NRL Early Mail round 1 and 2: Predicted teams and injury updates

The Raiders will field a new-look spine in round one while Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster is in serious doubt for the blockbuster clash against the Panthers. Latest team news here

SuperCoaches asked for a cheapie and Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has answered, with Ethan Strange set to win the race to start in the halves alongside Jamal Fogarty.

Kaeo Weekes and Strange had been in a preseason-long battle for the five-eighth spot.

It was expected Weekes would get the nod but a stellar performance from Strange in the final trial strengthened his case for selection.

Weekes told this masthead he’ll play from the bench if it means being in Stuart’s 17 on a regular basis.

“At the end of the day, I want to play first grade footy. That’s why I came down here to get that opportunity. If that’s 14 on the bench for Stick, I’ll do anything for the team,” Weekes said.

“I’ve played a couple of positions in first grade. It’s been a while since I have played but I have enjoyed my time there, getting a lot reps there. I grew up playing No.6 and it’s got to be back there, being in the front line and getting my hands on the ball. But wherever Stick wants to put me, whether it’s in the halves, at fullback or on the bench.”

Rounding out the Raiders spine Danny Levi is expected to wear the No.9 jersey with Jordan Rapana at fullback.

Ethan Strange of the Raiders (L) celebrate a try with teammates during the NRL Pre-season challenge match between Canberra Raiders and North Queensland Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

MUNSTER UPDATE A KICK IN THE PUBIS FOR STORM

Melbourne champion Cameron Munster has revealed the extent of the groin injury that threatens to keep him sidelined for Friday night’s blockbuster with Penrith.

It was initially reported he suffered a calf injury while slipping in the shower, however it’s a groin injury that has flared up again after the bathroom stumble.

It ruled him out of a trial against Newcastle in Fiji and has been struggling to run since.

“It’s an ongoing issue, it’s a bit of a frustrating one. I slipped in the shower in Fiji.

I’m doing everything I can to get it right,” he said.

He will attempt to train on Tuesday to be ready for Friday night, but rest is crucial for recovery.

Cameron Munster is dealing with a flare eup of osteitis pubis. Picture: Getty Images

“I tried to do a little bit (on Monday), I don’t want to do too much in the week, I want to be able to be 80 to 100 per cent to play on Friday,” he said.

“If I’m not right by Tuesday or Wednesday I’ll pull the pin.”

It’s a frustrating chronic condition he dealt with 18 months ago called osteitis pubis, which has flared again in his right leg.

“I had osteitis pubis about 18 months ago, I shook that but it’s come back (on the right side), there’s a bit of inflammation so I’m just doing what I can to strengthen the muscles around it to support it, the core and the glutes. It’s getting there but I still have a bit of work to do,” he said.

“It’s on my kicking leg which is not ideal but not being able to run is the most frustrating thing at the moment. I have to try and be a bit more patient but I’m doing everything I can.”

Storm coach Craig Bellamy says he will need to “think outside the square” to fit young gun Sua Faalogo into his side this year.

A shoulder injury will keep Faalogo out of Round 1 – he’ll make his return through reserve grade.

“We think fullback is his best spot, without a doubt, but we also believe he can play different roles and different positions as well,” Bellamy says.

“We don’t want to push him too hard, but we saw last year that he’s ready to play NRL.

“Obviously the opposition are going to know a bit more about him now, so I think there’s a couple of different roles he can play in the team and a couple of different positions too.

“We think fullback is his best spot but we’ve got a pretty good fullback there now, and with both of them there we’ve got to think outside the square a bit.”

Storm young gun Sua Faalogo.

XERRI COMEBACK HINGES ON OTHERS

Bronson Xerri’s NRL return will depend on the fitness of Connor Tracey and Jacob Kiraz.

Kiraz didn’t play in either trial match as he recovers from a back injury, but moved freely at Monday’s training session at Belmore Oval.

Kiraz is expected to be cleared to play but his return could trigger a reshuffle with Xerri to be squeezed out of the round one side.

If Kiraz is named at centre, Blake Wilson is likely to keep his spot on the wing forcing Xerri out of the line-up with newly minted captain Stephen Crichton to start at left centre.

