NRL predicted round 1 teams 2018
NEWCASTLE shock as a Test hooker is overlooked, rookie wins a club debut, two gun No.1s sidelined, and more - check out all the latest NRL team news!
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NEWCASTLE coach Nathan Brown has revealed that Danny Levi will be missing when he unveils his Round 1 side to face Manly.
Levi played hooker for New Zealand during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup but has lost his place in the Knights side following the arrival of former Storm utility Slade Griffin.
”It’s not about form, it’s about the balance of the team. It was a tough call,” Brown said on Tuesday.
With Griffin set to start in the No.9 jersey, young playmaker Brock Lamb could win a spot on the bench.
Coach Nathan Brown has confirmed that Danny Levi will not play in the NRL side this week.
— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) March 6, 2018
â€It’s not about form, it’s about the balance of the team. It was a tough call.â€#goKnights pic.twitter.com/NRNxR6d4AH
Meanwhile, a famous name will be rolled out at a new NRL club. Jeremy Marshall-King is set to be named on the bench for the Bulldogs’ Round 1 clash against Melbourne.
Jeremy Marshall-King, brother of superstar Benji Marshall, made his NRL debut in the final game of 2017, when he came off the bench for Wests Tigers’ win over the Warriors.
Marshall-King switched clubs in the off-season, joining the Bulldogs.
And the move has paid off, with the utility set to be named on the bench for Saturday night’s clash with Melbourne in Perth.
— Phil Rothfield
In other Early Mail and SuperCoach news:
● Nathan Cleary will take charge of goal-kicking duties for Penrith this season after James Maloney told him he could have the gig.
● Melbourne Storm has officially ruled out Billy Slater for the season-opener
● Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote has been ruled out of Friday night’s clash with the Sharks
● Robbie Farah has lost the race for the South Sydney hooker spot. Damien Cook has been preferred with Farah to miss the 17 altogether. Cameron Murray will spend time at hooker if Cook needs a rest.
● Simon Mannering will miss the opening round of the NRL season with a shoulder injury. He wasn’t on the plane to Perth with the rest of the Warriors squad and could miss a month. Ligi Sao, Bunty Afoa and Isaiah Papali’i are possible replacements;
● At the Roosters, Luke Keary (broken jaw) is a certain starter. He’ll line up alongside new halves partner Cooper Cronk.
● Boom forward Kurt Dillon looks set to be named in Cronulla’s 21-man squad for their clash against the Cowboys.
● Jamayne Isaako, the 22nd most popular player in SuperCoach, will be named on the Brisbane wing for round one. Isaako has scored the right wing spot over Jonus Pearson.
● Retiring back-rower Sam Thaiday will start at hooker for the Broncos as cover for Andrew McCullough (ACL), who will play from the bench on his return from injury;
● Tevita Pangai Jr will receive the biggest test of his career by starting in the front row for Brisbane.
● Tigers forward Sauaso Sue (hamstring) is set to be eased back through reserves.
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DRAGONS V BRONCOS
Thursday, March 8, at Jubilee Oval, 7:50pm (AEDT)
Dragons predicted team: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack De Belin. Interchange: 14. Leeson Ah Mau 15. Hame Sele 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Kurt Mann
Who’s left: Jacob Host, Mitchell Allgood, Blake Lawrie, Jeremy Latimore, Jai Field, Zac Lomax, Tristan Sailor, Darren Nicholls, Jordan Pereira, Reuben Garrick, Patrick Herbert, Steven Marsters, Blake Lawrie, Jackson Ford, Reece Robson, Josh Kerr
Analysis: Matt Dufty has locked in the fullback spot vacated by Josh Dugan (Sharks) following stunning trial form. Star recruits Ben Hunt (halfback) and James Graham (prop) come straight into the starting side. Tariq Sims or Luciano Leilua will fill the left edge back row spot vacated by Joel Thompson (Sea Eagles). Kurt Mann (calf) is expected to play after being a late withdrawal from the Charity Shield.
