NRL trial teams week two: Big guns rolled out

SuperCoaches are on high alert after Cronulla named a very SuperCoach-friendly team for their trial against the Sea Eagles.

SuperCoaches are on high alert with Cronulla cheapie targets Bronson Xerri, Briton Nikora, Kyle Flanagan and Blake Brailey all named for Saturday’s trial against the Sea Eagles.

However, popular mid-ranger Kurt Capewell misses out, saved for later in the pre-season.

While his father recently quit as coach, son Kyle remains a big part of Cronulla’s plans and will be given first crack at the five-eighth spot.

New coach John Morris will play Flanagan and Chad Townsend in his halves with former Warriors star Shaun Johnson to sit out.

Big guns Paul Gallen, Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan and Andrew Fifita are rested.

Hooker Jayden Brailey is replaced by his brother Blayke.

Bronson Xerri is a player to watch at the Sharks. Picture: Mark Evans

Flanagan, 20, will need to impress through the trial matches to unseat the expected round one halves pairing of Townsend and Johnson.

But Flanagan has been given first shot for the Shark Park game after playing just one NRL match last season.

There are suggestions Flanagan has been unsettled since father Shane stood down on January 21 after being deregistered by the NRL for flouting his 2014 suspension over the club’s supplements scandal.

Shane has told friends he wants to remain in Australia to guide son Kyle’s career.

Flanagan could win a place as a bench utility if overlooked as a starting half but hasn’t trained much as a dummy half during the pre-season.

Kyle Flanagan will play five-eighth in the trial. Picture: Phil Hillyard

At North Queensland, coach Paul Green has overlooked promising youngster Jake Clifford to open the NRL season in favour of experienced halves Michael Morgan and Te Maire Martin.

Clifford was tipped to get first crack at the No.7 jersey left vacant by retiring great Johnathan Thurston after impressing during his six NRL games late in the 2018 season.

He was also named halfback of the year in the Queensland Cup, starting five-eighth in the Prime Minister’s XIII’s win over Papua New Guinea in October and captain in a Junior Kangaroos win over Junior Kiwis, where he was man of the match.

Jake Clifford is set to miss round one selection. Picture: Zak Simmonds

But Green says he needs more consistency from the 21-year-old before he nails a starting jersey.

“I just want to see him continue to improve,” Green said. “That was one of the silver linings of having the season that we did last year, as toward the back end of the year we could give a few young guys some experience without the pressure of the finals being around the corner.

“It was a great learning curve for him and he understands what it takes to be a consistent NRL player and to be fair he did really well but he was probably a bit off the pace at different times.”

Michael Morgan is set to play in the halves. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Dylan Walker is available for Manly despite being due to face domestic violence charges in court.

Canterbury recruit Dylan Napa will start in the Bulldogs trial match against Canberra in Bega on Saturday. Napa has spent the off-season engulfed in two sex tape dramas with his punishment yet to be determined by the NRL.

The Bulldogs will play their strongest side for the opening 40 minutes before making significant changes. Halves Lachlan Lewis and Kieran Foran will start. Christian Crichton, who joined from Penrith, will replace Brett Morris on the wing.

Newcastle recruit Nick Meaney is set to start at fullback with Will Hopoate shifting to centre for the departed Josh Morris. Hopoate will return to fullback for the second 40 minutes.

Will Hopoate is set for time at both centre and fullback.

Canberra will field a heavyweight side for the Bulldogs game. Jack Wighton will join Aidan Sezer in the halves while Jarrod Croker, Nick Cotric, Josh Hodgson, Josh Papalii and Elliott Whitehead will all play.

The Raiders will be without Jordan Rapana, who will miss half the season with a shoulder injury, Joey Leilua (hamstring) and Englishman John Bateman (side strain).

Canberra’s main squad will play 60 minutes.

John Sutton’s testimonial match for Souths against Penrith on Saturday at Redfern Oval will attract some big names including Sam Burgess, Damien Cook, Dane Gagai, Cam Murray, Alex Johnston and Cody Walker.

