NRL trials 2022: Kade Dykes gets chance to extend family ties with Cronulla
A new chapter for one of the Cronulla Shrks’ most famous surnames is set to be written on Sunday. FULL TRIALS PREVIEW
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Kade Dykes is on the verge of becoming a third-generation Shark with the outstanding prospect edging towards his NRL dream.
The son of 183-game Shark, Adam Dykes, and grandson to former Cronulla backrower John Dykes, the 20-year-old rookie has been chosen at fullback in the Sharks NRL trial match against Penrith at Commbank Stadium Sunday afternoon.
A Cronulla local junior, just like his skilful father who debuted for the Sharks as an 18-year-old in 1995, young Dykes has impressed head coach Craig Fitzgibbon in just his first full-time pre-season.
Boasting speed and size at 92kg, Dykes has a superb running and passing game, having only made the transition from five-eighth – his father‘s best position – as a junior to the fullback spot 18-months ago.
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Fitzgibbon made a point of heralding the club’s nursery of talent upon signing to become a head coach at Cronulla last year, with Dykes on a list of untapped talent the coach is eager to nurture through to NRL.
Dykes has also spent time at five-eighth and centre over summer – his adaptability a likely bonus ahead of a 2022 season where club’s are preparing to be hampered by last-minute roster changes due to Covid.
Dykes said he was excited for the chance to take a major step towards his dream.
“The goal is to go all the way and play some first grade in the next couple of years,” Dykes said.
“Cronulla has always been a good area for juniors, so it’s been really good to be part of that system and develop to be with the big boys.
“I’ll play wherever they want to put me.
“I’ve grown up playing six and then the last year and a half, I’ve been playing fullback.
“But I’ll play wherever.’’
Dykes was just seven when his father played his final season with Cronulla in 2007.
Adam said he was proud that his boy was closer than ever before to getting his own taste of the big time.
“He works ridiculously hard. My wife and I are so proud of his work-ethic. He‘s made so many sacrifices and he’s been training for this moment for four or five years,’’ Adam said.
“It’s pretty cool that he gets to wear the Sharks jumper on Sunday when you consider when I was playing he used to come to Shark Park as a little boy and run around on the field after school.
“The club has been in our family’s blood forever, the club is in an amazing spot off the field and on the field I think Fitzy (Fitzgibbon) is going to be a long-term coach there and he’s got some wonderful coaching staff and senior players there.
“Kade comes home from training and he talks about Dale Finucane and Wade (Graham), and Cam (McInnes) and (Aiden) Tolman – four seriously well-credentialed individuals and he’s just learning so much.
“As a dad, it makes me proud that those guys give a young player like Kade so much guidance.”
THE BIGGEST BATTLE AT YOUR CLUB
BRONCOS
Position: Five-eighth
Contenders: Albert Kelly, Tyson Gamble, Billy Walters, Ezra Mam, Kotoni Staggs
Youngster Ezra Mam got the jump on his rivals with a dynamic display in last week’s trial against Wynnum Manly, while Albert Kelly had some moments last year and starts at halfback this week. The No.6? Billy Walters, son of coach Kevin.
BULLDOGS
Position: Centres, winger
Contenders: Jayden Okunbor, Aaron Schoupp, Brent Naden, Braidon Burns, Paul Alamoti, Corey Allan, Tuipulotu Katoa and Reece Hoffman.
New recruits Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Dufty are the only certainties for round 1, leaving three backline spots to be fought between at least eight players – not including Jake Averillo, who is slated to start at halfback – over the next fortnight.
COWBOYS
Position: Fullback, five-eighth, halfback
Contenders: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater, Jake Granville, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter.
New halfback Chad Townsend is the only certainty out of this bunch, with the early indication that Tabuai-Fidow will be at fullback and Holmes in the centres. None of these players will trial against South Sydney on Saturday.
DRAGONS
Position: Five-eighth
Contenders: Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan
All eyes are on which of the Dragons’ two youngsters, Sullivan, who last year re-signed until the end of 2025, or Amone, will partner Ben Hunt in the halves. Both are the future but Amone will feature against the Eels on Sunday.
