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NRL 2022 club depth chart: Top 30, NSW Cup roster depth for all 16 clubs

As we reveal every club’s 30-man roster, Melbourne’s depth could seriously be tested early in the season with several stars suspended.

New Broncos recruit Kurt Capewell. (Image/Josh Woning)
New Broncos recruit Kurt Capewell. (Image/Josh Woning)

As the world of sport, both locally and internationally, grapples with the lasting effects of Covid, it seems inevitable the NRL will be dealing with similar issues in season 2022.

The third Ashes Test at the MCG was threatened after a number of people in England’s travelling party tested positive to the virus. The A-league has had to postpone games.

Across the globe, major sporting competitions like the EPL, NBA and even the NHL have had to cancel games due to Covid.

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The ARLC and NRL are working on biosecurity measures, including daily testing, to ensure the continuity of the 2022 season.

A number of NRL coaches want to make every player contracted to a club available for selection to minimise disruptions.

We take a look at the depth across the rosters of all 16 clubs. Positions are assigned according to official club lists.

BRONCOS

Kevin Walters’ back stocks are strong, so much so that Jesse Arthars was loaned to the Warriors for 2022. Second-rower Kurt Capewell could also shift to centre, if needed. It’s up front where the Broncos could come into some trouble. Having to sit out Origin props Payne Haas and Tom Flegler could pose a challenge for Walters. But both development contract players, Xavier Willison and Logan Bayliss are up and coming forwards. Like the other Queensland sides, Brisbane has the luxury of tapping into three reserve grade feeder teams in Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Norths Devils, Souths Logan Magpies. Winger Jonathon Reuben (Devils), halfback Jack Ahearn (Devils) and second rower Luke Bateman (Seagulls) were named in the Instrust Cup team of the year.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Kurt Capewell (and centre), Jordan Riki, Brendan Piakura, TC Robati, Keenan Palasia

Prop: Tom Flegler, Payne Haas, Ryan James, Corey Jensen

Hooker: Jake Turpin

Lock: Patrick Carrigan, Kobe Hetherington (and hooker)

BACKS

Fullback: Jamayne Isaako, David Mead, Selywn Cobbo (and centre)

Wing: Corey Oates, Jordan Pereira, Brenko Lee

Centre: Kotoni Staggs, Herbie Farnworth, Tesi Niu (and fullback)

Five-eighth: Tyson Gamble, Billy Walters

Halfback: Adam Reynolds, Albert Kelly (and five-eighth), Ezra Mam, Cory Paix

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Logan Bayliss (prop), Xavier Willison (second row)

FEEDER CLUBS: Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Norths Devils, Souths Logan Magpies

New Broncos recruit Kurt Capewell as versatility to the Broncos roster. Picture: Josh Woning
New Broncos recruit Kurt Capewell as versatility to the Broncos roster. Picture: Josh Woning


CANBERRA RAIDERS

Ricky Stuart’s hooking stocks could be stretched thin with only two specialist hookers in the top 30. Youngster Adrian Trevilyan, is viewed as a long-term option at No.9, and would be in-line for a call-up from the NSW Cup side. Former Dragons reserve player James Schiller, who is the nephew of Canberra great Brett Mullins, has joined the Raiders. The flyer scored three tries in five matches for the Red V. The departures of Dunamis Liu and Iosia Soliola could stretch prop depth but the likes of lock forward Joseph Tapine, who actually played up front to end season 2021, could cover the position — as well as rising forwards Ata Mariota and Trey Mooney.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Adam Elliott, Joseph Tapine (and prop/lock), Elliott Whitehead, Hudson Young (and lock), Corey Harawira-Naera, Harry Rushton

Prop: Josh Papalii, Emre Guler, Ryan Sutton, Peter Hola

Hooker: Josh Hodgson, Tom Starling

Lock: Corey Horsburgh, Trey Mooney

BACKS

Fullback: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Albert Hopoate

Wing: Nick Cotric, Jordan Rapana, Xavier Savage (and fullback), Semi Valeme

Centre: Jarrod Croker, Seb Kris, Harley Smith-Shields, Matt Timoko

Five-eighth: Jack Wighton, Matt Frawley

Halfback: Jamal Fogarty, Sam Williams, Brad Schneider

DEVELOPMENT: Brad Morkos (centre), Elijah Anderson (winger), Ata Mariota (prop), Clay Webb (second row)

FEEDER SIDE: Canberra Raiders

Canberra Raiders Forward Trey Mooney is an up and coming forward. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Canberra Raiders Forward Trey Mooney is an up and coming forward. Picture: Tim Hunter.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

The silver lining in Canterbury’s oversupply of playmakers is that if one were to be ruled out with Covid, Trent Barrett will have a couple of options as cover. Elsewhere in the backline, the Bulldogs are thin on depth in outside backs. Five-eighth Jake Averillo could slot in at centre and fullback Corey Allan can cover a number of positions. Barrett will also have two feeder teams to turn to but that also means the Mounties and Canterbury cup sides will need to find the numbers to replace anyone called into the NRL. At this stage, no development contracts have been handed out.

