NRL Early Mail round 1 2025, predicted teams: Full line-ups from the Sharks, Raiders, Panthers and Warriors in Las Vegas
Manly coach Anthony Seibold has locked in four of his back five for round 1, with a host of stars fighting for the final spot. Meanwhile, Brian To’o is looking unlikely to play for the Panthers in Las Vegas. LATEST TEAM NEWS
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Jack Cole has won the race to the Penrith No.6 jersey but Brian To’o looks to have lost his fight to play in round one in a major blow to the Panthers ahead of their season opener against Cronulla.
Cole made nine appearances for the Panthers next season but new recruit Blaize Talagi was expected to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves this season.
However, off-season shoulder surgery meant Talagi had ground to make up and Cole has prevailed after securing the No.6 jersey for the Las Vegas opener.
To’o meanwhile, has battled a hamstring problem in recent weeks and trained separately at times on Tuesday morning (AEDT) with Cleary.
While Cleary is certain to play, To’o looks set to be kept on ice until round two. The Panthers have plenty of options to replace him.
Jesse McLean is an option to come into the side and play alongside his brother Casey, Alternatively, the Panthers could play Luke Garner or Mavrik Geyer in the centres.
-Brent Read
SEIBOLD SORTS BACK FIVE
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has confirmed four members of his side’s back five for the round one showdown against the Cowboys, with Jason Saab, Tommy Talau and Clayton Faulalo fighting it out for the vacant right wing spot.
His comments came just minutes after young gun Lehi Hopoate conceded he would probably miss out on a spot for their season opener, but Seibold has complete faith in the 20-year-old who is set to sign a new deal soon.
The Sea Eagles don’t have to name their squad until next Tuesday, but we now know that Tom Trbojevic, Reuben Garrick, Tolu Koula and Hopoate are locked in for the game at 4 Pines Park on March 8.
“Turbo (Trbojevic) will be our fullback, Reuben and Tolu will be our centres, and then we’ll make a decision on our wingers,” Seibold said.
“I feel like Lehi Hopoate has done enough to be in our back five because he’s had a good pre-season. We’ll see out of ‘Saaby’, Tommy Talau and Clayton Faulalo who wins that last spot.”
Talau is coming off his best season in the NRL, while Saab is one of the quickest men to ever play the game and has the ability to turn half chances into four points.
But both men have had setbacks over summer, with Saab still recovering from a nasty hip-drop tackle that ruled him out of the finals.
“They’re back in training at the moment but we need to see where both of them are at,” Seibold said.
“Saaby is coming back from the syndesmosis injury that occurred from the hip drop in the round 26 game which ruled him out of the back end of last year.
“Tommy has had a few issues to deal with over the pre-season, from wisdom teeth to an ankle injury.”
Starting spots in Seibold’s outside backs are not the only contentious positions ahead of the season opener.
There had been speculation new recruit Jazz Tevaga would start at hooker against North Queensland in Round 1.
But Tevaga, who transformed into a bench specialist during his nine seasons at the Warriors, told this masthead Siebold wouldlikely use him in the middle in a rotation with Jake Trbojevic and at a hooker off the bench.
“It will be a similar role (to the Warriors). We want to take a bit of that workload off Jakey (Trbojevic). He’s played amassive part in the Sea Eagles over the last 10 years and I think he needs a bit of help,” Tevaga said.
Jake Simpkin is the favourite to start at dummy half, with Lachlan Croker sidelined until round 4 with a knee injury, butTevaga has also put his hand up to take on the hooking duties.
“I have started at hooker in the past, and that’s what I’ll fill in too if that’s what Seibs and the team needs from me,” Tevaga said.
ONE BRONCO CLEARED, ANOTHER RACING CLOCK
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has declared Adam Reynolds a certain starter in round 1 after the champion halfback made a successful return from neck surgery in the Broncos’ final pre-season trial.
But Reynolds’ teammate Kotoni Staggs is racing the clock for the premiership with the strike centre being sent for scans on a quadriceps injury.