EELS
Position: Wing
Contenders: Haze Dunster, Bailey Simonsson
One of the more settled line-ups in the league, with Dunster and Simonsson set to start on the wings until the return of Maika Sivo. Then it’s a fight for one jumper.
KNIGHTS
Position: Halfback
Contenders: Adam Clune, Phoenix Crossland
Clune is all but certain to start the season in the No.7, but will he stay there? Early results could dictate whether Crossland is given a crack at replacing Mitchell Pearce.
PANTHERS
Position: Centre
Contenders: Izack Tago, Christian Crichton, Robert Jennings, Taylan May
Penrith lost their premiership-winning centres over summer, although grand-final hero Stephen Crichton reverts to his preferred centre spot. Tago is widely considered the frontrunner for the other and gets a run on Sunday alongside Jennings.
RAIDERS
Position: Fullback
Contenders: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Xavier Savage
Hard to think Nicoll-Klokstad is under pressure to retain his No.1 jumper, but rumours abound on whether he’s the long-term fullback. Curiously, Savage starts there in this weekend’s trial while Nicoll-Klokstad is on the bench.
ROOSTERS
Position: Wing
Contenders: Kevin Naiqama, Joseph Suaalii, Billy Smith
The retirement of Brett Morris and exit of Matt Ikuvalu leaves new buy Naiqama to battle teen prodigy Suaalii for the vacant wing spot.
RABBITOHS
Position: Centre
Contenders: Jaxson Paulo, Taane Milne, Isaiah Tass, Josiah Karapani, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Zane Bijorac, Richie Kennar
The focus may be on who will replace halfback Adam Reynolds, but rookie coach Jason Demetriou also has to replace centre Dane Gagai. A winger last year, Paulo gets a crack in this weekend’s trial.
SEA EAGLES
Position: Left second row
Contenders: Karl Lawton, Andrew Davey, Ethan Bullemor
An injury to Josh Schuster has exposed a lack of depth, with Lawton, Davey and new face Ethan Bullemor their only other backrowers on the roster.
SHARKS
Position: Centre
Contenders: Connor Tracey, Matt Ikuvalu, Mawene Hiroti
The team all but picks itself for rookie coach Craig Fitzgibbon, although the incumbent centre Tracey could face some heat from new recruit Ikuvalu, as well as Hiroti. Tracey’s value is also in his versatility.
STORM
Position: Lock
Contenders: Tepai Moeroa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Brandon Smith, Trent Loiero
It will be strange not seeing Dale Finucane in the No.13 jumper, and nor will it be filled by the suspended Brandon Smith for round 1. Smith might not even be the long-term solution if he’s best serving from the bench, opening the door for Moeroa or Loiero.
TITANS
Position: Prop Contenders: Isaac Liu, Herman Ese’ese, Sam Lisone, Jarrod Wallace, Jaimin Jolliffe
The race is on to seize the third middle forward spot alongside Fa’asuamaleaui and Fotuaika. Wallace is the frontrunner, but Liu’s arrival from the Roosters could force changes. Wallace and Jolliffe start against Brisbane Saturday.
WEST TIGERS
Position: Centres
Contenders: Oliver Gildart, Starford To’a, Tyrone Peachey, James Roberts, Adam Doueihi, William Kei
With Tommy Talau to miss half the season, Tigers are set to field a new centres for round one. Englishman Oliver Gildart should seize one spot, with the trials to sort out the other. Roberts, on a train-and-trial deal over the summer, could reclaim his position.
WARRIORS
Position: Lock
Contenders: Jazz Tevaga, Josh Curran, Bayley Sironen, Bunty Afoa
Coach Nathan Brown has declared the No.13 jersey up for grabs despite the emergence of Tevaga as a hitman. Curran re-signed this week until the end of 2024, but it’s Afoa who gets the early chance against Melbourne in Saturday’s trial.
THREE FIGHT IT OUT TO PLAY CENTRE FOR RABBITOHS
Jaxson Paulo will have first crack at proving why he should replace Dane Gagai as South Sydney’s new starting centre, but he’ll face plenty of pressure from one of the club’s most exciting young backline talents to do so.
