KFC SuperCoach NRL 2022: Nathan Cleary injury update, Early Mail
The Panthers have shot down talk Nathan Cleary’s extended stint on the sidelines was due to a training mishap. The star halfback will miss the opening three rounds of the NRL.
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Penrith has shot down any speculation that the shock decision to put Nathan Cleary’s NRL return back to round 4 had anything to do with a training mishap.
It means the Panthers will kick off their title defence against Manly in Thursday’s season-opening blockbuster without their best player and Clive Churchill Medal winner, with new recruit Sean O’Sullivan to wear the No.7 jersey.
While Sullivan is a capable replacement, it is still a huge loss for the Panthers. Fox Sports Stats show in the past two years, Penrith has a 60 per cent winning record without Cleary, but that jumps to 92 per cent when he plays.
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Everyone had assumed it would be touch and go if Cleary would be ready for the first-round showdown after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Halves partner Jarome Luai conceded the call to announce Cleary would not be playing until round 4 “came as a surprise to the playing group”.
Asked if he knew of any training incident involving Cleary, Panthers deputy chairman Greg Alexander said: “Not as far as I know.”
But he said behind closed doors the football department had their concerns.
“I think they just went back to the original plan,” he said. “And having just spoken briefly with Matt Cameron he said: ‘It probably wasn’t tracking as good as everyone thought’.
“We decided to have a consultation with the medical staff and said look, round 3 was the aim, and maybe to stop speculation about whether he will be right this week or that week they just thought they’d make a call on it.”
Luai also supported Alexander’s comments that there had been no training incident.
“I think that is why it sort of came as a surprise to the playing group,” he continued.
“But obviously Nath himself and the physio have sort of just made the best call for Nath and his longevity for the year.”
It means Luai will now be partnered with O’Sullivan, who Luai played a year of senior schoolboy football alongside, while they have known each other since they were about 12 playing touch footy.
Dylan Edwards said the players were aware “for a few days now” that Cleary wouldn’t be right. Edwards added it gave the Panthers a chance to prove they could thrive without him.
And with Covid expected to cause havoc for teams this year, the next few games will show how the Panthers would potentially handle losing their most influential player.
“You’ve got to be able to handle setbacks in this game, especially this year considering all the Covid restrictions,” Edwards said. “It is something to work on and something you have got to be able to do if you want to succeed this year.”
SHARKS BACKLINE SWITCH
—David Riccio
Matt Ikuvalu will make his Sharks debut with utility Connor Tracey added to Cronulla’s casualty ward.
Tracey was set to start the season at centre for the Sharks, but he won’t be named to face the Raiders on Friday night after suffering a setback in his recovery from off-season groin surgery.
Tracey’s unavailability will provide Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon with the chance to select Ikuvalu, who followed the rookie coach from the Roosters this season.
Ikuvalu can play wing or centre, with highly-regarded winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, also a centre option.
Ikuvalu has proven a lethal finisher of the football having scored 25-tries in 38 NRL appearances since 2018.
SOUTHS SHOCK AS MANSOUR OVERLOOKED, MURRAY CLEARED
— Michael Carayannis & Fatima Kdouh
New South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has sprung his first selection shock by overlooking ex-Kangaroos winger Josh Mansour. It is understood Taane Milne has beaten out Mansour for a wing spot.
Meanwhile, Cameron 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 forward Jai Arrow confirmed Murray is set to take the field at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
“Cammo [Murray] is ready, I’m pretty sure,” Arrow confirmed.
“He’s flying. He’s Cameron Murray. He’s an ultimate professional who does everything right. He wants to get his body right. I’m sure he’ll be fit and firing for this week. He hasn’t played a trial but he’ll be fit and ready to go.”
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.
Hooker Damien Cook revealed they had been in contact with former teammate turned Bronco Adam Reynolds since the halfback tested positive for Covid last week.
Cook rated Reynolds, who is out of isolation tomorrow, a ‘big chance’ of playing on Friday night, however he has since been ruled out of the game.
