The Dolphins are going through a serious headache following a horror harm to Tom Gilbert that can possible see him sit out for an prolonged interval.
Jason Demetriou’s Rabbitohs even have an harm headache of their very own and the make-up of their backline is a serious speaking level.
Meanwhile, the Knights, Cowboys and Panthers all have choice selections to make with a number of stars nursing accidents.
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 group: 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 a number of huge weapons at Allegiant Stadium. Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic had been all placed on ice within the pre-season, hoping to be match and firing for Round 1. With Josh Schuster remaining in Australia, he’s set to get replaced by Ben Trbojevic who has reportedly impressed in pre-season. Luke Brooks will put on the No.6 whereas Karl Lawton appears set to get the nod because the utility, having been flown to America whereas Gordon Cham Kum Tong performed within the pre-season problem in opposition to the Broncos. Toafofoa Sipley gained’t function in Las Vegas as a result of suspension, that means Brad Parker, who has been flown to the USA, may take his bench spot after making the transfer into the backrow. Nathan Brown, contemporary from being handed a high 30 contract, may make his NRL debut for Manly overseas.
Predicted Rabbitohs group: 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 harm disaster, the Rabbitohs had been handed a giant increase when it was declared Jacob Gagai can be eligible for choice in Round 1. It was deemed by the NRL he had served a one-game suspension within the All Stars conflict that means he’s set to make his debut in Las Vegas. With Jack Wighton suspended, Campbell Graham injured and Tyrone Munro additionally doubtful, Taane Milne could possibly be the person to take over on the wing. Walker can be anticipated to beat a calf harm and take the sphere, whereas the rest of the group appears settled below Jason Demetriou, with younger gun Tallis Duncan’s back-end of his 2023 marketing campaign possible successful him a spot on the bench, being one of many membership’s most enjoyable rising stars.
Raiders fall brief to decided Cowboys | 01:34
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3.30pm AEDT
Predicted Roosters group: 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 nonetheless serving a suspension, Spencer Leniu is ready to earn a beginning spot in his Roosters debut. The former Panther’s profession has come primarily off the bench, however he may undertake a brand new position below Trent Robinson. Meanwhile, Terrell May will match on the bench alongside Sitili Tupouniua and Angus Crichton. The utility spot shall be hotly contested this yr, however the returning Connor Watson will possible get the nod to his versatility. That is regardless of Sandon Smith’s spectacular performances to shut out the season in 2023 off the bench. Rising star Siua Wong is probably going going to begin within the backrow and his expertise can’t be understated, partnering Nat Butcher. Brandon Smith wears the No.9 and Sam Walker’s kind will guarantee he will get a long-term crack at five-eighth this yr. Dom Young has travelled to England after he suffered an unsightly neck harm which noticed him be taken to hospital in a neck brace. He gained’t take the sphere as a precaution, with Joseph Suaalii taking his place on the wing. Speaking on The Bye Round podcast, hooker Smith revealed if Young was match Suaalii would have been the participant to overlook 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 mentioned.
Predicted Broncos group: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Corey Oates 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jordan Riki 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Xavier Willison
Team Tips: Deine Mariner shall be sizzling on his heels, however Corey Oates is ready to win a spot on the wing alongside Jesse Arthars come Round 1. The veteran winger’s expertise can’t be understated and he supplies an aerial menace for Adam Reynolds to purpose at. The Broncos have a red-hot facet, however Brendan Piakura, who was set to switch the outgoing Kurt Capewell is doubtful after damaging his MCL. He’s racing the clock to be match however ought to take the sphere, with Jaiyden Hunt his possible alternative. Corey Jensen is locked in to switch Tom Flegler at prop, with Roosters recruit Fletcher Baker becoming a member of the bench. Tyson Smooth, having surged forward of Cory Paix within the utility rankings final season, will put on the No.14 with Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington rounding out the bench.
THURSDAY MARCH 7
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Predicted Knights group: 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 harm that can possible see him miss Round 1. Phoenix Crossland is his apparent alternative, which additionally solves one other problem within the halves. Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble have been named at six and 7 in each pre-season trials for Newcastle, and with the No.14 jersey open Jack Cogger will possible bide his day without work the bench. It will solely be a matter of time nonetheless earlier than Brailey returns and Adam O’Brien has a bumper choice to make. Dom Young’s wing spot can be being contested by Tom Jenkins and Enari Tuala. If the trials are something to go by, Tuala is ready to get the nod. Another place to look at for the Knights, with Krystian Mapapalangi additionally within the equation. Dylan Lucas’ sturdy trials kind will possible see him begin within the backrow, with Kai Pearce-Paul possible getting a begin on the bench in his debut NRL season. The trio of entrance rowers, Leo Thompson and the Saifiti brothers, all have credentials to begin or come off the pine.
