NRL Trials Teams analysis: Every club’s burning selection issues ahead of Round 1

Is Pat Carrigan’s move to prop really the Broncos’ best move? Have the Knights solved their halves conundrum? FATIMA KDOUH analyses the burning questions from trial teams.

From selection battles going down to the wire to prop rotations, every NRL coach has a big unanswered question ahead of round 1.

We take a look at the big decision that will be decided at each club by the final week of the preseason challenge, as the season opener in Las Vegas on March 2 closes in.

SEE THE FULL WEEK 3 PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE TEAMS BELOW

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Is Kobe Hetherington the better option at lock?

If there is one player that won’t shirk his responsibility regardless of what number is on his back, it’s Pat Carrigan. His shift to prop in 2025 looks cemented after Michael Maguire named Carrigan to start in the front row against the Bulldogs. But the move comes with the risk of Brisbane losing the ball playing that Carrigan provides as a link man with his halves through the middle.

Is moving Pat Carrigan to prop the brest move for the Broncos? Picture: David Martinelli

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Who replaces Jacob Kiraz on the wing?

Blake Wilson hasn’t played since August after suffering a serious ankle injury but will get the nod to replace Kiraz, who is out indefinitely with a back issue, if he can get through the Broncos clash unscathed. He’ll have boom rookies Jonathan Sua and Ratu Jethro Rinakama, who starred against the Tigers last week, nipping at his heels.

DOLPHINS

Is Kristian Woolf fixing something that isn’t broken?

Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima have been named to start in the halves but Jake Averillo, who has played at centre since joining, will also get some time at five-eighth again in a sign coach Woolf is preparing for a halves shake-up. It could be a gamble given Nikorima and Katoa combined well last year.

Should Jake Averillo play in the halves? Or are the Dolphins trying to fix something that isn’t broken? Picture: NRL Photos

GOLD COAST TITANS

Does Des Hasler have an answer to his spine conundrum?

Jaylan De Groot will start at fullback against the Dolphins, pushing Keano Kini onto the bench and Jayden Campbell, who was seen as the answer at five-eighth, completely out of the starting 17. De Groot is a speedster but so is Kini, who is also a livewire at the back and benching him risks blunting the Titans’ attack. AJ Brimson is Hasler’s pick at five-eighth but offered little creativity in attack against Brisbane last week. Hasler’s selections have made the Titans’ spine puzzle a little harder to solve.

MANLY SEA EAGLES

Has Gordon Chan Kum Tong’s time at Manly run its course?

Chan Kum Tong had been viewed as a long term option at hooker but now new recruit Jazz Tevaga has been named to start in the no.9 jumper in a hooking rotation with Jake Simpkin against Penrith. Tevaga hasn’t started at hooker since 2022 but now looks set to reprise that role putting the Manly future of Chan Kum Tong, who is unsigned beyond 2025, in doubt.

The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles may have moved on from Gordon Chan Kum Tong as a hooker. Picture: NRL Photos

MELBOURNE STORM

Will Josh King keep Big Nas out of the starting side?

Nelson Asofa-Solomona finished last year at starting prop but won’t be available until round three, putting Josh King in the box set to win a starting spot alongside Stefano Utoikamanu. Craig Bellamy already has big wraps on workhorse King and won’t hesitate to reward him with that role, especially if he delivers against the Cowboys.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Can Fletcher Sharpe ease Kalyn Ponga’s attacking burden?

Sharpe is 80 minutes from locking in a starting five-eighth spot after being named in the position again for the Roosters trial. Sharpe looked dangerous with the ball and threatened the Eels line last week. For too long, Ponga has been the go to for a spark in the spine. Fletcher gets one more shot to prove he can carry some of Newcastle’s attacking burden this week, which will cement his spot alongside Tyson Gamble for round 1.

Is Fletcher Sharpe the answer to the Knights' woes? Picture: NRL Imagery

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Is Tom Duffy really the long-term answer at halfback?

After being held back in last week’s trial against the Dolphins, Tom Duffy has been named at halfback alongside Tom Dearden against the Storm. If Duffy can hold his own, showcase his organisation and game management skills, he’ll take a huge step in stealing the no.7 jumper from Jake Clifford not just for round 1 but for the rest of the season.

PARRAMATTA EELS

Will Bryce Cartwright be left languishing in reserve grade in 2025?