But Xerri, who hasn’t played since 2019 due to a four-year doping ban, will be on standby if Kiraz is ruled out.

Fellow new recruit Connor Tracey will also be in the mix for selection at centre but has had a limited preparation after arriving at Belmore from Cronulla with an ankle injury.

ROOSTERS SET FOR FOUR CHANGES

The dust has settled in Las Vegas to reveal possible long-term suspensions and injuries ahead of Round 2 for the four history-making sides.

For the Sydney Roosters, firebrand Spencer Leniu has been referred straight to the judiciary for alleged racial abuse against Brisbane’s Ezra Mam.

Veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will return into the starting line-up to play Manly at 4 Pines Park on March 17, and possibly replace Leniu against the Manly Sea Eagles if the former Panther is suspended.

Kotoni Staggs’ responds to via his Instagram story to Spencer Leniu's post-match interview.

South Sydney’s Cody Walker also had his say.

Roosters centre Billy Smith was a late omission with a hamstring injury but is expected to return for the Manly game, as will star recruit and flyer Dom Young (neck) who was robbed of the Las Vegas experience after a crusher tackle.

Smith’s injury forced a reshuffle with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifting from the right wing into left centre, while Joey Manu starred on the right side of the field.

Coach Trent Robinson could be tempted to leave Manu on the right alongside Young with Smith and Suaalii making up the left edge combination.

Back rower Sitili Tupouniua suffered a leg injury on Sunday night and didn’t return to the field after a two minute stint in the second half. If Tupouniua is in doubt, Robinson can turn to Angus Crichton on the left edge.

SAAB ‘DOUBTFUL’ FOR SEA EAGLES

Manly is set to be without star speedster Jason Saab for the Roosters clash.

Despite having a 13-day turn around into the blockbuster clash, coach Anthony Seibold is “doubtful” that Saab will be cleared to play.

“Anytime you see one of your real speed men pull up like that, it’s not ideal. He’ll get scans when we get back to Australia. We’ve got a long turnaround but it’s probably doubtful that he’ll play in that Roosters game,” Seibold said.

“When you see a player come off for a hamstring, it’s never going to be just a five or seven day turnaround. It’s going to be a little longer. We’ll get him looked at when we get back home.”

Seibold revealed Raymond Vaega and new recruit Tommy Talau are in line for a call-up to replace Saab against the Roosters.

It’s not the only selection dilemma Seibold now has on his hands after big money back rower Josh Schuster missed the season opener with a calf injury.

Ben Trbojevic came into the side on the left edge and should be ahead of Schuster in the starting side to face the Roosters.

Jason Saab off with a right hamstring strain - classic sprinting mechanism. Was hitting a good speed as he suffered it - tough to escape those situations with a minor strain. Even with a 2 week gap til Manly’s Rd 2 clash, real chance he misses multiple games here #NRLVegaspic.twitter.com/oZESsH55G2

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 3, 2024

REST OF ROUND 1

KNIGHTS v RAIDERS

Thursday, 7th March, 8pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: Tyson Gamble is favourite to start at five-eighth, with Jack Cogger to play off the bench where he would spend time at hooker.

Jayden Brailey will miss the start of the season due to a hamstring niggle.

Enari Tuala is expected to line up on the right wing vacated by Dom Young.

The other battle is the left edge role of the departed Lachlan Fitzgibbon, with Dylan Lucas and English recruit Kai Pearce-Paul fighting for the spot.

Lucas is likely to start, with Pearce-Paul to come on off the bench.

Knights’ predicted team

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Greg Marzhew

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Enari Tuala

6. Tyson Gamble

7. Jackson Hastings

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Leo Thompson

11. Tyson Frizell

12. Dylan Lucas

13. Adam Elliott

Interchange:

14. Jack Cogger

15. Kai Pearce-Paul

16. Daniel Saifiti

17. Jack Hetherington

Jayden Brailey will miss the season start due to injury. Picture: Richard Dobson

Raiders: Jordan Rapana will start at fullback ahead of exciting rookie Chevy Stewart.

