NRL trial team lists 2023: Squads for Pre-Season Challenge, plus SuperCoach analysis

It was a rough teams day for KFC SuperCoaches with a host of popular cheapies bowing out of contention. Full analysis by TOM SANGSTER

josh schuster nrl photos x x

It’s back to the drawing board for KFC SuperCoaches with a host of popular cheapies seemingly bowing out of contention for round one.

In a rough teams day for the final trial, the following high-ownership bargain buys missed their respective 17s.

Find out who to replace them with in Tom Sangster’s game-by-game analysis below.

- Jack Howarth, Storm, 32 per cent ownership

- Franklin Pele, Bulldogs, 26 per cent

- Isaiya Katoa, Dolphins, 25 per cent

- Valynce Te Whare, Dolphins, 21 per cent

- Jack Hetherington, Knights, 16.5 per cent

- Haze Dunster, Eels, 16 per cent

- Davvy Moale, Rabbitohs, 14 per cent

- Bailey Hodgson, Knights, 11 per cent

- Luke Metcalf, Warriors, 8 per cent

Haze Dunster has missed out for the Eels. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Teams wrap: Concern as Keary sits again

—Martin Gabor

Luke Keary is set to sit out his second trial in as many weeks after he was left out of a near full-strength Sydney Roosters side to play Manly on Friday night.

Keary was a late withdrawal from the Roosters squad for their opening trial against Melbourne after apparently copping a knock in training before the game.

Roosters officials confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Keary had copped a hit to the jaw last week and that his absence was purely a precautionary measure after a shocking run of concussions over the past few years.

As Keary prepares to miss his second trial in a row, the Knights are set to welcome back skipper Kalyn Ponga after he endured several head knocks in 2022.

Kalyn Ponga will return for the Knights ahead of the biggest year of his young career. Picture: NRL Photos

Ponga will partner Jayden Brailey and new recruits Lachie Miller and Jackson Hastings with coach Adam O’Brien keen to see them gel just two weeks out from the start of the season.

The Knights have named a very strong side including the in-demand Dom Young for their game against the Eels who will also unleash their first-choice spine of Clint Gutherson, Dylan Brown, Mitch Moses and Josh Hodgson.

It’s set to be a double treat for fans on the Central Coast with the Roosters going with plenty of their big guns for their match against Manly.

The Roosters are on top of the ladder as they chase the $100,000 on offer, and they’re clearly intent on taking out the prize with skipper James Tedesco and Joseph Suaalii both in the side, but Angus Crichton, Joey Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves remain unavailable.

The Sea Eagles will be without Tom Trbojevic whose plan has always been to be available for Round 1, while veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has surprisingly been left out and will miss the chance to get some valuable game time with Josh Schuster.

Schuster is one of the most fascinating players going into the new season, with fans intrigued to see if he can cut it as a five-eighth after the club let Kieran Foran go to the Titans.

All eyes will be on Josh Schuster this weekend. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

It’s set to be an epic battle of the fullbacks in Mudgee with Indigenous All Stars teammates Tyrell Sloan and Latrell Mitchell to clash in the Charity Shield.

The Dragons have brought back the big guns after naming an inexperienced side for last week’s loss to St Helens, with Ben Hunt back on deck to give some early ball to centres Zac Lomax and Moses Suli who were kept quiet.

The Rabbitohs are essentially at full strength for the annual clash with try-scoring machine Alex Johnston named on the wing where he’ll be looking to feast on plenty of good ball from Cody Walker.

The Panthers will head into their World Club Challenge showdown with St Helens without Clive Churchill Medal winner Dylan Edwards, which means Bulldogs-bound Stephen Crichton will get a rare opportunity at the back.

Star halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have both been named, with new recruits Zac Hosking and Luke Garner both set to start in the back-row as they chase down Viliame Kikau’s spot.

The Broncos have turned to All Stars hero Selwyn Cobbo to replace Reece Walsh at fullback after the former Warrior suffered a facial fracture in last week’s draw against the Titans.

It’s a serious looking Broncos side that welcomes back Adam Reynolds for the game against the Cowboys who have named essentially the same side that took them to last year’s preliminary final.

All eyes will be on boom back-rower Jeremiah Nanai after his incredible try-scoring season, while club legend James Tamou has been named on the bench.

Nick Meaney gets first crack at fullback for the Storm with Ryan Papenhuyzen out. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Melbourne fans are resigned to the fact Ryan Papenhuyzen won’t be back until at least Round 6, with Nick Meaney named at fullback in a team that includes rep stars Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant in the spine for the trip to New Zealand.

Eli Katoa and Trent Loiero have been named in the back row for the Storm with new recruit Tariq Sims unavailable but likely to be fit for Round 1.