Even though backrower Shaun Lane is in serious doubt for round one, Bryce Cartwright has not been named in the 17 to take on the Tigers. There’s already a log-jam in the backrow with the likes of Lane, Ryan Matterson, Kelma Tuilagi, Kitione Kautoga and even rookie Charlie Guymer an option. Tuilagi and Kautoga have been given the nod this week but the number of minutes Cartwright, a reserve, gets on Friday night will be telling.

There is a log-jam in the backrow at Parramatta that could see Bryce Cartwright start the year in reserve grade. Picture: Getty Images

PENRITH PANTHERS

Who is the next Panther cub ready for stardom?

This Manly clash has little round 1 ramifications for Penrith, with the NRL side to jet off to Las Vegas on Thursday, but the club’s production line will be on show, generating plenty of interest. Keep an eye out for young hooker Billy Scott and backrower Harrison Hassett - both have huge wraps on them at the foot of the mountains.

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Who steps in for injured skipper Cam Murray?

Wayne Bennett has been handed a killer blow with Cam Murray facing a season on the sidelines with an Achilles injury he suffered at training on Wednesday. Latrell Mitchell also hobbled off the training paddock with a hamstring problem in what could be a horror situation for Souths. Mitchell was named to play the Charity Shield in Mudgee, while Murray was already left off the teamsheet. Replacing his experience and leadership is impossible, but Keaon Koloamatangi has previously filled in at lock in Murray’s absence, and Tallis Duncan remains an option. Both have been named in the second row to face St George Illawarra on Sunday.

Cameron Murray’s 2025 season may be over before it began. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Can Tyrell Sloan wrestle his way back into the starting side?

Named in the reserves, Sloan will need to find the physicality that has eluded him at times and that which is needed from the modern day winger to make the big carries out of yardage when injected into the game against the Rabbitohs. Boom rookie Sione Finau, who impressed against the Bulldogs, has been named on the wing, leaving Sloan in a battle to keep his NRL spot come round 1.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Is Trent Robinson’s master plan for Siua Wong coming to fruition?

Robinson has been working hard on turning Wong into a middle forward and that experiment will be put to the test in 2025 after he was named at lock and Victor Radley to start on an edge.

There have been some concerns about Wong’s defensive deficiencies in the Roosters camp but the 21-year old gets the chance to prove any detractors wrong against the Knights.

Has Siua Wong worked his way back into the Sydney Roosters best-17? Picture: NRL Imagery

WESTS TIGERS

What does Benji Marshall do with Latu Fainu?

After an underwhelming trial at halfback against the Bulldogs, Marshall has gone with Adam Doueihi in the no.7 jumper - with Jarome Luai kept on ice - in a sign Doueihi has now overtaken Fainu in the halves pecking order. Fainu has been named as a utility but will need a better outing against the Eels to prove his value in the no.14 jumper and avoid being another big money Tigers recruit stuck in NSW Cup.

NOT PLAYING

CRONULLA SHARKS

Who takes on the kicking duties?

Braydon Trindall took the kicking tee from Nicho Hynes in last week’s trial against Canberra, indicating Craig Fitzgibbon is undecided about who should be goal kicking. Hynes did pick up a minor groin issue on the weekend but Cronulla look set to have a new goal kicker in 2025.

CANBERRA RAIDERS

What will Ricky Stuart’s engine room look like?

Joe Tapine has one starting spot locked in but his front row partner remains unclear. Veteran Josh Papalii looks like he could reprise his starting role but Stuart even tried Corey Horsburgh up front late last year - and Pasami Saulo and Trey Mooney are also options. If fit, Zac Hosking will start on an edge leaving Englishman Matty Nicholson jostling for a spot on the bench.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Who replaces Dallin Watene-Zelezniak?

Taine Tuaupiki delivered another huge performance with two tries, two linebreaks and three tackles against an under-strength Storm side last week. Andrew Webster’s biggest concern is Tuaupiki’s defensive positioning. The Warriors don’t play again before Las Vegas robbing Tuaupiki the chance to alleviate the coach’s worries. Edward Kosi is the other option.