Brisbane’s star trio of Staggs, Reece Walsh (knee) and Payne Haas (ankle) failed to appear in the second half of the Broncos’ 30-14 defeat of the Bulldogs which secured them the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge title.
Walsh and Haas have been cleared of serious injury and while the Broncos are confident Staggs is also fit, scans will reveal the full extent of his quadriceps complaint.
Staggs carried a niggle into the trial and lasted just 13 minutes before being assisted from the field at Kayo Stadium.
While Staggs is sweating on scans, Broncos fans can breathe a sigh of relief after veteran playmaker Reynolds came through unscathed in his comeback from injury.
The Broncos skipper, who underwent off-season neck surgery, came to the sidelines after 30 minutes but Maguire insists there is no fresh damage with Reynolds always scheduled to have a first-half cameo.
The 34-year-old’s recently-operated neck was fine after the match and Maguire confirmed Reynolds will take his place in the No.7 jumper for Brisbane’s round 1 clash against the Roosters on March 6.
Broncos back-rower Jordan Riki hopes Staggs will be given the green light to join Walsh, Haas and Reynolds in Brisbane’s top 17 for the Roosters showdown at Allianz Stadium.
Asked about the extent of Staggs’ injury, Riki said: “I’m not too sure, I know he had medicals.
“I spoke to him and he said he’s feeling all right, but he is walking around with a smile on his face so if he’s doing that he should be good to go.”
Of Walsh being seen with ice on his knee on the bench against the Bulldogs, Riki said with a laugh: “Reece is a bit of a loudmouth, if they are both walking around with smiles on their faces they will be ready to go.”
Reynolds looked sharp in his trial comeback. The premiership halfback combined superbly with Ben Hunt and picked up a try in the 23rd minute before being called to the sidelines by Maguire for an early shower.
-Peter Badel
DOLPHIN DOWN
The Dolphins have suffered an untimely setback ahead of Round 1 with star winger Jack Bostock set to miss the opening rounds of the season with a knee injury.
Scans on Monday afternoon revealed that Bostock has suffered a low grade medial injury after limping from the field midway through the second half of Saturday’s trial against the Gold Coast Titans.
Dolphins head of performance Jeremy Hickmans said Bostock is facing two weeks on the sidelines, ruling him out of the season opener against South Sydney.
“Jack has a low-grade medial ligament injury that will require a few weeks of rehabilitation, so we expect him to miss the first two games,” Hickmans confirmed on Monday.
The reigning NRL rookie of the year was poised to make a switch from the wing into the centres against the Rabbitohs.
That positional experiment is now on hold for Krisitan Woolf with the coach now likely to stick with Jake Averillo at centre alongside Herbie Farnworth.
New recruit Junior Tupou, who played in the Titans trial on the weekend, is the frontrunner to line-up on the wing against South Sydney.
But Woolf also has an option in boom teenage rookie LJ Nonu, who scored three tries in the Dolphins 50-8 week one rout of the Cowboys in week one of the Preseason Challenge.
If Averillo is named in the halves alongside Isaiya Katoa, Woolf is likely to call on former Dragons back Max Feagai or Ethan Quai-Ward as cover at centre.
Jack Bostock failed to finish the trial tonight due to a knee injury.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 22, 2025
Rare mechanism with lower leg getting caught midair as upper leg/rest of his body fell - appeared to stretch medial knee. MCL sprain of most concern by video, Dolphins are reportedly not too worried. pic.twitter.com/R1uvXdYR8j
While Bostock has been sidelined, scans returned a more positive diagnosis for forward Daniel Saifiti.
The former Knights prop failed to finish the Titans trial after picking up a minor hamstring complaint.
But Hickmans confirmed Saifiti will return to full training next week, making him available to take the field against the Rabbitohs on March 7.
“Daniel only came off as a precaution and it is fair to say we didn’t risk him because it was only a trial match,” Hickmans said.
“The injury has settled down nicely and he will aim to train fully next week to get ready to play the Rabbitohs.”
–Fatima Kdouh
STORM AVOID FULLBACK NIGHTMARE
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has avoided a fullback nightmare ahead of the season opener after youngster Sua Fa’alogo was cleared of serious injury on Monday.