Broncos predicted team: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jordan Kahu 4. James Roberts 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matt Lodge 9. Sam Thaiday 10. Tevita Pangai Jr 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh McGuire. Interchange: 14. Andrew McCullough 15. Korbin Sims 16. Joe Ofanhengaue 17. Jaydn Su’A
Who’s left: Jack Bird, Troy Dargan, George Fai, Salesi Funaki, Payne Haas, Patrick Mago, Shaun Nona, Mosese Pangai, Jonus Pearson, Andre Savelio, Sam Scarlett, Marion Seve, Gehamat Shibasaki, Sam Tagataese, Jake Turpin
Analysis: Retiring back-rower Sam Thaiday will start at hooker as cover for Andrew McCullough (ACL), who will play from the bench on his return from injury. Backrow sensation Jaydn Su’A will be unleashed off the bench. Corey Oates remains on the left wing, shattering his dream of playing in the back row. Jamyne Isaako scores the right wing spot. Tevita Pangai Jr will receive the biggest test of his career by starting in the front row. Darius Boyd (hamstring) is right to go. “I don’t think it’s an ongoing problem, I hope it’s not,” Boyd said on Monday. “The last six weeks after I had a little strain in January, it’s been really, really good and strong. I feel really good. There’s always going to be mental demons there definitely but it’s something that after a couple of games I will probably get over. I can’t do anymore than what I’ve done at training and I do feel really strong and confident in it.” Jordan Kahu will retain the kicking duties.
— Peter Badel and Rikki-Lee Arnold
KNIGHTS V SEA EAGLES
Friday, March 9, at McDonald Jones Stadium, 6pm (AEDT)
Knights predicted team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Nathan Ross 3. Tautau Moga 4. Sione Mata’utia 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Slade Griffin 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Mitch Barnett. Interchange: 14. Chris Heighington 15. Herman Ese’ese 16. Jamie Buhrer 17. Brock Lamb
Who’s left: Jacob Saifiti,Brodie Jones, Josh King, Luke Yates, Pasami Saulo, Sam Stone, Tom Starling, Tyrone Amey, Zac Hosking, Brayden Musgrove, Brent Naden, Christian Hazard, Cory Denniss, Dylan Phythian, Jack Cogger, Jack Johns, Ken Sio, Nick Meaney, Pat Mata’utia, Tom Hughes, Danny Levi
Analysis: The Knights will trot out a new-look spine of Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce, Connor Watson and Slade Griffin. Griffin has won the hooking spot over Danny Levi, who will not play NRL in Round 1. Sione Mata’utia will shift to centre after a string of concussions as an edge back rower last year. Recruits Tautau Moga, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jacob Lillyman, Chris Heighington, Aidan Guerra and Herman Ese’ese score spots in the 17. Mitch Barnett (shoulder) is racing the clock after missing the final trial. With Levi out, Brock Lamb could nab the final spot on the bench.
Sea Eagles predicted team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Akuila Uate 3. Brian Kelly 4. Matthew Wright 5. Jorge Taufua 6. Lachlan Croker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Martin Taupau 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Shaun Lane 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Frank Winterstein 17. Kelepi Tanginoa
Who’s left: Darcy Lussick, Taniela Paseka, Lewis Brown, Lloyd Perrett, Toafofoa Sipley, Brad Parker, Jackson Hastings, Tevita Funa, Tom Wright
Analysis: Lachlan Croker is confirmed for the five-eighth spot vacated by Blake Green. Recruit Joel Thompson slots straight into the starting back row. Dylan Walker (ankle/leg) will miss the opening month with Matthew Wright his replacement. Darcy Lussick (ankle) is replaced in the front row by Addin Fonua-Blake with Kelepi Tanginoa added to the bench. Jake Trbojevic (pectoral) and Jorge Taufua (ACL) returned from long lay-offs in the final trial.
Early Mail: Manly are poised to name giant forward Kelepi Tanginoa on their bench for Friday night’s round one match against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Tanginoa rattled a few Roosters players in a trial match a fortnight ago, impressing Manly coach Trent Barrett.
Barrett will finalise and name his side on Tuesday with second-rower Tanginoa ready to pinch a spot in the top 17.
Manly fans have been told Tanginoa resembles a “block of units.”