The main two South Sydney omissions are Greg Inglis (fluid on knee) and Adam Reynolds (shoulder).

Penrith will start Dylan Edwards at fullback with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak unavailable through injury. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Waqa Blake and Josh Mansour are expected to play the Rabbitohs although halfback Nathan Cleary will sit out.

Scott Drinkwater will start as Melbourne fullback, filling the massive gap left by retired Billy Slater, for Friday night’s trial match against New Zealand Warriors at Kardinia Park, Geelong.

Scott Drinkwater has been named at fullback.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Storm v Warriors, 7.50pm at Kardinia Park, Geelong

Storm: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Marion Seve 4. Curtis Scott 5. Sandor Earl 6. Billy Walters 7. Brodie Croft 8. Christian Welch 9. Brandon Smith 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Joe Stimson 12. Tom Eisenhuth 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Jahrome Hughes 15. Ryan Papenhuyzen 16. Justin Olam 17. Cheyse Blair 18. Curtis Dansey-Smaller 19. Tom Hughes 20. Cooper Johns 21. Harry Grant 22. Nico Hynes 23. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 24. Patrick Kaufusi 25. Kelma Tuilagi 27. Matt Stimson 28. Trent Toelau 29. Darryn Schonig 30. Daniel Dole

Things to watch: Seven players from last year’s grand final side have been named — Suliasi Vunivalu, Curtis Scott, Brodie Croft, Christian Welch, Brandon Smith, Joe Stimson and Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Scott Drinkwater gets first crack at the fullback spot vacated by Billy Slater, with fellow contender Jahrome Hughes named on the bench after playing for the New Zealand Maori last week. Big guns Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster, Jesse Bromwich, Dale Finucane and Felise Kaufusi remain on ice.

Warriors: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Blake Ayshford, Lachlan Burr, Sam Cook, Neria Fomia, Patrick Herbert, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone, Sean Mulaney, Isaiah Papali’I, Hayze Perham, Api Pewhairangi, Adam Pompey, Nate Roache, Chris Satae, Brody Tamarua, Jazz Tevaga, Paul Turner, Ligi Sao, Lewis Soosomea, Cole Waaka

Things to watch: Coach Stephen Kearney has named a largely second string squad with Isaiah Papali’i, Bunty Afoa, Sam Lisone, Jazz Tevaga and Ligi Sao the only players of any first grade repute. Youngsters Adam Keighran, Chanel Harris- Tavita and Hayze Perham have all been named as they vie for the halves spot vacated by Shaun Johnson. Nathaniel Roache makes a long-awaited return from a serious back injury, which kept him out all of last season. He is set to play just 20 minutes as he is eased back.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Titans v Cowboys, 5pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium

Titans: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Anthony Don 3. Brenko Lee 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Dylan Phythian 7. Tyrone Roberts (c) 8. Jack Stockwell 9. Mitch Rein 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Will Matthews 13. Max King. Interchange: 14. Christian Hazard 15. Morgan Boyle 16. Jai Whitbread 17. Leilani Latu 18. John Palavi 19. Darius Farmer 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Kai O’Donnell 22. Ben Thomas 23. Ioana Seiuli 24. Kea Pere 25. Treymain Spry 26. Jacob Hind

Things to watch: Bryce Cartwright has been given a chance to impress in the starting side following a strong pre-season. That said, the side is rather second string with the likes of AJ Brimson, Ashley Taylor, Jai Arrow, Jarrod Wallace, Kevin Proctor, Ryan James, Shannon Boyd and Tyrone Peachey not named. Dylan Phythian makes his return to football following an ACL injury and drugs ban.

Cowboys: 1. Carlin Anderson 2. Gideon Gela-Mosby 3. Enari Tuala 4. Javid Bowen 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jake Clifford 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Ethan Lowe 12. Mitch Dunn 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Kurt Wiltshire 15. Corey Jensen 16. Shane Wright 17. Scott Bolton 18. Francis Molo 19. Tom Gilbert 20. Reuben Cotter 21. Tom Opacic 22. Peter Hola 23. Dan Russell

Things to watch: Carlin Anderson is probably behind Jordan Kahu in the Cowboys fullback pecking order but the Queensland Cup stalwart has a chance to showcase his wares in this trial. Promising backrower Mitchell Dunn is another to keep an eye on — he’s a canny ball-player and a gifted offloader.