Fa’alogo sent a scare through the Storm camp after he limped from the field in Sunday’s trial against North Queensland with a hamstring complaint.
It posed a fullback conundrum for Bellamy with regular No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen still racing the clock to take on Parramatta on March 9 as he battles to overcome minor knee and ankle issues.
Nick Meaney was the obvious choice to fill-in at the back but Bellamy received a huge injury boost with news Fa’alogo has avoided a stint on the sidelines.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski confirmed on Monday that Fa’alogo would be available for selection against the Eels.
“Obviously, you don’t want to risk a player like (Fa’alogo), particularly when he’s there as our back-up fullback should Ryan Papenhuyzen not play,” Rodski said on SEN.
“We took him off just after halftime … and again just had some tightness in the hamstring.
“He came off as a precaution.
“I think he’ll take the next week or two and make sure it’s rehabbed properly but he should be available for Round 1 and available for selection which is good news.”
Rodski said Bellamy had not yet ruled out Papenhuyzen to make a return against the Eels but would not be rushed back onto the field given Melbourne have a bye in Round 2.
-Fatima Kdouh
Sua Fa'alogo was off early for the Storm after suffering a reported hamstring injury. Finished the game wrapped with ice on the bench.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 23, 2025
Initially Storm indicated it was just tightness, but it did enough to cause a limp. If there is a minor strain present - often 2-4 week return. pic.twitter.com/0LZJXcDXjw
OWEN PATTIE TO DEBUT
Ricky Stuart will hand rising star Owen Pattie a dream NRL debut in Las Vegas.
Pattie will play his first NRL game off the bench for Canberra in Sunday’s season-opener against the Warriors at Allegiant Stadium.
Winger Savelio Tamale will also make his club debut for the Raiders, having made a sole NRL appearance for the Dragons against Canberra last year.
Pattie and Tamale both trained extensively with Canberra’s first 17 in Las Vegas on Tuesday (AEST), pointing towards their NRL selection.
Queensland product Pattie is regarded as one of the NRL’s hottest young talents.
He was named the Jersey Flegg’s player of the year in 2024 and has been putting pressure on Canberra hookers Tom Starling and Danny Levi during the pre-season.
Stuart has decided the 21-year-old Pattie is ready to be thrust into the NRL furnace in the US, with Levi missing selection for round 1.
Tamale will start on the wing along with the speedy Xavier Savage.
-Travis Meyn and David Riccio
SPENCER BAN OPENS SUPERCOACH OPPORTUNITY
Sydney Roosters will be forced to face Brisbane and Penrith without Spencer Leniu after the fiery forward was charged with a grade two careless high tackle.
The 24-year-old was put on report and sin-binned three minutes into Sunday’s 48-10 loss to Newcastle in Gosford for a brutal hit on Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, showing contact from shoulder to chin.
He’s now suspended for two matches.
SuperCoach bargain Naufahu Whyte is expected to be the man to replace Leniu upfront with Lindsay Collins the other starting prop.
Siua Wong is another option in the rotation but he has been used at lock through the trials.
Teenage prop De La Salle Va’a, who made his NRL debut last year, is in the mix for a bench spot.
Centre Billy Smith is building towards a return to the field within the early rounds as he fights his way back from his latest injury setback.
An ankle injury kept the powerful centre sidelined throughout 2024 until he suffered a painful hip injury that has affected his pre-season.
“He’s been full training for about a month, which has been really good. And so sooner rather than later,” said Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
“It’s his hip, which is traditionally a bit longer, which is why it’s been the length that it’s been, but getting that last bit of strength and power is key, so he’ll be a few weeks.”
It’s been a frustrating few years for the 25-year-old Smith who has had a wretched injury run including three ACL tears across the past few seasons.
-Pam Whaley
FLANNO’S REALITY CHECK FOR STAR CHEAPIE
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has given his best indication yet on his round one side and the key information for SuperCoaches is to not lock in boom cheapie Sione Finau just yet.