“I checked in to see how he’s feeling. He said he didn’t have many symptoms. Which is a good sign that could play,” Cook said.
Arrow has already put a target on the new diminutive Brisbane halfback.
“He’s good at the miracle recovery. He’ll be eyeing to get on that field. Will he be a target? Our job is to find that rhythm in round one. Just quietly I have been speaking to him, I want his head on a platter,” Arrow said with a laugh.
“Seriously, I hope his health is well.”
ROOSTER SET FOR SHOCK NRL COMEBACK
—Fatima Kdouh
Sydney Roosters veteran Kevin Naiqama is on the verge of an unlikely NRL comeback as coach Trent Robinson prepares to unleash his best playmakers, for the first time, against Newcastle on Saturday.
It was all smiles at training on Monday morning as Naiqama edges closer to his first game of NRL in 1290 days – or since August 30th 2018 – on the wing in Robinson’s round one side.
Robinson will also get to name five-eighth Luke Keary, who is returning from an ACL injury, halfback Sam Walker and ball-playing lock Victor Radley in the same outfit for the first time.
Radley hasn’t played with Keary since his own ACL injury in June 2020, while Keary has never played alongside Sam Walker, the man who replaced him last season.
“He [Keary] and Radley, they haven’t played together for two years and with them on the field together it’s going to be key for us to be successful this year,” captain James Tedesco said.
“Especially so with Sammy Walker. He’s looked really good as well – having Keary there – and having that experience last year is really exciting for this year.”
Tedesco said Keary’s experience was sorely missed last year in an injury-ravaged season.
“It’s so good to have him back,” Tedesco said.
“Obviously we missed him a lot last year. He takes control, he’s our halfback and he leads us around and he communicates so well.
“Keary’s been going around getting his body in front of the big boys; Angus (Crichton) has been running at his inside shoulder a lot. He prepares well, he looks good and it’s just good to have him back.”
For Naiqama, who won three straight Super League titles with St Helens since leaving the Wests Tigers in 2018, admitted to thinking the chance to play in the NRL again was well and truly over.
“To be honest, no, I didn’t [think I’d play NRL again],” Naiqama said.
“With the game developing and how fast it’s getting, I didn’t think there would be an opportunity to come back, especially at my age. The club has shown faith in me and has seen that there is still some potential there, I’m very grateful for that.”
Naiqama is likely to hold down a spot on the right wing with Paul Momirovski, who returns to Bondi as a premiership winner after a stint at Penrith, at centre. Flyer Daniel Tupou will line up on the left edge alongside Joey Manu.
Boom back Joseph Suaalii is out with a lis franc injury to the foot and was spotted at training. Suaalii is the man most likely to replace Naiqama once he returns from injury.
Naiqama’s his longstanding relationship with Robinson helped pave the way his NRL return. Robinson coached Naiqama as a teenager during their time at the Knights.
“It was a long time ago, probably around thirteen or fourteen years ago now. When the Toyota Cup first came, he was our coach in the under 20s,” Naiqama said.
“I had a phone call with him and he expressed his plans and what he had for the club and what they were looking for.”
SHOCK AS DRAGONS SNUB REP FORWARDS
— Michael Carayannis and David Riccio
George Burgess will start the season in reserve grade and he could be joined by Tariq Sims.
Burgess’ return to the NRL will be delayed as the Dragons search to give him time to come through the grades in the NSW Cup.
Sims could join him in the lower grades as he makes a return from an ongoing calf problem. The pair have been left out of the Dragons top squad.
The off-contract NSW back-rower won’t be playing first grade this week when the Dragons play the Warriors. He could however, line-up against the Eels in NSW Cup.
It is understood if Sims does play reserve grade, it will be a short stint to help with match fitness.
Burgess too is going to play in the feeder side as he looks to get his career back on track after some decent outings in the pre-season.