Much of the summer in Redfern has centred on who will fill the gaping hole left by captain and halfback Adam Reynolds’ high-profile exit to Brisbane.
But the battle to find a replacement for Gagai, arguably the best centre in the competition, will also be hotly contested over the next fortnight of trial games.
With Campbell Graham locked in on one edge, it leaves the likes of Paulo, journeyman Taane Milne and young gun Josiah Karapani to fight to be in the starting line-up.
Rookie Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou, who takes over from Wayne Bennett, declared the club’s first hitout against North Queensland in Cairns on Saturday as the perfect opportunity for the club’s younger and fringe players to impress ahead of round one.
“It’s more about individually getting out there, getting used to some contact, expressing yourself and showing the coach you’ve had a good pre-season and you’re ready to put yourself in the frame,” Demetriou said.
Paulo and Karapani have been given first shot at staking their claim to face Brisbane in their season-opener, with Paulo, last year’s grand final winger, with the inside running.
One of only a handful of grand final players to feature against the Cowboys, Paulo has started all 25 of his NRL games on the wing.
But in a telling sign of how he intends to use him, Demetriou sees Paulo as a centre.
“It’s a big reason why Jaxson is playing (Saturday),” Demetriou said.
“He’s played a lot of first grade on the wing, he hasn’t played a lot in the centres, although I think that’s his position, I think he’s a centre.
“And he’s been one of our best in the pre-season. As has Karapani, those two have been a shining light throughout the pre-season.”
While Demetriou likened Karapani to former NSW State of Origin three-quarter Michael Jennings, he noted the differences between him and Paulo.
“Jaxson’s a tall, big body, similar to Campbell Graham, and a good skillset. Karapani is a short, powerful, fast, really good feet and very strong. Reminds me of a young Michael Jennings,” Demetriou said.
“I’m excited to see how they get there, and judging from training (on Friday), I think they’ll go very well.”
Milne has not been named for Saturday’s trial, but has started at centre, on the wing and come off the bench throughout his career.
NEXT GEN: 10 SONS OF GUNS PLAYING IN TRIALS THIS WEEK
New faces, big-name recruits and old-timers will be back in action this weekend when the NRL trials. Check out the who’s lining-up for your team, the players to watch and the key talking points.
STORM V WARRIORS
Casey Fields, Melbourne, Saturday 4PM
STORM
• Craig Bellamy will be up against it to keep his unbeaten round one record in tact this year given suspensions to Harry Grant, Cam Munster and Brandon Smith, while Tui Kamikamica is also stood down. Throw into the mix that Dale Finucane, Josh Addo Carr and Nicho Hynes have all moved on. This is why the Storm’s trial form matters.
• Grant, Munster and Smith have all be named to play in Saturday’s trial along with new recruits Xavier Coates and Nick Meaney. Bellamy will turn Coates into a superstar this year, while Meaney has the athleticism and skills to easily develop into a Hynes-type X factor.
• Throw in some famous surnames like Cole Geyer (son of Matt), Bronson Garlick (Sean) and Tyran Wishart (Rod) all getting a chance to impress.
• Another who arrives with big expectations is young backrower Jack Howarth, the Queenslander who knocked back the Wallabies. With Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi heading to the Dolphins next year, Howarth is tipped to be one the Storm will build their pack around in years to come.
• The other boom youngster flying under the radar down in Melbourne is Jonah Pezet. Signed from Newcastle, they reckon the son of former first-grader Troy Pezet has the flare of a Sam Walker. Cooper Johns, son of Matthew, will also get a shot at a Round 1 spot with the Storm.
• And Jayden Nikorima will also be pulling on an NRL jumper for the first time since 2016.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. George Jennings, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. William Warbrick, 5. Xavire Coates, 6. Cooper Johns, 7. Jayden Nikorima, 8. Josh King, 9. Tyran Wishart, 10. Chris Lewis, 11. Trent Loiero, 12. Bronson Garlick, 13. Brandon Smith. Interchange: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Wesley Lolo. Reserves: 17. William Samuel, 18. Jonah Pezet, 19. Sualauvi Faalogo, 20. Dean Ieremia, 21. Cole Geyer, 22. Patrice Solo, 23. Ammaron Gudgeon, 24. Cameron Munster, 25. Grant Anderson, 26. Darius Farmer.
