UPDATED: Predicted NRL teams for 2016 — how your side will line up for the coming season

THE player transfer merry-go-round has been in overdrive with the defections of Tim Lafai, Will Hopoate and possibly James Roberts. Tom Sangster names his best 17 for each club.

Our predicted NRL teams for 2016

THE player transfer merry-go-round has been in overdrive following the defections of Tim Lafai, Will Hopoate and possibly James Roberts.

Check out our predicted best 17 for each club.

BRONCOS

Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Jack Reed (set to miss opening month due to shoulder injury), Dale Copley, Jordan Kahu, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Matthew Gillett, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Adam Blair, Jarrod Wallace, Joe Ofahengaue, Kodi Nikorima

Dale Copley slots into the right centre spot of Justin Hodges (retired), although Copley could be let go if prized free agent James Roberts joins the club from the Titans. Negotiations are ongoing. Josh McGuire, who missed the back half of the season with a ruptured Achilles, is the only other addition to the losing grand final side.

SUPERCOACH: 10 studs, 10 duds

ANALYSIS: Semi biggest winner from draw

INJURIES: Your club’s off-season casualty ward

Will Hopoate has joined the Bulldogs.

BULLDOGS

Will Hopoate, Brett Morris, Curtis Rona, Josh Morris, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Moses Mbye, James Graham (c), Michael Lichaa, Aiden Tolman, Josh Jackson, Tony Williams, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Sam Kasiano, David Klemmer, Tim Browne, Shaun Lane

Recruit Will Hopoate slots in at fullback, with Brett Morris switching to the wing. This sees Curtis Rona move to centre in place of Tim Lafai, who was released to the Dragons to accommodate Hopoate. Moses Mbye is a straight swap for Trent Hodkinson (Knights) at halfback. The exit of Frank Pritchard (Hull FC) sees Tony Williams slot into the starting back row after the former Origin star missed much of last season with a pectoral injury.

COWBOYS

Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt, Justin O’Neill, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Jake Granville, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: Ben Hannant, Rory Kostjasyn, Scott Bolton, John Asiata

Paul Green’s side have been very quiet in the player market and are set to field the same team that won the 2015 grand final.

DRAGONS

Kurt Mann, Peter Mata’utia/Euan Aitken, Tim Lafai, Josh Dugan, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Lesson Ah Mau, Mitch Rein, Russell Packer, Tyson Frizell, Joel Thompson, Mike Cooper. Interchange: Ben Creagh (c), Jack De Belin, Dunamis Lui, Josh McCrone/Mose Masoe

Recruit Kurt Mann has been training at fullback, with Josh Dugan set to switch to right centre. The Dragons are still in the hunt for James Roberts, which could cause a further backline reshuffle. However, the signing of Tim Lafai (Bulldogs) is confirmed and he is expected to slot in a left centre. Controversial forward Russell Packer is set to return to the NRL as a starting prop (pending deportation threats), with Mike Cooper to take the lock spot vacated by Trent Merrin (Panthers). A bench hooker spot is up for grabs following the exit of Heath L’Estrange (retired). We’ve handed the role to recruit Josh McCrone (Raiders) on experience, but he faces stiff competition from fellow fresh face Siliva Havili (Warriors). Alternatively, the Dragons could go for the size of Mose Masoe (St Helens) and play Mitch Rein for 80 minutes.

Trent Merrin has left the Dragons for the Panthers. Picture: Gregg Porteous

EELS

Michael Gordon, Semi Radradra, Clinton Gutherson, Brad Takairangi, Ryan Morgan, Corey Norman, Kieran Foran, Tim Mannah (c), Nathan Peats, Junior Paulo, Beau Scott, Manu Ma’u, Anthony Watmough. Interchange: Danny Wicks, David Gower, Tepai Moeroa, Isaac De Gois

The Eels will trot out a barely-recognisable backline. Star recruit Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles) will play halfback. Recruit Clinton Gutherson (Sea Eagles) slots in at centre in place of Origin star Will Hopoate. Former Cronulla veteran Michael Gordon has been earmarked for the fullback role, with Reece Robinson (rugby union) having left. Ryan Morgan is gunning for the remaining wing spot with Bureta Faraimo and John Folau. Test forward Beau Scott (Knights) is a key addition to the pack.

