NRL Round One 2025 predicted teams: How player transfers and injuries will impact your side
Some NRL teams are expected to be largely unchanged from the end of 2024 to the start of the 2025 season, while others are undergoing major renovations – see how your side is predicted to line up.
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There’s a long way to go between now and the start of the first game of the 2025 season in Las Vegas but it’s never too soon to start some off-season speculation so let’s have a crack at the likely round one starting 17s for every club.
NB this is not a ‘best 17’ from each team but rather an attempt to discern the team that will play in round one so suspended and injured players are excluded.
Lastly, we recognise that predicting lineups months out from the kickoff is somewhat of a fool’s errand, but that’s what the pre-season is for so drop your predicted teams in the comments section below and let the debate begin.
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam* 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Payne Haas 9. Billy Walters 10. Corey Jensen 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Xavier Willison
Analysis: The big question mark over the Broncos line-up is Ezra Mam, given he could be suspended. If unavailable, they could look to Jock Madden or Coby Black to replace him, they could switch Billy Walters at 6 and go with Tyson Smoothy, Blake Mozer or Cory Paix at hooker, or they could even shift Reece Walsh to five-eighth and move Selwyn Cobbo to fullback. Speaking of Cobbo, he will be under pressure to hold onto his centre position and could shift back to the wing. Thankfully the Broncos have some stability in the forward pack.
BULLDOGS
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 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. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Tom Amone 17. Josh Curran
Analysis: There are question marks over Josh Addo-Carr’s future at the club and he could lose his starting spot to new recruit Marcelo Montoya in 2024. The Bulldogs are desperate for front-rowers so new recruit Tom Amone will likely feature in the 17, while they are stacked for backrowers, with Sitili Tupouniua pushing for a starting spot.
DOLPHINS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Ray Stone 15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Kenny Bromwich
Analysis: 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 switch to five-eighth. New recruit Daniel Saifiti will start in the front row, while there are still question marks over the availability of Tom Flegler. Tom Gilbert will look to return from an ACL injury in the backrow, with Max Plath set to hold onto the No. 13 jersey after a stellar season. Former Cowboy Kulikefu Finefeuiaki should earn a bench spot, while Connelly Lemuelu will be racing the clock for Round 1 as he recovers from a shoulder reconstruction.
EELS
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Joey Lussick 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Analysis: There still many question marks over the Eels starting line up in 2025, the biggest being Clint Gutherson, with suggestions he could be moved to centre or the backrow if he remains at the club. If that is the case, expect new recruit Isaiah Iongi to start at fullback, while Zac Lomax slots into the centres. There is a wing spot up for grabs after Maika Sivo was released, with Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson (ACL) the likely starters if fit. Joe Ofahengaue could start at prop following the departure of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, while Wiremu Greig or Charlie Guymer could see more minutes. There are plenty of question marks over the backrow, with Bryce Cartwright or Kelma Tuilagi a chance of starting over Ryan Matterson or Shaun Lane, who could spend some time in the middle.
RAIDERS
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Albert Hopoate 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 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matty Nicholson
Analysis: With Jordan Rapana and Nick Cotric gone there are some backline spots up for grabs, with Weekes set to start at fullback and Hopoate on the wing. But Chevy Stewart will be putting pressure on Weekes. Ethan Strange will likely start the year at five-eighth but could be under pressure from Ethan Sanders. The loss of Elliott Whitehead will likely see Zac Hosking come into the backrow although UK recruit Matty Nicholson comes to the nation’s capital with some big wraps.
SHARKS
1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 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. Toby Rudolf 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Siosifa Talakai
Analysis: Trindall is set to take over at halfback, with Nicho Hynes shifting to five-eighth, while new recruit Addin Fonua-Blake will slot into the starting front-row. Otherwise a fairly settled line-up.
TITANS
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. AJ Brimson
Analysis: The big question mark for the Titans will be whether they stick with revelation Keano Kini at fullback, and if they do, where AJ Brimson fits into the team, with Jayden Campbell set to remain in the No. 6 jersey. 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 all of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury) starting at lock.
SEA EAGLES
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 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 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Nathan Brown 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Jazz Tevaga
Analysis: The Sea Eagles are fairly settled, with Jazz Tevaga set to earn a bench spot after the departure of Karl Lawton. Lehi Hopoate was a revelation in 2024 but may not be able to worm his way into the starting backline.
