Roosters star Brandon Smith has spilled the beans on selection plans involving Joseph Suaalii, while their opponents in Vegas, the Broncos, have announced their Round 1 side with one young gun a shock omission.
The Dolphins are facing a major headache following a horror injury to Tom Gilbert that will likely see him sit out for an extended period.
Jason Demetriou’s Rabbitohs also have an injury headache of their own and the make-up of their backline is a major talking point.
Meanwhile, the Knights, Cowboys and Panthers all have selection decisions to make with several stars nursing injuries.
Read on for the Team Tips for Round 1.
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SUNDAY MARCH 3
Manly Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1.30pm AEDT
Predicted Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Jason Saab 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Taniela Paseka 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Brad Parker 16. Nathan Brown 17. Ethan Bullemor
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles will kick the season off in Las Vegas, wheeling out several big guns at Allegiant Stadium. Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic were all put on ice in the pre-season, hoping to be fit and firing for Round 1. With Josh Schuster remaining in Australia, he is set to be replaced by Ben Trbojevic who has reportedly impressed in pre-season. Luke Brooks will wear the No.6 while Karl Lawton looks set to get the nod as the utility, having been flown to America while Gordon Cham Kum Tong played in the pre-season challenge against the Broncos. Toafofoa Sipley won’t feature in Las Vegas due to suspension, meaning Brad Parker, who has been flown to the USA, could take his bench spot after making the move into the backrow. Nathan Brown, fresh from being handed a top 30 contract, could make his NRL debut for Manly abroad.
Predicted Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jacob Gagai 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tom Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Siliva Havili 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Davvy Moale 17. Sean Keppie
Team Tips: With a backline injury crisis, the Rabbitohs were handed a big boost when it was declared Jacob Gagai would be eligible for selection in Round 1. It was deemed by the NRL he had served a one-game suspension in the All Stars clash meaning he is set to make his debut in Las Vegas. With Jack Wighton suspended, Campbell Graham injured and Tyrone Munro also in doubt, Taane Milne could be the man to take over on the wing. Walker is also expected to overcome a calf injury and take the field, while the remainder of the team looks settled under Jason Demetriou, with young gun Tallis Duncan’s back-end of his 2023 campaign likely winning him a spot on the bench, being one of the club’s most exciting rising stars.
Raiders fall short to determined Cowboys | 01:34
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3.30pm AEDT
Predicted Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Joseph Suaalii 3. Joseph Manu 4. Billy Smith 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Angus Crichton 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May
Team Tips: With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves still serving a suspension, Spencer Leniu is set to earn a starting spot in his Roosters debut. The former Panther’s career has come mainly off the bench, but he could adopt a new role under Trent Robinson. Meanwhile, Terrell May will fit on the bench alongside Sitili Tupouniua and Angus Crichton. The utility spot will be hotly contested this year, but the returning Connor Watson will likely get the nod to his versatility. That is despite Sandon Smith’s impressive performances to close out the season in 2023 off the bench. Rising star Siua Wong is likely going to start in the backrow and his talent can’t be understated, partnering Nat Butcher. Brandon Smith wears the No.9 and Sam Walker’s form will ensure he gets a long-term crack at five-eighth this year. Dom Young has travelled to England after he suffered an ugly neck injury which saw him be taken to hospital in a neck brace. He won’t take the field as a precaution and according to The Daily Telegraph, has avoided surgery, with Joseph Suaalii taking his place on the wing. Speaking on The Bye Round podcast, hooker Smith revealed if Young was fit Suaalii would have been the player to miss out over Billy Smith and Daniel Tupou. “I think he tore three ligaments in his neck… very unfortunate for him, I think he’s out and Suaalii’s in. Billy Smith, Joey Manu, Tupou and then Suaalii,” he said.
Predicted Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Corey Oates 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Martin Taupau 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Kobe Hetherington
Team Tips: The Broncos team that will take on the Roosters has reportedly been named, with promising forward Xavier Willison a glaring omission according to Nine’s rugby league insider Ben Dobbin. Instead, coach Kevin Walters has elected to give veteran Martin Taupau a bench spot. “They are looking for experience and that is what they’ll get with Marty,” Dobbin said on Nine News. Despite battling an MCL injury, Kurt Capewell’s replacement Brendan Piakura has won the race to be fit and will start in the back row alongside Jordan Riki. Corey Oates has won the right to start on the wing over Deine Mariner with Jesse Arthars the other flank. Tyson Smoothy, having surged ahead of Cory Paix in the utility rankings last season, will wear the No.14 with new recruit Fletcher Backer and Kobe Hetherington the others on the bench.
