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How new-look spines look, rookies ready to start: What we learned from every NRL pre-season trial

How is your club’s attacking combination looking? Which young guns will step up? Here’s everything you need to know about the final round of NRL trials and what they mean for every team.

Storm injury cloud in loss to Cowboys

Our NRL experts have analysed the final weekend of pre-season trial action, casting an eye on the rookies, recruits and players vying for Round 1 spots.

Here’s what we learned from every NRL trial.

PENRITH 22 VS MANLY 38

Penrith Panthers produce pre-season upset over Manly Sea Eagles

COMBINATIONS

It’s still unclear who will miss out on a spot in Manly’s back five, but you can already pencil Lehi Hopoate in for round one after he again showed his versatility at Leichhardt Oval.

The young gun had a breakout 2024 season and is tipped to be even better this year with reports he is the long-term option at fullback if Tom Trbojevic moves to centre or five-eighth.

Hopoate started on the left wing but moved to fullback where his half break led to the Ray Vaega try which sparked Manly’s second-half mini comeback.

RECRUIT WATCH

Siosiua Taukeiaho hasn’t played in the NRL since 2022 and failed a medical to join Canterbury, but he looks set to feature in Manly’s 17 this season.

The former Rooster is another big body in the middle that they’ve been searching for, and he showed his value with a lovely short ball to set up a rampaging Ethan Bullemor for a second-half try on his birthday.

Tom Jenkins is back in Penrith after a failed stint in Newcastle that lasted just one year, and while he’s down in the pecking order, he showed he can easily slot back into the system as he pounced on a grubber to score.

Siosiua Taukeiaho on the charge for the Sea Eagles. Picture: NRL Photos
Siosiua Taukeiaho on the charge for the Sea Eagles. Picture: NRL Photos

ROOKIE WATCH 

Sea Eagles fans have talked up Caleb Navale this pre-season, but he missed a simple one-on-one tackle that led to a try and saw him hooked.

He played a couple of games last year and is a genuine option to play lock if Jake Trbojevic is eventually moved to prop, with the Fijian international boasting all the skills needed to make it in the NRL.

HOT TAKE

Hopoate only played 14 games last year but still had the sixth-most line-breaks for Manly. He’ll shoot up the rankings this season and finish with at least 20 clean breaks and 15 tries as he announces himself as a genuine star.

FINAL SAY 

Penrith will be hard to beat in NSW Cup this season, while the Sea Eagles again showed just how valuable the Trbojevic boys and Cherry-Evans are.

– Martin Gabor

WESTS TIGERS 30 vs. EELS 18

Tigers vs. Eels NRL pre-season analysis

COMBINATIONS

There was a lot to like from the Tigers with Adam Doueihi combining beautifully with Lachie Galvin who looks set to have a monster second season in the NRL.

Doueihi started the game at halfback and was involved in everything as he nailed a 40/20, kicked for a try and backed up a Galvin break to set up Jeral Skelton just before halftime.

He shifted to left centre when Brent Naden came off injured and will likely start the season there, while for the Eels, Zac Lomax was kept quiet in his first game at right centre but did put a big shot on Galvin.

RECRUIT WATCH

The Tigers have been desperately searching for an enforcer upfront, and they’ve finally found their man with Terrell May showing why he could be one of the buys of the year.

Plenty of people were stunned that the Roosters let the tireless prop forward go, and he has not slowed down at all with May getting through a mountain of work on Friday night.

He led the way with 18 runs for 130 metres to go with 24 tackles and looks set to step up as the main man up in front with reports veteran David Klemmer could be leaving.

Fellow recruit Jack Bird scored a soft try in the first half, while speedster Josh Addo-Carr came on for the final 20 minutes for the Eels.

Terrell May on the charge for the Tigers. Picture: NRL Photos
Terrell May on the charge for the Tigers. Picture: NRL Photos

ROOKIE WATCH 

Life after Clint Gutherson might not be as bleak as first predicted after Isaiah Iongi produced a moment of magic that will have Eels fans praying that he’s the man to fill the gaping hole at the back.

Iongi set up a try with a brilliant cut-out pass late in the first half having sliced through three would-be defenders to score a slashing solo try to open the scoring off a scrum.

His path in first grade at Penrith was blocked thanks to Dylan Edwards, but his future looks bright if he can link up with Parramatta’s elite halves.