FORWARDS

Second row: Josh Jackson (and lock), Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Matt Doorey, Joe Stimson, Jackson Topine, Corey Waddell

Prop: Luke Thompson, Jack Hetherington, Tevita Pangai Junior (and second row), Paul Vaughan, Ava Seumanufagai, Chris Patolo

Hooker: Jeremy Marshall-King, Josh Cook

Lock: Max King (and prop)

BACKS

Fullback: Matt Dufty, Corey Allan (and centre, wing)

Wing: Josh Addo-Carr, Braidon Burns (and centre), Jayden Okunbor, Tui Katoa

Centre: Brent Naden, Aaron Schoupp, Paul Alamoti

Five-eighth: Jake Averillo (and centre)

Halfback: Matt Burton, Kyle Flanagan, Brandon Wakeham, Bailey Biondi-Odo

FEEDER SIDES: Canterbury Bulldogs, Mounties

Bulldogs five-eighth Jake Averillo can also provide cover at centre. Picture: Jason O’brien/NRL Photos
Bulldogs five-eighth Jake Averillo can also provide cover at centre. Picture: Jason O’brien/NRL Photos

CRONULLA SHARKS

On paper, Craig Fitzgibbon has a decent mix of depth and versatility in the backs. Players like Connor Tracey can play both at centre and in the halves, Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan could slot into fullback. Halfbacks Luke Metcalf and Braydon Trindall offer cover in playmaking positions. Development player Jonaiah Lualua is a fullback by trade but can play at wing or centre. Newtown centre Jackson Ferris is also training with the NRL side in the pre-season. Jets rake Jayden Berrell, voted the best player in the Queensland Cup in 2021, is a more than capable hooking replacement for Jayden Brailey.


TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Wade Graham, Siosifa Talakai (and centre), Briton Nikora, Jack Williams, Teig Wilton

Prop: Andrew Fifita, Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Aiden Tolman, Royce Hunt, Franklin Pele

Hooker: Blayke Brailey, Jayden Berrell

Lock: Dale Finucane, Cameron McInnes (and hooker)

BACKS

Fullback: Will Kennedy

Wing: Sione Katoa, Ronaldo Mulitalo

Centre: Jesse Ramien, Matt Ikuvalu, Mawene Hiroti, Jenson Taumoepeau

Five-eighth: Nicho Hynes (and fullback), Matt Moylan

Halfback: Braydon Trindall, Luke Metcalf, Connor Tracey (and centre), Locky Miller

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Jonaiah Lualua (fullback), Kyde Dykes (fullback), Ryan Rivett (halfback), Jack Martin (prop)

FEEDER SIDE: Newtown Jets

Cronulla Sharks NRL new signing Nicho Hynes adds backline depth. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Images
Cronulla Sharks NRL new signing Nicho Hynes adds backline depth. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Images

GOLD COAST TITANS

Coach Justin Holbrook looks to be thin in the hooking position. Erin Clark is the only outright hooker in the top 30, with former Eel Will Smith as a utility and Aaron Booth on a development deal. Burleigh Bears lock Sam Coster was impressive in the Queensland Cup and is another option at no.9. A standout in reserve grade, Bears centre Sami Sauiluma, 29, would be in-line for a call-up for what would be his first NRL game since 2015.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: David Fifita, Kevin Proctor, Beau Fermor, Sam McIntyre, Joseph Vuna

Prop: Moeaki Fotuaika, Herman Ese‘ese, Jarrod Wallace, Jaimin Jolliffe, Sam Lisone

Hooker: Erin Clark

Lock: Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui, Isaac Liu (and prop)

BACKS

Fullback: Jayden Campbell, Will Smith, AJ Brimson (and five-eighth)