THURSDAY MARCH 7
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Predicted Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: In a horror blow for the Knights, Jayden Brailey is batting a hamstring injury that will likely see him miss Round 1. Phoenix Crossland is his obvious replacement, which also solves another issue in the halves. Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble have been named at six and seven in both pre-season trials for Newcastle, and with the No.14 jersey open Jack Cogger will likely bide his time off the bench. It will only be a matter of time however before Brailey returns and Adam O’Brien has a bumper decision to make. Dom Young’s wing spot is also being contested by Tom Jenkins and Enari Tuala. If the trials are anything to go by, Tuala is set to get the nod. Another position to watch for the Knights, with Krystian Mapapalangi also in the equation. Dylan Lucas’ strong trials form will likely see him start in the backrow, with Kai Pearce-Paul likely getting a start on the bench in his debut NRL season. The trio of front rowers, Leo Thompson and the Saifiti brothers, all have credentials to start or come off the pine.
Predicted Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Xavier Savage 3. Ethan Strange 4. Matt Timoko 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Emre Guler 17. Zac Hosking
Team Tips: Ricky Stuart has a huge decision to make regarding who wears the No.6 and Ethan Strange put his best foot forward to close out the pre-season trials. Kaeo Weekes will likely get first crack, but Strange’s performance could see him start in the centres, with Seb Kris suspended until Round 2. Jordan Rapana is set to start at fullback, with Xavier Savage on the wing. Young gun Chevy Stewart will bide his time in NSW Cup and potentially make his NRL debut at some point this season. With Corey Horsburgh also suspended until Round 4, English recruit Morgan Smithies wear the No.13 in his absence, having been named at lock against the Cowboys in the pre-season challenge. That will see Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii play in the front row, with Emre Guler coming off the bench. Pasami Saulo is set to be the unlucky one missing out, with Ata Mariota delivering a solid performance off the bench against North Queensland.
‘Let’s GO’ – NRL debut new ad for 2024 | 01:04
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FRIDAY MARCH 8
New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Predicted Warriors 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. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Tom Ale 17. Bunty Afoa
Team Tips: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been ruled out until Round 4, with young gun Taine Tuaupiki taking his place, having featured against the Dolphins in the pre-season challenge. The remainder of the team remains largely settled, with Kurt Capewell pushing Jackson Ford to the bench. Favourite son Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns after a stint in rugby union and slots into the centres. Adam Pompey is the player who likely makes way, while Tom Ale and Jazz Tevaga battle for the final bench spot. Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita will also be hot on Luke Metcalf’s heels for the No.6 jersey, however the former Sharks’ form before his hamstring injury at the end of the 2023 season will likely see him get a long stint in the No.6.
Predicted Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 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 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Royce Hunt 16. Tom Hazelton 17. Jack Williams
Team Tips: One of the most settled teams in the competition. The Sharks’ back five picks itself this season, with Connor Tracey departing for the Bulldogs. The halves pairing is locked in and Toby Rudolf is also set to return after battling turf toe in 2023 and also in this pre-season. He could start on the bench but will likely be in the run-on side, with Jack Williams and Jesse Colquhoun battling it out for the final bench spot. It could go either way, but Williams has been excellent in pre-season according to his teammates and will likely get the nod, handing Craig Fitzgibbon another middle forward to inject into the game whenever he pleases.
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEDT
Predicted Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Xavier Coates 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Will Warbrick 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Shawn Blore 17. Sua Fa’alogo
Team Tips: Ryan Papenhuyzen is back and he passed with flying colours in the pre-season challenge. Craig Bellamy has his strike fullback ready to go, with Justin Olam’s departure also opening a path for Nick Meaney to start in the centres. Foxsports.com.au also understands Sua Fa’alogo will be named on the bench. Tigers recruit Shawn Blore is also expected to be named in the backrow alongside Eli Katoa, shifting Trent Loiero to the bench. Tui Kamikamica and Nelson Asofa-Solomona could both start or come off the bench, alongside Bronson Garlick who makes up the final member of the pine.
Predicted Panthers 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. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone Peacehy 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry
Team Tips: The biggest question mark for the Panthers remains Jarome Luai’s fitness. He sat out of the World Club Challenge due to a shoulder injury, being replaced by Jack Cole. The gun five-eighth was a chance of taking the field, meaning he’s set to be named come Round 1. Elsewhere, Scott Sorensen, who also sat out due a leg injury, will likely return and his return will push Matt Eisenhuth off the bench. Wigan also targeted Taylan May and Sunia Turuva’s edge in attack, meaning Ivan Cleary could switch up his partnerships against the Storm, moving May to the right side of the field. Tyrone Peachey also looks set to be named as the utility over Soni Luke. Luke Sommerton is also in the equation. Sunia Turuva is also expected to be fit after suffering a lower leg injury in the World Club Challenge.
