NRL Round 1 2025 predicted teams: Sea Eagles, Dragons eye big changes
NRL teams for round one are starting to take shape for many clubs. But equally, a host of teams are facing setbacks ahead of the season start.
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There’s a long way to go between now and the start of the first game of the 2025 season in Las Vegas but it’s never too soon to start some off-season speculation so let’s have a crack at the likely round one starting 17s for every club.
NB this is not a ‘best 17’ from each team but rather an attempt to discern the team that will play in round one so suspended and injured players are excluded.
Lastly, we recognise that predicting line-ups months out from the kick-off is somewhat of a fool’s errand, but that’s what the pre-season is for so drop your predicted teams in the comments section below and let the debate begin.
In recent updates:
– Francis Molo’s looming exit leaves the Dragons short in the middle.
– Manly hooker Lachlan Croker is out for the first three rounds and is set to be replaced by Jake Simpkin.
– Payne Haas is racing the clock to be fit for round one, after undergoing surgery on his ankle following an injury at training.
– Blake Mozer has rocketed through SuperCoach calculations following news he could start at hooker for the Broncos ahead of Billy Walters.
– Tohu Harris has retired immediately due to a wrist injury, opening big minutes at the Warriors.
– A decision on whether Latrell Mitchell will be available for round one is yet to be made. He’s hoping to use the All Stars game to count to his suspension.
– David Fifita is in doubt for round one due to complications from ankle surgery.
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Payne Haas 9. Blake Mozer 10. Corey Jensen 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Xavier Willison
Analysis: Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam will be unavailable for the opening nine weeks of the season, after being suspended and fined $120,000 for drug driving offences. However they have a locked in replacement in new arrival Ben Hunt.
The former Dragon will likely slot straight into five-eighth alongside halfback and skipper Adam Reynolds to start the year.
Meanwhile, the Broncos are seriously considering handing the No.9 jersey to young gun Blake Mozer, in a move that could see Billy Walters playing reserve grade or battling it out with the likes of Tyson Smoothy or Cory Paix for a bench utility role.
Where the Broncos team will get really interesting however, is what the spine will look when Mam is available, with Hunt a good chance to shift to hooker and push Mozer back to the bench.
In other team news, Michael Maguire is considering moving Selwyn Cobbo back to the wing, which could see Deine Mariner come in at centre, with Jesse Arthars, Delouise Hoeter and Josiah Karapani and rookie Israel Leota also in contention.
There are suggestions Maguire could shift Pat Carrigan to prop to allow Kobe Hetherington to start at lock, which would see Corey Jensen move back to the bench, however this seems unlikely.
Maguire has also hinted Hetherington could be shifted to an edge in 2025 in a bid to give him more game time, but expect Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki to hold onto the starting backrow spots.
BULLDOGS
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Tom Amone 17. Josh Curran
Analysis: There is a wing spot up for grabs after Josh Addo-Carr was sacked by the Bulldogs, with new recruits Marcelo Montoya or Enari Tuala the favourites.
The Bulldogs are desperate for front-rowers, so new recruit Tom Amone will likely feature in the 17, while they are stacked for backrowers, with Sitili Tupouniua pushing for a starting spot.
DOLPHINS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Ray Stone 15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Kenny Bromwich
Analysis: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow finished 2024 in the centres but will be back at fullback after Trai Fuller suffered an ACL injury, while Jake Averillo will likely shift back to the centres after a cameo at five-eighth.
New recruit Daniel Saifiti will likely start in the front row, while there are still question marks over the availability of Tom Flegler.
Tom Gilbert will look to return from an ACL injury in the backrow, with Max Plath set to hold onto the No. 13 jersey after a stellar season.
Former Cowboy Kulikefu Finefeuiaki should earn a bench spot, while Connelly Lemuelu will be racing the clock for Round 1 as he recovers from a shoulder reconstruction.