Finau scored four tries in 30 minutes in Saturday’s Charity shield for 94 SuperCoach points, before being forced from the field with concussion.
He has now surged to over 11 per cent SuperCoach ownership.
However, Flanagan says he hasn’t settled on one vacant wing spot and will choose between Finau, Tyrell Sloan or Christian Tuipulotu (who missed the trials with a hamstring issue).
Matt Feagai has likely locked down the other wing position.
Flanagan named three rising stars he claims will battle for a bench spot – Hamish Stewart, Loko Pasifika Tonga or Dylan Egan.
Dummy half Jacob Liddle is likely to pinch a bench for a one-two rotation with starting hooker Damien Cook.
-Dean Ritchie
FULL EARLY MAIL VIA MAX BRYDEN AND TOM SANGSTER
RAIDERS V WARRIORS
Sunday, 11:00am, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi/Owen Pattie 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matty Nicholson
Star young hooker Owen Pattie is pushing for an NRL debut off the bench.
Albert Hopoate has stayed in Australia for the birth of his first child, with Dragons recruit Savelio Tamale expected to deputise for him.
Zac Hosking has overcome a calf complaint to be available for selection. He will challenge Englishman Matt Nicholson for the second-row spot vacated by departed captain Elliot Whitehead.
Corey Horsburgh will challenge incumbent lock Morgan Smithies to start at lock.
After impressing in trials in the front row, Trey Mooney will also push for a bench spot.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Tom Ale 17. Demitric Vaimauga
With the experience of Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris and Addin Fonua-Blake having departed, there’s plenty of new combinations in the 2025 Warriors outfit.
James Fisher-Harris is a savvy replacement for Fonua-Blake who will start and add plenty both on and off the field.
Titans recruit Erin Clark should win the race for the lock jersey. He will split minutes with Dylan Walker who is still preferred as a bench impact player.
Luke Metcalf has impressed with his kicking and game management in pre-season and will start in the No. 7.
His halves partner is expected to be Te Maire Martin, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad holding onto the No. 1 jersey.
An injury to first-choice winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will pave the way for a new right winger for the opening rounds with Taine Tuaupiki winning the role ahead of Ed Kosi.
After a solid first season back in the NRL, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will shift from centre to wing. Powerful 22-year-old Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey should earn first crack in the centres.
A contest remains for the second row. Alongside Kurt Capewell, Marata Nuikore will compete with youngsters Jacob Laban, Leka Halasima and Demetric Vaimauga for minutes.
PANTHERS V WARRIORS
Sunday, 3:30pm, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Blaize Talagi 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Prop Liam Henry (shoulder) is expected to be ruled out but the Panthers are confident winger Brian To’o (hamstring) will play despite a disrupted pre-season.
Jack Cole is set to win the five-eighth spot ahead of Blaize Talagi, who had off-season shoulder surgery.
Casey McLean is set to win a wing spot ahead of brother Jesse, although Jesse remains in contention as a back-up for To’o.
Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards are fit following off-season surgeries.
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sam Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Nicho Hynes 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10 Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton
Addin Fonua-Blake is the big name signing designed to send Sharks from a Top 4 side to genuine contenders.
He will start at his new club alongside the recently re-signed Oregon Kaufusi.
Blayke Brailey, Nicho Hynes, Brayden Trindall and Will Kennedy once again form the spine. Daniel Atkinson is likely to provide coverage in jersey 14.
The remainder of the squad is largely settled, aside from the long-term injury to Sione Katoa.
Try-scoring machine Sam Stonestreet will be named on the right wing in his absence.
ROOSTERS V BRONCOS
Thursday, 6th March, 8:00pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Dominic Young 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Siua Wong 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. De La Salle Va’a
With Luke Keary gone and Sam Walker rehabilitating an ACL injury, veteran Chad Townsend is poised to start the year at halfback alongside Sandon Smith at five-eighth. Robert Toia and Mark Nawaqanitawase will likely replace Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaali’i in the centres.
Spencer Leniu was slated as the likely replacement Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the starting front-row, but he’s set to cop a 2-3 game ban. Expect Naufahu Whyte to now start at prop.