SATURDAY MARCH 9
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Predicted Eels team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Brendan Hands 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Kelma Tuilagi 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Wiremu Greig
Team Tips: The major talking point that remains in this team is who wears the No.9. Brad Arthur wants an 80-minute hooker, which will likely see Joey Lussick get the nod due to his defensive attributes and clean service out of the ruck. However, Brendan Hands could be the option if the Eels want more spark out of hooker. It’s a big call and it could define how Parramatta attack this year. Bailey Simonsson could be another man under pressure, with recruit Morgan Harper delivering a solid pre-season after joining from the Sea Eagles. Elsewhere, Shaun Lane is set to start in the backrow, with Kelma Tuilagi‘s pre-season performances likely seeing him win a spot on the bench with a vacant slot on the pine due to the lack of a utility.
Predicted Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Connor Tracey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Josh Curran 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Kurt Mann 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Poasa Faamausili
Team Tips: Cameron Ciraldo has a backline headache on his hands. Connor Tracey and Jacob Kiraz didn’t play a minute of the trials but are expected to start come Round 1. That will see Tracey partner Stephen Crichton in the centres and Kiraz take the place of winger Blake Wilson. After a strong pre-season, Bronson Xerri is unlucky to miss out. Blake Taaffe is set to wear the No.1, while Drew Hutchison will likely win the halfback spot over former Titan Toby Sexton.Josh Curran is a strong chance of playing in the No.13, with Jaeman Salmon playing as the utility off the bench. Sam Hughes and Kurt Mann also look a strong chance of starting on the bench, leaving one remaining spot. Poasa Faamausili was very impressive in the pre-season trials and will likely win the final bench spot while Kurtis Morrin is also in contention. Ryan Sutton is reportedly still batting a knee injury and won’t be fit to start the season.
Sivo cops 3-game ban for MONSTROUS hit | 00:36
Gold Coast Titans vs. St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium, 7.35pm AEDT
Predicted Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. AJ Brimson 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Mo Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Jacob Alick
Team Tips: The Titans are set to be without Jayden Campbell for Round 1 and the gun fullback is set to be replaced by Keano Kini. Brian Kelly missed out on the final pre-season challenge game to due illness but should be fit to return and take up a spot in the centres. David Fifita is also in doubt due to a pectoral injury and Des Hasler will be doing everything he can to make sure he’s fit, however he looks likely to miss a month of football. If he is unable to take the field Jacob Alick or Klese Haas will take his place alongside Beau Fermor. Chris Randall will likely play the utility role, with Kini at fullback alongside Erin Clark and Haas on the bench. Keenan Palasia is set to start for the Titans, with Isaac Liu also in doubt due to a knee injury. Liu will be named on the bench if fit, but should he be ruled out Alick or Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui will take his place. Jaimin Jolliffe is another who could be in contention for a spot on the bench.
Predicted Dragons 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. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Hame Sele 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Team Tips: The Shane Flanagan era begins. The Dragons backline is set, with Zac Lomax playing on the wing and Tyrell Sloan at fullback. Ben Hunt will partner Kyle Flanagan in the halves. Blake Lawrie and Jacob Liddle have niggling injuries but will be fit for Round 1 after featuring in the pre-season challenge. New recruit Luciano Leilua is set to start on an edge, pushing Tom Eisenhuth to the bench or out of the team altogether. Jesse Marschke is also set to play as the utility, with young gun Connor Mulheisen also in the equation. Viliami Fifita, Ben Murdoch Masila and Michael Molo will all be pushing for spots off the bench, having played on pine in the final pre-season challenge clash.
SUNDAY MARCH 10
Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Predicted Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Jake Averillo 5. Jack Bostock 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Jarrod Wallace
Team Tips: It’s a horror blow for Wayne Bennett, but the Dolphins are set to be without Tom Gilbert for majority of the season after he suffered a non-contact knee injury. The injury comes after his season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 he suffered during Origin. Bennett also has some big decisions regarding his backline, with Tesi Niu delivering impressive pre-season performances. Jake Averillo will likely start in the centres, with Jack Bostock on the wing but Niu will be hot on both of their heels. Gilbert’s No.13 jersey is set to be taken by Ray Stone, opening a slot of Kodi Nikorima to play in the utility role and Isaiya Katoa at No.6. Euan Aitken is also a strong chance of winning a backrow spot over Connelly Lemuelu who could start off the bench alongside Kenny Bromwich and Jarrod Wallace.
Predicted Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele
Team Tips: The Cowboys have a fairly settled team heading into Round 1, with Zac Laybutt leading the race to win a spot in the centres over Viliami Vailea. Heilum Luki takes Leilua’s backrow slot, meaning Kulikefu Finefeuiaki wins a spot on the pine. Coen Hess also suffered a significant knee injury against the Raiders and it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined for. He is set to be replaced by Sam McIntyre or Thomas Mikaele who was very impressive in the final pre-season trial.
Bye: Wests Tigers
Source Agencies