Former Test prop Aaron Woods will start from in the front row for the Dragons. Having impressed the Dragons coaching staff with his leadership and work-ethic, Woods has scored a starting jersey in the front-row alongside Blake Lawrie.
Andrew McCullogh will be named at hooker.
PEACHEY KEEN ON LOCK, YOUNG GUN TO START
— Fatima Kdouh
When former Gold Coast Titans star Tyrone Peachey watched the Wests Tigers play last season, he knew they were a side crying out for a ball-playing lock forward.
Peachey also knew, after just one conversation with coach Michael Maguire, that he was the ball-playing lock the Tigers needed.
“I watch a lot of footy. I had seen how competitive they were … I’d watch and think ‘if they had a decent ball-playing lock, I feel like I could help them be better’,” Peachey revealed.
“When Madge came to me and we made the decision... they are just missing that ball-playing lock role, so it was an easy decision to come here.
“And they put me in the leadership group, I just don’t want to let them down now.”
Peachey played some of his football for the Titans at No. 13 and believes his injection can help ease the pressure on halfback Luke Brooks and new five-eighth Jackson Hastings.
“I think every good team now has a decent ball-playing lock. The Roosters have [Victor] Radley. The Panthers have [Isaah] Yeo. I think that’s the way is going now instead of having three big front rowers in the middle,” Peachey said.
“I did it at the Titans and I felt like it worked. We’ve got a good forward pack here. To have someone to take that pressure off Brooksy and pressure off Jackson, that is only going to help them flourish.”
Maguire tried a number of players in the No. 13 jumper last season including Thomas Mikaele, Joe Ofahengaue and Alex Twal. The arrival of Peachey, who is on a two-year deal, is likely to see Twal make a more permanent shift into the front row.
“[Twal] will probably move up front. That’s the best thing about this year, Madge [Maguire] has got a headache about picking the team. There will be a lot of good players that miss out.”
Peachey and the Tigers will get to make an early statement about their 2022 intentions against Melbourne on Saturday. Coach Craig Bellamy and the Storm are round one specialists and haven't dropped an opening match since 2003.
But Melbourne do go into the clash under strength with hooker Harry Grant and five-eighth Cameron Munster missing to suspension.
“They‘ve got a few players out and that’s lucky for us,” Peachey said.
“We have to take advantage of that because they were really good over the trials.”
Backrower Luciano Leilua was a notable omission at training on Monday morning. Leilua is battling a ‘stomach bug’, while fellow edge forward Luke Garner [shoulder] is looking unlikely against the Storm with a shoulder injury.
Alex Seyfarth trained in Leilua’s place on the left edge. Peachey confirmed Kelma Tuilagi will play on the right edge alongside James Roberts and David Nofoaluma.
Hooker Jacob Liddle suffered a knee injury in the Sydney Roosters trial and was initially slated for a round four return but could be back as soon as round two. Jake Simpkin is expected to play the full 80 minutes as his cover.
The Tigers missed out on the finals for the 10-straight season last year but Peachey believes a number of close results shows the side has what it takes to break its finals drought. The Tigers lost four games by four points or less.
“I’m confident in my ability that I can make this team better, they only lost a few games by [four] points or so,” Peachey said.
“They only just missed the finals. We sneaked in at the Titans, where they dropped out.”
RAIDERS DUMP LONG-SERVING CAPTAIN
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has made one of the most difficult decisions of his career after informing Raiders captain Jarrod Croker that he will start the season in NSW Cup.
Croker, who underwent stem cell surgery on his knee late last year, is now fighting to save his career after being left out of the NRL side to play Cronulla on Friday night.
LOW OWNERSHIP CHEAPIES SET TO START
Round one teams day is only one sleep away and already a host of KFC SuperCoach bolters have emerged.
At the Warriors, young gun Viliami Vailea is favoured to win a backline spot.
At just $205,100, the he is certain to surge in popularity from just 1.5 per cent ownership if he wins the spot.
Meanwhile, at the Storm, Josh King at $255,800 could earn a starting lock spot.