KNIGHTS

Jake Mamo, Nathan Ross (if James McManus retires due to concussion), Sione Mata’utia (suspended round one), Dane Gagai, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen (c), Trent Hodkinson, Kade Snowden, Tyler Randell, Korbin Sims, Robbie Rochow, Tariq Sims (suspended for first five rounds), Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Danny Levi, Jack Stockwell, Sam Mataora, Joe Tapine

Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs) is the new halves partner for Jarrod Mullen, with Tyrone Roberts (Titans) and Kurt Gidley (Warrington Wolves) having left the club. Tyler Randell is promoted to the starting hooker spot in place of Adam Clydsdale (Raiders), with Holden Cup Team of the Year member Danny Levi set to score a bench spot. Robbie Rochow is likely to run the right edge vacated by Test hardman Beau Scott (Eels).

PANTHERS

Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Peta Hiku, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace (c), Reagan Campbell-Gillard, James Segeyaro, Sam McKendry, Bryce Cartwright, Elijah Taylor, Trent Merrin. Interchange: Tyrone Peachey, Jeremy Latimore, Isaah Yeo, Suaia Matagi

Star recruit Peta Hiku slots in at centre. He can also play fullback, although coach Anthony Griffin is keen to keep Matt Moylan in the No. 1 jersey, despite admitting a move to the halves could be on the cards at some stage. Recruit Trent Merrin starts at lock in a forward pack missing Lewis Brown (Panthers), Sika Manu (Hull FC), Adam Docker, Nigel Plum and Brent Kite (all retired). The backline has lost Jamal Idris (released) and David Simmons (retired), but is bolstered by the returns of Moylan (ankle) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (collapsed lung) from serious injuries.

RABBITOHS

Greg Inglis (c), Alex Johnston, Bryson Goodwin, Kirisome Auva’a, Aaron Gray, Luke Keary (suspended round one), Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Damien Cook, Dave Tyrrell, Chris Grevsmuhl, John Sutton, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Cameron McInnes, Tom Burgess, Kyle Turner, Paul Carter

International centre Dylan Walker has officially left the club for Manly. James Roberts remains a target, although we currently have Bryson Goodwin and Kirisome Auva’a filling centre spots, with Aaron Gray coming onto a wing. Marquee signing Sam Burgess (English rugby) is a huge inclusion at lock. Conversely, Issac Luke (Warriors) is a massive loss. Recruit Damien Cook (Bulldogs) is set to start in the No. 9, with Cameron McInnes coming off the bench - although Paul Carter can also play hooker. To accommodate Burgess, the Rabbitohs have shed forwards Glenn Stewart (Catalan Dragons), Ben Lowe (retired) and Chris McQueen (Titans).

RAIDERS

Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Jarrod Croker (c), Joseph Leilua, Sisa Waqa, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Paul Vaughan, Josh Hodgson, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sia Soliola, Josh Papalii, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Kurt Baptiste, Elliot Whitehead, Jeff Lima, Shannon Boyd

Recruit Aidan Sezer (Titans) and 2015 revelation Blake Austin form a new-look halves combination. The exits of David Shillington (Titans) and Dane Tilse (Hull KR) leave a gap at prop. Paul Vaughan is expected to score a permanent starting role up front, while recruit Jeff Lima (Catalans Dragons) gains a bench spot. Word out of the nation’s capital is that Tevita Pangai Jr is training the house down and could push Lima and co for a spot in the prop rotation. England sensation Elliot Whitehead (Catalan Dragons), who played brilliantly in the recent Test series against New Zealand, scores a spot on the bench. Kurt Baptiste wins the bench hooker role over recruit Adam Clydsdale (Knights).

ROOSTERS

Blake Ferguson, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joe Burgess, Jackson Hastings, Mitchell Pearce (c), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend (c), Dylan Napa, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra, Isaac Liu. Interchange: Mitchell Aubusson, Kane Evans, Sam Moa, Sio Siua Taukeiaho

The exit of star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors) causes a backline re-shuffle. Blake Ferguson is being groomed to wear the No. 1, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall to move in one spot to centre. That leaves a wing spot open, with English recruit Joe Burgess the frontrunner, although Holden Cup Team of the Year member Latrell Mitchell will provide stiff competition. Young gun Jackson Hastings replaces James Maloney at five-eighth. The Roosters hope Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL) will be fit for round one.

SEA EAGLES

Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, Tom Trbojevic, Dylan Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Nate Myles, Apisai Koroisau, Jake Trbojevic, Jamie Buhrer, Lewis Brown, Martin Taupau. Interchange: Feleti Mateo, Brenton Lawrence, Darcy Lussick, Matt Parcell

Dylan Walker (Rabbitohs) has been recruited to play five-eighth alongside Daly Cherry-Evans. Peta Hiku has been let go to accommodate emerging superstar Tom Trbojevic in the backline. Nate Myles, Lewis Brown, Martin Taupau and Darcy Lussick will all earn spots in a new-look pack. Apisai Koroisau takes over from Matt Ballin (Tigers) at hooker, with coach Trent Barrett indicating exciting recruit Matt Parcell (Broncos) will score a bench spot.