Wing: Greg Marzhew, Corey Thompson, Sosefo Fifita, Alofi‘ana Khan-Pereira

Centre: Brian Kelly, Patrick Herbert, Phillip Sami (and wing), Esan Marsters

Five-eighth: Paul Turner

Halfback: Toby Sexton, Tanah Boyd

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Aaron Booth (hooker), Shallin Fuller (five-eighth), Tony Francis (centre), Thomas Weaver (halfback)

FEEDER SIDE: Burleigh Bears, Tweed Heads Seagulls

Erin Clark will likely start the season at hooker. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty
Erin Clark will likely start the season at hooker. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

MANLY SEA EAGLES

While Des Hasler is stacked up front, the Sea Eagles are looking skinny in the backs. Winger Christian Tuipulotu has only played two games in two seasons and is waiting for a crack in the outside backs. Only 19, dynamic fullback Tolutau Koula will bide his time for the Blacktown Workers in reserve grade but is another who can play in a number of positions in the outside backs. Within the NRL squad, players like Dylan Walker — who has evolved into a utility player — can also provide cover across fullback, centre, in the halves and from the bench.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Karl Lawton, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau‘atu, Ben Trbojevic, Andrew Davey

Prop: Josh Aloiai, Ethan Bullemor, Martin Taupau, Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley, Sean Keppie, Morgan Boyle, Sione Fainu, Alec Tuitavake

Hooker: Lachlan Croker

Lock: Jake Trbojevic

BACKS

Fullback: Tom Trbojevic, Tolutau Koula

Wing: Jason Saab, Reuben Garrick, Jorge Taufua, Christian Tuipulotu

Centre: Morgan Harper, Brad Parker, Dylan Walker

Five-eighth: Kieran Foran

Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Gordon Chan Kum Tong (hooker), Jamie Humphreys (halfback), Kaeo Weekes (five-eighth)

FEEDER CLUB: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles

Dylan Walker can cover multiple positions in the backline. Picture: Glenn Hunt/Getty
Dylan Walker can cover multiple positions in the backline. Picture: Glenn Hunt/Getty

MELBOURNE STORM

With Tui Kamikamica banned under the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy and uncertainty surrounding Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s vaccination dilemma, Craig Bellamy forward stocks have taken a hit. It opens the door for the likes of prop Patrice Siolo, who was impressive for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in 2021. Former Newton Jets captain Bronson Garlick could also factor as a development player. In the outside backs, the Storm have a number of rising players outside of the top 17 edging closer to regular football in Jack Horwarth, who can play at centre or in the backrow and athletic winger Dean Ieremia. With Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant all suspended for Round 1, their depth could really be tested early in the season.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Felise Kaufusi, Kenny Bromwich, Tom Eisenhuth, Chris Lewis, Trent Loiero

Prop: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Christian Welch, Tui Kamikamica, Tepai Moeroa, Josh King, Jordan Grant

Hooker: Harry Grant, Jayden Nikorima

Lock: Brandon Smith (and hooker)

BACKS

Fullback: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nick Meaney (and wing)

Wing: Xavier Coates, George Jennings, Dean Ieremia, William Warbrick

Centre: Justin Olam, Reimis Smith, Jack Howarth

Five-eighth: Cameron Munster

Halfback: Jahrome Hughes, Cooper Johns, Jonah Pezet, Tyran Wishart

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Bronson Garlick (second row), Cole Geyer (hooker), Marion Seve (centre)

FEEDER CLUBS: Brisbane Tigers, Sunshine Coast Falcons

Patrice Siolo was impressive for the Falcons, Melbourne’s feeder side, in 2021. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Patrice Siolo was impressive for the Falcons, Melbourne’s feeder side, in 2021. Picture: Alix Sweeney

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Coach Adam O’Brien boasts a versatile backline with a number of players able to cover multiple positions. Guys like Enari Tuala can play at centre or wing. Starford To’a played on the wing in 2021 but can cover at the back. NSW Cup players like Simi Sasagi can play in the halves or in the outside backs. O’Brien can confidently call-up prop Jirah Momoisea from NSW Cup if his services are required, and he isn’t already in the 17 for round one. Hooker Chris Randall provides back-up for Jayden Brailey, while rising forward and former junior Blues rep player Jaron Purcell is set to put his hand up for a spot in the reserve grade side.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Tyson Frizell, Brodie Jones, Jack Johns

Prop: Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, David Klemmer, Jirah Momoisea, Pasami Saulo

Hooker: Jayden Brailey, Chris Randall

Lock: Mitchell Barnett, Sauaso Sue

BACKS

Fullback: Kalyn Ponga, Starford To‘a (and wing), Bailey Hodgson

Wing: Hymel Hunt (and centre), Enari Tuala (and centre), Jacob Kiraz

Centre: Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, Dominic Young (and wing), Brayden Musgrove

