The begin of the 2024 season is barely weeks away with a historic double header in Las Vegas.
But with groups to function in trial video games over the following three weekends, there’s nonetheless a bit to play out by way of golf equipment determining their Round 1 line-ups.
New Titans coach Des Hasler has already been dealt an enormous blow with two of his stars dominated out till April.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has an enormous backrow name to make after a star’s shock launch request.
Meanwhile, Adam O’Brien has a wing headache on his arms following Dom Young’s departure.
Read on for the NRL Team Tips for Round 1.
The solely place to observe each video games of the Las Vegas opening double-header stay is Fox League, accessible on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial right this moment >
SUNDAY MARCH 3
Manly Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 1.30pm AEDT
Predicted Sea Eagles workforce: 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. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Ben Trbojevic 17. Ethan Bullemor
Team Tips: Ben Trbojevic is about to be named within the beginning facet for the Sea Eagles Las Vegas season opener, a reward for his stellar pre-season type. According to The Daily Telegraph it’ll imply Trbojevic, who scored a hat-trick in opposition to Souths of their first trial match, beats out Josh Schuster who has had a restricted pre-season on account of damage. Schuster is anticipated to be named within the squad, nevertheless and has been named on the bench for Manly’s first pre-season trial in opposition to the Roosters, whereas Trbojevic has been named within the backrow. Manly coach Anthony Seibold stated he welcomed the choice headache.
“We want competition for spots,” Seibold stated.
“We felt as though if we were to improve as a team …. we needed to have competition. It is a genuine shootout.
“The back row, particular that left edge, there is great competition for spots. What I do know is the best version of Josh Schuster makes us a better team because he has something which we don’t have a lot of, which is that X-factor, skill, of an elite level.
“I haven’t seen too many players with the skill he has got. Ben Trbojevic’s work ethic and effort off the ball is what his weapon is.”
Interestingly, younger gun Jamie Humphreys additionally received the primary nod on the No.14 on this week’s trial, with Gordon Chan Kum Tong on the bench.
Predicted Rabbitohs workforce: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Jai Arrow 9. Damien Cook 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Siliva Havili 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Tom Burgess 17. Sean Keppie
Team Tips: Already coping with the news that Campbell Graham has been booked in for sternum surgical procedure that may preserve him sidelined for 4-6 months, the Rabbitohs have been dealt one other setback. Indigenous coach Ronnie Griffiths confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that Cody Walker is out of the All Stars recreation on account of a calf damage, with the five-eighth now stated to be no certainty to play in South Sydney’s Las Vegas season opener.
“It’s a massive blow for us and a massive blow for Cody because he’s a player who makes himself available every year,” Griffiths instructed the Herald. Dean Hawkins looms as essentially the most logical alternative for Walker if unavailable, whereas Jye Gray has been named on the bench in South Sydney’s Charity Shield conflict. Meanwhile, Isaiah Tass will probably slot into the centres for Graham for many of that interval. In one other large blow younger gun Tyrone Munro, who was set to win a spot on the wing, has suffered a shoulder damage that would see him sidelined for Round 1. According to The Daily Telegraph, Munro is unlikely to journey to Vegas. News Corp have reported that the uncapped Jacob Gagai is within the drivers seat to exchange Munro in Vegas. However, there’s one hurdle that Souths might want to overcome to make {that a} actuality. Gagai, brother of Knights star Dane, was suspended for one match for a swinging arm in final yr’s state championship on grand ultimate day however Souths are pushing for the judiciary to make use of this Friday’s All-Star recreation for the ban. Adding to Demetriou’s headache is star recruit Jack Wighton’s suspension.