SHARKS

Jack Bird, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Valentine Holmes, James Maloney, Chad Townsend, Andrew Fifita, Michael Ennis, Sam Tagataese, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Ben Barba, Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya, Jesse Sene-Lefao

High-profile recruit James Maloney (Roosters) and local junior Chad Townsend (Warriors) form a fresh halves combination. Reigning NRL Rookie of the Year Jack Bird has been training at fullback in the pre-season, where he is set to replace Michael Gordon (Eels), although Valentine Holmes is breathing down Bird’s neck. The exit of Anthony Tupou (Wakefield) leaves a bench spot open for recruit Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sea Eagles).

STORM

Billy Slater, Marika Koroibete, Will Chambers, Cameron Munster, Cheyse Blair, Blake Green, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Jordan McLean, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Dale Finucane. Interchange: Tim Glasby, Kenny Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Matt White/Felise Kaufusi

With Billy Slater (shoulder) already back in training following serious injury, 2015 revelation Cameron Munster will switch to the centres to replace Kurt Mann (Dragons). Dale Finucane will take the lock spot full time following the exit of club stalwart Ryan Hinchcliffe (Huddersfield). The departure of Matt Duffie (rugby union) leaves a wing spot open for recruit Cheyse Blair (Sea Eagles), although he faces pressure from Jeremy Hawkins (Raiders), Richie Kennar, Young Tonumaipea and Hymel Hunt.

TIGERS

James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Kevin Naiqama, Tim Simona, Justin Hunt, Mitch Moses, Luke Brooks (suspended round one), Aaron Woods (c), Robbie Farah, Sauaso Sue, Curtis Sironen, Chris Lawrence, Dene Halatau (suspended round one). Interchange: Matt Ballin, Ava Seumanufagai, Joel Edwards, Kyle Lovett

Robbie Farah will stay at the Tigers, despite an embarrassing contract wrangle. Pat Richards (Catalan Dragons) is replaced on the wing by Justin Hunt (Dragons). Dene Halatau is in line to take over from Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles) at lock. Recruit Joel Edwards (Raiders) scores a bench spot in the absence of Keith Galloway (Leeds Rhinos).

TITANS

Josh Hoffman, Anthony Don, Will Zillman, Nene Macdonald, David Mead, Kane Elgey, Tyrone Roberts, Luke Douglas, Nathan Friend, David Shillington, Chris McQueen, Ryan James, Greg Bird (c). Interchange: Eddy Pettybourne, Zeb Taia, David Hala, Agnatius Paasi

Star centre James Roberts has left the club, with Will Zillman slotting into the centres and Anthony Don coming onto the wing. That said, Peter Mata’utia (Dragons) has been mentioned as a backline target. Recruit Tyrone Roberts (Knights) is the frontrunner to replace Aidan Sezer (Raiders) in the halves. However, reigning Holden Cup Player of the Year Ashley Taylor will be snapping at the heels of Roberts and last year’s revelation Kane Elgey. In the pack, recruit Nathan Friend (Warriors) becomes the frontline hooker, with Beau Falloon (Leeds) let go. Middle-man David Shillington (Raiders) takes a senior role in place of Nate Myles (Sea Eagles). The exit of Dave Taylor (Catalan Dragons) creates a forward spot for recruit Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons), while Chris McQueen (Titans ) has also joined the club.

WARRIORS

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Ryan Hoffman, Bodene Thompson, Simon Mannering (c). Interchange: Ligi Sao, Ben Henry, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete

The Warriors have two huge signings in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters) and Issac Luke (Rabbitohs). Sam Tomkins (Wigan) and Nathan Friend (Titans) make way respectively. Shaun Johnson (ankle) is back running and expected to recover from serious injury for the season start, but he’ll have a new halves partner following the exit of Chad Townsend (Sharks). Thomas Leuluai is the frontrunner, but Tuimoala Lolohea and veteran recruit Jeff Robson (Sharks) are also options. Konrad Hurrell has been given permission to negotiate with other clubs, but word out of Auckland is that he’s on fire in pre-season and set for a starting centre spot.

Originally published as UPDATED: Predicted NRL teams for 2016 — how your side will line up for the coming season