STORM
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 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. Christian Welch 17. Tui Kamikamica
Analysis: With big Nelson Asofa-Solomona suspended, new recruit Stefano Utoikamanu slots right in at front row alongside Josh King. Otherwise the team is almost unchanged from the one that lost the 2024 grand final.
KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Kai Pearce-Paul
Analysis: The biggest question for Newcastle is who will wear the number 6 and 7 jumpers. Cogger and Crossland are the incumbents after Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble fell out of favour. 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.
COWBOYS
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame
Analysis: With Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt gone there are backline spots up for grabs, with Semi Valemei set to start on the wing, while Viliami Vailea and Zac Laybutt (ACL) will likely start in the centres if fit. Jake Clifford is set to continue as halfback after impressing in the back-end of 2024. Coen Hess (ACL) could start in the front row in his return from injury,
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cole 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Analysis: The Panthers may have lost Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, but they are spoiled for options to replace them. We expect Blaize Talagi to get first crack at five-eighth, with either Casey or Jesse McLean getting a starting wing spot. But Ivan Cleary could opt for the likes of Brad Schneider or Jack Cole at five-eighth and Talagi on the wing. New recruit Isaiah Papali’i will likely start on an edge but could feature heavily in the middle after the loss of James Fisher-Harris.
RABBITOHS
1. Jye Gray 2. Taane Milne 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Siliva Havili 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Euan Aitken 17. Sean Keppie
Analysis: With Latrell Mitchell suspended Round 1, Jye Gray will likely start the year at fullback, while the likes of Taane Milne or Isaiah Tass could start on a wing with Alex Johnston (Achilles) unlikely to be fit for Round 1. Campbell Graham (Sternum) is set to return at centre, while new recruit Lewis Dodd is expected to start the year at halfback over Jamie Humphreys or Lachlan Ilias. Peter Mamouzelos should start at hooker after the departure of Damien Cook, while there are question marks over where Euan Aitken fits into the team. It remains to be seen how Josh Schuster will fit into the team.
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith* 7. Chad Townsend 8. Terrell May 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Naufahu Whyte 15. Siua Wong 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Egan Butcher
Analysis: With Luke Keary gone and Sam Walker rehabilitating an ACL injury, veteran Chad Townsend is poised to start the year at halfback, while there is a cloud hanging over Sandon Smith after he was charged with negligent driving in October. Billy Smith and Mark Nawaqanitawase replace Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaali’i in the centres, while Terrell May comes into the starting side in place of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the front-row leaving impact weapon Spencer Leniu to cause chaos off the bench.
DRAGONS
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Mat Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Damien Cook 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Blake Lawrie 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hame Sele 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Toby Couchman
Analysis: Tyrell Sloan should hold onto the No. 1 jersey for now, but could miss out if the club lands Clint Gutherson from Parramatta. Christian Tuipolotu will likely replace Zac Lomax (Eels) on the wing, while new recruit Valentine Holmes starts in the centres. Despite a very impressive 2024 Jacob Liddle will likely shift to the interchange with new recruit Damien Cook the new starting hooker, while Blake Lawrie could come back into the starting side at lock with Tom Eisenhuth still unsigned.
WARRIORS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Rocco Berry 5. Taine Tuaupiki 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Erin Clark 16. Tom Ale 17. Jackson Ford
Analysis: There is a wing spot up for grabs after the departure of Marcelo Montoya, with Taine Tuaupiki or Edward Kosi the likely winners. The retirement of Shaun Johnson will see change sin the spine. Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin could slot straight into the halves, with Jett Cleary or Chanel Harris-Tavita other options. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was impressive at fullback in 2024, but he may be moved to allow Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to take a larger role. If that happens CNK could slot in at centre or five-eighth. James Fisher-Harris replaces Addin Fonua-Blake, while new recruit Erin Clark could get a bench spot.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Royce Hunt 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Jack Bird 12. Samuela Fainu 13. John Bateman 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal
Analysis: New recruits Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton could start on the wings, with Charlie Staines another option. The centre pairings were very unsettled in 2024, but expect Olam and Doueihi to start there in 2025. Jarome Luai should slot straight in at halfback alongside Galvin, while Royce Hunt should start at prop after the departure of Stefano Utoikamanu. New recruit Jack Bird could start in the backrow after the loss of Isaiah Papali’i.
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