NRL predicted round 1 teams: Jake Simpkin set to win starting hooker role for Sea Eagles
SuperCoaches are on high alert following the medical retirement of Lachlan Croker, with Jake Simpkin set to slide into the Sea Eagles’ No. 9 jersey for round one.
Manly hooker Jake Simpkin has surged into SuperCoach calculations following the medical retirement of Lachlan Croker due to repeated concussions.
Simpkin is now all but assured the Sea Eagles’ No. 9 jersey for round one and is therefore set for some serious SuperCoach price rises.
He averaged only 43 SuperCoach points in 56 minutes last year but could up his output considerably as an 80 minute hooker – a role he played for the final five rounds last season for an average of 62.
COWBOYS LOSE KEY FORWARD DUO
The arrival of star recruit Reed Mahoney in Townsville has been soured by news of a double injury blow with key cogs Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame to miss the start of the season.
Nanai has gone under the knife for a shoulder reconstruction while Neame has suffered a setback in his own recovery from a shoulder injury.
Both Nanai and Neame will miss the Cowboys’ season opener against Newcastle in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, with a return date yet to be set for either player.
Nanai suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Samoa in the Pacific Championships last month.
But the extent of the injury was only revealed after being sent for scans by Cowboys’ medical staff upon his return to preseason training.
The 22-year old has since undergone a shoulder reconstruction last week and will likely begin his rehab and ease back into training after the new year.
Neame was on track for a round one return after he completed a shoulder reconstruction in August.
But the Cowboys confirmed the star prop suffered a setback.
The blow to Todd Payten’s engine room will open the door for the likes of John Bateman to claim a starting backrow spot alongside Heilum Luki.
The likes of Thomas Mikaele and Sam McIntyre will come into contention to replace Neame up front.
In better news, Murray Taulagi has escaped a serious knee injury and is expected to be available for round one selection.
—Fatima Kdouh
MORE NOTABLE TEAM NEWS
* With Eli Katoa (head injury) out for the season, the Storm have bolstered their pack by re-signing Tui Kamikamica and signing former Knight Jack Hetherington.
* Coby Black is keen to broker an urgent release from the Broncos to join the Raiders immediately. Black would contend for the vacant halfback spot with fellow young gun Ethan Sanders.
* Bailey Simonsson is favourite to replace Zac Lomax (released) on the Parramatta wing.
* Sua Fa’alogo is set to play fullback for the Storm following the immediate release of Ryan Papenhuyzen.
* David Fifita slots straight into South Sydney’s starting side following his move from the Titans.
* Recruit Jonah Pezet slots straight into the Parramatta No. 6 jersey.
* Dylan Brown has hinted he’ll take up the halfback hot seat at new club the Knights.
* The Roosters will roll out a new spine featuring star recruits Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson.
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Cory Paix 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Ben Te Kura
The Broncos have avoided mass player drain after taking out the premiership with only two players from the grand final 17 to miss out. Kobe Hetherington has joined Manly and Tyson Smoothy is off to Wakefield Trinity, with Ben Talty and Ben Te Kura the replacements on the bench, although new Dolphins recruit Aublix Tawha will also push for a spot. Expect Ben Hunt to become the full-time hooker and Ezra Mam to start at five-eighth. Cory Paix drops to the bench, with Billy Walters (ACL) unavailable until late in the season. Payne Haas is weighing up his future following a monster deal from R360. He will be banned for 10 years if he joins the rival competition. Recruit Grant Anderson could push for a centre or wing spot after an impressive season at the Storm.
BULLDOGS
1. Connor Tracey 2. Marcelo Montoya 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jacob Kiraz 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon. Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Harry Hayes
Leo Thompson is the top recruit and he slots straight in at starting prop. Out-of-favour Reed Mahoney is off to the Cowboys with Bailey Hayward to continue as the preferred hooker.
Stephen Crichton is available for round one despite missing Canterbury’s final match and the Pacific Championships due to an ankle injury. Expect Crichton to get plenty of reps at fullback over summer – the Bulldogs used Crichton as an attacking fullback once they reached the opposition 20-metres for the back end of last season.
The make-up of the halves will dominate headlines over the pre-season after Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin failed to get the Bulldogs home in last season’s finals, with young playmaker Mitchell Woods on the rise. But for now, the Bulldogs have denied speculation Matt Burton could switch to fullback. Winger Jethro Rinakama will miss the start of the season after suffering a serious shoulder injury while playing for Fiji.