Tanginoa has previously played 13 NRL games with Parramatta and North Queensland.
— Dean Ritchie
COWBOYS V SHARKS
Friday, March 9, at 1300SMILES Stadium, 7:50pm (AEDT)
Cowboys predicted team: 1. Ben Hampton 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Javid Bowen 4. Justin O’Neill 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Te Marie Martin 15. Scott Bolton 16. John Asiata 17. Coen Hess
Who’s left: Lachlan Coote, Kane Linnett, Shaun Fensom, Sam Hoare, Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Marcus Jensen, Kyle Laybutt, Francis Molo, Carlin Anderson, Josh Chudleigh, Jake Clifford, Mitchell Dunn, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Emry Pere, Murray Tualagi, Enari Tuala, Shane Wright
Early Mail: Fullback Lachlan Coote has been ruled out of North Queensland’s season opener against Cronulla with a hamstring injury.
Coote has not recovered from a hamstring tear suffered in the Cameron Smith-Johnathan Thurston testimonial match on February 23 at Suncorp Stadium.
The premiership-winning No. 1 is expected to be replaced by Ben Hampton for Friday night’s clash at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Coote said he was hoping to only miss one match.
“Unfortunately I won’t make round one which is pretty disappointing,” he said.
“The hammy is giving me a bit of trouble. I’ve got a little tear. I’m trying to fight and get back for round two but we’ll see how it goes.
“It’s one of those things where I can only take it a day at a time.”
Hampton has spent most of the pre-season training at fullback, a position the Cowboys believe he is best suited to.
— Travis Meyn
Analysis: Lachlan Coote (hamstring) is out, replaced by Ben Hampton at fullback. A pectoral injury is expected to keep Kane Linnett sidelined for up to half the regular season with Javid Bowen to score a centre spot. Johnathan Thurston returns after missing most of last year with a serious shoulder injury. Storm recruit Jordan McLean starts in the front-row.
Sharks predicted team: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Josh Dugan 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Sione Katoa 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Wade Graham 12. Luke Lewis 13. Paul Gallen. Interchange: 14. James Segeyaro 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Jayson Bukuya 17. Kurt Capewell
Who’s left: Aaron Gray, Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga, Edrick Lee, Isaac Lumelume, Jack Williams, Jesse Ramien, Josh Tuilagi, Kyle Flanagan, William Kennedy, Billy Magoulias, Blayke Brailey, Braden Uele, Briton Nikora, Daniel Vasquez, Eddie Faalua, Joseph Paulo, Josh Carr, Kurt Dillon, Scott Sorensen.
Analysis: Recruit Ava Seumanufagai must overcome a hamstring injury to take his spot on the bench. The Sharks have a high turnover of stars with James Maloney and Jack Bird exiting, while Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan join the club. Moylan is a straight swap for Maloney at five-eighth. Dugan is a straight swap for Bird at right centre, with Valentine Holmes to hold the fullback spot despite doubts over his ball-playing ability. Young gun Sione Katoa will win the right wing spot ahead of Aaron Gray and Edrick Lee. Boom forward Kurt Dillon looks set to be named in Cronulla’s 21-man sqaud for their clash against the Cowboys.
TIGERS V ROOSTERS
Saturday, March 10, at ANZ Stadium, 4:30pm (AEDT)
Tigers predicted team: 1. Corey Thompson 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Esan Marsters 5. Malakai Watene Zelezniak 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Luke Brooks 8. Russell Packer 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ben Matulino 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Elijah Taylor. Interchange: 14. Pita Godinet 15. Alex Twal 16. Chris McQueen 17. Matt Eisenhuth
Who’s left: Sauaso Sue, Jacob Liddle, Tui Lolohea, Benji Marshall, Mahe Fonua, Taane Milne, Tim Grant, Michael Chee Kam, JJ Felise, Josh Aloiai, Pita Godinet, Tyson Gamble
Analysis: The Wests Tigers have no major injury concerns and are expected to field a strong team in their season opener against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. The Tigers ramped up preparations for the first round on Monday with a solid session at Concord Oval. Star recruit Josh Reynolds battled minor hamstring issues throughout the pre-season, but he is fully fit to take on the Roosters. Versatile forward Sauaso Sue has recovered from a hamstring injury, but he is expected to make a comeback through the NSW Intrust Super Premiership ranks before returning to the NRL. Back-up hooker Jacob Liddle is on track to return from a double shoulder reconstruction in round 3 or 4 this season.