Ronald Volkman greets his family after Eels trial

HOT TAKE

Terrell May will be in Laurie Daley’s extended squad for the Origin opener on the back of his brilliant start to the season.

FINAL SAY 

The Leichhardt faithful are some of the best fans in the world. While it wasn’t a sellout, 4812 people braved the rain and expensive tickets to watch their team in a trial after three years of hell.

They deserve something better in 2025 and should get it with Jarome Luai to provide the polish the team needs.

– Martin Gabor

DRAGONS 46 vs. RABBITOHS 26

'Hard to see him not in that No.7 spot'

COMBINATIONS

It was hard to pick which edge had the best combination for the Dragons but with Gutherson popping up on both sides of the field and injecting himself into the backline, the Red V now have two very dangerous attacking options.

On the left Luciano Leilua and Val Holmes were outstanding feeding Finau, while on the right Moses Suli and Jaydn Su’A were damaging in creating space for Matt Feagai.

RECRUIT WATCH

The Dragons’ roster overhaul was one of the stories of the off season, none more so than the signings of veterans Gutherson and Holmes and the duo were in everything, collectively having a hand in six Dragons’ tries.

For Souths there will be some tough decisions to be made on the makeup of their spine to start the season, with Dodd struggling to inject himself into the game in both trials, a fact only exacerbated by his time in the sin bin.

On the positive side, former Sea Eagle Humphreys came off the bench at hooker and may have done enough to force his way past Dodd or Peter Mamouzelos for a round one starting spot.

Humphreys, who played in the halves in his solitary NRL game for Manly, came on for Mamouzelos in the first half and looked far more creative at dummy half before switching to halfback with Dodd in the sin bin. At first receiver he laid on a pair of tries for Keaon Koloamatangi before a scything run to beat three players and score himself – all inside the first 12 minutes of the second stanza.

After the game Humphreys told Fox Sports he was ready to play anywhere his side needs.

“I’ve trained everywhere to be honest, looking to be able to cover anything that Wayne needs me to cover. Like you said, be a Mr. Fix it and be wherever I am needed and I can fill a hole for the team.

“I can do a bit of goal kicking, kicking, here and there, so I can cover the halves and hooker and anywhere, to be honest, that he needs me.”

Sione Finau celebrates scoring a try for the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images
Sione Finau celebrates scoring a try for the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

ROOKIE WATCH 

At the Dragons, two-gamer Finau looks to be in a battle with Tyrell Sloan for the left wing spot for round one and after Saturday’s performance he may have locked away that jersey. Finau scored four tries inside 28 minutes before he left the field with what appeared to a combination of heat stroke and delayed concussion symptoms caused by Dodd’s high shot.

While not strictly a rookie after playing four games under Bennett for the Dolphins last season, new Rabbitohs middle forward Lachlan Hubner was solid coming off the bench and could well come into calculations for a bench spot early in the season.

HOT TAKE

A player yet to set foot in Kogarah or Wollongong this season will start the year in the front row for the Dragons. David Klemmer will join the Red V within a week and partner Emre Guler upfront in round one.

FINAL SAY 

The Dragons’ slashing win comes off the back of a comprehensive 26-8 victory over the Roosters last week, setting up a mouth-watering round one clash with the Bulldogs at Kogarah.

Meanwhile, Souths can expect Cody Walker, Tevita Tatola, Jai Arrow and Siliva Havili all to return for their round one matchup against the Dolphins in Brisbane but their biggest question mark is sorting out who will wear the number seven and nine jerseys. No doubt Bennett has the answers.

– David Lyall

BRONCOS 30 vs. BULLDOGS 14

Broncos 'the real deal' after unbeaten pre-season

COMBINATIONS

Brisbane’s new-look spine clicked instantly. Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt, playing together for the first time, may be the NRL’s oldest halves pairing, but they showed the value of experience.

The 34-year-olds ran Brisbane’s offence with class and composure and they received able support from rejuvenated hooker Cory Paix, who produced some dangerous dummy-half incursions.

In midfield, the Broncos have a more formidable look with Haas, Pat Carrigan and Kobe Hetherington as their starting middle. Carrigan charged for 122 metres in his opening 30-minute stint at prop and Hetherington was a defensive hit man in the No.13 jumper.

RECRUIT WATCH

Did Hunt ever leave the Broncos? The former Dragons skipper slotted seamlessly back into the Broncos’ scrumbase.