WARRIORS
• Ash Taylor could easily turn out the buy of the year for the Warriors. While he’s getting paid next to nothing, there is mail the Titans’ discard could easily end up as Shaun Johnson’s starting halves partner ahead of Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima. Nikorima will start at five-eighth here and Harris-Tavita off the bench.
• With no Roger Tuivasa-Sheck the need for Reece Walsh to go to another level this year intensifies, and how he handles the pressure will be crucial.
• Former Bronco Jesse Arthars gets a run on the wing but I do worry about the lack of experience Nathan Brown has in his outside backs with RTS, Peta Hiku, Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu’a all gone.
• Twin brothers Otukinekina and Valingi Kepu both play in the middle and are big, big boys, still on development contracts but will move into the top 30 next year.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Reece Walsh. 2. Jesse Arthars. 3. Rocco Berry. 4. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. 5. Marcelo Montoya. 6. Kodi Nikorima. 7. Ash Taylor. 8. Addin Fonua-Blake. 9. Taniela Otukolo. 10. Matt Lodge. 11. Euan Aitken. 12. Eliesa Katoa. 13. Bunty Afoa. Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga. 15. Otukinekina-He-Tofonga Kepu. 16. Peesi Kepu. Reserves: 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Junior Ratuva, 8. Aaron Pene, 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 17. Chanel Harris-Tavita. 18. Bayley Sironen. 20. Pride Patterson-Robati. 21. Garrett Smith. 22. Adam Cook. 23. Jayden Corrigan. 24. Viliami Vailea. 25. Edward Kosi.
RABBITOHS V COWBOYS
Barlow Park, Cairns, Saturday 5PM
RABBITOHS
• Not many grand final starters backing up but there sure is plenty to prove for a few of these youngsters. And all eyes will be on Lachlan Ilias to see how he handles taking over from Adam Reynolds. Everyone says Ilias has the talent and attitude to handle it, but how many young halves actually survive their first full season without a few ups and downs? That’s why I reckon the Rabbitohs’ decision to turn their back on Anthony Milford might come back to bite them if Milford ultimately does get a clearance to play at Newcastle.
• Young Davvy Moale is another who has everything to play for in these trials. He’s the one they liken to Payne Haas but he’s going to have to really make a big impression to even get a spot in the 17 for round one if the Rabbitohs are at full strength given their forward depth.
• The other player I’m keen to get a take on is how Jaxson Paulo handles the shift to the centres where he is expected to take over permanently from Dane Gagai. Make no mistake, Gagai will be a big loss so Paulo really has to step up his intensity.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Blake Taaffe. 2. Zane Bijorac. 3. Jaxson Paulo. 4. Josiah Karapani. 5. Richie Kennar. 6. Jack Campagnolo. 7. Lachlan Ilias. 8. Hame Sele. 9. Peter Mamouzelos. 10. Davvy Moale. 11. Ben Lovett. 12. Jed Cartwright. 13. Siliva Havili. Interchange: 14. Tallis Duncan. 15. Tyson Hodge. 16. Shaquai Mitchell. Reserves: 17. Lachlan Gale. 18. Izaac Thompson. 19. Jacob Gagai. 20. Isaiah Vailalo. 21. Nick Mougios. 22. Romano Cook. 23. Shannon Gardiner. 24. Trent Peoples.
COWBOYS
• There’s not much of an NRL flavour to the Cowboys squad in this trial but still it will be worth watching just to see some of them emerging talent coming through up north. Former Fijian rugby Olympic Gold medallist Iosefo Baleiwairiki is one worth keeping an eye on in the centres.
• Young five-eighth Jake Bourke, who came through Ignatius Park College, also comes with big raps and put in a good showing in last week’s Young Guns trial.