Predicted Raiders group: 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 an enormous choice to make concerning who wears the No.6 and Ethan Strange put his finest foot ahead to shut out the pre-season trials. Kaeo Weekes will possible get first crack, however Strange’s efficiency may see him begin within the centres, with Seb Kris suspended till Round 2. Jordan Rapana is ready to begin at fullback, with Xavier Savage on the wing. Young gun Chevy Stewart will bide his time in NSW Cup and probably make his NRL debut in some unspecified time in the future this season. With Corey Horsburgh additionally suspended till Round 4, English recruit Morgan Smithies put on the No.13 in his absence, having been named at lock in opposition to the Cowboys within the pre-season problem. That will see Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii play within the entrance row, with Emre Guler coming off the bench. Pasami Saulo is ready to be the unfortunate one lacking out, with Ata Mariota delivering a strong efficiency off the bench in opposition to North Queensland.
‘Let’s GO’ – NRL debut new advert 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 group: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 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 is doubtful for Round 1 as a result of a hamstring niggle however he’s set to take the sphere. If he’s dominated out, younger gun Taine Tuaupiki will take his place, having featured in opposition to the Dolphins within the pre-season problem. The the rest of the group stays 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 participant who possible makes manner, whereas Tom Ale and Jazz Tevaga battle for the ultimate bench spot. Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita may also be sizzling on Luke Metcalf’s heels for the No.6 jersey, nonetheless the previous Sharks’ kind earlier than his hamstring harm on the finish of the 2023 season will possible see him get an extended stint within the No.6.
Predicted Sharks group: 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 probably the most settled groups within the competitors. The Sharks’ again 5 picks itself this season, with Connor Tracey departing for the Bulldogs. The halves pairing is locked in and Toby Rudolf can be set to return after battling turf toe in 2023 and likewise on this pre-season. He may begin on the bench however will possible be within the run-on facet, with Jack Williams and Jesse Colquhoun battling it out for the ultimate bench spot. It may go both manner, however Williams has been wonderful in pre-season based on his teammates and can possible get the nod, handing Craig Fitzgibbon one other center ahead to inject into the sport every time he pleases.
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEDT
Predicted Storm group: 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 again and he handed with flying colors within the pre-season problem. Craig Bellamy has his strike fullback able to go, with Justin Olam’s departure additionally opening a path for Nick Meaney to begin within the centres. Foxsports.com.au additionally understands Sua Fa’alogo shall be named on the bench. Tigers recruit Shawn Blore can be anticipated to be named within the backrow alongside Eli Katoa, shifting Trent Loiero to the bench. Tui Kamikamica and Nelson Asofa-Solomona may each begin or come off the bench, alongside Bronson Garlick who makes up the ultimate member of the pine.
Predicted Panthers group: 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 greatest query mark for the Panthers stays Jarome Luai’s health. He sat out of the World Club Challenge as a result of a shoulder harm, being changed by Jack Cole. The gun five-eighth was an opportunity of taking the sphere, that means he’s set to be named come Round 1. Elsewhere, Scott Sorensen, who additionally sat out due a leg harm, will possible return and his return will push Matt Eisenhuth off the bench. Wigan additionally focused Taylan May and Sunia Turuva’s edge in assault, that means Ivan Cleary may swap up his partnerships in opposition to the Storm, shifting May to the best facet of the sphere. Tyrone Peachey additionally appears set to be named because the utility over Soni Luke.