Ethan Strange has played himself into the five-eighth spot ahead of recruit Kaeo Weekes.

Seb Kris will miss round one due to suspension, which is likely to see James Schiller start at centre.

Xavier Savage is firming to return to the team on the wing along with Albert Hopoate.

Corey Horsburgh is suspended to start the season, with English recruit Morgan Smithies tipped to start at lock.

Raiders’ predicted team

1. Jordan Rapana

2. Xavier Savage

3. James Schiller

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Albert Hopoate

6. Ethan Strange

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Ata Mariota

9. Danny Levi

10. Joseph Tapine

11. Hudson Young

12. Elliott Whitehead

13. Morgan Smithies

Interchange:

14. Danny Levi

15. Zac Hosking

16. Josh Papali’i

17. Emre Guler

WARRIORS v SHARKS

Friday, 8th March, 6pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will miss the opening rounds due to injury, with Taine Tuaupiki likely to start at fullback.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck spent time at fullback in the trial win over the Knights, but he is still expected to start at centre.

Rocco Berry is expected to fend off a push from impressive rookie Ali Leiataua for the right centre role.

Luke Metcalf is favoured to win the five-eighth spot ahead of Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

Kurt Capewell and Jackson Ford are likely to start in the back-row, with Marata Niukore playing off the bench.

Warriors’ predicted team

1 Taine Tuaupiki

2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3 Rocco Berry

4 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

5 Marcelo Montoya

6 Luke Metcalf

7 Shaun Johnson

8 Addin Fonua-Blake

9 Wayde Egan

10 Mitch Barnett

11 Kurt Capewell

12 Jackson Ford

13 Tohu Harris

Interchange:

14 Dylan Walker

15 Jazz Tevaga

16 Bunty Afoa

17 Marata Niukore

Sharks: Very few questions surround this settled Sharks line-up.

Siosifa Talakai faces competition from rookie Kayal Iro at centre, but the veteran is expected to retain his spot.

With the departure of Matt Moylan, All Stars man of the match Braydon Trindall will become the full time halves partner to Nicho Hynes.

Hynes will return at halfback after sitting out the trial clash with the Bulldogs.

Teig Wilton returns from a lengthy injury lay-off in the back-row.

Sharks’ predicted team

1. William Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Siosifa Talakai

4. Jesse Ramien

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Braden Hamlin-Uele

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton

13. Dale Finucane

Interchange:

14. Cameron McInnes

15. Royce Hunt

16. Jack Williams

17. Thomas Hazelton

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is out with a hamstring injury. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

STORM v PANTHERS

Friday, 8th March, 8:05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: No major questions loom around the Storm’s side, with Ryan Papenhuyzen returning at fullback.

This pushes Nick Meaney to centre, who will also goal-kick.

With Trent Loiero moving to a middle role, Shawn Blore, Kane Bradley and Jack Howarth are battling to start on the edge.

Bradley was favoured for the trial clash with the Knights.

Cameron Munster missed the trials and remains in some doubt to face Penrith due to a calf strain, with Jonah Pezet on standby if Munster is ruled out.

Young gun Sua Faalogo will start in reserves after an injury-disrupted pre-season.

Storm’s predicted team

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Will Warbrick

3. Reimis Smith

4. Nick Meaney

5. Xavier Coates

6. Cameron Munster/Jonah Pezet

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

9. Harry Grant

10. Christian Welch

11. Eliesa Katoa

12. Kane Bradley

13. Josh King

Interchange

14. Bronson Garlick

15. Tui Kamikamica

16. Trent Loiero

17. Aaron Pene

Panthers: The Panthers starting side will be very similar to last year’s grand final winning team.

Taylan May returns from injury at centre in place of the departed Stephen Crichton.

Jarome Luai remains in some doubt to start in round one due to injury, with rookie Jack Cole to replace him if unavailable.

Scott Sorensen missed the Wigan clash, but is expected to return on the edge, pushing Luke Garner to the bench.

Sunia Turuva failed to finish the game and is in doubt for round 1.