• Of the young forwards Griffin Neame and Riley Price are said to have big futures. Neame is the big red-headed prop who finished last season in NRL after starting the year for the Blackhawks, while Price is the son of former Queensland warhorse Steve who has had a shocking run of injuries in recent years, but an indication of his talent is the fact the club has stuck by him.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Tom Chester. 2. Laitia Moceidreke. 3. Jordan Lipp. 4. Brendan Elliot. 5. Iosefo Baleiwairiki. 6. Jake Bourke. 7. Daejarn Asi. 8. Emry Pere. 9. Josh Chudleigh. 10. Griffin Neame. 11. Ben Condon. 12. Connelly Lemuelu. 13. Riley Price. Interchange: 14. Patrick Kaufusi. 15. Ross Bella. 16. Bernard Lewis. Reserves: 17. Andre Niko. 18. Nick Lui-Toso. 19. Jayden Hodges. 20. Kayleb Milne. 21. Zac Laybutt. 22. Kyle Laybutt.
TITANS V BRONCOS
Cbus Stadium, Saturday, 7PM
TITANS
• Justin Holbrook has named Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton to spearhead a young squad that offers plenty of talking points starting with skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui young brother Iszac, Payne Haas’ brother Klese, and David Fifita’s cousin Jojo. Jojo was a schoolboy sprint champion poached from rugby.
• Shallin Fuller is another to watch out for. Plays in the halves and is an absolute flyer who played a lot of footy previously with young Campbell.
• And Tom Weaver is the 2021 Australian Schoolboys halfback who comes from Palm Beach Currumbin.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Treymain Spry, 3. Sosefo Fifita, 4. Esan Marstres, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Paul Turner, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Tanah Boyd, 10. Jaimin Joliffe, 11. Sam McIntyre, 12. Jacob Alick, 13. Sam Lisone. Interchange: 14. Thomas Weaver, 15. Herman Ese’esee, 16. Shalin Fuller. Reserves: 1. Jaylen De Groot, 10. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, 13. Klese Haas, 17. Tony Francis, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 19. Charlie Murray, 20. Ben Liyou, 21. Oskar Bryant, 22. Caleb Hodges.
BRONCOS
• Huge interest here all over the park. Kurt Capewell has been named to make his club debut in a strong line-up that includes Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, Jake Turpin and Pat Carrigan returning from knee surgery.
• The battle to see who partners Adam Reynolds this year is obviously the big interest with Billy Walters named at six, Albert Kelly at seven, and Tyson Gamble and young gun Ezra Mam on the bench. What I’m hearing is Billy Walters might just have his nose in front at this point but trial form will be key.
• The battle for the wing spots is also interesting with Selwyn Cobbo and Corey Oates named to start and former Dragon Jordan Pereira on the bench, while David Mead has the fullback spot with Tesi Nui out with a hamstring injury and in danger to miss the start of the season. I hope Cobbo also gets a crack at fullback in this game.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. David Mead. 2. Selwyn Cobbo. 3. Kotoni Staggs. 4. Brenko Lee. 5. Corey Oates. 6. Billy Walters. 7. Albert Kelly. 8. Thomas Flegler. 9. Jake Turpin. 10. Corey Jensen. 11. Kurt Capewell. 12. TC Robati. 13. Kobe Hetherington. Interchange: 14. Pat Carrigan. 15. Rhys Kennedy. 16. Corey Paix. 17. Jamayne Isaako. Reserves: 18. Zac Hosking. 19. Tyson Gamble. 20. Jordan Pereira. 21. Deine Mariner. 22. Ezra Mam. 23. Ethan Quai-Ward. 24. Logan Bayliss.
SHARKS V PANTHERS
Commbank Stadium, Sunday 4PM
SHARKS
• New coach Craig Fitzgibbon has made the call to hold back Nicho Hynes, Dale Finucane, Cam McInnes and Wade Graham until next week’s trial.
• That leaves Braydon Trindall with a chance to press his claims for round one selection playing five-eighth with former Gold Coast youngster Ryan Rivett at No 7. 2021 Queensland Cup player of the year Jayden Berrell is dummy half.
• Kade Dykes, son of Adam, is named at fullback. He’s been training with the NRL squad and gets his chance to show what he’s capable of.
• Former Tiger Zac Ceni has a bench spot along with former Eel Rhys Davies.