Raiders v Bulldogs: 5.30pm at Bega Recreation Ground

Raiders: Luke Bateman, JJ Collins, Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker (c), Emre Guler, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Seb Kris, Siliva Havili, Josh Hodgson (c), Corey Horsburgh, Royce Hunt, Dean Matterson, Jack Murchie, Josh Papalii, Tony Satini, Aidan Sezer, Bailey Simonsson, Sia Soliola, Tom Starling, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Sutton, Joe Tapine, Matt Timoko, Elliott Whitehead, Jack Wighton, Sam Williams, Hudson Young

Things to watch: Canberra have the guns loaded for this trial and all eyes will be on Jack Wighton at five-eighth. After four seasons at fullback Wighton is moving back to the halves for reasons that remain a little unclear — what he can offer alongside Aidan Sezer will go a long way to deciding Canberra’s fate for 2019.

It’ll be worth taking a close look at Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad — he’s one of the contenders for the fullback job and now has a chance to really show his wares given Michael Oldfield will miss this match with an injury.

Bulldogs: Adam Elliott, Aiden Tolman, Chris Smith, Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera, Danny Fualalo, Dylan Napa, Francis Tualau, Jack Cogger, Jayden Okunbor, Jeremy Marshall-King, Jesse Marschke, John Olive, Josh Jackson, Kerrod Holland, Kieran Foran, Lachlan Lewis, Marcelo Montoya, Michael Lichaa, Morgan Harper, Nick Meaney, Ofahiki Ogden, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith, Renouf To’omaga, Rhyse Martin, Sauaso Sue, Tui Katoa, Will Hopoate.

Things to watch: Kieran Foran will make his long-anticipated return to the field, playing his first game since Round 12 last year after a serious toe injury required surgery. He’ll partner Lachlan Lewis in the halves.

Coach Dean Pay has rolled out his contingent of new recruits including Dylan Napa, Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera and Nick Meaney.

Meaney will get 40 minutes to press his claims for the No.1 jumper, with the former Newcastle Knight starting at fullback.

— Fatima Kdouh

Kieran Foran returns for the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

Rabbitohs v Panthers, 6pm at Redfern Oval

Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Corey Allan 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jacob Gagan 6. Cody Walker 7. Connor Tracey 8. Junior Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton (c) 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Kyle Turner 16. Liam Knight 17. Rhys Kennedy 18. Bayley Sironen 19. Jack Johns 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Dean Hawkins 5. Cory Denniss 9. Billy Brittain 10. Tom Amone 12. Tarquinn Alatipi-Butler

Things to watch: The Rabbitohs have named a near full-strength squad for John Sutton’s testimonial at South Sydney’s spiritual home Redfern Oval, with Sam Burgess, Damien Cook, Cody Walker, Dane Gagai, Thomas Burgess and Cameron Murray all on the team sheet. Alex Johnston scores the fullback spot with Greg Inglis still battling a knee injury. In exciting news for SuperCoaches, young gun Corey Allan gets a chance to impress after being named on the wing.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrell Fuimaono 5. Josh Mansour 6. Jarome Luai 7. James Maloney 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Sione Katoa 10. Moses Leota 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Viliame Kikau 13. Hame Sele. Interchange: 3. Liam Coleman 11. Matheson Johns 14. Tyrone May 15. Wayde Egan 16. Tim Grant 17. Kaide Ellis 18. Caleb Aekins 19. Tyrone Phillips 20. Jed Cartwright 20. Paea Pua 21. Liam Martin 23. Nick Lui-Toso 27. Brent Naden 28. Brian Too

Things to watch: James Maloney pairs with young gun Jarome Luai in the halves, with Nathan Cleary not named. Panthers fans get their first look at recruits Tyrell Fuimaono and Hame Sele. Sione Katoa gets first crack at the hooker spot with Wayde Egan to play from the bench. SuperCoaches are hoping for a huge game from young gun Caleb Aekins who will push for a backline spot at some stage this year either at fullback or wing.