COWBOYS
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jason Taumalolo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter. Interchange: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Harrison Edwards
Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame are set to miss the Las Vegas season opener through shoulder injuries. This could open the door for Heilum Luki (who is returning from an ACL injury) to start in the back row and Coen Hess (who is available to start the year despite a late-season suspension) at prop. With Reece Robson joining the Roosters, former Bulldog Reed Mahoney comes in at hooker. Jake Clifford and Jaxon Purdue are expected to fight for the five-eighth spot outside halfback Tom Dearden. We’ve opted for Clifford given he played the last month of the season there, with Purdue at centre.
DOLPHINS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Kurt Donoghoe. Interchange: 14. Trai Fuller 15. Felise Kaufusi 16. Morgan Knowles 17. Connelly Lemeulu
Plenty of moving parts. Representative forwards Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (pectoral/shoulder) suffered season-ending injuries in 2025 but are set to slot straight back into the starting side. It’s a different story for Jack Bostock and Max Plath, who both suffered mid-season ACL injuries and will be touch-and-go to start the season. Tom Flegler is aiming for a miracle comeback from a shoulder injury but would likely be eased back after almost two seasons out. The position to watch is fullback with excitement machines Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Trai Fuller vying for the spot. Tabuai-Fidow (knee) will be right to start the pre-season despite missing the Pacific Championships. He will play centre if Fuller wins the fullback spot. Recruit Selwyn Cobbo is expected to earn a spot on the wing.
DRAGONS
1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart. Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Josh Kerr 17. Hame Sele
Coach Shane Flanagan’s biggest decision is in the halves with three players gunning for two spots - recruit Daniel Atkinson, and incumbents Kyle Flanagan and Lyhkan King-Togia (Lachlan Ilias has left for the Titans). Pre-season will tell us plenty but we’ve gone with Atkinson and Flanagan for now. Valentine Holmes (shoulder), Toby Couchman (ACL) and Ryan Couchman (shoulder) all return from season-ending injuries, while Dylan Egan may fall just short of round one following a mid-season ACL injury. Hamish Stewart failed to finish the season due to concussion but is expected to slot into the lock spot of Jack De Belin (Eels). Young forwards Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Halangahu will push for spots in the 17, especially following the exit of David Klemmer to St Helens.
EELS
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jack de Belin. Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Charlie Guymer
Bailey Simonsson is frontrunner to replace Zac Lomax (released) on the wing. Jordan Samrani and Richard Penisini are also options. Young gun Jonah Pezet has arrived from the Storm and is set to start in the halves alongside Mitchell Moses. Jack De Belin is the big recruit and he’s likely to slot straight into the lock role.
KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Tyson Frizell. Interchange: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Thomas Cant 16. Mat Croker 17. Brodie Jones
Dylan Brown is the much-hyped recruit. At this stage we have him pencilled in at halfback with 2025 revelation Fletcher Sharpe to return from a lacerated kidney at five-eighth and Kalyn Ponga back from a serious foot injury at fullback. Recruit Sandon Smith is the 14. Leo Thompson has departed for the Bulldogs, with talented former Canberra big-man Trey Mooney set to slot straight into the starting pack. Jayden Brailey’s move to the Raiders will see Phoenix Crossland take over the hooker spot full-time. Kai Pearce-Paul (Tigers) is a big loss in the pack after playing 22 games last year.
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo. Interchange: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Liam Henry 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Luke Garner
After experiencing a massive player drain in recent years, this squad has only one change to the side that went down in the preliminary final with recruit Jack Cogger coming onto the bench for Brad Schneider (Dolphins). Jack Cole is also in the running for the No. 14 spot. Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Lindsay Smith (Kangaroos), Casey McLean, Isaiah Papali’i, Scott Sorensen (New Zealand), Izack Tago, Brian To’o and Blaize Talagi (Samoa) will have short pre-seasons due to Test commitments.
RABBITOHS
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Tallis Duncan 12. David Fifita 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Jai Arrow 17. Sean Keppie
The Rabbitohs have a big decision to make over Latrell Mitchell. His days at fullback appear over following a succession of injuries coupled with the emergence of Jye Gray, so expect to see Latrell either at centre or five-eighth. David Fifita slots straight into South Sydney’s starting side following his move from the Titans. Cameron Murray (Achilles), Campbell Graham (back) and Tevita Tatola (shoulder) slot straight back into starting roles following serious injuries. The halves will be interesting with veteran Cody Walker finishing last season on the bench and Jamie Humphreys suspended for the first two games. We’ve gone with Walker and the recently re-signed Jayden Sullivan, but rookie recruit Jonah Glover will also come into consideration. Question marks remain over Brandon Smith as his drugs charges play out in the courts. Kangaroos star Keaon Koloamatangi had knee surgery on his return from the Ashes tour and is expected to rehab the injury over three months, effectively ruling him out of the bulk of pre-season preparations.