• And rookie forward Jesse Colquhoun is named at lock. He won the 2021 Coaches Award in the SG Ball.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Kade Dykes. 2. Sam Stonestreet. 3. Jensen Taumoepeau. 4. Kayal Iro. 5. Jonaiah Lualua. 6. Braydon Trindall. 7. Ryan Rivett. 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele. 9. Jayden Berrell. 10. Royce Hunt. 11. Siosifa Talakai. 12. Teig Wilton. 13. Jesse Colquhoun. Interchange: 14. Zac Cini. 15. Jack Martin. 16. Franklin Pele. Reserves: 17. Jordan Samrani. 18. Rhys Davies. 19. Zac Woolford. 20. Charbel Tasipale. 21. Reubenn Rennie. 22. Angus Ernst. 24. Thomas Hazelton. 25. Joshua Finau.
PANTHERS
* Plenty of opportunities for the next generation with none of their big stars in action
* Charlie Staines is at fullback, exciting young talents Sunia Turuva, Isack Tago and Tom Jenkins will start in the backline alongside Robert Jennings. With last year‘s premiership-winning starting centres – Matt Burton and Paul Momirovski – gone, there are positions up for grabs.
– Sean Sullivan gets a chance at halfback, with Mitch Kenny at hooker. Both are expected to battle it out to be Penrith‘s No.14 when Cleary, Luai and Koroisau return.
* Mavrik Geyer, son of Mark, will come off the bench, as is rising young prop Lindsay Smith.
* Interesting move with utility Jaemon Salmon named in the back row.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Charlie Staines. 2. Sunia Turuva. 3. Izack Tago. 4. Robert Jennings. 5. Tom Jenkins. 6. Kurt Falls. 7. Sean O’Sullivan. 8. Eddie Blacker. 9. Mitch Kenny. 10. Matt Eisenhuth. 11. Jaeman Salmon. 12. Chris Smith. 13. J’maine Hopgood. Interchange: 14. Mavrik Geyer. 15. Lindsay Smith. 16. Liam Henry. Reserves: 17. Hohepa Puru. 18. Niwhai Puru. 19. Logan Dickson. 20. Matt Stimson. 21. William Fakatouimafi. 22. Alec Susino. 23. Brad Fearnley.
EELS V DRAGONS
Commbank Stadium, Sunday 6PM
EELS
• No Gutherson, Moses or Brown but I’m really looking forward to seeing how much Jake Arthur’s game has developed over the summer, while Reed Mahoney is back and has everything to play for this year after committing his long-term future to the Bulldogs. If Mahoney plays in that final against Penrith, I reckon the Eels win. And while a lot has been said about the players they will be losing next year, I can’t remember them going into a season with a better chance to finally end that premiership drought in a long, long time.
• The competition for the wing spots is also interesting with Haze Dunster and former Raider Bailey Simonsson named to start, with Sean Russell and Solomone Naiduki also named on the extended bench. With Maika Sivo sidelined through injury, Naiduki is another powerfully built Fijian who the club has high hopes for.
• It’s great to see Ray Stone getting a start at lock where he belongs. The poor bugger copped it for a couple of errors in that final game when he was playing dummy half last year, but in fairness he should not have been left out there as long as he was. But there aren’t many who hit harder and I reckon after signing with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins for next year Stone’s self-belief would have to be soaring.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Hayze Perham. 2. Haze Dunster. 3. Tom Opacic. 4. Will Penisini. 5. Bailey Simonsson. 6. Jordan Rankin. 7. Jake Arthur. 8. Oregon Kaufusi. 9. Reed Mahoney. 10. Makahesi Makatoa. 11. Marata Nuikore. 12. Shaun Lane. 13. Ray Stone. Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein. 15. Bryce Cartwright. 16. Sean Russell. Reserves: 17. Luca Moretti. 18. Ky Rodwell. 19. Ofahiki Ogden. 20. Eli El-Zakhem. 21. Brendan Hands. 22. Solomone Naiduki. 23. Matt Komolafe. 24. Josh Tuipulotu.
DRAGONS
• Anthony Griffin is adamant he has not made a decision on who will start the year at fullback and Tyrell Sloan and Cody Ramsey are both going to get plenty of game time during the trials. While that try Sloan scored in the All Stars games typifies what a talent he is, Griffin is a massive fan of Ramsey’s give-it-everything attitude.