Reynolds and Luke Brooks form a new-look halves combination, while Russell Packer and Ben Matulino form a powerful new combo up front. Corey Thompson is set for the fullback spot after Tuimoala Lolohea played reserve grade in the final trial. Mahe Fonua and Taane Milne are set to miss backline spots after being named out of the 17 for the final trial. Alex Twal and Elijah Taylor didn’t play any trials. Pita Godinet wins the bench hooker spot over Liddle.
— Matt Logue
Roosters predicted team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitch Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Zane Tetevano 17. Victor Radley
Who’s left: Bernard Lewis, Brendan Frei, Lachlan Lam, Mitchell Cornish, Paul Momirovski, Reece Robinson, Brock Gray, Chris Smith, Eloni Vunakece, Joshua Curran, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher, Poasa Faamausili, Reuben Porter
Analysis: Star recruits Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco slot straight into the backline. Cronk teams up in the halves with Luke Keary (broken jaw), who will be right for round one. Highly-rated young gun Victor Radley scores a bench spot following the exit of Connor Watson. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is set to score the starting prop spot ahead of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
RABBITOHS V WARRIORS
Saturday, March 10, at Perth Stadium, 7pm (AEDT)
Rabbitohs predicted team: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Rob Jennings 3. Greg Inglis 4. Dane Gagai 5. Richie Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Sam Burgess 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Adam Doueihi 15. John Sutton 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. George Burgess
Who’s left: Robbie Farah, Kyle Turner, Siosifa Talakai, Jason Clark, Braidon Burns, Campbell Graham, Jacob Gagan, Dean Britt, Vincent Leuluai, Jesse Arthars, Billy Britain, Junior Tatola, Jesse Martin, Mawene Hiroti, Dean Hawkins, Ky Rodwell, Lucky Ta’avale, Sam Johnstone, Joshua Cook, Zane Musgrove, Hymel Hunt
Analysis: Greg Inglis (ACL) made a shock return in the Charity Shield and will play left centre. Alex Johnston (ribs) has been cleared of serious injury and will play fullback. Sam Burgess is preparing to play an edge role, with young gun Cameron Murray (quad) tipped to play lock despite missing the trials. Anthony Seibold has indicated Richie Kennar will score one wing spot, with Lebanon World Cup star Adam Doueihi to play off the bench. Seibold’s preference for an 80-minute hooker is likely to push Robbie Farah out of the 17. Adam Reynolds (foot) is expected to be fit despite missing the trials.
Warriors predicted team: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Adam Blair 9. Issac Luke 10. James Gavet 11. Tohu Harris 12. Leivaha Pulu 13. Bunty Afoa. Interchange: 14. Ligi Sao 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Sam Lisone 17. Sam Cook
Who’s left: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Albert Vete, Jazz Tevaga, James Bell, Joseph Vuna, King Vuniyawa, Manaia Cherrington, Matia Love-Henry, Tevita Satae, Patrick Sipley, Anthony Gelling, Blake Ayshford, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Lewis Soosemea, Junior Pauga, Hayze Perham, Mason Lino, Zac Santo, Agnatius Paasi, Ata Hingano, Gerard Beale
Analysis: Star forward recruits Tohu Harris and Adam Blair slot straight into the starting pack. Shaun Johnson has a new halves partner with former Manly playmaker Blake Green to wear the No.6. Recruit Peta Hiku will score a right centre spot. Expect forward recruit Leivaha Pulu to start on an edge. Simon Mannering will miss the opening round of the NRL season with a shoulder injury. He wasn’t on the plane to Perth with the rest of the Warriors squad and could miss a month. Ligi Sao, Bunty Afoa and Isaiah Papali’i are possible replacements after Mannering injured his shoulder in last week’s 20-14 trial win over the Titans.