The marquee recruit ignited Brisbane’s left-edge in the No.6 jumper, putting up a bomb for Adam Reynolds’ 23rd-minute try before releasing a flying Walsh to put winger Arthars (33rd) over for a 10-0 lead.

ROOKIE WATCH

Like Hunt, Gehamat Shibasaki is revelling in his Broncos return. He may be 26 but Shibasaki is on a development deal this season and the Souths discard is banging down the selection door for round 1.

The rugged centre impressed again with some strong carries and is vying with Deine Mariner for the No.4 jumper.

Ben Hunt looked the goods in his return for the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images
Ben Hunt looked the goods in his return for the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

HOT TAKE

Paix has to be in Brisbane’s top 17 for round one. Billy Walters may yet retain the No.9 jumper but Paix has done enough to at least be Brisbane’s No.14 super sub after a barnstorming pre-season. The Toowoomba terrier is not only tough as teak, but is playing with more speed and smarts around the rucks.

Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton had a shocker and needs to lift his game as one of Canterbury’s big guns. If he and Toby Sexton fire in the halves, Canterbury have a top-eight roster.

FINAL SAY

If defence wins premierships, the Broncos are oozing title quality. Coach Michael Maguire promised to inject a harder edge and for the third consecutive week, the ‘Brick Wall Broncos’ looked menacing without the ball. The Bulldogs had a late flurry but were held scoreless for 58 minutes. Brisbane look fit and will be hard to penetrate in 2025.

– Peter Badel

DOLPHINS 18 vs. TITANS 26

COMBINATIONS

Cricket has Baz-ball. Rugby league has Des-ball.

Few NRL teams operate their spine like the Titans. Gold Coast coach Des Hasler effectively deployed three fullbacks against the Dolphins with Keano Kini starting at the back, Brimson at six and Campbell at halfback, relegating Foran to the bench.

Hasler’s late reshuffle worked a treat. Kini, Campbell and Brimson were in sublime touch with the talented trio terrorising the Dolphins with speed, skill and tackle-busting power.

Campbell has every bit of his famous father Preston’s instinctive touch and he released a flying Brimson for an 80-metre, 56th-minute special that is an early contender for try of the season.

RECRUIT WATCH

The Dolphins lacked energy in midfield and their collective performance was compounded by the early loss of Saifiti.

Signed from the Knights to replace Jesse Browmich, the NSW Origin prop managed just two hit-ups before limping from the field.

New teammate Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, signed from the Cowboys, showed explosive promise on the edges and produced a stinging shot on Josiah Pahulu just before halftime.

ROOKIE WATCH

Broncos sensation Reece Walsh steals a lot of newsprint, but what about Titans whiz-kid Kini. Wow. He can be the NRL’s superstar of 2025.

The reigning Titans player of the year is an attacking powder keg. Busy, fast, energetic and as fit as an ironman, Kini is an excitement machine and he outpointed Dolphins rival Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The classy Kini opened the scoring in the eighth minute and finished with 193 metres from 19 runs in a mesmerising display.

HOT TAKE

David Fifita was a shock axing to the extended bench but there is no denying his brute talent. When he was eventually thrown into the fray, Fifita showed remarkable skill to pick up a loose kick and flick a pass for his cousin Jojo to score in the 54th minute. Fifita put an exclamation mark on the victory by smashing a Dolphins ball-runner in the final minute.

FINAL SAY

The Titans shape as the entertainers of the 2025 season. Even without Foran, the Titans possess some of the most exciting attacking machines in the code in Campbell, Kini and Brimson. They just need the injury-prone Brimson to stay fit.

The Dolphins are clearly missing the presence of injured enforcer Tom Flegler. They must get their scrumbase locked in, with boom halfback Isaiya Katoa kept quiet as Kodi Nikorima and Jake Averillo shared five-eighth duties.

– Peter Badel

KNIGHTS 48 V ROOSTERS 10

COMBINATIONS

The Knights may have found their long term five-eighth in Fletcher Sharpe.

After a breakout year in 2024, his shift from fullback to the halves this pre-season came as a surprise.

But on Sunday the 20-year-old tore through the Roosters with two tries, leading the Knights to a 36-4 lead at halftime.

With Jack Cogger at halfback, it looks as though the pair could be the first choice halves to start the season.

Tyson Gamble faced Parramatta last week and is the other option to partner Sharpe.

Coach Adam O’Brien was tight lipped when asked about his first choice combination for round one.

