NRL Round 1 teams: Find out who’s in and who’s out, KFC SuperCoach NRL news

Some of the game’s biggest stars are back, while there are also plenty of surprises in the teams for Round 1 of the NRL. Find out who’s in and who’s out for your team this weekend.

It’s the tale of two shoulders leading into round one with South Sydney’s Cameron Murray cleared to play on Friday night, while Penrith’s Nathan Cleary has been put on ice.

Murray looks set to captain the Rabbitohs against Brisbane after making a full recovery from the same shoulder surgery which will sideline Cleary for at least another three weeks. Murray and Cleary went under the knife in the off-season after playing in the grand final in October.

Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook said Murray’s injection would be a boost the side’s spine at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

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“He puts his body on the line, he plays the game hard and leaves it all out there,” Cook said.

“That’s all we can ask for. For us on the field, he is a great connection to have in the middle … for me at hooker and for Cody [Walker] and Lachlan [Ilias] in the halves. He connects us through the middle there and he’s obviously got some ball playing skills.”

Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has also sprung a selection shock on the wing with Taane Milne to be tried on the right edge ahead of veteran Josh Mansour.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL TEAM LISTS FOR ROUND 1

Former Rabbitohs halfback turned Bronco Adam Reynolds won’t take on his old team, missing the clash with Covid.

At Penrith, Sean O’Sullivan is picked to replace Cleary, while flyer Charlie Staines has earned a wing spot with boom back Izack Tago to start at centre against Manly.

After trying to pour cold water on Tolutau Koula’s rise into the NRL, coach Des Hasler will debut the teenage speedster as a utility replacement for Dylan Walker’s [ankle] at no. 14.

Cameron Murray is ready to go for round 1 after off-season surgery on his shoulder. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has sprung a selection surprise in the halves with outside back Nick Meaney to start at five-eighth in the absence of Cameron Munster [suspension] against the Wests Tigers.

Tigers coach Michael Maguire has named boom forward Kelma Tuilagi in the second row, with Tyrone Peachey to play from the bench and Joe Ofahengaue at lock.

The Sydney Roosters have opted for Paul Momirovski on the wing, with Billy Smith named at centre. Veteran flyer Kevin Naiqama is on the reserves list. Returning utility Connor Watson will wear the No.9 against his former side Newcastle on Saturday with regular hooker Sam Verrills out suspended.

NSW prop Daniel Saifiti is missing for the Knights with a foot injury. Coach Adam O’Brien has handed Leo Thompson an NRL debut from the bench.

Parramatta forward Ryan Matterson will start at lock over Nathan Brown, who was named as 18th man against the Gold Coast on Sunday. Arthur has retained the 17-man squad which disposed of Penrith in week two of the trials.

Nick Meaney will play five-eighth for the Storm. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Canterbury’s Aaron Schoupp has missed out on a centre spot to newcomer Braidon Burns in the Bulldogs’ side to take on North Queensland. Maligned halfback Kyle Flanagan was named in at No.24.

St George Illawarra young guns Tyrell Sloan and Talatua Amone have received the nod at fullback and five-eighth, respectively. Forward Tariq Sims was left out of the side to take on the Warriors on Saturday.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has left out Xavier Savage for untried back James Schiller, who is the nephew of former Raiders great flyer Brett Mullins, at centre in Friday’s clash against Cronulla.

Brad Schneider will be Jamal Fogarty’s [knee] replacement in the halves. Rookie coach Craig Fitzgibbon has promoted Teig Wilton into the backrow, after Wade Graham suffered an ankle injury, ahead of Siosifa Talakai.

ROUND 1 TEAMS

PANTHERS V SEA EAGLES

Thursday 10 March, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith, 7:50pm

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Matt Eisenhuth

Reserves: 18. Chris Smith, 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Jaeman Salmon, 21. Taylan May, 22. Kurt Falls, 23. Soni Luke, 24. Robert Jennings

TEAM NEWS

The club confirmed that star halfback Nathan Cleary would not be back until round four thus opening the door for Sean O’Sullivan to start. No other huge surprises though cheapie hunters will be saddened to see neither Jaeman Salmon nor Taylan May in the 17.

SEA EAGLES

1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Toafofoa Sipley, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Ethan Bullemor, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Tolutau Koula, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Morgan Boyle, 19. Andrew Davey, 20. Christian Tuipulotu, 21. Jorge Taufua, 22. Alec Tuitavake, 23. Kaeo Weekes, 24. James Roumanos

TEAM NEWS

Bit of a shock to see big Hamole Olakau’atu named to start in the second-row after he injured his elbow in the trials. Coach Des Hasler also made SuperCoaches happy by selecting speed machine Tolu Koula at 14 — is the mad scientist messing with us?