BULLDOGS V STORM
Saturday, March 10, at Perth Stadium, 9pm (AEDT)
Bulldogs predicted team: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Will Hopoate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Frawley 7. Kieran Foran 8. Aaron Woods 9. Michael Lichaa 10. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott. Interchange: 14. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Aiden Tolman 17. Francis Tualau
Who’s left: Greg Eastwood, Fa’amanu Brown, Asipeli Fine, Clay Priest, Ofahiki Ogden, Renouf Toomaga, Rhys Martin, Zac Woolford, Chase Stanley, Josh Cleeland, Kerrod Holland, Reimis Smith, Moses Suli, John Olive
Analysis: Moses Mbye switches to fullback with Will Hopoate moving to centre. Star recruit Kieran Foran will play halfback with Matt Frawley at five-eighth. David Klemmer will start at prop alongside great mate and star recruit Aaron Woods (hamstring), who is expected to be fit despite not playing a pre-season game. Raymond Faitala-Mariner scores the left edge back row spot. Jeremy Marshall-King is set to win a spot on the bench, per Phil Rothfield.
Storm predicted team: 1. Young Tonumaipea 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Christian Welch
Who’s left: Billy Slater, Sam Kasiano, Billy Waters, Cheyse Blair, Jahrome Hughes, Justin Olam, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Sandor Earl, Scott Drinkwater, Ryley Jacks, Harry Grant, Joe Stimson, Lachlan Timm, Louis Geraghty, Patrick Kaufusi, Tui Kamikamica
Early Mail: Melbourne Storm has officially ruled out Billy Slater for the season-opener against Canterbury Bulldogs at Perth Stadium due to a shoulder injury.
But the club is confident Slater, 34, will not be sidelined for very long, with the champion fullback likely to play game No.300 at AAMI Park in Round 2.
Slater is said to be sore after completing full contact training last Friday.
He met with club medical staff on Monday where the decision was made to sit out the trip to Perth.
Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said: “Billy trained very well on Friday, however has pulled up a little sore since the session. Billy and the medical staff have decided to take the cautious approach and therefore he won’t play this Saturday.
“Scans have shown no structural damage, so we don’t expect Billy to be sidelined for long.”
Slater said: “While I was very close to playing this weekend, I wanted to ensure I was ready and prepared to step onto the field for an NRL match and for what is a long and rigorous season, taking this precaution is the best course of action.”
Young Tonumaipea is the likely replacement at fullback. The Storm also have the option of moving Cameron Munster to fullback and bringing in Ryley Jacks at five-eighth.
— Gilbert Gardiner
Analysis: Billy Slater (shoulder) is out with Young Tonumaipea the likely replacement. Jesse Bromwich (virus) and Suliasi Vunivalu (soreness) are right to go after missing the final trial. Sam Kasiano will likely be eased back from an ankle injury through reserves with Christian Welch to grab the final bench spot. Young gun Brodie Croft replaces Cooper Cronk (Roosters) at halfback. Recruit Ryan Hoffman is a straight swap for Tohu Harris (Warriors) on the left edge. Tim Glasby replaces Jordan McLean (Cowboys) in the starting front row.
PANTHERS V EELS
Sunday, March 11, at Panthers Stadium, 4:10pm (AEDT)
Panthers predicted team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Christian Crichton/Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin. Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa 15. James Fisher-Harris 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Sam McKendry
Who’s left: Moses Leota, Tyrone May, Corey Waddell, Jack Hetherington, Jed Cartwright, Kaide Ellis, Nick Lui-Toso, Tim Browne, Wayde Egan, Jerome Luai, Tyrone Phillips, Sione Katoa, Tom Eisenhuth, Maiko Sivo, Dean Whare
Early Mail: Nathan Cleary will take charge of goal-kicking duties for Penrith this season after James Maloney told him he could have the gig.
Maloney arrived at the foot of the mountains over the summer with a career goal-kicking record of 80.8 per cent.
But the five-eighth is happy for 20-year-old halfback Cleary, who is striking them at a whopping 86.3 per cent, to be the first-choice kicker.
Christian Crichton, a Samoan Penrith junior, will debut on the right wing should Dallin Watene-Zelezniak not overcome an ankle injury.