SATURDAY MARCH 9
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Predicted Eels group: 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 main speaking level that continues to be on this group is who wears the No.9. Brad Arthur needs an 80-minute hooker, which is able to possible see Joey Lussick get the nod as a result of his defensive attributes and clear service out of the ruck. However, Hands could possibly be the choice if the Eels need extra spark out of hooker. It’s a giant name and it may outline how Parramatta assault this yr. Bailey Simonsson could possibly be one other man below stress, with recruit Morgan Harper delivering a strong pre-season after becoming a member of from the Sea Eagles. Elsewhere, Shaun Lane is ready to begin within 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. Kitione Kautoga
Team Tips: Cameron Ciraldo has a backline headache on his hands. Connor Tracey and Jacob Kiraz didn’t play a minute of the trials however are anticipated to begin come Round 1. That will see Tracey accomplice Stephen Crichton within the centres and Kiraz take the place of winger Blake Wilson. After a robust pre-season, Bronson Xerri is unfortunate to overlook out. Blake Taaffe is ready to put on the No.1, whereas Drew Hutchison will possible win the halfback spot over former Titan Toby Sexton. Josh Curran is a robust likelihood of taking part in within the No.13, with Jaeman Salmon taking part in because the utility off the bench. Sam Hughes and Kurt Mann additionally look a robust likelihood of beginning on the bench, leaving one remaining spot. Poasa Faamausili was very spectacular within the pre-season trials, however he’s at present on a growth contract that means he can’t function in first grade till Round 11. Therefore, Kitione Kautoga is a robust likelihood of a spot on the bench, whereas Kurtis Morrin can be in competition. Ryan Sutton is reportedly nonetheless batting a knee harm and gained’t be match to begin 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 group: 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 with out Jayden Campbell for Round 1 and the gun fullback is ready to get replaced by Keano Kini. Brian Kelly missed out on the ultimate pre-season problem sport to due sickness however must be match to return and take up a spot within the centres. David Fifita can be doubtful as a result of a pectoral harm and Des Hasler shall be doing every part he can to ensure he’s match, nonetheless he appears more likely to miss a month of soccer. If he’s unable to take the sphere Jacob Alick or Klese Haas will take his place alongside Beau Fermor. Chris Randall will possible play the utility position, with Kini at fullback alongside Erin Clark and Haas on the bench. Keenan Palasia is ready to begin for the Titans, with Isaac Liu additionally doubtful as a result of a knee harm. Liu shall be named on the bench if match, however ought to he be dominated out Alick or Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui will take his place. Jaimin Jolliffe is one other who could possibly be in competition for a spot on the bench.
Predicted Dragons group: 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 period begins. The Dragons backline is ready, with Zac Lomax taking part in on the wing and Tyrell Sloan at fullback. Ben Hunt will accomplice Kyle Flanagan within the halves. Blake Lawrie and Jacob Liddle have niggling accidents however shall be match for Round 1 after that includes within the pre-season problem. New recruit Luciano Leilua is ready to begin on an edge, pushing Tom Eisenhuth to the bench or out of the group altogether. Jesse Marschke can be set to play because the utility, with younger gun Connor Mulheisen at present on a growth deal and unable to function till Round 11. Viliami Fifita, Ben Murdoch Masila and Michael Molo will all be pushing for spots off the bench, having performed on pine within the remaining pre-season problem conflict.
SUNDAY MARCH 10
Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Predicted Dolphins group: 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, however the Dolphins are set to be with out Tom Gilbert for majority of the season after he suffered a non-contact knee harm. The harm comes after his season-ending shoulder harm in 2023 he suffered throughout Origin. Bennett additionally has some huge selections concerning his backline, with Tesi Niu delivering spectacular pre-season performances. Jake Averillo will possible begin within the centres, with Jack Bostock on the wing however Niu shall be sizzling on each of their heels. Gilbert’s No.13 jersey is ready to be taken by Ray Stone, opening a slot of Kodi Nikorima to play within the utility position and Isaiya Katoa at No.6. Euan Aitken can be a robust likelihood of successful a backrow spot over Connelly Lemuelu who may begin off the bench alongside Kenny Bromwich and Jarrod Wallace.
They’ve recruited in addition to some other group, with Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler to fit into the beginning line up. Alongside Farnworth, Jake Averillo creates a new-look centre pairing for the Dolphins. According to The Courier Mail, thrilling younger winger Jack Bostock has gained one of many two spots on the flank. Connelly Lemuelu is in a race to be match for spherical 1 due to a knee harm however is predicted to swimsuit up.
Predicted Cowboys group: 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. Heilum Luki
Team Tips: The Cowboys have a reasonably settled group heading into Round 1, with Zac Laybutt main the race to win a spot within the centres over Viliami Vailea. Heilum Luki takes Leilua’s backrow slot, that means Kulikefu Finefeuiaki wins a spot on the pine. Coen Hess additionally suffered a big knee harm in opposition to the Raiders and it stays to be seen how lengthy he shall be sidelined for. He is ready to get replaced by Sam McIntyre with Thomas Mikaele unfortunate to overlook out after barnstorming pre-season performances as a result of his growth contract standing.
Bye: Wests Tigers
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
