NRL trials team lists 2023: J’maine Hopgood could be NRL SuperCoach ‘cheapie of year’

The NRL trials start tonight! KFC SuperCoach Editor Tom Sangster runs his rule over the players set to take the pre-season by storm.

Art for pre-season team talk

Brandon Smith’s Sydney Roosters debut will be a baptism of fire against former side Melbourne, with the hooker named to start by coach Trent Robinson in Sunday’s trial.

Robinson has gone with a star studded line-up including halves combo Luke Keary and Sam Walker, centre Joseph Suaali’i and lock Victor Radley.

Ethan King has been named in James Tedesco’s No. 1 jumper while former Brisbane rake Jake Turpin is on the bench.

All eyes will be on Fijian international and powerful backrower Siua Wong, who is touted as a long-term proposition at Bondi.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has named forward Christian Welch (Achilles) and centre Reimis Smith (pectoral) to return from their long-term injuries against the Sydney Roosters.

Boom rookies Jonah Pezet and Sua Fa’alogo will wear the No. 7 and No. 1 shirts respectively.

Halfback Jahrome Hughes, hooker Harry Grant and five-eighth Cameron Munster have been rested while fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is still recovering from a knee injury.

Newbie forwards Joe Chan, Aaron Pene and Eliesa Katoa have all been named.

Brandon Smith won’t have to wait long to face-off against his former team, after being named to make his Roosters debut in their trial against Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images.

Penrith fans will get a glimpse into life without NSW Blues star Stephen Crichton with boom back Sunia Turuva to start at centre in Saturday’s grand final rematch against Parramatta.

Superstar centre Crichton will depart the foot of the mountains at season’s end, bound for Canterbury, opening the door for the next crop of Panthers juniors to stake their claim.

The highly touted Turuva was the frontrunner to replace the suspended Taylan May on the wing in the opening rounds of the 2023 season but it’s expected coach Ivan Cleary will name the Fijian international at centre.

Youngsters Harry Hassett, Jack Cole, Jesse McLean and Isaiah Iongi will all see game time.

New recruit and backrower Luke Garner wasn’t named but fellow newcomer Zac Hosking is expected to take the field.

Like Penrith, Parramatta will hold back a host of big name stars in the trial. Halves duo Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown will be rested, as will Penrith counterparts Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.

Jake Arthur will lead the side from halfback with Raiders recruit Josh Hodgson at hooker after overcoming an ACL injury.

The availability of Haze Dunster, named on the extended bench, will depend on a medical clearance. It would be Dunster’s first game in 12 months after suffering an ACL injury as a result of Tyrell Fuimaono’s hip drop tackle in last year’s trial series.

Newcomers Jirah Momoisea, Matt Doorey and Jack Murchie get the chance to press their claims for round one selection.

Parramatta have held back a number of big name stars for their grand final rematch against the Panthers, with Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown rested from the trial match. Picture: Richard Dobson.

At the Wests Tigers, Tommy Talau has been named at centre for what will be his first game since September 2021 against New Zealand Warriors.

Former Penrith flyer Charlie Staines is at fullback while boom local junior Justin Matamua starts at lock.

Rising star and try scoring machine Josh Feledy is on the bench and unwanted Canterbury halfback Brandon Wakeham gets a shot to impress Tim Sheens in the No. 7 jumper.

Rookie coach Warriors coach Andrew Webster will trial a new look halves pairing in Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin.

Jackson Hastings will make his first appearance for Newcastle at halfback, alongside Tyson Gamble, but there will be no sign of touted halves partner Kalyn Ponga.

Cronulla recruit Lachlan Miller hasn’t been named to take on his former side on Friday and is being saved for next week’s final trial.

Jackson Hastings will make his club debut for Newcastle.

The Sharks’ pack boasts plenty of experience thanks to the likes of Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Teig Wilton, Cameron McInnes and Jack Williams. Panthers junior Niwhai Puru is in the No. 7 jumper, in the place of reigning Dally M winner Nicho Hynes.