Haumole Olakau'atu has been named in Manly’s side for the season opener. Picture: NRL Photos

RAIDERS V SHARKS

Friday 11 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 6:00pm

RAIDERS

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. James Schiller, 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Elliott Whitehead

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Ryan Sutton, 19. Matt Frawley, 20. Trey Mooney, 21. Harry Rushton, 22. Jarrod Croker, 23. Xavier Savage, 24. Sam Williams

TEAM NEWS

Former Dragons player, and nephew of the great Brett Mullins, James Schiller has come from the clouds to score a starting centre spot. Canberra’s forward depth is on full display with Ryan Sutton unable to even secure a bench spot.

SHARKS

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Andrew Fifita,

Reserves: 18. Luke Metcalf, 19. Jesse Colquhoun, 20. Lachlan Miller, 21. Jenson Taumoepeau, 22. Jayden Berrell, 23. Jonaiah Lualua, 24. Thomas Hazleton

TEAM NEWS

One late change with Connor Tracey (injured) replaced in the starting lineup by new recruit Matt Ikuvalu. Elsewhere, team is very much as expected.

BRONCOS V RABBITOHS

Friday 11 March, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 8:05pm

BRONCOS

1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Billy Walters, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Ryan James, 15. Reece Kennedy, 16. TC Robati, 17. Tyrone Roberts

Reserves: 18. Corey Jenson, 19. Brenko Lee, 20. Jordan Pereira, 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ezra Mam, 23. Logan Bayliss, 24. Ethan Quai-Ward

TEAM NEWS

Covid claimed Adam Reynolds and Kobe Hetherington which sees Albert Kelly start at halfback and TC Robati start at prop (with Carrigan at lock). Selwyn Cobbo had been tipped to start at fullback but Kevin Walters has gone with the more experienced Jamayne Isaako instead — expect plenty of bombs from the Rabbitohs!

RABBITOHS

1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Jaxson Paulo, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Junior Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Mark Nicholls, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Michael Chee Kam

Reserves: 18. Davvy Moale, 19. Josh Mansour, 20. Liam Knight, 21. Richard Kenner, 22. Peter Mamouzelos, 23. Isaiah Tass, 24. Dean Hawkins

TEAM NEWS

Taane Milne has beaten Josh Mansour for the right wing spot. It’s an interesting bench with just one out-and-out middle in Tom Burgess. We might see Arrow start on an edge then move to the middle ala Tohu Harris. Blake Taaffe is deputising at fullback with Latrell Mitchell due back in round two.

Sam Walker will play five-eighth for the Roosters, with Luke Keary starting in the No.7 jumper. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

ROOSTERS V KNIGHTS

Saturday 12 March, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, 3:00pm

ROOSTERS

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Paul Momirovski, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Drew Hutchison, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Kevin Naiqama, 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Naufahu Whyte, 22. Adam Keighran, 23. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 24. Ben Marschke

TEAM NEWS

Billy Smith named to start in the centres might come as a shock to some but not those who know how highly Smith is esteemed within the club. Let’s hope the young fella has some luck with injury. Connor Watson starts at hooker with Sam Verrills unavailable due to suspension.

KNIGHTS

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Mitch Barnett, 16. Leo Thompson 17. Jirah Momoisea

Reserves: 18. Tex Hoy, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Simi Sasagi, 21. Bryden Musgrove 22. Mathew Croker, 23. Dylan Lucas, 24. Jaron Purcell

TEAM NEWS

Daniel Saifiti’s injury (leg) opens the door for brother Jacob to start and young Kiwi Leo Thompson to make his debut via the bench. Thompson joined the Knights from Canberra in 2022 and was brought into the club’s top-30 in March.

WARRIORS V DRAGONS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 5:30pm

WARRIORS

1. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Viliami Vailea, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Aaron Pene, 17. Bayley Sironen

Reserves: 18. Edward Kosi, 19. Jack Murchie, 20. Ashley Taylor, 21. Adam Pompey, 22. Pride Patterson-Robati, 23. Taniela Otukolo, 24. Jesse Arthars

TEAM NEWS

Huge KFC SuperCoach news with young gun Viliami Vailea named at centre. He will surge from 1.5 per cent ownership to well above 25 per cent. As predicted, Euan Aitken scores a starting edge back row spot. Chanel Harris-Tavita starts at fullback in the absence of Reece Walsh, while Shaun Johnson returns to Warriors colours in the No.7.