Billy Smith suffered a pre-season hip injury and Trent Robinson hopes to have him back “sooner rather than later”.
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Payne Haas 9. Cory Paix 10. Patrick Carrigan 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Xavier Willison
Cory Paix appears to have won the hooker spot, while Pat Carrigan is set to switch to prop with Kobe Hetherington at lock.
Selwyn Cobbo is set to switch back to the wing in 2025, which would see Deine Mariner come in at centre.
There is also some mail that unheralded forward Jack Gosiewski could start in the backrow for Round 1, with Brendan Piakura or Jordan Riki in danger of being benched.
Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam will be unavailable for the opening nine weeks of the season, after being suspended and fined $120,000 for drug driving offences. However they have a locked in replacement in new arrival Ben Hunt.
TIGERS V KNIGHTS
Friday, 7th March, 6:00pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Starford To’a 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Sunia Turuva 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. David Klemmer 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Terrell May 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Jack Bird 14. Latu Fainu 15. Fonua Pole 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Twal
Jahream Bula (appendix) and star recruit Jarome Luai (leg) are set to play round one despite sitting out the trials.
The Wests Tigers are without skipper Api Koroisau for round one due to suspension. This will likely see Tallyn Da Silva start the year in the No.9 jersey.
New recruits Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton could start on the wings.
The back row is a bit up in the air, with Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers) and John Bateman (Cowboys) gone. Samuela Fainu will start on one edge, with new recruit Jack Bird revealing he is set to start in the No.13 jersey. This means an edge spot is up for grabs, with Reuben Porter, Justin Matamua and Alex Seyfarth among the contenders.
David Klemmer is no certainty for round one following news he is in discussions with the Dragons. He sat out the final trial.
Starford To’a could start at centre with Justin Olam set to retire due to a knee injury.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger/Tyson Gamble 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Adam Elliott
Fletcher Sharpe will switch to five-eighth for 2025, partnered by Jack Cogger or Tyson Gamble in the halves. Gamble missed the final trial due to a nerve issue in his back.
Tyson Frizell also missed the final trial due to a cork, but will be fit for round one.
Jacob Saifiti will likely start in the front row, after his twin brother Daniel signed with the Dolphins, while rising prop Cody Hopwood could force his way into the 17, particularly given Leo Thompson is set to depart at the end of 2025.
Phoenix Crossland could start at hooker with Jayden Brailey reportedly being shopped around.
DOLPHINS V RABBITOHS
Friday, 7th March, 8:05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Ray Stone 15.
Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Kenny Bromwich
Jack Bostock injured his knee in the final trial with Junior Tupou set to take his spot on the wing.
Max Plath may switch to the edge, where he played the final trial.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow finished 2024 in the centres but will be back at fullback after Trai Fuller suffered an ACL injury, while Jake Averillo will likely shift back to the centres after a cameo at five-eighth.
New recruit Daniel Saifiti will likely start in the front row, while there are still question marks over the availability of Tom Flegler.
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan 14. Lachlan Hubner 15. Siliva Havili 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Sean Keppie
Cameron Murray has injured his Achilles and may not play at all in 2025. Latrell Mitchell tweaked his hamstring at training and is set to miss the early rounds, with Jye Gray the likely replacement at fullback.
Cody Walker (calf) is in doubt for round one, while Lewis Dodd is suspended. Expect Jamie Humphreys to play halfback.
Josh Schuster won’t play round one and his immediate future is in limbo.
Centre Campbell Graham (hand) is firming for round one. If Graham is unavailable, Isaiah Tass could move to the centres, with Fletcher Myles coming onto the wing and Alex Johnston racing the clock to be back from an Achilles injury.
Peter Mamouzelos should start at hooker after the departure of Damien Cook.
Tevita Tatola and Jai Arrow are both in some doubt as they make their way back from injury, while Euan Aitken is expected to miss the opening month with a pectoral injury.
DRAGONS V BULLDOGS
Saturday 8th March, 5:30pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mat Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hame Sele 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Mat Feagai has likely won one wing spot with the other between Sione Finau, Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu (who missed the trials with a hamstring issue).