South Sydney will feature a host of up and coming talent in Friday’s clash against Manly including centre Josiah Karapani and flyer Terrell Kalo Kalo off the bench. Blake Taaffe will start at fullback in Latrell Mitchell’s absence.

Cooper Johns gets a shot at five-eighth, alongside the untried Jamie Humphreys, for Manly with Josh Schuster, the club’s long term option, not named to play.

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin opted for experience against Super League side St Helens with Blake Lawrie, Moses Suli and Zac Lomax among a slew of NRL players selected. With Tyrell Sloan on All Stars duty, Treigh Stewart gets a shot at fullback. Jacob Liddle gets a crack at hooker ahead of Haele Finau.

For St Helens, England World Cup stars Tommy Makinson, Jack Welsby, Joe Batchelor, Morgan Knowles and Matty Lees will feature as well as familiar faces Konrad Hurrell, Curtis Sironen, Will Hopoate and Sione Mata’utia.

The NRL world will get its first glimpse of teen prodigy and Panthers junior Isaiya Katoa, who has been named halfback for the Dolphins alongside Anthony Milford in at five-eighth against North Queensland on Sunday.

Bennett will keep Melbourne trio Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi on ice for another week. But a host of NRL-experienced players will take the field, including Jamayne Isaako, Tesi Niu, Jarrod Wallace and Herman Ese’ese.

The Cowboys have rested a number of stars but veteran James Tamou is set to start at prop while Ben Hampton and Tom Duffy will make up the halves.

Cory Paix will get first crack at the No.9 jersey for the Broncos, ahead of Billy Walters. Picture: Getty Images.

Kevin Walters has unveiled a star-studded line-up to take on the Gold Coast with Corey Paix to get first crack at dummy half, ahead of Billy Walters.

Warriors recruit Reece Walsh will start at fullback with Payne Haas (shoulder) to feature at prop after missing the World Cup. The Titans have rested star signing Kieran Foran with Tanah Boyd at halfback and Jayden Campbell at fullback.

At Canterbury, club favourite Josh Reynolds will play at five-eighth alongside halfback Kyle Flanagan.

Co-captain Matt Burton has been rested, so too high profile recruit Viliame Kikau. But hooker Reed Mahoney will make his club debut.

Braidon Burns is at fullback in an early sign Jake Averillo, who is at centre, has lost the battle for the No. 1 jumper.

Hayze Perham, who is a serious option at fullback, is on All Stars duty and won’t take the field.

Prodigy Paul Alamoti will start in the centres while Raiders recruit and hard-running prop Ryan Sutton will tackle his former club in the trial.

NRL PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE WEEK 1 TEAMS

WARRIORS V WESTS TIGERS

Thursday 9 February, 6pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Sydney

Warriors

1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Marcelo Montoya 3. Brayden Williame 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Edward Kosi 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Tom Ale 11. Jackson Ford 12. Demitric Sifakula 13. Michael Sio

Bench: 14. Maiu’u Zyon 15. Sanele Aukusitino 16. Ali Leiataua 17. Jacob Laban 18. Moala Graham-Taufa 19. Kalani Going 20. Eiden Ackland 21. Ben Farr 22. Isaiah Vagana 23. Solomon Vasuvulagi 24. Paul Roache

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Talented playmaker Luke Metcalf is a cheapie to monitor at $250,400. He’s a genuine chance of a round one spot even without injuries, and would be all-but guaranteed a spot if Shaun Johnson’s dodgy groin plays up again. Expect the former Sharks speedster to be at far more than 4.7 per cent ownership after the weekend.

Interestingly, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad hasn’t been named for either the Warriors or Maori team. He’s the eighth most popular player in the game and hopefully he is just being eased through the pre-season after a number of injury-affected years.