Brandon Smith is set to play hooker in place the suspended Harry Grant, which could open the No. 13 slot for King, who is currently at just 2.2 per cent ownership.
Check out our full predicted round one teams below.
RAIDERS CALL ON YOUNG GUN TO FILL HALFBACK VOID
— Brent Read and David Riccio
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has declared he will hand the No. 7 jersey to young gun Brad Schneider following the devastating news that prized off-season recruit Jamal Fogarty will miss the opening four months of the season with a knee injury.
“I am going to play Brad Schneider,” Stuart told News Corp.
“I promised these kids that if they give us an opportunity to develop them, I will give them an opportunity to play NRL and show me they are NRL players.
“That is my end of the bargain – when I know they are ready to play NRL, I will play them. And he is ready.”
Schneider played one game in the NRL at the end of last season and was expected to start this year as the backup to Fogarty. Those plans altered drastically this week when Fogarty was sent for scans on the knee he hurt during the club’s second trial at the weekend.
Those scans revealed the former Gold Coast playmaker would be sidelined until potentially round 15, leaving Stuart with a choice to make between youth and experience.
In one corner was the 21-year-old Schneider, who signed a contract extension late last year. In the other was Matt Frawley and Sam Williams, who were yet to make an appearance this season due to Covid.
Frawley and Williams missed the opening trial against the Sydney Roosters after the latter tested positive to Covid only hours before kick-off. Frawley was rooming with Williams and was scratched from the game because he was deemed a close contact.
PANTHERS v SEA EAGLES
Thursday, 8.05pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
PENRITH: The defending premiers boast one of the more settled line-ups heading into the new season. Promising youngster Izack Tago impressed in the trials and is expected to take up Matt Burton’s vacant left centre role. Charlie Staines, Robert Jennings and Taylan May will compete for the right wing position this season. Staines appears to be ahead of Jennings in the pecking order, but it could go either way. Nathan Cleary is out for the first three weeks and will be replaced by former Warriors playmaker Sean O’Sullivan.
The pack will run out as expected, with Liam Martin set to become a full-time starter on the right edge following Kurt Capewell’s departure to Brisbane. Mitch Kenny is likely named at 14 among a four forward bench, with the only potential alteration being if Ivan Cleary opted for Taylan May on the pine as a backline utility. While I don’t think they’ll go that way, they don’t have the luxury of Capewell to cover that centre role as effectively this season.
Expected team:
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. Chris Smith/J’maine Hopgood/Taylan May
Injuries/suspensions: Preston Riki (Hip, Mid-season)
SEA EAGLES: Boom rookie Tolutau Koula will push for a centre role, but I expect Brad Parker and Morgan Harper to keep their spots. Harper didn’t feature in either of the club’s trial matches, meaning Koula may get a round one run. Injuries have hit Manly’s pack hard late in the pre-season. I expect Karl Lawton and former Bronco Ethan Bullemor to start in the back-row in place of the injured Josh Schuster and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Andrew Davey will push for a bench spot on return from an ACL injury, but the fact he didn’t feature in either trial suggests he’ll be eased back through reserve grade. In further injury news to the depleted back-row, Ben Trbojevic will also miss up to a month of action. Dylan Walker and Marty Taupau are also racing to be fit for the opener following pre-season injuries, but they’re expected to play.
Expected team:
1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Morgan Harper, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Karl Lawton, 12. Ethan Bullemor, 13. Jake Trbojevic
Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Taniela Paseka, 16. Toafofoa Sipley, 17. Morgan Boyle
Injuries/suspensions:Haumole Olakau’atu (elbow, round 2) Josh Aloiai (Suspension, Round 4), Manase Fainu (Stood down, Indefinite), Josh Schuster (Syndesmosis, Round 6), Ben Trbojevic (Knee, Round 3-4)
RAIDERS v SHARKS
Friday, 6pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
RAIDERS: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and rookie Xavier Savage remain in a tense battle for the fullback role. I suspect they’ll back Nicoll-Klokstad to wear the one, with Savage potentially missing out entirely. Jordan Rapana is suspended for the first two rounds, with Seb Kris likely to partner Nic Cotric on the wings. Matt Timoko and Semi Valemei are the centres with Jarrod Croker dropped.