Five-eighth: Kurt Mann, Simi Sasagi

Halfback: Jake Clifford (and five-eighth), Adam Clune, Phoenix Crossland

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Krystian Mapapalangi (five-eighth), Leo Thompson (prop), Chris Vea‘ila (centre)

FEEDER SIDE: Newcastle Knights

Newcastle's Enari Tuala scores a try for Newcastle. Picture: Brett Costello
Newcastle's Enari Tuala scores a try for Newcastle. Picture: Brett Costello

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

The Warriors should be able to withstand a hit to backline stocks with the likes of Viliame Vailea and Edward Kosi capable of stepping up from the Queensland Cup outfit, the Redcliffe Dolphins, into the NRL side. Fullback stocks are strong with veteran Dallin Watene-Zeleniak able to cover for Reece Walsh. Redcliffe’s Trai Fuller was also crowned the Intrust Super Cup fullback of the year.

Former Titans playmaker Ash Taylor, along with Kodi Nokirma add depth in the halves. Development player Taniela Otukolo and former NRL player Manaia Cherrington will feature for the Dolphins but provide back-up to Wayde Egan.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Eliesa Katoa, Josh Curran, Bayley Sironen, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jack Murchie

Prop: Addin Fonua-Blake, Matt Lodge, Bunty Afoa, Aaron Pene, Jackson Frei

Hooker: Wayde Egan, Temple Kalepo

Lock: Tohu Harris, Jazz Tevaga, Pride Petterson-Robati

BACKS

Fullback: Reece Walsh, Jesse Arthars (and centre)

Wing: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (and fullback), Edward Kosi, Iliesa Ratuva, Viliami Vailea

Centre: Euan Aitken, Adam Pompey, Marcelo Montoya (and wing), Rocco Berry

Five-eighth: Chanel Harris-Tavita (and halfback)

Halfback: Shaun Johnson, Kodi Nikorima

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Lleyton Finau (second row), Kina Kepu (prop), Lingi Kepu (prop), Taniela Otukolo (hooker)

FEEDER CLUB: Redcliffe Dolphins

Warriors fullback Reece Walsh can cover several positions in the backline. Picture: NRL Photos
Warriors fullback Reece Walsh can cover several positions in the backline. Picture: NRL Photos

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Valentine Holmes is set for a switch to centre but could easily fill in at the back. Rising playmaker Daejarn Asi is capable of playing in the outside backs, along with Murray Taulagi and Connelly Lemuelu adding depth across the centre and wing positions. Development player Riley Price, who is the son of Bulldogs great Steve Price, was impressive for feeder side, the Blackhawks. Price, 20, a backrower, scored two tries and made 222 tackles in nine games. With Tom Deardan likely at no.14 and Reece Robson to start at hooker, premiership-winning hooker Jake Granville is a handy replacement from the reserves.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Coen Hess, Ben Condon, Mitchell Dunn, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai

Prop: Jordan McLean, Lachlan Burr, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Tom Gilbert, Griffin Neame, Emry Pere

Hooker: Reece Robson, Jake Granville

Lock: Jason Taumalolo (and prop), Reuben Cotter (and hooker)

BACKS

Fullback: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Wing: Kyle Feldt, Murray Taulagi, Laitia Moceidreke, Kane Bradley

Centre: Valentine Holmes (and fullback), Connelly Lemuelu, Peta Hiku, Daejarn Asi

Five-eighth: Scott Drinkwater, Ben Hampton

Halfback: Chad Townsend, Tom Dearden

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Jordan Lipp (centre), Riley Price (second row), Tyreece Woods (centre)

FEEDER CLUBS: Townsville Blackhawks, Northern Pride, Mackay Cutters

Daejarn Asi gives the Cowboys options in the backline. Picture: Evan Morgan
Daejarn Asi gives the Cowboys options in the backline. Picture: Evan Morgan

PARRAMATTA EELS

Dave Hollis has been earmarked as a prop for the future at the Eels and is biding his time in NSW Cup. Ray Stone provides utility value and can slot into a number of positions including at hooker. NSW Cup veteran Makahesi Makatoa provides depth in the forwards off the bench. The addition of Bailey Simonsson has bolstered outside back stocks pushing the likes of Sean Russell back to NSW Cup alongside rising back and development player Sam Loizou. Hayze Perham boasts a decent kicking game and footwork and covered a number of positions at Cup level including wing, five-eighth and fullback.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Isaiah Papali‘i (and prop/lock), Shaun Lane, Marata Niukore, Ryan Matterson, Bryce Cartwright, Makahesi Makatoa