NRL PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE WEEK THREE TEAMS

SEA EAGLES VS PANTHERS

6pm Friday February 21 at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Sea Eagles: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Lehi Hopoate 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Navren Willett 6. Dean Matterson 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Siosiua Taukeiaho 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Ethan Bullemor 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Corey Waddell 13. Nathan Brown 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Chris Patolo 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 19. Caleb Navale 20. Aaron Schoupp 21. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 22. Brandon Wakeham 23. Jordan Swann 24. Aitasi James 25. Jacob Sykes 26. Zane Dunford

Panthers: 1. Sione Fonua 2. David Fale 3. Thomas Jenkins 4. Samuel Lane 5. Asu Kepaoa 6. Soni Luke 7. Trent Toelau 8. Preston Riki 9. Billy Scott 10. Austin Dias 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Harrison Hassett 13. Niko Apelu 14. Zack Lamont 15. John Sagaga 16. Billy Phillips 17. Riley Wake 18. Falefa Letoi 19. Tangata Utiokamanu 20. Jaxen Edgar 21. Nick Murphy 22. Poutoa Hotere-papalii 23. Tylor Bunting 24. Jakeb Vailalo 25. Zakauri Clarke 26. Harry Armstrong

WESTS TIGERS VS EELS

8pm Friday February 21 at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Wests Tigers: 1. Heath Mason 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Starford To’a 4. Brent Naden 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tristan Hope 19. Tony Sukkar 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomona Faataape

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jake Tago 6. Te Hurinui Twidle 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Toni Mataele 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Bryce Cartwright 21. Dan Keir 22. Ryley Smith 23. Brendan Hands 24. Joash Papali’i 25. Josh Addo-Carr 26. Jordan Samrani 27. Arthur Miller-Stephen 28. Joshua Lynn

DRAGONS VS RABBITOHS

3pm Saturday February 22 at Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee

Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew 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. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Hamish Stewart 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Hame Sele 20. Jonah Glover 21. Kade Reed 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 23. Dylan Egan 24. Nathan Lawson 25. Hayden Buchanan

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Declan Casey 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Jye Gray 16. Thomas Fletcher 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Salesi Ataata 19. Ashton Ward 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Luke Webley

BRONCOS VS BULLDOGS

5:30pm Saturday February 22 at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Latrell Siegwalt 15. Josiah Karapani 16. Delouise Hoeter 17. Jock Madden 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Deine Mariner 20. Billy Walters 21. Corey Jensen 22. Tyson Smoothy 23. Brendan Piakura 24. Benjamin Te Kura 25. Martin Taupau 26. Jaiyden Hunt 27. Xavier Willison 28. Jett Bryce

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. Sam Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Ratu Rinakama 20. Joseph O’Neill 21. Cassius Tia 22. Blake Taaffe 23. Harry Hayes 24. Jonathan Sua 25. Luke Smith

DOLPHINS VS TITANS

7:30pm Saturday February 22 at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

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. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Junior Tupou 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone 18. Max Feagai 19. Josh Kerr 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Harrison Graham 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Aublix Tawha 24. Tevita Naufahu 25. LJ Nonu

Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Allan Fitzgibbon 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 5. Tony Francis 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Keano Kini 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 16. Brian Kelly 17. Klese Haas 18. Jayden Campbell 19. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Thomas Weaver

ROOSTERS VS KNIGHTS

3:15pm Sunday February 23 at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Siua Wong 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Nat Butcher 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Fetalaiga Pauga 19. Blake Steep 20. Jake Elliott 21. Ethan King 22. Tom Rodwell 23. Max McCathie 24. Delasalle Vaa 25. Hugo Savala

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. 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. Jack Hetherington 16. Brodie Jones 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jack Cogger 19. Thomas Cant 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Logan Aoake 22. Will Pryce 23. Matthew Arthur 24. Jackson Hastings 25. Cody Hopwood 26. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana 27. Tyrone Thompson 28. Connor Votano

STORM VS COWBOYS

5:15pm Sunday February 23 at Casey Fields, Melbourne

Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Interchange: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Joe Chan 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Stanley Huen 20. Angus Hinchey 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Ryan Papenhuyzen 23. Hugo Peel 24. Cooper Page-Wilson 25. Nathaniel Roache 26 Preston Conn 27. Coby Williamson 28. Mitchell Jennings

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden (c) 7. Tom Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter (c) 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Karl Lawton 16. Griffin Neame 19. Kai O’Donnell 20. Coen Hess 21. Rob Derby 22. Tom Mikaele 23. Jaxson Paulo

Originally published as NRL Trials Teams analysis: Every club’s burning selection issues ahead of Round 1