The Tackle 2023: What we learned from bumper week of NRL trials

From boom young guns, to star recruits, to players under pressure, here’s what you need to know from week one of the NRL Pre-Season Challenge.

Reece Walsh, Brandon Smith and Luke Metcalf all starred.

The first week of the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge has raised more questions than answers as Round 1 of the 2023 season quickly approaches. We take a look at the hot issues, top young guns and breakout performances.

Full analysis below.

WARRIORS 48 v TIGERS 12

Recruit puts pressure on Johnson

Warriors recruit and halfback Luke Metcalf played himself into certain selection for this weekend’s trial against Melbourne, instantly putting pressure on veteran Shaun Johnson for a spot in the halves. Coach Andrew Webster’s attack fired with five-eighth Metcalf and halfback Te Maire Martin in charge, the question is can his side deliver the same with Johnson and Metcalf running the show?

Luke Metcalf is a strong chance of round one. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Sheens to show off his big guns

The biggest knock on Tim Sheens so far has been whether or not he has what it takes to coach again in the NRL. Tigers fans will get a better indication of where the team is at against Canberra on Sunday when big money recruits Api Koroisau, Isaiah Papali’i and David Klemmer, along with Adam Doueihi and Luke Brooks, get the chance to show how much improvement, if any, Sheens has managed. The No.1 jumper is Daine Laurie’s for the taking after former Panthers winger Charlie Staines produced a mixed bag from the back against the Warriors.

SHARKS 28 v KNIGHTS 16

Will Knights halves click?

On paper, Kalyn Ponga and Jackson Hastings complement each other perfectly. Ponga’s instinctive, off-the-cuff playmaking, anchored by Hastings’ cool head and game control. Just how well the two have gelled will be tested against Parramatta. So to the injection of the skilful Lachlan Miller at fullback after Adam O’Brien finally pulled the trigger on Ponga’s move into the halves.

Young guns keeping Sharks veteran honest

Cronulla captain Wade Graham’s edge spot is safe for now but the club’s forward youngsters are breathing down his neck. His poise and experience came to the fore playing out of position at five-eighth. But Craig Fitzgibbon showed his hand, planning for life without veteran Graham, with rising forwards Jesse Colquhoun and Teig Wilton in the back-row.

Teig Wilton is placing pressure on veterans. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

SEA EAGLES 30 v RABBITOHS 28

Opportunity knocks for Souths big bopper

With doubt surrounding Hame Sele’s availability for Round 1 due to injury, a starting prop spot is up for grabs this week with youngster Davvy Moale in the box seat to stake a claim against St George Illawarra in the Charity Shield on Saturday. Tom Burgess is the other option.

Triple Turbo option for Seibold

Ben Trbojevic’s stellar performance was a highlight of Anthony Seibold’s first outing in charge of Manly. Kelma Tuilagi and Haumole Olakau’atu are the hot favourites in the backrow this season, but another standout showing from Trbojevic against the Roosters on Friday will give Seibold a lot to think about.

ST HELENS 30 v DRAGONS 18

Bye could prove a blessing for Hook’s Dragons

Jayden Sullivan (hamstring) is firming for the Red V and will partner Ben Hunt in the halves in the Charity Shield. Fullback Tyrell Sloan will also feature this week, softening the blow of losing Cody Ramsey (Colitis) and Talatau Amone (no-fault stand down) in the pre-season.

The Round 1 bye also gives Jack Bird enough time to recover from a knee injury.

PANTHERS 22 v EELS 16

New contender emerges for Panthers’ utility role

Recruit Jack Cogger made a case to earn Penrith’s No.14 jumper but the versatility of fellow newcomer Tyrone Peachey has him nudging ahead for that role. Ivan Cleary favoured a one-two hooker combination last year, also bringing rake Soni Luke into the frame. Long-term Sunia Turuva is shaping as Stephen Crichton’s centre replacement, more immediately, his energetic performance helped press his claim to Taylan May’s (suspended) Round 1 wing spot.

Young forwards give Arthur something to think about

No Ryan Matterson for the first three weeks, and no Isaiah Papali’i, has Parramatta’s forward buys jostling for a shot in the season opener. Jirah Momoisea and Matt Doorey did their chances no harm but Brad Arthur is yet to unveil Jack Murchie or the highly rated J’maine Hopgood.

Brandon Smith had a solid hit-out for the Roosters. Picture: Michael Klein

ROOSTERS 32 v STORM 24

Brandon Smith looks set for a breakout season.

The star recruit dusted off the cobwebs with a solid display at hooker. While blowing hard at times, he was a constant attacking threat. Always willing to take a snipe, he made 43 metres from four runs, while also notching a try assist and linebreak assist.

Olam injury strikes

Coach Craig Bellamy played mostly a second-string side but one of the few top 17 players to take the field – Justin Olam – was an early casualty with a broken arm. He will miss the start of the season and Bellamy is on the hunt for a makeshift centre for round one.

BULLDOGS 34 v RAIDERS 18

Franklin Pele could be the forward rookie of the year

The young gun played just one NRL game at the Sharks, but is in the midst of a bumper pre-season at Canterbury and did everything possible to earn a bench spot for round one. The big bopper terrorised the Raiders from the interchange, making 88 metres from 10 runs and producing five tackle busts, an offload, linebreak assist and try assist.

Broken jaw a Savage blow for Raiders

Boom fullback Xavier Savage has been sent for surgery on a broken jaw and is out indefinitely, with initial indications suggesting 6-8 weeks at least. The Raiders lack depth at fullback following the release of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to the Warriors, with Albert Hopoate, Harley Smith-Shields and Jordan Rapana the most likely options. All are unproven at NRL level in the No. 1.

Xavier Savage to have scans on a suspected broken jaw, mechanism = head clash after passing. Had a rough game with 2 heavy head knocks.

If jaw fracture confirmed 4-6 weeks usually best case, can extend out if complex or multiple fractures. pic.twitter.com/ytkKaLWDCj

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 12, 2023

COWBOYS 22 v DOLPHINS 22

The Cowboys have some serious youngsters

Coach Todd Payten played almost an entirely second string side but the Cowboys’ band of youngsters, veterans and mis-fits dominated the game in most facets except the scoreboard. They lacked killer instinct inside the opposition 20, but that will come when the quality returns.

The Dolphins won’t be easybeats

They are favourites for the wooden spoon in many betting markets, but the Dolphins at least showed they will defend stoutly. The Cowboys dominated possession with 61 per cent to 39 per cent, but the Dolphins still hung on for a draw. Their roster doesn’t have nearly as much quality as other teams, but clearly Wayne Bennett has them playing for each other.

Reece Walsh had a blinder in his first game back at the Broncos. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

BRONCOS 24 v TITANS 24

Reece Walsh looms as one of the signings of the year

The returning Broncos young gun was a class above the rest of the players on the field. Walsh produced a try, three tackle busts, two linebreaks and a linebreak assist before receiving an early shower after a couple of heavy knocks. Walsh’s goalkicking was also lazer-accurate despite the windy conditions.

Tanah Boyd is ready to play halfback

Toby Sexton and Boyd are in a shootout for the right to partner recruit Kieran Foran in the halves – and Boyd emerged the clear winner. The young utility, who has spent plenty of time at hooker in recent seasons, set up a try and generally looked slick. He is expected to combine with old schoolmate David Fifita on the right edge.