The Raiders have also been forced to make a change at the back with Jordan Rapana named to replace Xavier Savage, who is out with a jaw injury.

Jack Wighton has been named for the game against the Wests Tigers who will be without Luke Brooks (calf) and new captain Api Koroisau as David Klemmer and Isaiah Papali’i get ready to make their club debuts.

There will be emotional scenes at Belmore on Sunday afternoon when favourite son Josh Reynolds returns to his spiritual home against the Sharks.

The Bulldogs have also named Matt Burton for the clash, while Hayze Perham gets first crack at fullback against a star-studded Sharks side that features Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes.

And the Dolphins have held no punches with Wayne Bennett naming a vastly experienced squad for their final hit out before they make their NRL debut.

Former Storm trio Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi will all start against a Titans side that could ruffle a few feathers with Foran playing behind a powerful pack.

RE-LIVE ROB SUTHERLAND’S LIVE TEAMS BLOG

PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE WEEK 2 TEAMS

KNIGHTS V EELS

Friday 17 February, 5:55pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann.

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Leo Thompson 16. Adam Elliot 17. Jack Johns 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Krystian Mapapalangi 21. Bailey Hodgson 22. Brodie Jones 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Adam Clune 25. Thomas Cant 26. Oryn Keeley

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Big NRL news with the Knights rolling out a new-look spine including Kalyn Ponga at five-eighth. While cheap at $530,600, Ponga is certainly not a SuperCoach option until we see what he offers in the position. SuperCoaches must sadly farewell a host of popular buys who have missed the cut - Krystian Mapapalangi, Bailey Hodgson (reserves), Adam Elliott (bench) and potentially Jack Hetherington (shoulder, round one).

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Isaac Lumelume 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Cini 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Jakob Arthur 15. Jack Murchie 16. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Wiremu Greig 18. Jordan Rankin 19. Ofahiki Ogden 20. Jirah Momoisea 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Toni Mataele 23. Matthew Komolafe 24. Jayden Yates 25. Ryan Matterson 26. Luca Moretti

KFC SuperCoach analysis: J’maine Hopgood appears to have secured the starting lock spot for round one and therefore looms as the forward cheapie of the year. He struggled for opportunity behind a premiership pack at the Panthers last season, but was one of the best forwards on the field in the All Stars clash last week in notching 52 points including 10 runs, 29 tackles, four offloads and two tackle busts. Popular cheapie Haze Dunster, owned by a healthy 16.3%, is an intriguing omission.

ROOSTERS V SEA EAGLES

Friday 17 February, 8pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Corey Allan 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Sam Walker 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Brandon Smith 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Terrell May 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Jake Turpin 17. Siua Wong 18. Thomas Deakin 19. Junior Pauga 20. Sandon Smith 21. Ethan King 22. Tuipulotu Katoa 23. Ben Thomas 24. Tyler Moriarty 25. Xavier Va’a 26. Elie El-Zakham

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Over 50 per cent of KFC SuperCoaches have their eyes on Brandon Smith after his solid debut last week. Always willing to take a snipe, he made 43 metres from four runs, while also notching a try assist and linebreak assist. Highly-rated Siua Wong is an underrated cheapie at 6.2 per cent ownership. He could sneak in for a round one spot if Angus Crichton (personal issues) doesn’t get up. Wong was solid in the opening trial with 32 KFC SuperCoach points almost entirely in base stats. KFC SuperCoaches also get a first look at popular buys James Tedesco and Joseph Suaalii.

Sea Eagles: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Cooper Johns 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Sean Keppie

Bench: 14. Jake Toby 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Ben Trbojevic 19. Ben Condon 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Josh Aloiai 22. Morgan Harper 23. Samuela Fainu 24. Zac Fulton

KFC SuperCoach analysis: SuperCoaches get a first look at the most popular player of 2023 Josh Schuster. Realistically, even if he plays badly he’ll remain at the top of the pile given his game time is set to increase from 43 minutes as a bench utility to 80 minutes as the first-choice five-eighth, with Kieran Foran having left the club. No Tom Trbojevic yet again as he works back from injury but he’s still hard to ignore at a $700,000 discount on his starting price from last season. But a big note on Schuster and Turbo, both have the bye in round two, so take that into account.