If unavailable, this could see May shift to the wing, with Tyrone Peachey at centre.

Panthers’ predicted team

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Sunia Turuva

3. Izack Tago

4. Taylan May

5. Brian To’o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Soni Luke

10. James Fisher-Harris

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange:

14. Tyrone Peachey

15. Lindsay Smith

16. Luke Garner

17. Matt Eisenhuth

EELS v BULLDOGS

Saturday, 9th March, 5:30pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: Bailey Simonsson was injured in the club’s final trial, but he remains a chance to face the Bulldogs.

Maika Sivo is unavailable due to suspension, with a number of options to replace him.

Daejarn Asi, Morgan Harper, Haze Dunster and Blaize Talagi are all fighting for backline spots, with Dunster likely to play on the wing.

Brad Arthur stated during the pre-season his preference is an 80-minute hooker this season, which pits Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick together.

Lussick started in the trial win over the Titans, suggesting he has his head in front.

Kelma Tuilagi starred in both pre-season games and is expected to nab a bench role.

Eels’ predicted team

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Sean Russell

3. Morgan Harper

4. Will Penisini

5. Haze Dunster

6. Dylan Brown

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

9. Joey Lussick

10. Junior Paulo

11. Shaun Lane

12. Bryce Cartwright

13. J’Maine Hopgood

Interchange:

14. Brendan Hands

15. Kelma Tuilagi

16. Wiremu Greig

17. Ryan Matterson

Bulldogs: Numerous spots remain up for grabs at the Bulldogs leading into round 1.

Blake Taaffe is favoured to play fullback, with Penrith recruit Stephen Crichton to play centre alongside Jacob Kiraz provided Kiraz recovers from a back injury.

Bronson Xerri would likely replace Kiraz if he’s ruled out.

Fellow new recruit Connor Tracey (ankle) will also be in the mix for selection at centre but has had a limited preparation.

Drew Hutchinson looks set to partner Matt Burton in the halves, with Toby Sexton to start the year in NSW Cup.

Former Panther Jaeman Salmon may have edged Josh Curran for the starting lock role.

Bulldogs’ predicted team

1. Blake Taaffe

2. Josh Addo-Carr

3. Stephen Crichton

4. Jacob Kiraz

5. Blake Wilson

6. Matt Burton

7. Drew Hutchison

8. Max King

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Liam Knight

11. Jacob Preston

12. Viliame Kikau

13. Jaeman Salmon

Interchange:

14. Kurt Mann

15. Poasa Faamausili

16. Josh Curran

17. Sam Hughes

Bronson Xerri may miss round one. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

TITANS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 9th March, 7:35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans: With Jayden Campbell injured, Keano Kini is expected to start the season at fullback, with AJ Brimson at centre.

David Fifita will miss the first month, with Beau Fermor returning from injury on the left edge, with Jacob Alick likely on the right.

Kieran Foran missed the trials but will return at five-eighth, pushing Tom Weaver out of the team.

Titans’ predicted team

1. Keano Kini

2. Phillip Sami

3. AJ Brimson

4. Brian Kelly

5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

6. Kieran Foran

7. Tanah Boyd

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Sam Verrills

10. Keenan Palasia

11. Beau Fermor

12. Jacob Alick/Klese Haas

13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange

14. Jacob Alick/Klese Haas

15. Isaac Liu

16. Erin Clark

17. Jaimin Jolliffe

Dragons: A strong trial performance against the Tigers will see Tyrell Sloan start at fullback, with Zac Lomax on the wing.

Kyle Flanagan joins Ben Hunt as the new-look halves pairing.

Luciano Leilua is suspended to start the season, meaning Tom Eisenhuth will likely start on the edge alongside Jaydn Su’A.

Jacob Liddle and Blake Lawrie picked up niggles in the trial and are in some doubt for round 1.