• The battle for spots in the Dragons’ pack will be fierce with so many experienced players in contention. I worked out the other day they have 1999 games of NRL experience in their pack, and there is going to be some disappointment come round one when Griffin names his team. So you’d imagine they’ll be pumped for these trials.
• The other interesting battle will be between Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan for the five-eighth position with Griffin again vowing form will decide. There was a whisper going around the Dolphins have been making some sneaky inquiries about Amone, although he is signed until the end of 2023.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Tyrell Sloan, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Max Feagai, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Moses Mbye, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Poasa Faamausili, 11. Jack Gosiewski, 12. Tyrell Fuimaono, 13. Josh Kerr. Intrechange: 14. George Burgess, 15. Daniel Alvaro, 16. Jackson Ford. Reserves: 17. Josh McGuire, 18. Mathew Feagai, 19. Jaiyden Hunt, 20. Michael Maolo, 21. Joshua Coric, 22. Connor Muhleisen, 23. Jackson Shereb, 24. Bailey Antrobus, 25. Jonathon Reuben, 26. Dean Blore.
KNIGHTS V BULLDOGS
McDonald Jones Stadium, Monday 7PM
KNIGHTS
• We’re about to find out how much the Knights are going to miss Mitchell Pearce this year, especially with Jayden Brailey now sidelined through injury. It leaves the Knights with one of the youngest and most inexperienced spines in the league.
• While the club is still waiting to see if they will get the go ahead to sign Anthony Milford, if that doesn’t eventuate there is going to be huge pressure on young Jake Clifford and Adam Clune to run this team. It will be interesting to see the influence Andrew Johns has had so far.
• How is Chris Randall going to handle the hooking duties? And what role will Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann play with Connor Watson back at the Roosters? Crossland and Mann are also said to be in the hunt for the No 13 spot.
• A positive for Newcastle is Dane Gagai’s arrival gives them arguably the best centre pairing in the game along with Bradman Best, and there is plenty of contenders for the wing spots with trial form sure to be decisive.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Kayln 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. Jirah Momoisea, 13. Kurt Mann. Interchange: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Lachlan Fiztgibbon, 31. Honeti Tuha. Reserves: 18. Hymel Hunt, 19. Mat Croker, 20. Mckenzie Baker, 21. Bailey Hodgson, 22. Braydeen Musgrave, 23. Dylan Phythian, 24. Chris Vea’ila, 25. Kobe Rugless, 26. Jaron Purcell, 27. Liam Wilkinson, 28, Cooper Jenkins, 29. Tim Johannssen, 30. Ben Talty.
BULLDOGS
• It will be interesting to see how Trent Barrett plays this with Jake Averillo, Kyle Flanagan and Brandon Wakeham all named. All the reports suggest Averillo will get first crack at being Matt Burton’s halves partner so let’s see if he is handed the keys to be the chief playmaker this weekend.
• New recruit Matt Dufty also goes into the season with his career at the crossroads after signing a one-year deal. Everyone knows Dufty is a weapon with the ball, but I wonder if he has improved his commitment in defence over the summer?
• And which Tevita Pangai will we see this season, because when he really puts his mind to it he can be the most fearsome forward in the comp. He just needs to do it consistently. Yet he’s now 26 and still hasn’t cracked Origin. Will this finally be the year?
• As for stars of the future, young centre Paul Alamoti could be anything. Powerfully built and a try scoring weapon, he might not be ready to start the season in the NRL team but he could well be pushing for a spot by the end of it.
TRIAL LINE-UP: 1. Matt Dufty, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Paul Alamoti, 5. Declan Casey, 6. Brandon Wakeham, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Jack Hetherington, 12. Tevita Pangai Junior, 13. Josh Jackson. Interchange: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Chris Patolo, 16. Joe Stimson, 28. Jackson Topine. Reserves: 17. Corey Waddell, 19. Joshua Cook, 20. Max King, 21. Reece Hoffman, 22. Larson Doyle, 23. Ava Seumanifagai, 24. Kyle Flanagan, 25. Jacob Kiraz, 26. Creedence Toia, 27. Eli Clark.
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