DRAGONS V RABBITOHS

Saturday 18 February, 3:30pm, Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Moses Mbye 7. Ben Hunt 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Billy Burns

Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Francis Molo 16. Josh Kerr 17. Aaron Woods 18. Tyrell Fuimaono 19. Max Feagai 20. Tautau Moga 21. Michael Molo 22. Dan Russell 23. Jaiyden Hunt 24. Treigh Stewart 25. Dylan Egan 26. Savelio Tamale

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Popular cheapie Tyrell Sloan gets first crack at the fullback spot of Cody Ramsey (ulcerative colitis), who is out for the season. Sloan no doubt has the talent to be an NRL and SuperCoach star. He notched 35 SuperCoach points in the All Stars clash but that total masks the big issue with Sloan – lack of base stats. He made only made two runs and four tackles. Cheapie option Ben Murdoch-Masila has retained a starting edge back row spot and has a great chance to lock in a round one berth. He was one of the Dragons’ better players against St Helens, notching 49 points including a try assist with associated linebreak assist. He’s sure to surge in popularity from just 7.8 per cent ownership.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Peter Mamouzelos 16. Jacob Host 17. Shaq Mitchell 18. Josiah Karapani 19. Terrell Kalo Kalo 20. Ben Lovett 21. Davvy Moale 22. Thomas Fletcher 23. Richard Kennar 24. Michael Chee Kam

KFC SuperCoach analysis: There were hopes cheapie Davvy Moale would push for a starting prop spot but he’s been relegated out of the 17 altogether. Izaac Thompson is an interesting option at 13 per cent ownership. The NSW Cup tryscoring machine was solid in two NRL games last year and appears set to start the season on the wing for the Rabbitohs given the absence of Taane Milne (suspended), but may only play one game before Milne returns. Popular SuperCoach guns Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray both get hitouts. Keep an eye on Josiah Karapani as a cheapie for later in the season, or even round one if there are injuries.

PANTHERS V ST HELENS

Saturday 18 February, 6.50pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: 1. Stephen Crichton 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Sunia Turuva 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Lindsay Smith 19. Kurt Falls 20. Liam Henry 21. Thomas Jenkins 22. Mavrik Geyer

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Popular mid-ranger Luke Garner remains on track for a round one spot after scoring the left edge spot vacated by Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs). We get our first look for 2023 at a number of guns including Nathan Cleary (55.6 per cent ownership) and Brian To’o (19 per cent). But keep in mind the Panthers have the bye in round three.

St Helens: 1. Jack Welsby 2. Tommy Makinson 3. Will Hopoate 4. Mark Percival 5. Jonathan Bennison 6. Jonny Lomax 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Alex Walmsley 9. James Roby 10. Matty Lees 11. Sione Mata’utia 12. Joe Batchelor 13. Morgan Knowles

Bench: 14. Joey Lussick 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook 16. Curtis Sironen 17. Agnatius Paasi 18. Jake Wingfield 19. James Bell 20. Daniel Norman 21. Ben Davies 22. Sam Royle 23. Konrad Hurrell 24. Lewis Baxter

Stephen Crichton has been named at fullback. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

BRONCOS V COWBOYS

Saturday 18 February, 8:10pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium

Broncos: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

Bench: 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Jock Madden 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Blake Mozer 22. Xavier Willison

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Payne Haas sits in POD territory for a player of his KFC SuperCoach calibre at just 18 per cent ownership. Kotoni Staggs is very underpriced at $511,900 after playing much of last year with a busted shoulder that required surgery over the off-season. Keep sneaky eye on Deine Mariner as a mid-season cheapie. While unlikely for round one, he’ll certainly play NRL this year and is a bargain to monitor at $257,900.

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. James Tamou 18. Ben Hampton 19. Riley Price 20. Brendan Elliot

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Very settled side with 12 of the starting 13 from last year’s preliminary final to take the field, with Tom Gilbert (Dolphins) the only player missing. The cheapie cupboard is bare, but KFC SuperCoaches will have a keen eye on popular keepers Valentine Holmes (25 per cent ownership) and Reuben Cotter (24 per cent).

WARRIORS V STORM

Sunday 19 February, 12:50pm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Josh Curran 17. Tom Ale 18. Ronald Volkman 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Bayley Sironen 24. Viliami Vailea 25. Edward Kosi 26. Demitric Sifakula

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Big blow for cheapie option Luke Metcalf, who has been dumped to reserves despite steering the Warriors around the park last week with a brilliant 86 SuperCoach points. Recruit Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad walks straight into the starting fullback spot and is rightly a popular purchase at almost 40 per cent ownership. He saw plenty of bench time last year, averaging just 58 minutes a game at the Raiders, but should up that to 80 minutes as starting No. 1 at the Warriors.

Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Tom Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Josh King 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tui Kamikamica 18. Jonah Pezet 19. Tyran Wishart 20. Xavier Coates 21. Joe Chan 22. Aaron Pene 23. Jordan Grant 24. Sualauvi Faalogo

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Harry Grant is the best hooking option this year and is owned by 24 per cent. I’m shocked to see his ownership that low given his new prominence at the Storm following the exit of Brandon Smith. Put it this way, with no Smith as cover, Grant won’t be filling in at halfback this year as he did on a number of occasions last season. Jack Howarth is one of the most popular cheapies in the game at 32 per cent but has missed the squad altogether. Time to look elsewhere. Reimis Smith appears to have locked in a starting centre spot, so lock him into your side.

Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant.

WESTS TIGERS V RAIDERS

Sunday 19 February, 2:55pm, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Tommy Talau 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole 15. Charlie Staines 16. Shawn Blore 17. Tukimihia Simpkins 18. Justin Matamua 19. Asu Kepaoa 20. Aistasi James 21. Starford To’a 22. Junior Tupou 23. Brandon Tumeth 24. Will Smith

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Tommy Talau lives as a cheapie after scoring a centre spot yet again. It was hard to get a read on last week’s performance due to limited minutes and opportunity. He notched five runs and six tackles (three missed) for 12 SuperCoach points, which hardly yells “buy me”. But he’s hard to ignore at the price if he makes the team for round one, even at a poor attacking team in the Tigers. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the best prop cheapie in KFC SuperCoach this season. He was brilliant in the first trial, notching 73 points including a try with linebreak. But perhaps more impressive was the work rate of 11 runs for 124 metres, 16 tackles and five tackle busts.

Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Harley Smith-Shields 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine

Bench: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Matt Frawley 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Tom Starling 19. James Schiller 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Albert Hopoate 22. Ata Mariota 23. Trey Mooney 24. Utuloa Asouma 25. Brad Markos 26. Elijah Anderson

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Joseph Tapine is the most popular gun prop in KFC SuperCoach but, interestingly, has been named at lock. Definitely one to watch in terms of role and minutes, and he may even score a sneaking position upgrade ahead of round one.

BULLDOGS V SHARKS

Sunday 19 February, 5:00pm, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney

Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Luke Thompson

Bench: 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Andrew Davey 17. Corey Waddell 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Jackson Topine 21. Jacob Preston 22. Braidon Burns 23. Jayden Tanner 24. Khaled Rajab 25. Jayden Okunbor 26. Ryan Gray 27 Franklin Pele

KFC SuperCoach analysis: One star cheapie is all but confirmed in Paul Alamoti, but another has bitten the dust in Franklin Pele. As predicted, Alamoti has locked in a centre spot for round one and will rightly be the most popular CTW cheapie in KFC SuperCoach 2023. Pele was brilliant in last week’s trial – making 88 metres from 10 runs and producing five tackle busts, an offload, linebreak assist and try assist – but has been relegated to jersey No. 27. Put a line through him as a cheapie for now.

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Jack Williams 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Jayden Berrell 23. Niwhai Puru 24. Thomas Hazelton 25. Kayal Iro 26 Daniel Atkinson

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Nicho Hynes is the only guy of interest at 24 per cent ownership, with nobody else over 3.2 per cent. Hynes was very good in the All Stars game but needs another big match this weekend to justify his huge SuperCoach price tag (he is the most expensive player in the game at $902,600).

DOLPHINS V TITANS

Sunday 19 February, 7:05pm, Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jack Bostock 3. Tesi Niu 4. Brenko Lee 5. Robert Jennings 6. Anthony Milford 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Ray Stone 16. Jarrod Wallace 17. Herman Ese’ese 18. Euan Aitken 19. Isaiya Katoa 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Connelly Lemuelu 22. Valynce Te Whare 23. Mason Teague

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Plenty happening, both good and bad. First the good. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Gilbert appear to have confirmed their billing as popular SuperCoach buys with both named to start. Now the bad. Cheapies Ray Stone, Isaiya Katoa and Valynce Te Whare have bowed out of cheapie calculations for now. That said, Jack Bostock has leapfrogged a few more fancied options to score a starting wing spot and he may emerge as a cheapie. Although his fate likely hinges on Edrick Lee, who is set to be right for round one despite a minor ankle injury.

Titans: 1. Aj Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Joe Stimson 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Klese Haas 20. Toby Sexton 21. Thomas Weaver 22. Treymain Spry 23. Keano Kini 24. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui

KFC SuperCoach analysis: Plenty of bargain options to keep an eye on with Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Tanah Boyd seemingly locking in round one spots. AKP in particular produced a strong opening trial, topping the SuperCoach scoring with 83 points including two tries and three linebreaks. He also showed a decent workrate, making 12 runs for 110 metres. David Fifita was very lacklustre last week and must show something this week to justify the 20 per cent ownership.