“I don’t need to (decide the halves for round one), I need to watch that game back,” he said.

Although he praised Sharpe.

“He’s a great kid. He’s not the finished product by any stretch of the imagination but he’s grown up on footy, that’s going give him an advantage playing in the halves.

“He understands the game and articulates it really well.”

Fletcher Sharpe has impressed in the halves for the Knights. Picture: Getty Images
Fletcher Sharpe has impressed in the halves for the Knights. Picture: Getty Images

RECRUIT WATCH

Newcastle haven’t added any major signings for 2025, but former Canberra winger James Schiller looks to be a handy pickup.

He didn’t see much ball on the right edge on Sunday, but early in the first half he bumped off representative star Angus Crichton – no easy feat – and left the Roosters second-rower catching his breath on the turf.

If nothing else he’ll add another steely option to the edge.

ROOKIE WATCH

After the loss of backline stars Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu, Trent Robinson insists Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia don’t have any shoes to fill, they just need to be themselves.

At least for Nawaqanitawase that was true on Sunday.

He looked every bit a former Rugby 7s player setting up Daniel Tupou for the Roosters’ first try of the afternoon with a daring basketball pass around the Knights defence.

That kind of creativity and skill will be huge for the Roosters in 2025.

“He was good today, he defended well out there but he’s obviously creative, so he came up with some opportunities, he created them, the try that he created. He has a different way of going about things. He’s not a cookie cutter of a rugby league player.

“He’s going to come up with different stuff and he’s got really good balance and ball skills.

“He was good on both sides of the ball.”

HOT TAKE

Sharpe’s shift to the halves will release some pressure on Kalyn Ponga.

Although he’s very much still learning the job, Sharpe’s natural ball-playing skills and speed add another target in the line, and another option for the Knights in attack.

If Sunday is anything to go by, the two have everything it takes to break a club pointscoring record for the season.

FINAL SAY

One or two injuries or unforeseen issues and the Roosters will struggle this season.

They lacked direction against the Knights and were easily rolled through early on.

Although Leniu’s sin-binning didn’t help, their representative stars were outmuscled by a pack still missing first choice Knights stars Tyson Frizell and Adam Elliott.

It’s very much a rebuilding year for the Roosters, but two tries for the afternoon should come as a huge wakeup call with less than two weeks to go until round one.

– Pamela Whaley

STORM 24 V COWBOYS 36

COMBINATIONS

An injury to Jake Clifford has opened the door for Tom Duffy to start the year at halfback, and the youngster handled his audition against the minor premiers with some classy touches in the big road win.

Duffy threw the final pass for Scott Drinkwater’s first try of the afternoon while he also kicked really well which allowed halves partner Tom Dearden to do his thing.

Dearden sliced through for a second-half try while Duffy nailed three goals as Drinkwater stepped up again as the chief playmaker with plenty of slick passes to go with his first-half double.

RECRUIT WATCH

He never looked comfortable at the Tigers, but John Bateman is ready to make the most of a fresh start at the Cowboys where he looms as a key signing given they’ve lost Heilum Luki for the season, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is now at the Dolphins.

The veteran Englishman provides the energy and aggression they need on the right edge, with Jeremiah Nanai switching to the left where he threw the final pass for two first-half tries.

The only positive for the Storm was a late try to Stefano Utoikamanu who is primed to take his career to new heights.

Jaxon Purdue makes a break for the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images
Jaxon Purdue makes a break for the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

ROOKIE WATCH

Valentine Holmes is a huge loss for the Cowboys, but they look to have found his replacement with Jaxon Purdue impressing at left centre with a try, three line-breaks and a couple of try assists.

Purdue played eight games last season wherever he was needed, but he has the chance to make this spot his own after a dominant display against the Storm.

HOT TAKE

Scott Drinkwater finished 2024 with 31 try assists, but he won’t finish second this time around, with the Cowboys fullback to lead the league in tries created.

FINAL SAY

Bellamy will be very happy the trials are over, and can at least look forward to welcoming back Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick for round one, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be back for the grand final rematch.

– Martin Gabor

Originally published as How new-look spines look, rookies ready to start: What we learned from every NRL pre-season trial

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/how-newlook-spines-look-rookies-ready-to-start-what-we-learned-from-every-nrl-preseason-trial/news-story/4ba6859f1e14ce0cd597c7ae70041da8