Dragons v Knights, 6.30pm Jubilee Stadium

Dragons: Euan Aitken, Mitchell Allgood, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Jackson Ford, Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Joe Lovodua, Lachlan Maranta, Steven Marsters, Cameron McInnes, Darren Nicholls, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Tristan Sailor, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop

Things to watch: Jack De Belin is out with a virus, while James Graham and Tyson Frizell have been rested. Korbin Sims has received clearance to play the trials despite being suspended until Round 3. A fight is on for centre spots with Euan Aitken, Tim Lafai and Zac Lomax all named, but three doesn’t fit into two. Also keep an eye on fullback rotation with Gareth Widdop and Matt Dufty expected to both get time in the back field.

Knights: Aidan Guerra, Brodie Jones, Beau Fermor, Connor Watson, Daniel Saifiti, Danny Levi, David Klemmer, Edrick Lee, Herman Ese’ese, James Gavet, Josh King, Jacob Gagai, Jamie Buhrer, Jesse Ramien, Kalyn Ponga, Kurt Mann, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Mitchell Pearce, Mason Lino, Mitch Barnett, Nathan Ross, Pasami Saulo, Phoenix Crossland, Sione Mata’utia, Star To’a, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Tim Glasby, Tex Hoy

LISTEN! Resident SuperCoach experts Tom Sangster and Tim Williams have the lowdown on the players to target and avoid in 2019.

Broncos v Wynnum Seagulls, 7pm at Kougari Oval, Wynnum

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Richie Kennar 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jack Bird 5. Herbie Farnworth 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Tom Dearden 16. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Shaun Fensom 11. Alex Glenn 12. David Fifita 13. Tevita Pangai. Interchange: 14. Gehamat Shibasaki 15. Sam Tagataese 17. Patrick Carrigan 18. Cory Paix 19. Jamil Hopoate 20. Jaydn Su’A 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Xavier Coates 23. Ilikena Vudogo Coach: Ben Cross

Seagulls: TBC

Things to watch: Jack Bird takes the field for the first time since Round 10 last season and will start in the centres as he looks to rebound from his horror start as a Bronco. Veteran recruit Shaun Fensom makes his club debut starting at prop alongside young gun Payne Haas. Tevita Pangai Jr gets his first hit-out of the pre-season at lock, with youngster David Fifita starting at second-row. Former Rooster Sean O’Sullivan gets his first crack at five-eighth, joining rising star Tom Dearden in the halves.

Jack Bird is back for the Broncos. Picture: AAP

Sharks v Sea Eagles, 7.30pm at Shark Park

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Sione Katoa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Ava Seumanufagai 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Jack Williams 14. Jaimin Jolliffe 15. Billy Magoulias 16. Brayden Trindall 17. Cruz Topai-Aveai 18. Ronaldo Mulitalo 19. Daniel Vasquez 20. Luke Polselli 21. Isaac Lumelume 22. Jackson Ferris 23. Jack A Williams 24. Teig Wilton 25. Josh Carr

Things to watch: SuperCoaches should be on high alert with cheapie targets Bronson Xerri, Briton Nikora and Kyle Flanagan named. Popular mid-ranger Kurt Capewell misses out, presumably saved for later in the pre-season. Blayke Brailey comes into the team at hooker with older brother Jayden (hamstring) sitting out. Recruit Josh Morris makes his club debut. Big guns Matt Moylan, Shaun Johnson, Andrew Fifita, Josh Dugan, Paul Gallen, Matt Prior and Jayson Bukuya will be saved for later in the pre-season.

Sea Eagles: TBC

MORE SUPERCOACH:

Full SuperCoach News section / Cheapie Bible / Predicted round one teams / Sangster’s team / Champ’s team / Wilfred’s team / Tallis’s team / Copes’ team / Huge rule change / Top 10 rookies in NRL