Titans recruit Jamal Fogarty suffered a knee injury and will miss up to three months of play. Ricky Stuart confirmed rookie Brad Schneider will partner Jack Wighton in the halves, he’ll also kick goals with Croker out. Aside from Josh Papalii, the entire pack is yet to be locked in. A key position up for grabs is hooker, with Tom Starling pushing veteran rake Josh Hodgson for the nine role.
Had it not been for Canberra’s abundance of back-rowers, I’d have said Starling would start the game. However, I think it’ll be as per last season with Hodgson starting and shifting to lock after 20 minutes, with Starling to come on and play 60. I have All Stars Man of the Match Joe Tapine starting at prop alongside Josh Papalii, Elliott Whitehead at lock and Hudson Young and Corey Harawira-Naera starting on the edge.
Expected team:
1. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Seb Kris, 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. Adam Elliott, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Ryan Sutton
Injuries/suspensions: Jordan Rapana (Suspension, Round 3), Harley Smith-Shields (ACL, Season), Peter Hola (Knee, Round 2-4), Jamal Fogarty (Knee, Round 15-17)
SHARKS: Braydon Trindall is unavailable until round three due to suspension, leaving new coach Craig Fitzgibbon with one less decision to make, with Matt Moylan to start alongside Nicho Hynes in the halves. Sione Katoa likely gets the nod on the wing ahead of recruit Matt Ikuvalu. Injuries to Cameron McIness, Wade Graham and Jack Williams will likely see Dale Finucane push from prop to lock, making way for the likes of Braden Hamlin-Uele, Andrew Fifita or Aidan Tolman to start up front alongside Toby Rudolf. Teig Wilton is expected to start on the edge, with Siosifa Talakai coming onto the bench.
Expected team:
1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Matt Ikuvalu, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aiden Tolman, 11. Teig Wilton, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Dale Finucane
Bench: 14. Luke Metcalf, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Andrew Fifita, 17. Siosifa Talakai
Injuries/suspensions: Cameron McInnes (Knee, Round 2-4), Wade Graham (Ankle, Rounds 4-6), Braydon Trindall (Suspended, Round 3), Jack Williams (Knee, Round 2-4), Franklin Pele (Suspended, Round 2)
BRONCOS v RABBITOHS
Friday, 8.05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
BRONCOS: Adam Reynolds is unavailable having contracted Covid, while Kobe Hetherington also misses out due to protocols. Billy Walters will start in the halves, with Albert Kelly likely to edge Tyson Gamble as Reynolds’ replacement. Tesi Niu is out with a hamstring injury, opening the door for Selwyn Cobbo to deputise at the back. There’s a bit of a shootout for wing spots, I have Jordan Pereira and Jamayne Isaako filling the roles. Corey Oates and David Mead will apply pressure, particularly when Niu returns.
I expect Kurt Capewell to make up the left edge alongside Herbie Farnworth and Isaako, with Jordan Riki, Kotoni Staggs and Pereira on the right. Pat Carrigan returns from a lengthy injury layoff in the middle of the park. Jake Turpin appeared to have the hooking role secured, but a pre-season charge from Cory Paix has applied enormous pressure. Paix looks to have jumped Turpin in the pecking order, and with Walters able to cover for injuries at nine, they may opt for a backline utility on the bench. However, Capewell also provides excellent coverage in that department. Brendan Piakura (suspension, Round 2) and Thomas Flegler (suspension, Round 4) aren’t available.