The departure of Ben Hunt means the No.7 jersey is up for grabs, with new recruit Lachlan Ilias the favourite to take over.
Recruits Clint Gutherson (fullback), Valentine Holmes (centre) and Damien Cook (hooker) slot into familiar positions.
Despite a very impressive 2024 season, Jacob Liddle will likely shift to the interchange.
Francis Molo has likely played his last game for the club, leaving the Dragons short on middles. Expect more minutes for Hame Sele, Emre Guler and Toby Couchman.
Teenage prop sensation Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga has also been earmarked as a potential round one bolter.
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Tom Amone 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Bailey Hayward
There are two wing spots up for grabs after Josh Addo-Carr was sacked by the Bulldogs and Jacob Kiraz carrying an injury.
With Enari Tuala also injured, Blake Wilson and Marcelo Montoya appear to have locked in those spots.
Josh Curran is suspended for the opening game.
SEA EAGLES V COWBOYS
Saturday 8th March, 7:35pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 17. Ethan Bullemor
Taniela Paseka will play round one after being cleared of a serious shoulder injury sustained in the trials.
Lachlan Croker will miss the first three rounds after knee surgery.
Expect recruit Jazz Tevaga to start at hooker, with Jake Simpkin or Gordon Chan Kum Tong providing cover from the interchange.
Lehi Hopoate and Tommy Talau are fighting for a wing spot.
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford/Tom Duffy 8. Griffin Neame 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Coen Hess
The backline appears locked in following the exits of Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt. Braidon Burns is set to win a wing spot ahead of Robert Derby. Jaxon Purdue is set for one centre spot after a stunning final trial, with Viliami Vailea winning the other.
This likely sees Zac Laybutt return from an ACL injury in reserves.
Young gun Tom Duffy is a genuine chance of winning the halfback spot ahead of incumbent Jake Clifford, who had recent hernia surgery but should be fit for round one.
Jason Taumalolo is set to miss the opening month as he recovers from surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury. Heilum Luki’s ACL injury means new signing John Bateman starts on an edge and Reuben Cotter likely stays at lock.
STORM V EELS
Sunday 9th March, 4:05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm: 1. Sua Fa’alogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Tui Kamikamica
Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle/knee) will miss round one. He is set to be replaced by Sua Fa’alogo, who has been cleared of a serious hamstring injury after coming off in the final trial.
With big Nelson Asofa-Solomona suspended, new recruit Stefano Utoikamanu slots right in at front row alongside Josh King.
The forced retirement of Christian Welch will free up a spot on the bench, Joe Chan or Lazarus Vaalepu the most likely replacements.
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Bailey Simonsson/Jake Tago 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Joey Lussick 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Ryan Matterson
Shaun Lane is in doubt for the opening round of Parramatta’s season after undergoing a knee operation.
Expect recruit Isaiah Iongi to start at fullback in place of Clint Gutherson (Dragons), while Zac Lomax slots into the centres.
Maika Sivo has gone to the Super League, which will likely see Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson start the season on the wings, with Josh Addo-Carr set to miss the opening two games.
The departure of Reagan Campbell-Gillard could see Joe Ofahengaue start at prop, while the likes of Wiremu Greig, Charlie Guymer, Luca Moretti or Sam Tuivaiti could see more minutes.
J’maine Hopgood is right to start the season after a serious back injury.
BYE ROUND ONE
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Klese Haas 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Chris Randall
While coming up with a predicted round one side for the team that has the round one bye is a bit redundant, let’s take a look at how we expect them to line up to start their season in round two anyway.
A great trial showing, plus the injury to Kieran Foran (bicep), appear to have locked in the “all-fullback” spine of Keano Kini, AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell.
The 2025 pack will gain some significant size compared to 2024 with new recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard slotting straight in at prop, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (who missed most of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury) likely returns to start at lock.
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Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 1 2025, predicted teams: Full line-ups from the Sharks, Raiders, Panthers and Warriors in Las Vegas
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