Prop: Junior Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Oregon Kaufusi, Wiremu Greig, David Hollis

Hooker: Reed Mahoney, Mitch Rein

Lock: Nathan Brown, Ray Stone

BACKS

Fullback: Clint Gutherson, Sean Russell

Wing: Maika Sivo, Haze Dunster, Bailey Simonsson

Centre: Will Penisini, Waqa Blake, Tom Opacic, Solomone Naiduki

Five-eighth: Dylan Brown, Hayze Perham

Halfback: Mitchell Moses, Jake Arthur

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Sam Loizou (winger), Ky Rodwell (prop), Josh Tuipulotu (fullback)

FEEDER CLUB: Parramatta Eels

David Hollis has a bright future. Picture: Richard Dobson
David Hollis has a bright future. Picture: Richard Dobson

PENRITH PANTHERS

Between Sean O’Sullivan, Jaeman Salmon and Kurt Falls, Penrith have considerable depth in the halves for Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. Falls’ kicking and organisation helped the Penrith NSW Cup side dominate the 2021 season. Promising playmaker Niwhai Puru, 19, has been added to the Cup squad and will train with the NRL side in the pre-season. But Ivan Cleary’s outside back stocks are looking thin. Hooker depth could also be a problem with Api Koroisau’s vaccine stance. Versatile forward Brad Fearnley has also been training with the NRL side this season and is expected to feature for the Cup side.

Kurt Falls has signed a full-time deal with the Panthers. Pic credit to Panthers Digital.
Kurt Falls has signed a full-time deal with the Panthers. Pic credit to Panthers Digital.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Viliame Kikau, Liam Martin, Scott Sorensen, Chris Smith

Prop: James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Smith, Eddie Blacker

Hooker: Api Koroisau, Mitch Kenny

Lock: Isaah Yeo, Matt Eisenhuth (and prop), J‘maine Hopgood

BACKS

Fullback: Dylan Edwards

Wing: Brian To‘o, Robert Jennings, Charlie Staines

Centre: Stephen Crichton, Izack Tago, Taylan May

Five-eighth: Jarome Luai, Jaeman Salmon

Halfback: Nathan Cleary, Kurt Falls, Sean O‘Sullivan

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Mavrik Geyer (second row), Thomas Jenkins (winger), Sunia Turuva (fullback), Preston Riki (secondrow)

FEEDER CLUB: Penrith Panthers


ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

The top 30 roster boasts plenty of depth in the forwards with guys like Daniel Alvaro, Billy Burns and Aaron Woods. It’s further bolstered by NSW Cup players Micheal Molo, Josh Coric and Jackson Shereb. Recruit Moses Mbye is a versatile option that can play off the bench, at hooker and in the backline. Another option at hooker is youngster Connor Muhleisen, who has trained with the NRL side over the summer and will feature in NSW Cup next season. On paper, Anthony Griffin’s backline stocks look thin especially in the halves if Talatau Amone partners Ben Hunt and Mbye plays off the bench.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Tariq Sims, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jaydn Su‘A, Jackson Ford, Billy Burns, Jack Gosiewski

Prop: George Burgess, Josh McGuire, Blake Lawrie, Josh Kerr, Poasa Faamausili, Aaron Woods, Daniel Alvaro, Francis Molo, Jaiyden Hunt

Hooker: Andrew McCullough

Lock: Jack de Belin (and prop)

BACKS

Fullback: Moses Mbye

Wing: Mikaele Ravalawa, Cody Ramsey (and fullback)

Centre: Zac Lomax, Jack Bird (and lock), Mat Feagai, Max Feagai, Moses Suli, Tautau Moga

Five-eighth: Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan

Halfback: Ben Hunt

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Tyrell Sloan (fullback), Shalom O‘Ofou (second row)

FEEDER CLUB: St George Illawarra Dragons

Aaron Woods adds plenty of experience. Pictures: St George Illawarra
Aaron Woods adds plenty of experience. Pictures: St George Illawarra

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

With veteran Dane Gagai moving back to Newcastle, coach Jason Demetriou is light on outside back stocks. Gagai’s replacement will either be Taane Milne or Jaxson Paulo. But there are a number of options for Demetriou in the likes of young centre Zane Bijorac, 20, who has been added to the top 30. At NSW Cup level there is Izaac Thompson, a powerful ball runner who can play at centre or on the wing, has been training with the NRL side. Jacob Gagai is another versatile back at Cup level who played every reserve game in 2021 before Covid forced the season to be cancelled.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Jai Arrow (and lock), Keaon Koloamatangi (and prop) Michael Chee-Kam, Jacob Host

