The Las Vegas season opening games are just over a month away and every NRL coach will be desperate to make the right selection calls ahead of Round 1.
Some clubs, like Raiders and Rabbitohs, will be without key players to start the season due to suspensions carried over from 2023.
While others have big selection headaches on their hands, with new recruits forcing their way into the equation.
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Trent Robinson has a huge outside backs call to make, with Billy Smith and Daniel Tupou on the chopping block following Dominic Young’s arrival.
Meanwhile, Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins are set to field a new, and dangerous, backline after recruiting two strike centres.
Here foxsports.com.au predicts every club’s predicted Round 1 team!
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Ins: Fletcher Baker (Roosters), Jaiyden Hunt (Dragons)
Outs: Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Keenan Palasia (Titans), Tom Flegler (Dolphins), Kurt Capewell (Warriors)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: The Broncos have several positions to fill after losing grand final quartet Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Kurt Capewell and Keenan Palasia.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has confirmed Maroons winger Selwyn Cobbo will replace 2023 Dally M Team of the Year star Farnworth in the centres.
That means Jesse Arthars will earn a permanent spot on the wing and veteran Corey Oates will return to the side if he can stave off young gun Deine Mariner.
Brendan Piakura, who played well off the bench in the grand final, will likely come into the starting side for second-rower Capewell.
Corey Jensen, 30, will compete with Roosters recruit Fletcher Baker to replace Flegler in the front row.
Rising prop Xavier Willison will fill the Palasia void off the bench, while rookie hooker Blake Mozer should also push Tyson Smoothy for some pine time.
Predicted Round 1 team:
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
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Ins: Kaeo Weekes (Sea Eagles), Simi Sasagi (Knights), Morgan Smithies (Wigan Warriors), Zac Hosking (Panthers)
Outs: Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs), Matt Frawley (Leeds Rhinos), Jarrod Croker (retired)
Unavailable: Corey Horsburgh (suspended, Round 4), Seb Kris (suspended, Round 5), Corey Harawira-Naera (health, indefinite)
Analysis: Canberra coach Ricky Stuart boldly claimed last week that with a little luck his side will make the top four in 2024.
That’s despite losing 2020 Dally M Medal winner Jack Wighton, the veteran centre Jarrod Croker and Stuart admitted Corey Harawira-Naera has likely played his last game of NRL.
Throw in representative stars Corey Horsburgh and Seb Kris missing the first month of the season suspended, and the Green Machine could be in for a tough start to 2024.
Stuart’s toughest selection decision is who replaces Wighton in the No. 6 jersey, with teenage rookie Ethan Strange battling it out with recruit Kaeo Weekes.
Weekes struggled to crack Manly’s 17 last year, while Strange has played just one NRL game – in the centres against Melbourne last year – but Stuart isn’t afraid of blooding young guns from the opening round.
The other intriguing selection battle is at fullback, with Weekes also in contention there against Xavier Savage and rising star Chevy Stewart.
Hooker Zac Woolford’s release request to join the Dragons was rejected which means he’ll likely retain the No. 9 jersey ahead of Tom Starling and Danny Levi.
Round 1 predicted team:
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
Officers charged over NRL star assault | 01:28
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Ins: Bronson Xerri (return from ban), Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Blake Taaffe (Souths), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Kurt Mann (Knights), Drew Hutchison (Roosters), Jake Turpin (Roosters)
Outs: Jake Averillo (Dolphins), Tevita Pangai Junior (retired), Kyle Flanagan (Dragons), Paul Alamoti (Panthers), Luke Thompson (Wigan), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles)
Unavailable: Connor Tracey (injury), Ryan Sutton (injury)
Analysis: Due to the amount of player turnover in the off-season, the Bulldogs Round 1 team list will be one of the more anticipated line ups.
Former Panther Stephen Crichton is a sure thing to slot into the starting side, with fellow recruits Josh Curran (lock) and Blake Taaffe (fullback) very likely to be named for Round 1 as well.
Crichton was signed with fullback in mind, but with the former Panther proving last season he is one of the world’s best centres and Taaffe on the books, we anticipate Crichton will at least start the season in his usual position.
With Curran at lock, Max King and Liam Knight are expected to start at prop.
Jaeman Salmon was signed as a utility from the Panthers and he and another new recruit in Kurt Mann will be hard to leave out of the side.
What will be consistent from last season is the damaging second row pairing of Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston as well as stud winger Josh Addo-Carr.
The halves pairing for Round 1 will be Matt Burton and Toby Sexton, but if the Bulldogs start the season slowly, Drew Hutchison could be called upon.