Wests Tigers

1. Charlie Staines 2. Junior Tupou 3. Asu Kepaoa 4. Tommy Talau 5. Liam Scolari 6. Triston Reilly 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Aistasi James 11. Brandon Tumeth 12. Fonua Pole 13. Justin Matamua

Bench: 14. Jahream Bula 15. Jordan Hill 16. Trey Peni 17. Josh Feledy 18. Christopher Faagutu 19. Sione Vaihu 20. Zane Camroux 21. Sione Fainu 22. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 23. Alex Seyfarth 24. Tanous Sukkar

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Backline cheapie prospect Tommy Talau can play his way into a round one spot after being named to start at centre. At 12 per cent ownership, he’s sneaking under the radar for now but that could all change after this weekend.

Young prop Stefano Utoikamanu is a welcome inclusion for KFC SuperCoaches as he eases back from an injury-ruined season. He managed just nine games at 33 minutes per match last year, meaning he starts in borderline cheapie range. It’s a very good price for one of the most hyped young props in the game. He scores at a PPM over one for his career and averaged 51 in 2021. No Adam Doueihi or Shawn Blore with both popular KFC SuperCoach buys presumably saved for later in the season.

Big guns Brandon Smith, Reece Walsh and David Fifita have all been named.

KNIGHTS V SHARKS

Friday 10 February, 5:55pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Knights

1. Bailey Hodgson 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Krystian Mapapalangi 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Brodie Jones 12. Jack Johns 13. Kurt Mann.

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. John Toleafoa 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17. David Hollis 18. Adam Clune 19. Ben Talty 20. Thomas Cant 21. David Armstrong 22. Toni Tupouniua 23. Riley Jones 24. Ryan Rivett 25. Chris Vea’ila 26. Luke Pietzner

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Two big cheapie options on show in Bailey Hodgson and Krystian Mapapalangi. Hodgson gets first crack at the fullback spot vacated by Kalyn Ponga, who has moved to five-eighth in 2023. However, Lachlan Miller is considered the favourite with the former Shark rested this week. Mapapalangi can play his way into a round one spot with a big showing over the next two weeks and will be one of the most popular players in KFC SuerCoach if he pulls it off.

Sharks

1. Daniel Atkinson 2. Thomas Rodwell 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Wade Graham 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Teig Wilton 12. Jesse Colquhoun 13. Jack Williams.

Bench: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Joshua Finau 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Max Bradbury 18. Lachlan Crouch 19. Henry O’Kane 20. Samuel Healey 21. Jacob Gagan 22. Blake Hosking 23. Max Riolo 24. Manaia Waitere

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: No-one really. This is a second string side but keep an eye on Nicho Hynes in the All Stars (more below).

RABBITOHS V SEA EAGLES

Friday 10 February, 8:00pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Rabbitohs

1. Blake Taaffe 2. Richard Kennar 3. Josiah Karapani 4. Jacob Gagai 5. Leon Te Hau 6. Dion Teaupa 7. Jarrett Subloo 8. Hame Sele 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jacob Host 13. Tallis Duncan.

Bench: 14. Terrell Kalo Kalo 15. Ethan O’Neill 16. Ben Lovett 17. Louis Grossemy 18. Romano Cook 19. Jaxson Rahme 20. Thomas Carr 21. Shannon Gardiner 22. Leonard Skelton 23. Hugo Patterson 24. Brock Gray

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Another very weak team. Davvy Moale is the guy to keep an eye on as he could easily sneak in for a round one bench prop spot and may emerge as a cheapie, albeit in a position lacking decent bargain options.

Sea Eagles

1. Jake Toby 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Jackson Ferris 4. Fletcher Myers 5. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 6. Cooper Johns 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Ben Condon 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Ethan Bullemor.

Bench: 14. Harradyn Wilson 15. Zac Fulton 16. Cameron Brown 17. Viliami Fifita 18. Jacob Sykes 19. Charlie Thompson 20. Joshua Stuckey 21. Dean Matterson 22. James Uesele 23. Joey Tramontana

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Not much doing with popular buys Tom Trbojevic and Josh Schuster saved for later.

MAORI ALL STARS V INDIGENOUS ALL STARS

Saturday 11 February, 3.45pm, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

Maori All Stars

Jesse Arthars, Zach Dockar-Clay, Austin Dias, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Morgan Harper, Royce Hunt, Zane Musgrove, Briton Nikora, Hayze Perham, Sheldon Pitama, Adam Pompey, Jordan Rapana, Jordan Riki, Tukimihia Simpkins, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Paul Turner, Creedence Toia, Dylan Walker.