Expected team:
1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Herbie Farnworth, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 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. Tyrone Roberts, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Ryan James, 17. TC Robati
Injuries/suspensions: Tom Flegler (Suspension, Round 4), Brendan Piakura (Suspension, Round 2), Xavier Willison (Knee, Mid-season), Tesi Niu (Hamstring, Round 3), Adam Reynolds (Covid protocols, Round 2), Kobe Hetherington (Covid protocols, Round 2), Cory Paix (Covid protocols, Round 1 or 2)
RABBITOHS: Blake Taaffe gets one crack to impress at fullback in 2022 until Latrell Mitchell (suspension) returns in round two. Jaxson Paulo is likely to take Dane Gagai’s vacant centre spot, with Taane Milne on the wing.
Campbell Graham played right edge against the Dragons, with Paulo on the left. Lachlan Ilias will partner Keaon Koloamatangi on the right, with Cody Walker and Jai Arrow on the left. Cameron Murray is in some doubt with a shoulder issue, but is expected to play. Liam Knight will miss the first month following off-season surgeries.
Expected team:
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. Thomas Burgess, 11. Jai Arrow, 12. Keaon Koloamatangi, 13. Cameron Murray
Bench: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Mark Nicholls, 16. Jacob Host, 17. Hame Sele
Injuries/suspensions: Latrell Mitchell (Suspension, Round 2), Liam Knight (Concussion, Hip, Knee, Ankle & Shoulder, TBA), Isaiah Tass (Back, Indefinite)
ROOSTERS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 3pm, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
ROOSTERS: While still in some doubt, Luke Keary is expected to return from his ACL and foot injuries in round one. If not fit to go, Joey Manu will likely deputise at five-eighth, alongside Sam Walker who will have to overcome relevant concussion protocols after his knock in the trial against the Tigers. With two weeks between games Walker should be fine to take his place.
It’s a shoot out for backline spots with Paul Momirovski, Kevin Naiqama, Joseph Suaalii and Billy Smith in contention for centre/wing roles. Suaalii is expected to still be a few weeks away from returning from injury which puts a line through him. Premiership winner Momirovski likely takes one centre spot. Naiqama is firming to join Daniel Tupou on the wings. It’s quite outstanding depth that’ll take the Roosters a long way this season. Sam Verrills (suspension, Round 2) is out, meaning Connor Watson or Ben Marschke will deputise to start the season.
Expected team:
1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Kevin Naiqama, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley
Bench: 14. Ben Marschke, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Renouf Atoni
Injuries/suspensions: Sam Verrills (Suspension, Round 2), Egan Butcher (Leg, TBC), Joseph Suaalii (Foot, Early rounds)
KNIGHTS: Hymel Hunt was injured during a pre-season trial, with Dominic Young expected to come onto the wing in his place. Bradman Best is also in doubt. If he misses, it may force Kurt Mann’s move to the forwards to be temporarily put on hold to help solve the backline dramas. Jayden Brailey is out long-term with an Achilles injury, with Chris Randall to replace him at hooker, forming a new-look spine alongside Kalyn Ponga, Jake Clifford and Adam Clune.
Adam O’Brien is extremely hard to get a gauge on with his forward rotation. Mann will take over Connor Watson’s roving lock role this season and is firming to start the game at 13 provided Best is fit, with Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Tyson Frizell on the edges. Should this eventuate, Mitchell Barnett would play off the bench. Phoenix Crossland likely acts as the bench utility. Sauaso Sue is suspended and won’t return until round three.
Expected team:
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Kurt Mann
Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Mitch Barnett, 17. Jirah Momoisea
Injuries/suspensions: Sauaso Sue (Suspension, Round 3), Jayden Brailey (Achilles, Mid-season), Hymel Hunt (Knee, Round 4), Bailey Hodgson (Elbow, Round 4)
WARRIORS v DRAGONS
Saturday, 5.30pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
WARRIORS: Reece Walsh and Matt Lodge miss the opening round through suspension. Chanel Harris-Tavita is expected to line-up at fullback, while Kodi Nikorima is firming ahead of Ash Taylor to partner the returning Shaun Johnson in the halves. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Marcelo Montoya are expected to be the wing pairing, with the centre spots both up for grabs.