RAIDERS
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matt Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders / Coby Black 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh. Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Matty Nicholson 17. Morgan Smithies
Halfback Jamal Fogarty (Sea Eagles) is a huge loss after guiding the Raiders to the minor premiership, with Ethan Sanders likely to partner Ethan Strange in a young and exciting halves pairing. That said, boom Brisbane playmaker Coby Black is hoping to broker an urgent release and would also contend for the role. Jayden Brailey has joined the club from Newcastle but it’s unclear where he fits in given the success of hooking tandem Tom Starling and Owen Pattie.
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Naufahu Whyte. Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. Blake Steep
New-look spine with star recruit Daly Cherry-Evans to form a halves pairing with Sam Walker, while former Cowboy Reece Robson is the new No. 9. Skipper James Tedesco missed the Kangaroos tour due to stem cell surgery in his knee but is in no doubt for round one. Expect Siua Wong to be elevated to the starting edge following the disciplinary suspension of Victor Radley. Nat Butcher returns after undergoing a season-ending MCL reconstruction.
SEA EAGLES
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Kobe Hetherington. Interchange: 14. Joey Walsh 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Nathan Brown 17. Caleb Navale
Lachlan Croker’s medical retirement due to repeated concussions has been confirmed with Jake Simpkin set to start at hooker. The big talking point is recruit Jamal Fogarty taking the halfback spot of Daly Cherry-Evans (Roosters). Despite a five-game move to centre in the middle of the year, the Sea Eagles ended strongly with Tom Trbojevic at fullback and we have him pencilled in there to start. However, Lehi Hopoate could easily wear the No. 1 with Turbo at centre. Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder) will return to training in January, while Taniela Paseka (Achilles) and Reuben Garrick (shoulder) have a full pre-season.
Recruit Kobe Hetherington is set to win a role in the starting pack. Josh Aloiai (retired), Toafofoa Sipley (Warrington Wolves) and Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity) have left the club, with bench spots well-and-truly up for grabs. Prop Caleb Navale is highly-rated and could sneak into the 17.
SHARKS
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Sam Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun. Interchange: 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Tom Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Ronaldo Mulitalo will miss the season with an ACL injury suffered in the Pacific Championships. Sam Stonestreet is in line for his wing spot. Otherwise, the Sharks are very stable with just one other change to the side that went down to Melbourne in the preliminary final — Tom Hazelton, who missed the match through concussion, comes onto the bench for Oregon Kaufusi. Will Kennedy continues at fullback after recently re-signing for 2026. Cameron McInnes (ACL) won’t be available until late in the season.
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. Joe Chan 13. Ativalu Lisati. Interchange: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Alec MacDonald 17. Tui Kamikamica
Big changes in the pack with Eli Katoa (head injury) ruled out for the season and Trent Loiero suspended for the opening round. Expect Ativalu Lisati to start on Katoa’s edge, while recently re-signed Tui Kamikamica and expected purchase Jack Hetherington join the bench. Sua Fa’alogo is set to play fullback in place of Papenhuyzen, but rookie Hugo Peel could also be a contender. Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) has undergone surgery but should be OK for round one, while Xavier Coates (Achilles) will also be fit despite being ruled out of the Kangaroos tour.
TITANS
1. Keano Kini 2. Jojo Fifita 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jaylan de Groot 5. Phil Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Interchange: 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Cooper Bai 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Josh Patston
Kieran Foran has retired with AJ Brimson expected to shift into the five-eighth spot, although Brimson is in doubt due to a shoulder injury. Keano Kini is set to play fullback after making a successful return from a serious neck injury at the end of last year. Penrith recruit Luke Sommerton is in the mix for a bench spot while Chris Randall looks set to remain in the back row following David Fifita’s move to South Sydney.
WARRIORS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Leka Halasima 13. Erin Clark. Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Morgan Gannon 17. Marata Niukore
NSW prop Mitch Barnett, who did his ACL in round 13, is hopeful of starting the season. Luke Metcalf, who did his ACL in round 17, is at longer odds with Tanah Boyd pencilled in at halfback for now. Leka Halasima is pushing for a starting back row role after playing mostly from the bench last season. Super League forward Morgan Gannon gets a spot in the 17 on the bench after signing from Leeds. The Warriors have also recruited Alofiana Khan-Pereira from the Titans and he could force his way onto a wing.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal. Interchange: 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Tony Sukkar
Jarome Luai played his best football in the No.6 last year but the halfback spot is open.
The Tigers strung some nice wins together with Adam Doueihi in the No.7 so we’ve opted for him, but they also have Latu Fainu and recruit Jock Madden on the books.
Young gun Heamasi Makasini will push for a regular spot in the backline after debuting in the final round. Former Knight Kai Pearce-Paul is the top recruit and he slots straight onto to an edge.
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Originally published as NRL predicted round 1 teams: Jake Simpkin set to win starting hooker role for Sea Eagles
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