NRL teams Round 1 2023: Early Mail, predicted teams, Broncos lock in changes
The Brisbane Broncos have revealed their round one team with injuries causing a number of key changes to Kevin Walters’ squad. Full NRL predicted teams here.
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds is set to overcome a back injury to get the green light for Friday night’s season opener against the Panthers.
Reynolds missed the entire pre-season with a lower back injury but the champion halfback ran strongly at training on Tuesday in a major boost for the Broncos ahead of their daunting road trip to face the premiers.
In other selection news, Selwyn Cobbo has won the fullback position to replace Reece Walsh (eye socket) while Cory Paix appears to have edged out Billy Walters for the hotly-contested hooking role.
Paix started the session at dummy half with Walters also having stints around the rucks.
Cobbo’s move to the backfield will see Jesse Arthars start on the right wing.
—Peter Badel
FIVE CLUB DEBUTANTS AT TITANS
—Travis Meyn
Titans coach Justin Holbrook will hand flying winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira his NRL baptism among five club debutants in Gold Coast’s NRL season-opener against the Tigers.
Holbrook will on Tuesday afternoon name an unchanged 17 from the team that demolished the Dolphins 40-16 in the last match of the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge.
More below.
SHARKS LOSE KEY FORWARD
The Sharks have suffered another injury blow ahead of their season-opener against South Sydney with hard-running forward Royce Hunt set to miss the Saturday night blockbuster.
Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele are set to start in the front row for Cronulla with power forward Jack Williams tipped to play his first NRL game in 10-months following a ruptured pectoral.
—David Riccio
WESTS TIGERS’ IMPORT BATEMAN SIDELINED
— Brent Read, Michael Carayannis, Phil Rothfield
Wests Tigers’ star import John Bateman will miss the club’s season opener against the Gold Coast and could be out for up to a month after undergoing scans on his ankle.
Bateman, who only arrived in the country on Friday morning, was cleared of serious injury but will still miss the opening rounds in a blow to the Tigers on the eve of round one.
It marks the latest complication in Bateman’s move to Australia. The English international was initially delayed due to visa complications, forcing him to miss most of the club’s pre-season. Having arrived on Friday, he toured the club’s Centre of Excellence and met his new teammates.
News Corp understands that Bateman has since been sent for scans which revealed minor concerns over the ankle. Prior to Bateman’s arrival, coach Tim Sheens had suggested the ankle problem was related to an old injury and was only a minor concern.
However, it now appears the issue at the very least will cost the Tigers one of their star recruits for their game against the Titans at Leichhardt Oval.
SHOCK DEBUTANT LOOMS AT PANTHERS
—Tim Williams
The Penrith Panthers are considering handing a debut to 19-year-old revelation Jesse McLean in round one.
With Taylan May (ACL) out for the season, the Blacktown Bears and Doonside Roos junior is a contender for a wing spot for Friday’s season opener against the Broncos at BlueBet Stadium.
McLean faces stiff competition for the spot from Fijian World Cup star Sunia Turuva, 20, but Early Mail understands McLean is a genuine chance.
FULL EARLY MAIL VIA TIM WILLIAMS
EELS V STORM
Thursday 2 March, CommBank Stadium, 7:50pm
Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Waqa Blake/Haze Dunster/Zac Cini 5. Isaac Lumelume 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Murchie 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood
Bench: 14. Mitch Rein/Jake Arthur 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Ofahiki Ogden 17. Bryce Cartwright
Early Mail: The Eels have numerous injury concerns to start the season, with Bailey Simonsson unavailable early on, while Sean Russell is suspended for round 1.
Maika Sivo will start on one wing, with Isaac Lumelume a chance to take the right edge spot outside Will Penisini.
The left centre spot is up in the air, with Waqa Blake, Zac Cini and Haze Dunster battling out for the role.
Returning from a broken arm, Blake is likely to fill the spot if given clearance.
Their back-row has struck trouble, with Ryan Matterson suspended for the first three weeks, and Shaun Lane and Matt Doorey both injured in the trials.
Lane is out long-term, while Doorey is a chance to play the season opener with an ankle sprain.
Bryce Cartwright is one man in line for a call-up, but he’s under an injury cloud himself.
Jack Murchie and Jirah Momoisea may be called up if Doorey is ruled out.
Rookie Jayden Yates is also pushing for a bench spot in the season opener.
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King
Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tariq Sims 16. Chris Lewis 17 Aaron Pene
Early Mail: Injuries have hit Melbourne’s pre-season, namely their backline contingent.
Justin Olam, Marion Seve, George Jennings and Ryan Papenhuyzen are all unavailable.
Nick Meaney will start at fullback and kick goals, with Young Tonumaipea and Reimis Smith starting in the centres.
