NRL week 2 teams: Benji Marshall drops bombshell, Wayne Bennett swings axe

All eyes will be on the Wests Tigers this weekend after new coach Benji Marshall put his faith in a future star, as Wayne Bennett gets brutal.

The Benji Marshall era at the Wests Tigers has begun with a bombshell selection in the halves with teen sensation Lachlan Galvin set to start at five-eighth against Canberra, with experienced recruit Aidan Sezer named on the bench.

Galvin had a solid pre-season and was tipped to play some NRL later in the year, but Marshall clearly believes in him and has backed him in against the Raiders.

The lanky five-eighth will be joined by Queensland Cup star Solomona Faataape who will debut at left centre with Justin Olam (knee) out this week.

“They have put in the work in pre-season and have earned their chance in the top grade,” Marshall said

“It’s a special occasion for them, their families, and our team.”

Aiden Sezer will return to the NRL off the bench. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

While Galvin is starting his NRL career, one of the best five-eighths in the competition is out for another week with the Storm not even naming Cameron Munster in their reserves as he continues to battle a groin issue.

Jonah Pezet will again start in the halves alongside Jahrome Hughes against the Warriors who have received a huge boost with hooker Wayde Egan (elbow) cleared to play.

The Rabbitohs have suffered a blow with Jai Arrow (shoulder) facing an extended period on the sidelines, with young gun Tallis Duncan named on the edge for the trip to Brisbane.

It’s smooth sailing at the Sharks for their game against a Canterbury side that has named Connor Tracey on the wing to make his club debut against his former side.

The defending premiers have received a double boost with Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny back on deck after missing Penrith’s loss in Melbourne.

They’ll face an Eels side that has cleared Mitch Moses of a groin strain, while Junior Paulo has been named to start but could come off the bench as he did last week.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has stayed loyal to his halves after a disappointing loss to Canberra, but he has been forced into some changes with Enari Tuala (quad) ruled out, which has opened the door for Tom Jenkins to make his club debut.

Dylan Lucas is also missing from the side, with giant Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul to make his first start against the Cowboys having come off the bench last week.

Try-scoring machine Dom Young will play his first game as a Rooster, while veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns to take on his former side with Spencer Leniu suspended for the next eight weeks.

Dom Young has been cleared to return from a neck injury. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The Sea Eagles have turned to Tommy Talau to replace speedster Jason Saab who will miss the next six games with a hamstring tear, while edge forward Josh Schuster will get some match fitness under his belt in the NSW Cup.

And Wayne Bennett has made mass changes following the Dolphins’ poor showing in round one, with the master coach dropping Sean O’Sullivan and promoting youngster Isaiya Katoa to start at halfback.

New recruit Jake Averillo also replaces Tesi Niu at centre, while Euan Aitken starts in the back row with Connelly Lemuelu (knee) expected to be out until round six.

At the Dragons, Luciano Leilua is set to start on the bench after returning to the club last month, while Blake Lawrie (ribs) is back after missing the round one win.

Broncos Vs Rabbitohs — March 14, 8pm @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

BRONCOS | 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Jesse Arthars, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Deine Mariner, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Kobe Hetherington, 17. Marty Taupau

Reserves: 18. Corey Oates, 19. Xavier Willison, 20. Tristan Sailor, 21. Jock Madden, 22. Jaiyden Hunt

RABBITOHS | 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. Tallis Duncan, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Davvy Moale, 16. Shaquai Mitchell, 17. Thomas Burgess

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Taane Milne, 20. Jye Gray, 21. Peter Mamouzelos 24. Dean Hawkins

Sharks Vs Bulldogs — March 15, 6pm @ PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

SHARKS | 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton

Reserves: 18. Kayal Iro 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Daniel Atkinson 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jayden Berrell

BULLDOGS | 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon

Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin

Reserves: 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Kitione Kautoga 21. Jake Turpin 22. Toby Sexton 23. Josh Addo-Carr

Josh Addo-Carr will miss the next few weeks with a shoulder injury. Picture: NRL Imagery

Panthers Vs Eels — March 15, 8pm @ BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

PANTHERS | 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. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Soini Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner

Reserves: 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Paul Alamoti 22. Brad Schneider

EELS | 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 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

Bench: 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Luca Moretti 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Blaize Talagi

Raiders Vs Tigers — March 16, 3pm @ GIO Stadium, Canberra

RAIDERS | 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Stebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies

Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo

Reserves: 18. Kaeo Weekes 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Zac Woolford 21. James Schiller 22. Trey Mooney

WESTS TIGERS | 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Starford To’a 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Bateman 13. Alex Seyfarth

Bench: 14. Aidan Sezer 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Twal 17. Samuela Fainu

Reserves: 18. Asu Kepaoa 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Justin Matamua 21. Alexander Lobb 22. Jake Simpkin

Cowboys Vs Knights — March 16, 5:30pm @ QCB Stadium, Townsville

COWBOYS | 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Reserves: 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Jack Gosiewski 22. Jake Clifford

KNIGHTS | 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12 Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Jed Cartwright

Reserves: 18. Brodie Jones 19. Will Pryce 20. Mat Croker 21. Fletcher Sharpe 22. Thomas Cant

Storm Vs Warriors — March 16, 7:35pm @ AAMI Park, Melbourne

STORM | 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald

Reserves: 18. Shawn Blore 19. Kane Bradley 20. Marion Seve 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Tepai Moeroa

WARRIORS | 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. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker

Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Chanel Harris-Tevita

Cameron Munster’s groin injury could be worse than first feared. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Sea Eagles Vs Roosters — March 17, 4:05pm @ 4 Pines Park, Sydney

SEA EAGLES | 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 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

Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown

Reserves: 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 20. Aaron Woods 21. Brad Parker 22. Jamie Humphreys

ROOSTERS | 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May

Reserves: 18. Connor Watson 19. Fetalaiga Pauga 20. Egan Butcher 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Angus Crichton

Dolphins Vs Dragons — March 17, 6:15pm @ Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

DOLPHINS | 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath

Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace

Reserves: 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tesi Niu 22. Mason Teague

DRAGONS | 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. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Luciano Leilua

Reserves: 18. Viliami Fifita 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Jesse Marschke 21. Ben Murdoch-Masila 22. Hame Sele

BYE: Titans

Originally published as NRL week 2 teams: Benji Marshall drops bombshell, Wayne Bennett swings axe