Rocco Berry, Jesse Arthars, Adam Pompey and young gun Viliami Vailea are all in contention. At this stage, I have Vailea and Berry leading the way, but Nathan Brown could go with any combination. Euan Aitken will stay in the new edge back-row role he made his own in the back end of 2021. The Warriors have a few options, but he’ll likely make up the back-row alongside Eliesa Katoa and Josh Curran at lock. Bunty Afoa will replace the absent Lodge in the front-row.
Expected team:
1. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Rocco Berry, 4. Adam Pompey/Jesse Arthars/Viliami Vailea, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Josh Curran
Bench: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Bayley Sironen, 17. Aaron Pene
Injuries/suspensions: Reece Walsh (Round 2), Matt Lodge (Round 2), Tohu Harris (Knee, Mid-season)
DRAGONS: Exciting prospect Tyrell Sloane looks to have been given the nod to start the season at fullback, which will see Cody Ramsey and Mikaele Ravalawa on the wings. Talatau Amone is tipped to win the halves role alongside skipper Ben Hunt, beating out fellow rookie Jayden Sullivan. Jack de Belin is expected to start at lock, with Jack Bird and Jaydn Su’A on the edges. Tariq Sims will likely to play NSW Cup as he eases back from injury.
Tyrell Fuimaono and Josh McGuire won’t be available until Round 6 due to suspension. There are options aplenty, but Aaron Woods and Blake Lawrie will likely start up front.
Expected team:
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. Daniel Alvaro, 16. Josh Kerr, 17. Francis Molo
Injuries/suspensions: Josh McGuire (Suspension, Round 6), Max Feagai (Fractured fibula/syndesmosis, TBA), Jayden Sullivan (Hamstring, Round 2), Tyrell Fuimaono (Suspension, Round 6)
TIGERS v STORM
Saturday, 7.35pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
TIGERS: James Roberts and Starford To’a are vying for a centre spot, but I have Roberts narrowly ahead to partner English recruit Oliver Gildart. 2019 Man of Steel Jackson Hastings returns to the NRL to partner Luke Brooks in the halves. These two are in contention for the goal-kicking duties, Brooks appears ahead at this stage having been the preferred option in the trial win over the Sea Eagles, but this isn’t locked in.
Jacob Liddle suffered a knee injury in the trials and will miss the first month of footy. Despite an interrupted pre-season, Jake Simpkin will likely deputise at 9. With Shawn Blore out for the season and Luke Garner battling a niggle, Kelma Tuilagi will start on the edge. James Tamou will miss the game for his shot on Sam Walker in the trial clash, with Alex Twal to start at prop, and Tyrone Peachey at lock.
Expected team:
1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Oliver Gildart, 4. James Roberts, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Alex Twal
11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Tyrone Peachey
Bench: 14. Alex Seyfarth, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Thomas Mikaele, 17. Zane Musgrove
Injuries/suspensions: Adam Doueihi (Knee, Mid-season), Tommy Talau (Knee, Mid-season), Asu Kepoa (Sternum, Mid-season), Shawn Blore (ACL, Season), Jacob Liddle (Knee, Round 4-6), James Tamou (Suspension, Round 2)
STORM: The Storm’s flawless round one record spanning back to 2003 will be put to the test, with Harry Grant and Cameron Munster both unavailable due to suspension. With the All Stars clash counted in his suspension, Brandon Smith is a significant in for Craig Bellamy. I expect him to start at hooker, while Tyran Wishart is also in contention should they opt to start with Smith at lock.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is also in major doubt with an ankle injury, and with Cameron Munster spending time at fullback in the trials it suggests he’s against the odds to play. If unavailable, it’d see Nick Meaney start at fullback. Cooper Johns suffered an AC joint injury in the trial win over the Knights forcing another change, with Jayden Nikorima expected to start the game at five-eighth alongside Jahrome Hughes. Josh King could jag a start at lock in the season opener if Smith does play hooker.