Xavier Coates will play one wing, with Will Warbrick on the other. Dean Ieremia suffered an ACL injury in the trial win over the Warriors and will miss the 2023 season.
Tariq Sims didn’t feature in either trial due to an injury niggle, he remains in doubt to face the Eels in round 1. If named, he’s likely to play as a middle forward.
This leaves the back-row edge roles vacated by Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich wide open.
Eliesa Katoa and Trent Loiero are the likely starters in round 1, with the likes of Joe Chan, Tom Eisenhuth and Jack Howarth putting pressure on for the roles throughout the season.
The highly regarded Howarth has seemingly fallen down the pecking order for the time being.
Tui Kamikamica suffered a tendon injury during the trials and will miss the opening month of action.
WARRIORS V KNIGHTS
Friday 3 March, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 6:00pm
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Jackson Ford 13. Tohu Harris
Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Tom Ale
Early Mail: With Luke Metcalf injured, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will get first crack at fullback.
He’ll make up the spine alongside Te Maire Martin, Shaun Johnson and Wayde Egan.
Expect movement in the forward pack, with Tohu Harris starting at lock before switching to prop.
Harris will be the link man in the pack and is expected to play big minutes, as will Marata Niukore who starts on the edge.
The other edge is up for grabs at this stage, with Jackson Ford preferred to Josh Curran in week two of trials.
Mitch Barnett will start at prop but is also likely to spend some time on the edge.
Jazz Tevaga is unavailable for the opening few rounds due to injury.
Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai/Enari Tuala/Krystian Mapapalangi 4. Bradman Best 5. Dom Young 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott
Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Leo Thompson 16. Jack Hetherington (in doubt) 17. Brodie Jones
Early Mail: After impressing in the trials, Greg Marzhew is likely to win the left wing role ahead of a number of candidates.
After twinging his hamstring in the pre-season challenge, Dane Gagai is in some doubt for round 1, with Enari Tuala or Krystian Mapapalangi in line to replace him if unavailable.
Kalyn Ponga starts at five-eighth, but has seemingly relinquished the goalkicking duties to Jackson Hastings for the time being.
Recruit Adam Elliott didn’t feature in the trials on return from injury, followed by a fresh niggle at training, but he’s expected to be fit for round 1 where he’ll start at lock.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon is expected to start on the left edge, with Elliott to move out wider at stages once fully fit.
Kurt Mann will play off the bench as the utility, with a plan to integrate him into the side at lock.
Recruit Jack Hetherington is in doubt for the early stages of the season with a calf injury.
PANTHERS V BRONCOS
Friday 3 March, BlueBet Stadium, 8:05pm
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva/Jesse McLean 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
Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Matt Eisenhuth
Early Mail: Taylan May (ACL) is out for the season. Sunia Turuva is expected to start on the wing but potential debutant Jesse McLean is also a genuine chance.
Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin and Soni Luke didn’t feature in the World Club Challenge but are all expected to play in Round 1.
Luke Garner is expected to start in the position vacated by Viliame Kikau, while Zac Hosking is an outside chance to win the spot.
Mitch Kenny will start at hooker, with Luke expected to deputise at about the 25-30 minute mark, essentially the same rotation Api Koroisau was involved in late last year.
Scans reveal worse than expected news for Taylan May, with a ruptured ACL ruling him out for the season. Contact mechanism obviously causing significant enough medial collapse of the knee. Will undergo reconstruction surgery & associated 9 month recovery time. pic.twitter.com/VkYM1aIYNy
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 20, 2023
Broncos: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds/Jock Madden 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan
Bench: 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Martin Taupau 17. Corey Jensen
Early Mail: Halfback Adam Reynolds is racing the clock to be fit for round 1 having missed the pre-season trials with a niggle.
He’s expected to face Penrith in the opener, with Jock Madden on standby if he were to miss.
Reece Walsh is expected to miss out due to a facial fracture, with Selwyn Cobbo to deputise at fullback, which would also see Jesse Arthurs named on the wing.
The biggest question mark over an otherwise settled line-up is the hooking battle, with Billy Walters, Cory Paix, Tyson Smoothy and Blake Mozer all competing for the position.
Walters is likely to get the nod, with Paix sharing the role off the bench.
SEA EAGLES v BULLDOGS
Saturday 4 March, 4 Pines Park, 3:00pm
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Brad Parker 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Sean Keppie
Bench: 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Ethan Bullemor
Early Mail: Tom Trbojevic will return for the season opener at fullback.
Despite a desire to move to centre, Reuben Garrick is expected to play on the wing in 2023.
Josh Schuster suffered a calf injury in week two of trials and will miss round 1. This will see Cooper Johns link up with recruit Kelma Tuilagi on the left edge.
Jake Trbojevic will make the move to prop, with Sean Keppie likely starting at lock.