Prop: Tom Burgess, Liam Knight, Tevita Tatola, Mark Nicholls, Davvy Moale

Hooker: Damien Cook, Siliva Havili, Peter Mamouzelos

Lock: Cameron Murray, Hame Sele

BACKS

Fullback: Latrell Mitchell, Terrell Kalo Kalo

Wing: Alex Johnston, Jaxson Paulo, Josh Mansour

Centre: Taane Milne, Campbell Graham (and winger), Jed Cartwright, Zane Bijorac, Isaiah Tass

Five-eighth: Cody Walker, Blake Taaffe

Halfback: Lachlan Ilias

FEEDER CLUB: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Taane Milne will likely replace Dane Gagai.
Taane Milne will likely replace Dane Gagai.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

If there’s one side that knows the importance of being able to call on any player contracted to the club, it’s the Roosters. Injury forced Trent Robinson to ask for special dispensation to circumvent the NRL’s age rule and tap into the club’s NSW Cup stocks. Veteran centre Kevin Naiqama is an astute depth signing, hooker Ben Marschke and prop Ben Thomas, who were called on from the North Sydney Bears in 2021 have been upgraded to the top 30. In a boost for the Roosters, the Bears have retained explosive back Tommy Carr, who scored 10 tries in nine games and made nine line breaks.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua, Nat Butcher (and lock), Egan Butcher, Fletcher Baker, Naufahu Whyte

Prop: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Lindsay Collins, Sio Siua Taukeiaho (and lock), Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Renouf Atoni, Ben Thomas

Hooker: Sam Verrills, Freddy Lussick

Lock: Victor Radley, Connor Watson

BACKS

Fullback: James Tedesco,

Wing: Daniel Tupou, Joseph Suaalii (and fullback), Moala Graham-Taufa

Centre: Joseph Manu, Paul Momirovski, Kevin Naiqama, Billy Smith

Five-eighth: Luke Keary, Lachlan Lam, Adam Keighran (and centre)

Halfback: Sam Walker, Drew Hutchison

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Ben Marschke (hooker), Tuku Hau Tapuha (prop), Ronald Volkman (halfback)

FEEDER CLUB: North Sydney Bears

Ben Marschke adds hooking cover at Sydney Roosters.
Ben Marschke adds hooking cover at Sydney Roosters.

WESTS TIGERS

The loss of Adam Doueihi to an ACL injury is a blow to backline depth. Doueihi can cover multiple positions including at fullback, centre and in the halves. Fullback depth could pose an issue if Dane Laurie were to go down but guys like James Roberts and AJ Kapoa — who is likely to start 2022 at centre — are options. Rising back Logen Dillion, who has been promoted into the NSW Cup after a solid season in Jersey Flegg, is an outside back option. The Tigers’ standout Jersey Flegg player, hooker Rua Ngatikaura will also play for the Magpies in 2022. A tough defender, Ngatikaura is capable at hooker and can slot into the middle of the field.

TOP 30 ROSTER

FORWARDS

Second row: Luciano Leilua, Shawn Blore, Luke Garner, Alex Seyfarth, Kelma Tuilagi

Prop: James Tamou, Joe Ofahengaue, Thomas Mikaele, Stefano Utoikamanu, Zane Musgrove, Tuki Simpkins

Hooker: Jacob Liddle, Jake Simpkin

Lock: Tyrone Peachey, Alex Twal (and prop)

BACKS

Fullback: Daine Laurie

Wing: David Nofoaluma, Ken Maumalo

Centre: Oliver Gildart, Asu Kepaoa (and winger), Tommy Talau, Reece Hoffman, Junior Tupou, William Kei

Five-eighth: Jackson Hastings, Adam Doueihi (and centre, fullback)

Halfback: Luke Brooks, Jock Madden

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Henry O‘Kan (second row), Apisalome Saukuru (second row), Brandon Tumeth (second row)

FEEDER CLUB: Western Suburbs Magpies

Originally published as NRL 2022 club depth chart: Top 30, NSW Cup roster depth for all 16 clubs

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2022-club-depth-chart-top-30-nsw-cup-roster-depth-for-all-16-clubs/news-story/ef020e4b4e0f83143a0d24ad7f16e4f6