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Hayze Perham is heavily backed to score the starting fullback spot at the Bulldogs and will go a long way to locking in that role with a big game against the Indigenous All Stars. He starts just above cheapie price at $370,900 and is entrenched in the top 20 most popular KFC SuperCoach players. Starts at a discounted price after playing just six games last year at the Eels, but should improve considerably as a starting fullback at the Bulldogs.

Indigenous All Stars

Bailey Butler, Selwyn Cobbo, Tyrell Fuimaono, J’maine Hopgood, Nicho Hynes, Ryan James, Albert Kelly, Josh Kerr, Daine Laurie, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Kierran Moseley, Brent Naden, Tyrone Peachey, Tyrell Sloan, Isaiah Tass, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Braydon Trindall, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton.

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: You’ll need more than two eyes to keep track of all the SuperCoach talent here. J’maine Hopgood is the third most popular player in KFC SuperCoach and could lock up a starting spot at the Eels with a big performance. He certainly has a big opportunity following the departures of Isaiah Papali’I and Marata Niukore. Hopgood was stuck behind a premiership pack at the Panthers last season but dominated the NSW Cup and now is his time to shine. Gives off “forward cheapie of the year” vibes.

It’s a similar story for Tyrell Sloan, who was stuck behind Cody Ramsey at the Dragons last year but should parachute into the fullback spot for round one with Ramsey out for the season due to ulcerative colitis. In the five games Sloan started at fullback in 2021 he averaged 64PPG.

Nicho Hynes is the most expensive player in the competition but is he really worth it? We’ll go a long way to finding out on Saturday. KFC SuperCoaches seem on the fence at the moment given he is just the 23rd most popular player.

Parramatta Eels forward J’maine Hopgood gets a chance to impress for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: Parramatta Eels.

PANTHERS V EELS

Saturday 11 February, 6:00pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jesse McLean 3. Sunia Turuva 3. Tom Jenkins 5. Daeon Amituanai 6. Kurt Falls 7. Jack Cogger 8. Lindsay Smith 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Liam Henry 11. Jaeman Salmon 12. Zac Hosking 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Connor Mason 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Maverick Geyer 17. Harrison Hassett 18. John Faiumu, 19. Hanna El-Nachar, 20. Sunita Lotoaniu, 21. Liam Ison 22. Jake Tago, 23. Logam Cohen, 24. Ryley Smith, 25. Trent Toelau, 26. Cody Lawson, 27. Luke Philp, 28. Antonio Palesasa

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Sunia Turuva is the player to monitor given he is at cheapie price and favoured for a round one wing spot in place of Taylan May (suspended), although it’s likely just a two week gig. Interestingly though, Turuva’s been named at centre and not on May’s wing. Not sure what to read into that.

Eels

1. Sean Russell 2. Matthew Komolafe 3. Samuel Loizou 4. Zac Cini 5. Isaac Lumelume 6. Jordan Rankin 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Ky Rodwell 11. Shaun Lane 12. Jirah Momoisea 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Matt Doorey 15. Mitch Rein 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Toni Mataele 19. Jayden Yates 20. Dan Keir 21. Luca Moretti 22. Tevita Taumoepenu 23. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa 24. Daejarn Asi 25 Haze Dunster 26. Jack Murchie, 27. Brendan Hands 28. Junior Paulo

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Surprised to see a couple of big guns in Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson named to start. Haze Dunster is an extremely popular backline cheapie at 21 per cent ownership and gets a chance to impress off the bench.