Dragons’ predicted team

1 Tyrell Sloan

2 Zac Lomax

3 Moses Suli

4 Jack Bird

5 Mikaele Ravalawa

6 Kyle Flanagan

7 Ben Hunt

8 Francis Molo

9 Jacob Liddle

10 Blake Lawrie

11 Tom Eisenhuth

12 Jaydn Su’A

13 Jack de Belin

Interchange

14 Jesse Marschke

15 Michael Molo

16 Hame Sele

17 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

DOLPHINS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 10th March, 4:05pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Dolphins: Recruit Jake Averillo and Tesi Niu are fighting for a centre spot, with Jack Bostock impressing throughout the pre-season on the wing.

At this stage, Niu looks the frontrunner to partner Herbie Farnworth in the centres.

Tom Gilbert suffered a devastating ACL injury that will see him miss the 2024 season.

This may see Kenny Bromwich move to lock, with Connelly Lemuelu starting on the edge.

Kodi Nikorima started at five-eighth in the trial loss to the Warriors, suggesting he may be edging ahead of Isaiya Katoa for a round 1 starting spot.

Dolphins’ predicted team

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Herbie Farnworth

4. Tesi Niu

5. Jack Bostock

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Sean O’Sullivan

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Thomas Flegler

11. Felise Kaufusi

12. Connelly Lemuelu

13. Kenny Bromwich

Interchange

14. Max Plath

15. Euan Aitken

16. Mark Nicholls

17. Jarrod Wallace

Cowboys: Zac Laybutt appears to have beaten out Warriors recruit Viliame Vailea for the right centre spot.

With news of Luciano Leilua signing with the Dragons, this confirms Heilum Luki will start on the edge alongside Jeremiah Nanai.

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is also firming to earn a bench role.

Thomas Mikaele may have played his way into a bench position after two excellent trial performances.

He’ll likely take the spot of Coen Hess who was injured in the trial.

Cowboys’ predicted team

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Semi Valemei

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Tom Dearden

7. Chad Townsend

8. Jordan McLean

9. Reece Robson

10. Reuben Cotter

11. Heilum Luki

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange:

14. Jake Granville

15. Thomas Mikaele

16. Griffin Neame

17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

BYE: Wests Tigers

Api Koroisau’s Tigers have the bye in round one. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

ROUND 2

Roosters: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspension) returns and could slot straight into the starting side for Spencer Leniu, who is facing suspension. Billy Smith and Dom Young come into the backline. Sitili Tupouniua is in doubt with a leg injury.

1. James Tedesco

2. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

3. Billy Smith

4. Joey Manu

5. Dominic Young

6. Luke Keary

7. Sam Walker

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Brandon Smith

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Sitili Tupouniua

12. Siua Wong

13. Victory Radley

Interchange:

14. Sandon Smith

15. Naufahu Whyte

16. Nat Butcher

17. Terrell May

Broncos: Brendan Piakura (concussion) is in doubt. Fletcher Baker and Jaiyden Hunt are options to replace him.

1. Reece Walsh

2. Jesse Arthars

3. Selwyn Cobbo

4. Kotoni Staggs

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds

8. Corey Jensen

9. Billy Walters

10. Payne Haas

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange:

14. Tyson Smoothy

15. Fletcher Baker

16. Kobe Hetherington

17. Martin Taupau

Jason Saab has a hamstring injury.

Sea Eagles: Jason Saab is set to miss out with Raymond Vaega and new recruit Tommy Talau in line for his wing spot.

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Raymond Vaega / Tommy Talau

3. Tolutau Koula

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Jaxson Paulo

6. Luke Brooks

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Taniela Paseka

9. Lachlan Croker

10. Josh Aloiai

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange:

14. Karl Lawton

15. Corey Waddell

16. Ethan Bullemor

17. Nathan Brown

Rabbitohs: No changes expected despite the loss to Manly.

1. Latrell Mitchell

2. Alex Johnston

3. Isaiah Tass

4. Richard Kennar

5. Jacob Gagai

6. Cody Walker

7. Lachlan Ilias

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Damien Cook

10. Sean Keppie

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jai Arrow

13. Cameron Murray

Interchange:

14. Siliva Havili

15. Jacob Host

16. Davvy Moale

17. Thomas Burgess

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 1 and 2: Predicted teams and injury updates