Josh Schuster will miss at least Round 1 after suffering a calf strain in the Sea Eagles final trial match. With a bye in Round 2 Manly are hopeful Schuster will be fit to return in Round 3 pic.twitter.com/2vloPAUkBv
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 21, 2023
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Luke Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Ryan Sutton
Bench: 14. Nu Brown 15. Franklin Pele 16. Andrew Davey 17. Jacob Preston
Early Mail: Paul Alamoti will partner Jake Averillo in the centres, with Hayze Perham to play fullback.
Raymond Faitala-Mariner will start on the edge, but is likely to spend time in the middle third.
This will open up an edge spot during the match for debutant Jacob Preston, who excelled in both trial fixtures.
Tevita Pangai Jnr picked up a calf strain at training that will see him miss the opening month of action, opening a bench role for Cronulla recruit Franklin Pele.
The well regarded Chris Patolo is expected to miss the opener due to injury.
Viliame Kikau failed a HIA in the trial loss to Cronulla, barring any lingering symptoms he should be fine to take his place on the left edge outside Matt Burton in the opener.
COWBOYS V RAIDERS
Saturday 4 March, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 5:30pm
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. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo
Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. James Tamou 16. Jack Gosiewski/Taniela Sadrugu 17. Griffin Neame
Early Mail: There’s little movement to the Cowboys’ 17 from last season.
They’re down an edge back-rower with Luciano Leilua unavailable due to being subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy, and Heilum Luki is still some time away from returning from an ACL injury. This will see Coen Hess given first crack on the left edge. Jake Granville is likely to be picked as the bench utility, a spot filled by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow last season. Jack Gosiewski is expected to win a bench spot though there’s also a chance that former rugby sevens star Taniela Sadrugu features there.
Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine
Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Corey Harawira-Naera 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Trey Mooney/Ata Mariota
Early Mail: The Green Machine are short a genuine fullback, with Xavier Savage breaking his jaw in week one of pre-season trials.
Jordan Rapana avoided suspension after an incident in week two of NRL trials and will take his place on the wing.
Seb Kris will deputise at fullback, with Harley Smith-Shields returning from an ACL injury in the backline.
The other watch at the Raiders is the starting lock role vacated by Adam Elliott.
Joseph Tapine was the preferred option in the second trial, while both Emre Guler and Corey Horsburgh are options.
Danny Levi is expected to start at hooker, with Tom Starling sharing the role off the bench and Zac Woolford the odd man out.
Pasami Saulo is expected to pip rookies Trey Mooney and Ata Mariota for the final bench spot.
SHARKS V RABBITOHS
Saturday 4 March, PointsBet Stadium, 7:35pm
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes/Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane
Bench: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Jack Williams
Early Mail: An extremely settled line-up for the Shire folk, up until news surfaced Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes suffered a recent calf injury.
Hynes is in serious doubt for the season opener, with Braydon Trindall to come in if he’s ruled out. Trindall would also take over the goalkicking duties.
Interestingly Ronaldo Mulitalo played left wing in the trial win over the Bulldogs, with Sione Katoa on the right outside Jesse Ramien.
Teig Wilton is tipped to start on the left edge, relegating club veteran Wade Graham to a bench role where he’ll be injected as a middle forward.
Royce Hunt suffered an elbow injury at training that will keep him out of the match with
Jack Williams and Oregon Kaufusi filling the bench.
Nicho Hynes is dealing with a minor calf injury, but is still a chance to play in Round 1 next weekend (via @MCarayannis). Minor calf strains usually result in a 1-3 week return to play, but are notorious for lingering symptoms
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 25, 2023
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. Tom Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray.
Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Jacob Host 16. Davvy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell
Early Mail: The backline picks itself, with Taane Milne unavailable for the opening round with suspension.
Isaiah Tass will start at centre, with Izaac Thompson on the wing.
Siliva Havili is out for an extended period, while Hame Sele is in doubt for round 1, which would see Tom Burgess join Tevita Tatola upfront, also opening up minutes for Davvy Moale.
Blake Taaffe is expected to be named as the bench utility, locking in big minutes for Damien Cook with no other noted hooker on the bench.
DOLPHINS V ROOSTERS
Sunday 5 March, Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm
Dolphins:1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Iassko 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert
Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Ray Stone 16. Jarrod Wallace 17. Herman Ese’ese
Early Mail: Rookie Isaiya Katoa has leap-frogged Anthony Milford for a round one starting role in the halves.
Katoa will make up the spine alongside Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Sean O’Sullivan and Jeremy Marshall-King.
Euan Aitken will make the move back to centre in 2023 where he’ll start alongside Brenko Lee.
Edrick Lee suffered an ankle injury at training and will miss a month of action, opening up a spot on the wing for Robert Jennings.