DRAGONS V ST HELENS

Saturday 11 February, 8:05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Treigh Stewart 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Connor Muhleisen 7. Moses Mbye 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Billy Burns 13. Jaiyden Hunt

Bench: 14. Tautau Moga 15. Max Feagai 16. Michael Molo 17. Joshua Coric 18. Nick Lui-Toso 19. Dan Russell 20. Haele Finau 21. Sione Finau 22. Alexander Lobb 23. Savelio Tamale 24. Jackson Shereb 25. Josh Cook 26. Toby Couchman 27. Zach Herring 28. Dylan Egan

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Ben Murdoch-Masila has surged through the ownership rankings since signing with the Dragons and has been named to start in the back row. A string of injuries meant BMM barely got a look in at the Warriors last season, averaging just 25 minutes for 19 points per game. He therefore starts close to bottom dollar and theoretically should improve his game time considerably at the Dragons, who have lost plenty of forwards in Josh McGuire, Tariq Sims, Daniel Alvaro, George Burgess, Poasa Faamausili, Jackson Ford and Jack Gosiewski.

St Helens

1. Jack Welsby 2. Tommy Makinson 3. Will Hopoate 4. Mark Percival 5. Jonathan Bennison 6. Jonny Lomax 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Alex Walmsley 9. James Roby 10. Matty Lees 11. Sione Mata’utia 12. Joe Batchelor 13. Morgan Knowles

Bench 14. Joey Lussick 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook 16. Curtis Sironen 17. Agnatius Paasi 18. Jake Wingfield 19. James Bell 20. Daniel Norman 21. Ben Davies 22. Sam Royle 23. Konrad Hurrell 24. Lewis Baxter 25. Theerapol Ritson 26. Daniel Hill

New South Wales U19 star Jonah Pezet will start for the Storm. Picture: NRL Photos

STORM V ROOSTERS

Sunday 12 February, 1:50pm, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Storm

1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Dean Ieremia 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jonah Pezet 8. Aaron Pene 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Christian Welch 11. Joe Chan 12. Chris Lewis 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Ammaron Gudgeon 15. Young Tonumaipea 16. Jordan Grant 17. Eliesa Katoa 18. Jayden Nikorima 19. Keagan Russell-Smith 20. Cole Geyer 21. Grant Anderson 22. Angus Hinchey 23. Lazarus Vaalepu 24. Kane Bradley 25. Charlie Murray 26. Josh Preston 27. Scott Galeano 28 Max Lehmann

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Reimis Smith gets a chance to impress at centre. He missed much of last season with a pectoral injury, playing just nine games, and therefore starts at a reasonable price. He averaged just 30 for the year, but has significant upside given he averaged 51 the season before and plays for arguably the best attacking team in the competition. Also keep an eye on Eliesa Katoa on the bench as he guns for a round one back row spot following the exits of Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi.

Roosters

1. Ethan King 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Junior Pauga 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Jake Turpin 17. Terrell May 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Ben Thomas 20. William Fakatoumafi 21. Thomas Deakin 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha 23. Xavier Va’a 24. Tyler Moriarty 25. Vuate Karawalevu 26. Sandon Smith, 27. Elie El-Zakham 28. Tui Katoa

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Basically a full strength side (minus James Tedesco and Angus Crichton) which gives KFC SuperCoaches a great chance to assess recruit Brandon Smith, who is outrageously popular at over 50 per cent ownership. Siua Wong in the starting back row is a serious talent and a real cheapie prospect for later in the season.

RAIDERS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 12 February, 3:55pm, Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya

Raiders

1. Xavier Savage 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Brad Morkos 5. Elijah Anderson 6. Matt Frawley 7. Brad Schneider 8. Ata Mariota 9. Danny Levi 10. Emre Guler 11. Clay Webb 12. Trey Mooney 13. Corey Horsburgh

Bench: 14. Zac Woolford 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Jordan Martin 17. James Schiller 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Jed Stuart 20. Josh Allen 21. Utuloa Asomua 22. Peter Hola 23. Ethan Strange 24. Loghan Lewis 25. Mitch Spencer 26. Josh James 27 Lachlan Lewis 28 Rayden Burns

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Trey Mooney is building hype in some corners of fantasy land, but the fact he’s been named in a second string side doesn’t bode well for his round one chances.

