman Salmon may have edged Josh Curran for the starting lock role.
Bulldogs’ predicted Rd. 1 team
1. Blake Taaffe
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Connor Tracey
5. Jacob Kiraz
6. Matt Burton
7. Drew Hutchison
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Liam Knight
11. Jacob Preston
12. Viliame Kikau
13. Josh Curran
Interchange:
14. Kurt Mann
15. Poasa Faamausili
16. Jaeman Salmon
17. Sam Hughes
TITANS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 9th March, 7:35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Titans: With Jayden Campbell injured, Keano Kini is expected to start the season at fullback, with AJ Brimson at centre.
David Fifita will miss the first month, with Beau Fermor returning from injury on the left edge, with Jacob Alick likely on the right.
Kieran Foran missed the trials but will return at five-eighth, pushing Tom Weaver out of the team.
Titans’ predicted team
1. Keano Kini
2. Phillip Sami
3. AJ Brimson
4. Brian Kelly
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Keenan Palasia
11. Beau Fermor
12. Jacob Alick/Klese Haas
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Interchange
14. Jacob Alick/Klese Haas
15. Isaac Liu
16. Erin Clark
17. Jaimin Jolliffe
Dragons: A strong trial performance against the Tigers will see Tyrell Sloan start at fullback, with Zac Lomax on the wing.
Kyle Flanagan joins Ben Hunt as the new-look halves pairing.
Newly signed forward Luciano Leilua will likely start on the edge alongside Jaydn Su’A, with Tom Eisenhuth to shift to the bench.
Jacob Liddle and Blake Lawrie picked up niggles in the trial and are in some doubt for round 1.
Dragons’ predicted team (updated 16 Feb)
1 Tyrell Sloan
2 Zac Lomax
3 Moses Suli
4 Jack Bird
5 Mikaele Ravalawa
6 Kyle Flanagan
7 Ben Hunt
8 Francis Molo
9 Jacob Liddle
10 Blake Lawrie
11 Luciano Leilua
12 Jaydn Su’A
13 Jack de Belin
Interchange
14 Jesse Marschke
15 Tom Eisenhuth
16 Hame Sele
17 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
DOLPHINS v COWBOYS
Sunday, 10th March, 4:05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Dolphins: Recruit Jake Averillo and Tesi Niu are fighting for a centre spot, with Jack Bostock impressing throughout the pre-season on the wing.
At this stage, Niu looks the frontrunner to partner Herbie Farnworth in the centres.
Tom Gilbert suffered a devastating ACL injury that will see him miss the 2024 season.
This may see Kenny Bromwich move to lock, with Connelly Lemuelu starting on the edge.
Kodi Nikorima started at five-eighth in the trial loss to the Warriors, suggesting he may be edging ahead of Isaiya Katoa for a round 1 starting spot.
Dolphins’ predicted team
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Tesi Niu
5. Jack Bostock
6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Kenny Bromwich
Interchange
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Euan Aitken
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Jarrod Wallace
Cowboys: Zac Laybutt appears to have beaten Warriors recruit Viliame Vailea for the right centre spot.
With news of Luciano Leilua signing with the Dragons, this confirms Heilum Luki will start on the edge alongside Jeremiah Nanai.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is also firming to earn a bench role.
Thomas Mikaele has been upgraded to the Cowboys Top 30 squad and may have played his way into a bench position after two excellent trial performances.
He’ll likely take the spot of Coen Hess who was injured in the trial.
Cowboys’ predicted team
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Valentine Holmes
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
Interchange:
14. Jake Granville
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Griffin Neame
17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
BYE: Wests Tigers
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Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 1 2024: Predicted teams for opening round
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