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3.30pm AEDT
Predicted Roosters workforce: 1. James Tedesco 2. Joseph Suaalii 3. Joseph Manu 4. Billy Smith 5. Dom Young 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. Sandon Smith 15. Egan Butcher 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May
Team Tips: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was in a position to serve a few of his suspension throughout New Zealand’s Pacific Championship run after the Roosters used the International loophole. However, the Kiwis enforcer will nonetheless miss the opening two rounds, with recruit Spencer Leniu set to earn a begin within the entrance row in his place and Terrell May filling the prop alternative position on the bench beside back-rowers Egan Butcher and Sitili Tupouniua. Recruit Dom Young appears to be like set to earn a spot on the wing, with Joseph Suaalii on the opposite and Daniel Tupou the unfortunate man out. Billy Smith companions Joseph Manu within the centres. However, Trent Robinson named Manu on the prolonged bench for his or her trial in opposition to the Sea Eagles this week, giving Suaalii an opportunity within the centres. Siua Wong has additionally been named on the prolonged bench, with Tupouniua and Butcher within the backrow.
Predicted Broncos workforce: 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: The Broncos acquired an enormous enhance in latest weeks with Ezra Mam signing a five-year extension. He’ll accomplice Adam Reynolds within the halves. Selwyn Cobbo will shift into the centres to take the place of the departed Herbie Farnworth. That will open up veteran Corey Oates returning to the facet on the wing however he faces stiff competitors from rising star Deine Mariner who has been named on the wing within the Broncos first pre-season trial. In addition to Farnworth, forwards Tom Flegler, Keenan Palasia and Kurt Capwell have all left. Fletcher Baker arrives from the Roosters and he might take Flegler’s spot within the beginning line up though workhorse Corey Jensen is the favorite to be given the no. 8 jersey. Also within the combine is 204cm large Ben Te Kura. The teenager, who’s but to make his NRL debut, can be among the many greatest within the recreation and already can be the tallest participant in historical past at 205cm – frighteningly, at 19 years of age, he has room to develop. Broncos nice Corey Parker, who has tracked Te Kura stated he was assured Te Kura could make an impression within the NRL. “He’s an enormous kid, one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. Ben’s got all the skills and I have no doubt he can play NRL in the coming seasons. He’s certainly raw, he’s quite green and still learning from senior players at the Broncos, but I’ve got a big wrap on him. Fitness will be the key for Ben.” Te Kura was named on the prolonged bench for Brisbane’s conflict with the Broncos.
THURSDAY MARCH 7
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Predicted Knights workforce: 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. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Leo Thompson 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: The vacant wing spot left by Dom Young (Roosters) shapes as being the large battle of the pre-season. Enari Tuala, Krystian Mapapalangi and Panthers recruit Tom Jenkins are the three within the operating. UK import Kai Pearce-Paul has loads of upside and will likely be pushing for a bench spot to start the season. Dummy half Jayden Brailey returns from damage and will likely be in beginning line-up, with Phoenix Crossland in all chance heading again to the bench regardless of his glorious 2023. Adam O’Brien has additionally named Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble within the halves, with Jack Cogger on the bench for the membership’s first trial in opposition to the Sharks.
Predicted Raiders workforce: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Ethan Strange 4. Matt Timoko 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Emre Guler 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Tom Starling 15. Morgan Smithies 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Zac Hosking
Team Tips: Kaeo Weekes is the favorite to be given first crack within the five-eighth spot with Jack Wighton leaving for Souths. The ahead pack is fairly settled though Corey Horsburgh will likely be missed for a number of weeks on account of suspension. Emre Guler will take his spot within the ahead pack for the primary month. The versatile Seb Kris may even miss a month by way of suspension. Xavier Savage was in good type within the NSW Cup final yr, however performed primarily on the wing. Rising star Chevy Stewartis a powerful probability of incomes the No.1 jersey come Round 1 and has been named at fullback within the membership’s first trial. Ethan Strange was blooded in a single recreation in opposition to the Storm final season and held his personal however could also be squeezed out of the backline. He is one contender to accomplice the hard-running Matt Timoko within the centres. New recruits Zac Hosking and Morgan Smithies are prone to nab bench spots
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FRIDAY MARCH 8
New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Predicted Warriors workforce: 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: Favourite son Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns after a stint in rugby union and slots into the centres. Adam Pompey is the participant who probably makes method with Rocco Berry the choose of these two final season. Andrew Webster has confirmed that Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad will keep at fullback. Luke Metcalf is the favorite to win the No.6 jersey over Te Maire Martin. Metcalf signalled he has a shiny future after a promising 2023 which was minimize brief by damage. Shaun Johnson is an out of doors probability to overlook spherical 1 (ankle). Kurt Capewell slots straight into the facet after being poached from the Broncos, with Jackson Ford dropping to the bench.