Expected team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen (doubtful)/Nick Meaney, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Nick Meaney/George Jennings, 6. Jayden Nikorima, 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. Tepai Moeroa, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Trent Loiero
Injuries/suspensions: Harry Grant, (Suspension, Round 2), Cameron Munster (Suspension, Round 2), Chris Lewis (Suspension, Round 2), Tui Kamikamica (Stood down), Cooper Johns (Shoulder, Round 5)
EELS v TITANS
Sunday, 4.05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
EELS: Sean Russell is the front-runner to replace Haze Dunster who suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury during the trials. He’ll partner Raiders recruit Bailey Simonsson on the wings, with Will Penisini to start at centre. Nathan Brown didn’t feature in the trials following a pre-season leg injury, but according to the club is expected to be fit.
While there’s a possibility Shaun Lane – who was made captain in the opening trial – could start on the edge with Isaiah Papali’i, I think it’ll go to Ryan Matterson as per last season. Matterson has trialled as a middle forward, so Brad Arthur may be looking to play him off the bench in that role.
Expected team:
1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Sean Russell, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Will Penisini, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown
Bench: 14. Ray Stone, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Shaun Lane, 17. Oregon Kaufusi
Injuries/suspensions:Marata Niukore (Suspension, Round 2), Maika Sivo (Knee, Mid-season), Haze Dunster (Knee, Season)
TITANS: Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson, Toby Sexton and Erin Clark make-up a relatively new-look spine. Expect David Fifita to start on the edge and go the distance having spent the back end of last season as an impact player off the bench. Beau Fermor looks to have displaced veteran back-rower Kevin Proctor in a starting edge role. Mr Versatility Will Smith will play at 14 and is expected to spell Clark at hooker.
Expected team:
1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jaimin Jolliffe, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Kevin Proctor, 16. Jarrod Wallace, 17. Isaac Liu
Injuries/suspensions: Joe Vuna (Knee, Mid-season)
COWBOYS v BULLDOGS
Sunday, 6.15pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
COWBOYS: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will start at fullback, with Valentine Holmes at centre alongside Peta Hiku. Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden are battling to partner recruit Chad Townsend in the halves. Dearden looks likely to get the nod to begin the season. Heilum Luki and Jeremiah Nanai will form a young, exciting back-row pairing to start the year, alongside Jason Taumalolo at lock.
Taumalolo didn’t feature in the trials due to a hamstring niggle, but is expected to be available for the opener. He also confirmed he’s been given the green light to feature amid concerns over his vaccination status. The other option is to start Taumalolo at prop, with Reuben Cotter at lock. Assistant coach Dean Young stated recently that they’re looking to get bigger minutes into Taumalolo in 2022.
Expected team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Valentine Holmes, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater/Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Coen Hess, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Jeremiah Nanai, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Bench: 14. Reuben Cotter, 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Tom Gilbert/Ben Condon
Injuries/suspensions: None
BULLDOGS: Matt Dufty, Matt Burton, Jake Averillo and Jeremy Marshall-King form a new-look spine at The Kennel. Brent Naden will start at centre, likely alongside Aaron Schoupp who should win out over Braidon Burns for a spot.
Jayden Okunbor and Corey Allan are vying for a wing role, with Okunbor edging ahead at this stage. Paul Vaughan will start at prop for his new club alongside Luke Thompson. With Raymond Faitala-Mariner returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, Jack Hetherington will make the move from front-row to the edge where he’ll partner Tevita Pangai Jnr.
Expected team:
1. Matt Dufty, 2. Josh Addo-Carr, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Jayden Okunbor/Corey Allan, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Paul Vaughan, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Tevita Pangai Jr, 12. Jack Hetherington, 13. Josh Jackson
Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 17. Corey Waddell
Injuries/suspensions: Matt Doorey (Knee, Mid-season)
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