DRAGONS

1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Francis Molo, 16. Josh Kerr. 17. Daniel Jack Gosiewski

Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford, 19. Mathew Fegai, 20. Daniel Alvaro, 21. Poasa Faamausili, 22. Tautau Moga, 23. Jaiyden Hunt, 24. Michael Molo

TEAM NEWS

As predicted with George Burgess and Tariq Sims notable absentees as they ease back from injuries. The starting 13 is the same as the Charity Shield, with Moses Mbye (quad) added to the bench for his club debut. Tyrell Sloan at fullback and Jack Bird starting in the back row are obvious KFC SuperCoach targets.

Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has shaken off an ankle injury and will play against the Tigers. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

TIGERS v STORM

Saturday, CommBank Stadium, Sydney, 7.35pm

TIGERS

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Alex Twal, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Stefano Utoikamanu, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue

Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Luke Garner, 16. Zane Musgrove, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Thomas Mikaele, 19. Starford To’a, 20. Jock Madden, 21. Tukimihia Simpkins, 22. Rua Ngatikaura, 23. Austin Dias, 24. William Kei

TEAM NEWS

The best possible news for KFC SuperCoaches with Kelma Tuilagi named to start in the back row even with Luke Garner in the squad. Garner has been named on the bench. Jackson Hastings, Oliver Gildart and Tyrone Peachey make their NRL club debuts, while Jake Simpkin starts at hooker for Jacob Liddle (knee).

STORM

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. George Jennings, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Nick Meaney, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Jayden Nikorima, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Reserves: 18. Dean Ieremia, 19. Alec MacDonald, 20. Jack Howarth, 21. Sualauvi Faalogo, 22. Bronson Garlick, 23. Jonah Pezet, 24. William Warbrick

TEAM NEWS

Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle) is a huge inclusion at fullback. Recruit Nick Meaney has been named at five-eighth with Cameron Munster (suspension) and Cooper Johns (shoulder) both out. KFC SuperCoach fancy Josh King scores the starting lock spot with Brandon Smith to play hooker in place of Harry Grant (suspension).

EELS v TITANS

Sunday, CommBank Stadium, Sydney, 4.05pm

EELS

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Sean Russell, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Oregon Kaufusi, 16. Ray Stone, 17. Jake Arthur

Reserves: 18. Nathan Brown, 19. Bryce Cartwright, 20. Mitch Rein, 21. Tom Opacic, 22. Hayze Perham, 23. Wiremu Greig, 24. Ky Rodwell

TEAM NEWS

Brad Arthur has named the same 17-man squad that thrashed the Panthers in the final trial, meaning regular first graders Nathan Brown, Mitch Rein and Bryce Cartwright miss the 17. Will Penisini and Sean Russell are KFC SuperCoach targets in the backline. Ryan Matterson switches to the middle, named in No. 13.

TITANS

1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Kevin Proctor

Reserves: 24. Greg Marzhew, 18. Jarrod Wallace, 19. Tanah Boyd, 20. Herman Ese’ese, 21. Esan Marsters, 22. Sam McIntyre, 23. Paul Turner

TEAM NEWS

Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson, Toby Sexton and Erin Clark make-up a youthful spine. Beau Fermor has displaced veteran back-rower Kevin Proctor for a starting edge role. Mr Versatility Will Smith will play at 14 and is expected to spell Erin Clark at hooker.

Matt Dufty is one of eight club debutants in the Bulldogs’ squad.

COWBOYS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, QCB Stadium, Townsville, 6.15pm

COWBOYS

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Heilum Luki, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Reuben Cotter, 15. Jordan McLean, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Tom Gilbert

Reserves: 18. Jake Granville, 19. Scott Drinkwater, 20. Griffin Neame, 21. Brendan Elliot, 22. Ben Condon, 23. Connelly Lemuelu, 24. Daejarn Asi

TEAM NEWS

After so many positional switches last year, Jason Taumalolo has been named at starting lock, which is music to the ears of KFC SuperCoaches. Heilum Luki and Jeremiah Nanai form a young and exciting edge back row combination. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starts at fullback, with Valentine Holmes at centre alongside Peta Hiku. Tom Dearden wins the five-eighth spot and will partner recruit Chad Townsend in the halves, with Scott Drinkwater in reserves.

BULLDOGS

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Braiden Burns, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jack Hetherington, 12. Tevita Pangai Jr, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Max King, 17. Chris Patolol

Reserves: 25. Reece Hoffman, 19. Brandon Wakeham, 20. Aaron Schoupp, 21. Joe Stimson, 22. Josh Cook, 23. Ava Seumanufagai, 24. Kyle Flanagan

TEAM NEWS

The Bulldogs have named eight club debutants in Matt Dufty, Braidon Burns, Brent Naden, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Paul Vaughan, Tevita Pangai Junior and Max King. Burns wins the centre spot ahead of Aaron Schoupp, but the team is otherwise as expected.

Originally published as NRL Round 1 teams: Find out who’s in and who’s out, KFC SuperCoach NRL news