Predicted Sharks workforce: 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. Jesse Colquhoun
Team Tips: Will Kennedy’s fullback spot is his to lose with Connor Tracey leaving to go to the Bulldogs. Fullback contender Kade Dykes has been named within the No.1 jersey within the membership’s first trial in opposition to the Knights. The Sharks are with out Matt Moylan and Wade Graham however have the depth to cowl these departures. Teig Wilton returns from a season-ending knee damage suffered in 2023 and slots into the again row. Braydon Trindall impressed at instances final yr and companions famous person Nicho Hynes within the halves.
Nofoaluma joins English facet Salford | 00:27
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEDT
Predicted Storm workforce: 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. Trent Loiero 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Shawn Blore 17. Sua Fa’alogo
Team Tips: The massive query is whether or not Ryan Papenhuyzen will likely be match sufficient to function in Round 1 and Melbourne acquired an enormous enhance by naming him at fullback within the membership’s first pre-season trial. The star fullback will likely be hoping for an uninterrupted season after solely enjoying in three video games in 2023 due to damage. The tremendous proficient Sua Fa’alogo is being tipped to come back off the pine in opposition to the Panthers the place Craig Bellamy will likely be hoping he can come on and make the most of some drained legs within the center. However he hasn’t been included within the squad to tackle the Bulldogs. New recruit Shawn Blore provides some starch off the bench for a ahead pack who had been outplayed by the Panthers in final yr’s preliminary ultimate.
Predicted Panthers workforce: 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. Luke Sommerton 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry
Team Tips: Penrith are the one workforce who received’t participate within the Pre-Season Challenge as they are going to be contesting the World Club Challenge within the UK. There aren’t any actual damage considerations at this stage with the departed trio of Spencer Leniu (Roosters), Jack Cogger (Knights) and Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) the one three lacking from our predicted Round 1 squad that featured within the grand ultimate. Taylan May, who’s getting back from an ACL damage he suffered in final yr’s World Club Challenge, has indicated he desires to exchange Crichton within the centres nevertheless the loyal Ivan Cleary might give first crack to Tyrone Peachey.Soni Luke and Luke Sommerton are in rivalry for Penrith’s back-up hooker spot. Meanwhile, Jarome Luai is in some doubt for Round 1 after being dominated out of the World Club Challenge in opposition to Wigan. Daine Laurie, Jack Cole and Brad Schneider his potential replacements.
SATURDAY MARCH 9
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Predicted Eels workforce: 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. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Wiremu Greig
Team Tips: Our predicted Eels Round 1 facet is way too proficient to not be enjoying finals after a disappointing 2023. The foremost query mark is who will begin the season at hooker with a battle in two brewing between Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick. Shaun Lane is about for an enormous season after an injury-riddled 2023 marketing campaign.
Predicted Bulldogs workforce: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Josh Curran 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Kurt Mann
Team Tips: One of the extra anticipated Round 1 line-ups would be the new-look Bulldogs. Stephen Crichton slots straight into the centres with one other recruit in Blake Taaffe the probably fullback. Taaffe will get first crack on the fullback spot within the membership’s trial in opposition to the Storm. Former Warrior Josh Curran has been named within the backrow however might begin at lock come Round 1. The different fullback possibility Connor Tracey is pushing for a Round 1 spot however is barely simply again operating after a latest ankle damage. Crichton and Viliame Kikau received’t play within the trial in opposition to the Storm. Much was made in regards to the variety of utilities the Bulldogs signed this low season, and two of them in Kurt Mann and Jaeman Salmon will likely be within the operating for a spot on the pine to begin the season. Toby Sexton and Drew Hutchison are set to battle it out for the No.7 jersey and Hutchison received the nod in opposition to the Storm within the membership’s first trial.