Dean Whare is also struggling with a hamstring injury.
Watene-Zelezniak remains hopeful despite sustaining an ankle sprain in early February.
If Watene-Zelezniak’s bid for an early return does fall short, he’s a certainty to return for next week’s clash with South Sydney.
“I’ve ticked off a few boxes. I’m just getting ready for this week’s training sessions and we’ll see what happens,” Watene-Zelezniak told The Daily Telegraph.
“I’m scheduled for round two, but touch and go for this week.”
Watene-Zelezniak would line up on the right wing and has had Whare and Waqa Blake training with him at right centre over the course of the pre-season.
Whare has been Watene-Zelezniak’s centre partner for club and country in the past.
“Him and Waqa have been swapping in,” Watene-Zelezniak said.
“I don’t know what the coach will do there but whatever he does I’m sure that person will do the job.”
— Christian Nicolussi and Nick Campton
Analysis: James Maloney and Nathan Cleary form a new-look halves combination. We have Viliame Kikau scoring a starting back row spot with Corey Harawira-Naera to ease back from the bench following shoulder surgery. Sam McKendry scores the bench spot of the departed Bryce Cartwright (Titans). Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (ankle) is racing the clock for round one with Christian Crichton the expected replacement.
Eels predicted team: 1. Bevan French 2. Josh Hoffman 3. Michael Jennings 4. Jarryd Hayne 5. Kirisome Auva’a 6. Corey Norman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Cameron King 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Brad Takairangi 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Beau Scott 15. Kenny Edwards 16. Kane Evans 17. Suaia Matagi
Who’s left: Tepai Moeroa, Will Smith, Kaysa Pritchard, Greg Leleisiuao, David Gower, Siosaia Vave, Peni Terepo, Tony Williams, Marata Niukore, George Jennings, Nathan Davis.
Analysis: Brad Arthur has revealed that Clint Gutherson (ACL) won’t be fit until round three. Bevan French will deputise at fullback, opening the selection door for Josh Hoffman on the wing. Jarryd Hayne will play centre. Kirisome Auva’a fills Semi Radradra’s vacant wing spot. Brad Takairangi scores a starting back row spot ahead of Tepai Moeroa. Cameron King scores the hooker spot ahead of Kaysa Pritchard.
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TITANS V RAIDERS
Sunday, March 11, at Cbus Super Stadium, 6:30pm (AEDT)
Titans predicted team: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Dale Copley 5. Philip Sami 6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Max King 9. Nathan Peats 10. Leilani Latu 11. Ryan James 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Bryce Cartwright. Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein 15. Will Matthews 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Jai Arrow
Who’s left: Brenko Lee, Jarrod Wallace, Brendan Elliot, Karl Lawton, Alexander Brimson, Kiah Cooper, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Ryan Simpkins, Tony Mata’utia, Jack Stockwell, Jai Whitbread, Keegan Hipgrave, Joe Greenwood
Analysis: Anthony Don (shoulder), Jai Arrow (ribs) and Kevin Proctor (throat) are all expected back for round one, but Brendan Elliot (ankle) is likely to miss out, with Phillip Sami to play on the wing. Recruit Bryce Cartwright will play a roving role at lock. Jarrod Wallace (suspension) is out until round three with Max King to score a starting prop spot alongside recruit Leilani Latu. Ryan James moves to an edge where he will act as Kane Elgey’s bodyguard. Michael Gordon is the new fullback.
Raiders predicted team: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Siliva Havili 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Joseph Tapine 13. Elliott Whitehead. Interchange: 14. Sam Williams 15. Sia Soliola 16. Luke Bateman 17. Charlie Gubb
Who’s left: Craig Garvey, Liam Knight, Michael Oldfield, Brad Abbey, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Dunamis Lui, Bill Cullen, Jack Murchie, Makahesi Makatoa, Royce Hunt
Analysis: Siliva Havilii will win the hooker spot of Josh Hodgson (knee, round 20). Sam Williams is expected to score a bench utility spot, but is placing pressure on incumbents Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin for a starting halves spot. Recruit Charlie Gubb is set for a bench prop spot.
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