Bulldogs

1. Braidon Burns 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 21. Jayden Okunbor 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Max King 11. Jacob Preston 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Chris Patolo 16. Andrew Davey 17. Corey Waddell 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Jackson Topine 22. Bailey Hayward 23. Harrison Edwards 24. Khaled Rajab 25. Jayden Tanner 26. Kurtis Morrin 27 Blake Wilson, 28 Joash Papalii 29. Ryan Gray 30 Franklin Pele

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Two extremely popular cheapies will take the field in Paul Alamoti and Franklin Pele. Alamoti starts at centre and could easily push his way into a round one centre spot (if he hasn’t secured it already). He’s aided by the losses of Corey Allan (Roosters), Matt Dufty (Warrington Wolves), Brent Naden (Tigers) and Aaron Schoupp (Titans). Pele, a former Shark, is by far the most popular prop cheapie in KFC SuperCoach. But don’t expect big minutes given he’s been named in jersey No. 30.

COWBOYS V DOLPHINS

Sunday 12 February, 6:00pm, Barlow Park, Cairns

Cowboys

1. Tomas Chester 2. Laitia Moceidreke 3. Gehamat Shibasaki 4. Brendan Elliot 5. Robert Derby 6. Ben Hampton 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Taniela Sadrugu 9. Kyle Schneider 10. James Tamou 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Riley Price.

Bench: 14. D’jazirhae Pua’avase 15. Sylvester Namo 16. Emarly Bitugane 17. Julian Christian 18. Jordan Lipp 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Adam Cook 21. Jake Bourke

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Nothing to see here.

Dolphins

1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Jack Bostock 3. Tesi Niu 4. Euan Aitken 5. Oliver Gildart 6. Anthony Milford 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Harrison Graham 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Jeremiah Simbiken 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone

Bench: 14. Brayden McGrady 15. Valynce Te Whare 16. Tyler Szepanowski 17. Lachlan Hubner 18. Judah Rimbu 19. Rodrick Tai 20. Sherwin Tanabi 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Brenton Baira 23. Mason Teague 24. Poasa Faamausili

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Plenty of interest with popular buys Isaiya Katoa and Ray Stone to start, while CTW prospect Valynce Te Whare will come off the bench. Unfortunately, it looks like Euan Aitken will play centre this year, which dents his KFC SuperCoach credentials after such a good run in the back row last season.

Cory Paix will get first crack at hooker. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

BRONCOS V TITANS

Sunday 12 February, 8:00pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast

Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jack Ahearn 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Shalom O’Ofou 12. Brendan Frei 13. Corey Jensen.

Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Logan Bayliss-Brow 16. Martin Taupau 17. Benjamin Te Kura 18. Ethan Quai-Ward 19. Tyson Smoothy 20. Tristan Sailor 21. Joshua Rogers 22. James Johnson

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Payne Haas is completely under-owned at 16 per cent given his elite KFC SuperCoach pedigree. It will be good to see him run out and gauge his form after a horror off-season dealing with family issues.

Kotoni Staggs is another POD to watch after being named in the centres on return from off-season surgery. He is owned by just 8.6 per cent but is set for big improvement after playing injured much of last year. A KFC SuperCoach gun when on song, the big question as always with Kotoni is whether he can stay fit.

Titans

1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. Sosefo Fifita 6. Toby Sexton 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Chris Randall 10. Joe Stimson 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Erin Clark.

Bench: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Jo Vuna 17. Treymain Spry 18. Thomas Weaver 19. Keano Kini 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Tony Francis 22. Josiah Pahulu 23. Vaka Sikahele 24. Jacob Alick 25. Ryan Foran 26. Jaron Purcell

KFC SuperCoach players to watch: Alofiana Khan-Pereira is creating plenty of hype. He is set to start in round one, is one of the fastest players in the competition (he clocked at 36.5km/h in internal testing) and scored 25 tries in 19 games for Burleigh last season. Any bottom dollar cheapie named for round one is a KFC SuperCoach option, but is he just holding a spot until Brian Kelly’s suspension is over?

Originally published as NRL trials team lists 2023: J’maine Hopgood could be NRL SuperCoach ‘cheapie of year’