EELS
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Joey Lussick 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Analysis: The biggest question mark over Parramatta’s round one line-up has been answered, with Clint Gutherson released from the club. Expect new recruit Isaiah Iongi to start at fullback in his place, while Zac Lomax slots into the centres.
Maika Sivo has gone to the Super League, which will likely see Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson start the season on the wings, with Josh Addo-Carr set to miss the opening 2-3 games.
The departure of Reagan Campbell-Gillard could see Joe Ofahengaue start at prop, while the likes of Wiremu Greig, Charlie Guymer, Luca Moretti or Sam Tuivaiti could see more minutes.
There are plenty of question marks over the backrow, with Bryce Cartwright or Kelma Tuilagi chances of starting over Ryan Matterson or Shaun Lane, both of whom could spend some time in the middle.
J’maine Hopgood is in some doubt as he recovers from surgery, but is expected to be good to go for round one, while new recruits Jack Williams and Joash Papalii could also push for bench spots.
RAIDERS
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matty Nicholson
Analysis: Ethan Strange will likely start the year at five-eighth but could be under pressure from Ethan Sanders.
Zac Hosking was front runner to fill the edge spot of departed Elliott Whitehead, but he’s in doubt for round one due to a calf injury.
Matty Nicholson comes to the nation’s capital with some big raps and could force his way into the starting pack.
SHARKS
1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Nicho Hynes 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10 Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Siosifa Talakai
Analysis: Braydon Trindall is set to take over at halfback, with Nicho Hynes shifting to five-eighth, while new recruit Addin Fonua-Blake slots into the starting front-row. Toby Rudolf is set to miss the opening rounds with a shoulder injury, but otherwise a fairly settled line-up.
TITANS
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. AJ Brimson
Analysis: While coming up with a predicted round one side for the team that has the round one bye is a bit redundant, let’s take a look at how we expect them to line up to start their season in round two anyway.
In a blow for the Titans, star backrower David Fifita is reportedly racing the clock to be fit for the early rounds, after suffering a setback in his return from ankle surgery. If he were to miss any games, expect Klese Haas, Jacob Alick-Wiencke or possibly Chris Randall to replace him.
The next big question mark for the Titans is whether they stick with revelation Keano Kini at fullback, and if they do, where AJ Brimson fits into the team. Making matters more confusing are suggestions Hasler could actually shift Kieran Foran to the bench and run with a halves combination of Brimson and Jayden Campbell.
The 2025 pack will gain some significant size compared to 2024 with new recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard slotting straight in at prop, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (who missed all of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury) likely returns to start at lock. RCG did pick up a shoulder injury at training and is set to miss the trial matches, but should be good to go for Round 2.
Rugby convert Carter Gordon could also feature in the starting backline, putting pressure on centres Brian Kelly and Phillip Sami.
Josiah Pahulu has requested a release from the club, and if granted, his departure would likely free up a bench spot.
SEA EAGLES
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lehi Hopoate 15. Nathan Brown 16. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 17. Jazz Tevaga
Analysis: Lachlan Croker is set to miss the first three rounds after knee surgery.
Expect recruit Jake Simpkin to start at hooker with Jazz Tevaga to provide cover from the interchange, or the Sea Eagles could opt for a specialist hooker on the bench in Gordon Chan Kum Tong.
Recruit Sio Siua Taukeiaho could earn a bench spot over Toafofa Sipley. Lehi Hopoate was a revelation in 2024 and will likely feature in the 17 somewhere, but whether he starts in the backline or gets a bench spot remains to be seen.
He could easily start on a wing, with Tommy Talau starting at centre and Tolutau Koula on the bench. Former Sea Eagle Michael Chee-Kam returns to Manly and could be in contention for a bench spot if they opt to not go with Hopoate or Koula.
STORM
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Christian Welch 17. Tui Kamikamica
Analysis: With big Nelson Asofa-Solomona suspended, new recruit Stefano Utoikamanu slots right in at front row alongside Josh King. Otherwise the team is almost unchanged from the side that went down in the 2024 grand final.
KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Kai Pearce-Paul
Analysis: The biggest question for Newcastle is who will wear the number 6 and 7 jumpers.
Jack Cogger and Phoenix Crossland are the incumbents, after Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble fell out of favour towards the end of the season.
There is also some speculation Fletcher Sharpe could make a surprise switch to five eighth, with Gamble shifting to halfback.
Jacob Saifiti will likely start in the front row, after his twin brother Daniel signed with the Dolphins, while rising prop Cody Hopwood could force his way into the 17, particularly given Leo Thompson is set to depart at the end of 2025.
The make-up of the bench is unsettled, with one of the halves who misses out a chance of a bench utility role. Kai Pearce-Paul could easily force his way into the starting side over Frizell, while Tyrone Thompson, the twin brother of Leo could also become feature on the bench over Jack Hetherington. Brodie Jones also impressed in the back-end of 2024 and could feature somewhere in the 17.
COWBOYS
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame
Analysis: With Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt gone there are backline spots up for grabs, with Semi Valemei set to start on the wing, while Viliami Vailea and Zac Laybutt (ACL) will likely start in the centres if fit, while Jaxson Purdue is another option.
Jake Clifford is likely to continue as halfback after impressing in the back-end of 2024, however he has suffered a minor setback after having surgery that will sideline him for 2 weeks of the pre-season, during which time Tom Duffy and Purdue will press their claim for the No.7 jersey.
Coen Hess (ACL) could start in the front row in his return from injury alongside Jordan McLean, with Jason Taumalolo set to miss the opening month of the competition as he recovers from surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury. Heilum Luki’s ACL injury means new signing John Bateman starts on an edge and Reuben Cotter likely stays at lock.
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cole 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Analysis: The Panthers may have lost Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, but they are spoiled for options to replace them. Blaize Talagi was expected to get first crack at five-eighth, but the former Eel suffered a shoulder injury playing for Samoa that has him racing the clock for the Las Vegas season opener against Cronulla. Ivan Cleary could opt for the likes of Brad Schneider or Jack Cole at five-eighth if Talagi is unavailable.
Nathan Cleary also underwent off-season shoulder surgery, but is expected to be fit for round 1. Dylan Edwards ALSO underwent shoulder surgery which has him in some doubt for Round 1, with Daine Laurie the likely replacement if he’s unavailable.
Expect either Casey or Jesse McLean to replace Turuva on the wing. New recruit Isaiah Papali’i will likely start on an edge but could feature heavily in the middle after the loss of James Fisher-Harris.
RABBITOHS
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Josh Schuster 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Siliva Havili 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Sean Keppie
Analysis: Despite a one-game suspension hanging over his head, Latrell Mitchell could be cleared to play in Round 1, with the Indigenous All-Stars game locked in. If he is approved to have this game count toward his suspension then he will be available for round 1, and if not Jye Gray will likely start the year at fullback before Mitchell returns in Round 2.
Isaiah Tass or Fletcher Myers could start on a wing, with Alex Johnston (Achilles) unlikely to be fit for Round 1 as he recovers from an Achilles injury.
Cameron Murray is expected to miss the early rounds of 2025 due to a wrist injury. This will likely see Keaon Koloamatangi start at lock, with Josh Schuster starting on an edge, given Euan Aitken is set to miss the opening month of the competition after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Campbell Graham (sternum) is set to return at centre, while new recruit Lewis Dodd is expected to start the year at halfback over Jamie Humphreys.
Peter Mamouzelos should start at hooker after the departure of Damien Cook, but Siliva Havili is another option, with whoever misses out here likely to earn a bench spot.