Tom Gilbert will be the 13, with Ray Stone playing off the bench.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Joey Manu/Corey Allan/Paul Momirovski 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Matt Lodge 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley
Bench: 14. Jake Turpin, 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 16. Siua Wong 17. Terrell May
Early Mail: Jaxson Paulo is expected to start on the right wing outside of Joey Manu.
Manu is in doubt with a facial fracture, with Corey Allan or Paul Momirovski in line to replace him if unavailable.
Momirovski suffered a pre-season concussion and is in doubt for the start of the season.
In his new position of centre, Joseph Suaali’i failed a HIA in the trial loss to Manly, but should be okay with the long turnaround until the season begins.
Egan Butcher is expected to replace Angus Crichton in the back-row, with promising rookie Siua Wong a chance to replace him off the bench if named in round 1.
With Connor Watson injured, Jake Turpin is set to play off the bench.
He’ll enter the game at hooker, which will likely see recruit Brandon Smith spend time in the middle rotation.
Luke Keary is expected to be fit for round 1 despite suffering a head knock at training that saw him miss the second trial.
TIGERS V TITANS
Sunday 5 March, Leichhardt Oval, 6:15pm
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tommy Talau 4. Brent Naden 5. Junior Tupou/Charlie Staines 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. David Klemmer 9. Api Koroisau 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Shawn Blore 12. Isaiah Papali’I 13. Joe Ofahengaue
Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Seyfarth/Asu Kepaoa 17. Alex Twal
Early Mail: The Tigers backline is wide open, with Ken Maumalo suffering a knee injury that will likely see him spend some time on the sidelines.
Impressive trialler Junior Tupou and recruit Charlie Staines are the main options to partner David Nofoaluma on the wing.
Among a stack centre position, Brent Naden and Tommy Talau are likely to get the round 1 nod.
Api Koroisau and Luke Brooks missed the side’s comfortable trial win over Canberra, but are available for the opener.
John Bateman’s ankle injury opens the door for Shawn Blore to start with either Alex Seyfarth or Asu Kepaoa coming on to the bench.
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. JoJo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (C) 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu
Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Joe Stimson
Early Mail:
– Travis Meyn
Justin Holbrook will hand flying winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira his NRL baptism among five club debutants in Gold Coast’s NRL season-opener against the Tigers.
Holbrook will on Tuesday afternoon name an unchanged 17 from the team that demolished the Dolphins 40-16 in the last match of the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge.
The Titans will kick off their 2023 campaign against Wests at Leichhardt on Sunday night in the final match of the opening round.
And Holbrook has settled on his team following an impressive trials tune-up against the Dolphins, which saw Khan-Pereira net four tries to secure his NRL debut.
Recruits Kieran Foran (Manly), Sam Verrills (Roosters), Aaron Schoupp (Bulldogs) and Joe Stimson (Bulldogs) will also play their first NRL games for the Titans.
“I can’t see any changes from that trial side that ran out last week,” Holbrook said.
“The hard thing is you’re always leaving good players out of the 17, but we had a good hit-out and were happy with the combinations out of that trial.
“We don’t have to change a lot. We’ve got to train hard and prepare well but don’t have to worry about those decisions this week.
“We were happy with how we went, but the trials are only trials. You can’t take a lot out of them.
“It was important for us with a few key changes, but for a lot of teams it’s not that important.
“We’ll take a bit of confidence out of that but round one is completely different and will be a lot harder.”
After finishing 13th last year, Holbrook is hoping the Titans can start the season well against last year’s wooden spooners.
ON THE BYE: DRAGONS
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mat Feagai 6. Moses Mbye 7. Ben Hunt 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila/Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin
Bench: 14. Aaron Woods 15. Francis Molo 16. Jayden Sullivan 17. Josh Kerr
Early Mail: Moses Mbye is likely to get the nod in the halves for the Dragons’ round 2 kick-off, ahead of Jayden Sullivan who will play off the bench.
Back-rower Jack Bird is expected to be fit for the club’s first game as he recovers from a knee injury, if ruled out Ben Murdoch-Masila would likely join Jaydn Su’A in the starting side.
Zane Musgrove and Blake Lawrie are likely to start at prop, but there’s a host of different avenues Anthony Griffin could opt for there.
Lock forward Jack de Belin is dealing with a calf complaint that has him in slight doubt for the opener, but he’s expected to play.
Originally published as NRL teams Round 1 2023: Early Mail, predicted teams, Broncos lock in changes
Join the conversation
$50K richer: SuperCoach champ’s first expense is shouting Kyle Flanagan
SuperCoach winner Blake Gentle is a groomsman at the wedding of Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan and he knows exactly how he’ll have to spend the first part of his $50,000 winnings.
Read more
‘We’ve got to deliver’: No excuses as Sharks ready for finals charge
Craig Fitzgibbon knows few are giving his Sharks much hope in a week one NRL finals match-up with Melbourne, but the Cronulla coach is relishing the opportunity.
Read more