Gold Coast Titans vs. St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium, 7.35pm AEDT
Predicted Titans workforce: 1. Jayden Campbell 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. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Keano Kini 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
Team Tips: According to The Daily Telegraph, David Fifitaand Jayden Campbell are set to be sidelined for the opening three weeks of the season. Fifita is reportedly solely returning to pre-season coaching this week after present process a surgical procedure on a pectoral damage. Meanwhile, Campbell is but to coach with the complete squad, that means rising star Keano Kini might play fullback with AJ Brimson within the centres. Fifita suffered a torn pectoral in December whereas Campbell underwent knee surgical procedure final season. “David is progressing well, hopefully he gets cleared in a week or two and can start the heavy training,” coach Des Hasler stated. “It will depend on the next diagnosis. (Campbell) is going okay and recuperating pretty well. He is getting better and is pending his next medical check-up with the surgeon.” Meanwhile, Beau Fermor is anticipated to begin within the forwards on his return from an ACL damage alongside new recruit Keenan Palasia, who was one of many Broncos’ greatest within the grand ultimate. Fifita’s backrow spot is reportedly to be contested by Klese Haas and Jacob Alick, with each gamers having stable ends to their respective 2023 campaigns.
Hunt backing Flanagan to spark Dragons | 01:01
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Predicted Dragons workforce: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Dylan Egan 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Francis Molo 15. Toby Couchman 16. Hame Sele 17. Dan Russell
Team Tips: The Dragons will blood a number of new recruits within the type of Tom Eisenhuth, Hame Sele, Ray Faitala-Mariner and Kyle Flanagan in Round 1. Flanagan will begin within the halves alongside Ben Hunt, successful the job by default after Junior Amone’s deregistration and the Ronald Volkman damage saga. Jack Bird has been earmarked to play within the centres with Zac Lomax shifting to the wing, as Tyrell Sloan wins the possibility to begin the season at fullback. A Liam Martin clone in rookie Dylan Egan might debut in Round 1 after impressing Shane Flanagan and Ben Hunt in pre-season. “Dylan Egan is a young kid who has really impressed me since we’ve come back,” Ben Hunt stated in a latest interview with News Corp. “He’s no frills, you tell him what to do, he gets it done. He’s one of the fittest forwards we’ve got, he always seems to be in the right spot at the right time and makes really good decisions defensively.” “He is a legit hope. He is a tough back rower. he is going to be a long term first grader,” Flanagan added. “He is Liam Martin all over. He is as tough as nails, smart footy player, he talks really well in team meetings and understands footy. “Ben (Hunt) is quite happy to have him defend next to him so that is a rap. He is a genuine hope. Round one is an ask but Dylan Egan is a player of the future.” Egan has been named on the bench within the Charity Shield, with Eisenhuth and Jaydn Su’A named on the perimeters.
SUNDAY MARCH 10
Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Predicted Dolphins workforce: 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. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Ray Stone 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Euan Aitken 17. Jarrod Wallace
Team Tips: They’ve recruited in addition to another workforce, 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 received one of many two spots on the flank however his spot will likely be hotly contested by Tesi Niu who has had a powerful pre-season thus far. Connelly Lemuelu is in a race to be match for spherical 1 due to a knee damage however is anticipated to swimsuit up.
Predicted Cowboys workforce: 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. Luciano Leilua 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Griffin Neame 17. Heilum Luki
Team Tips: On paper, North Queensland boast one of many extra proficient groups within the league. Valentine Holmes’ four-game suspension was a intestine pinch for the Cowboys final yr however he now returns. There are a variety of mixtures Todd Payten might select to go together with within the backline, with centre Zac Laybutt pushing for a spot. He impressed in restricted motion final season. He can fill the void of the departed Peta Hiku (Super League). Former Warriors recruit Viliami Vailea is reportedly nonetheless caught in NZ with Visa points however provides depth. The skilled Kyle Feldt is all the time an possibility however that might imply shifting Murray Taulagi to the centres. A brand new disaster has arisen for the Cowboys, with Luciano Leilua requesting a right away launch to return to Sydney. That opens up a spot within the beginning line-up for the proficient Heilum Luki, whereas Kulikefu Finefeuiaki might then come onto the bench.
Bye: Wests Tigers
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