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith* 7. Chad Townsend 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Naufahu Whyte 15. Siua Wong 16. Egan Butcher 17. De La Salle Va’a
Analysis: With Luke Keary gone and Sam Walker rehabilitating an ACL injury, veteran Chad Townsend is poised to start the year at halfback, while there is a cloud hanging over Sandon Smith after he was charged with negligent driving in October. Billy Smith and Mark Nawaqanitawase will likely replace Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaali’i in the centres, but Robert Toia is also in the running for a starting spot.
Spencer Leniu will likely replace Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the starting front-row. Terrell May is off to the Wests Tigers after being released by the club. His departure will free up a spot on the bench, which could be filled by rising prop De La Salle Va’a.
DRAGONS
1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Hame Sele 9. Damien Cook 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Blake Lawrie
Analysis: Francis Molo has likely played his last game for the club, leaving the Dragons short on middles. Hame Sele may come into the starting prop role provided he’s recovered from a heart scare.
Blake Lawrie or one of the Couchman brothers could come onto the bench.
Teenage prop sensation Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga has also been earmarked as a potential round one bolter. It seems it is just a matter of when Tonga, who played under-19s NSW this season, will make his first grade debut, and is expected to get a crack in the team during trials.
The departure of Ben Hunt means the No.7 jersey is up for grabs, with new recruit Lachlan Ilias the favourite to take over. The only real other option is to move Kyle Flanagan to halfback, and go with Lyhkan King-Togia at five-eighth.
The Dragons have landed Clint Gutherson from Parramatta, and he is the favourite to wear the No.1 jersey in 2025, which could see Tyrell Sloan playing on a wing or out of the top-17.
Expect either Christian Tuipolotu or Mat Feagai to replace Zac Lomax (Eels) on the other wing, while new recruit Valentine Holmes starts in the centres.
Despite a very impressive 2024 season, Jacob Liddle will likely shift to the interchange with new recruit Damien Cook the new starting hooker and co-captain.
WARRIORS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Rocco Berry 5. Taine Tuaupiki 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Erin Clark 16. Tom Ale 17. Jackson Ford
Analysis: The Warriors have been dealt a pre-season blow with inspirational skipper Tohu Harris retiring immediately as he battles a chronic wrist injury. His departure will likely see Dylan Walker move into the lock position, who started at No.13 in eight games last year, which frees up a spot on the bench, likely for Freddy Lussick. New recruit Erin Clark and young bolter Demitric Vaimauga could also be winners from Harris’ retirement.
There is a wing spot up for grabs after the departure of Marcelo Montoya, with Taine Tuaupiki or Edward Kosi the likely winners. The retirement of Shaun Johnson will see changes in the spine. Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin could slot straight into the halves, with Tanah Boyd, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and even possibly Jett Cleary the other options.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was impressive at fullback in 2024, but he may be moved to allow Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to take a larger role. If that happens CNK could slot in at centre or five-eighth. James Fisher-Harris replaces Addin Fonua-Blake in the front-row.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. David Klemmer 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Terrell May 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Jack Bird 14. Latu Fainu 15. Fonua Pole 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Twal
Analysis: The Wests Tigers are set to be without skipper Api Koroisau for Round One, after copping a three-game ban in Round 27 last year, and serving two of those weeks after missing out on representing Fiji in the Pacifc Bowl. This will likely see Tallyn Da Silva start the year in the No.9 jersey.
The Wests Tigers have secured the signature of Roosters front rower Terrell May, which should see him start in their front row, likely pushing either Royce Hunt or David Klemmer to the bench.
New recruits Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton could start on the wings, with Charlie Staines and Brent Naden other options. The centre pairings were very unsettled in 2024, but expect Olam and Doueihi to start there in 2025.
Jarome Luai should slot straight in at halfback alongside Galvin at five-eighth.
The back row is a bit up in the air, with Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers) and John Bateman (Cowboys) gone. Samuela Fainu will start on one edge, with new recruit Jack Bird revealing he is set to start in the No.13 jersey. This means an edge spot is up for grabs, with Reuben Porter, Justin Matamua and Alex Seyfarth among the contenders.
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