Predicted Round 1 team:
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
CRONULLA SHARKS
Ins: Billy Burns (Dragons), Michael Gabrael (Bulldogs)
Outs: Wade Graham (retired), Matt Moylan (Leigh Leopards), Connor Tracey (Bulldogs)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: The Sharks are one of the most settled teams in the NRL with very little turnover this summer, but there are still some selection decisions to make.
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzibbon is 0-3 in finals in his first two seasons in charge and he’s now without veterans Wade Graham and Matt Moylan.
Connor Tracey enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 but has since left for the Bulldogs but the Sharks have picked up a handy recruit in Billy Burns.
Will Kennedy returns to his No. 1 jersey and exciting young gun Kayal Iro could force his way into the centres equation, however Siosifa Talakai will likely get first crack.
Round 1 predicted team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Nicho Hynes
7. Braydon Trindall
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
DOLPHINS
Ins: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Tom Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs)
Outs: Brenko Lee (released), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: The foundation Dolphins surprised everyone in their maiden NRL season and they in 2024 even stronger.
Wayne Bennett has poached Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler from their cross-town rivals, while also signing rising star Jake Averillo.
Farnworth, who was named in the 2023 Dally M Team of the Year, and Averillo will form one of the most exciting centre pairings in the competition.
Flegler joins a pack that welcomes back Tom Gilbert who was enjoying a standout season before a shoulder injury cut it short.
Veteran Kodi Nikorima enjoyed a return to form in 2023 and will push for a spot in the 17 as will exciting young winger Jack Bostock who has reportedly won a wing spot according to The Courier Mail.
Val Te Whare will also push for minutes after Bennett banished the fan favourite centre to boot camp for turning up to pre-season overweight and he dropped 10kgs to save his career.
Round 1 predicted 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. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Ray Stone
15. Kenny Bromwich
16. Euan Aitken
17. Jarrod Wallace
Pangai Jr to make 2024 Broncos return? | 00:30
GOLD COAST TITANS
Ins: Keenan Palasia (Broncos), Harley Smith-Shields (Raiders).
Outs: Kruise Leeming (Wigan Warriors), Treymain Spry (released), Joe Vuna (unsigned).
Unavailable: NIL
Analysis: On paper, the Titans have a roster loaded with talent but it’s fair to say they’ve underachieved in recent seasons.
The arrival of Des Hasler will help, as the premiership winning coach will get everything out of this team.
The question heading into the off-season was what the Titans would do with Jayden Campbell as it was clear that he’s too good to be coming off the bench. That question has been answered, with the Titans signalling they will start Campbell at fullback and shift AJ Brimson to the centres.
Young gun Keano Kini has been training the house down, and could be an option off the bench like Campbell was used at times last season.
Tanah Boyd will start at halfback, but there are some queries if he’s the right man for the job after a mixed 2023 campaign. Tom Weaver was good in his limited opportunities last season and will be pushing for selection.
The Titans boast one of the best forward packs in the competition and the arrival of Keenan Palasia from the Broncos just makes them that much more formidable.
David Fifita suffered a pectoral injury last year and underwent surgery but is expected to be fit for Round 1.
Round 1 predicted team:
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
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Ins: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters), Aitasi James (Wests Tigers)
Outs: Kelma Tuilagi (Eels), Morgan Harper (Eels), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders), Sean Keppie (Rabbitohs)
Unavailable: Matt Lodge (knee)
Analysis: The Sea Eagles will boast two Dally M Team of the Year halves in 2024 after signing Luke Brooks to partner Daly Cherry-Evans.
It means the Josh Schuster at No. 6 experiment is officially over, with coach Anthony Seibold confirming he’ll play in the backrow moving forward.
Tom Trbojevic poured cold water on suggestions he should move into the centres, where he plays for NSW, while recruit Jaxson Paulo is expected to get picked on the wing over Christian Tuipolotu.
Reuben Garrick returns after breaking his back at the end of last season and is expected to move into the centres this year at Brad Parker’s expense.
Fan favourite Gordon Chan Kum Tong, who played two NRL games and two games for Samoa in 2023, should earn a regular spot on the bench this year.
Round 1 predicted 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. Josh Schuster
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
15. Toafofoa Sipley
16. Ben Trbojevic
17. Ethan Bullemor
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MELBOURNE STORM
Ins: Shawn Blore (Wests Tigers)
Outs: Justin Olam (Wests Tigers) Tariq Sims (Catalans), Jayden Nikorima (Catalans), George Jennings (released), Jordan Grant (released), Tom Eisenhuth (Dragons)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: In true Craig Bellamy fashion, he’s signed just one player while allowing six to leave and the Storm will still find a way to make the top four in 2024.
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen remains on track to be fit for Round 1, while his superstar replacement at the end of last season Sua Fa’alogo should have a permanent spot on the bench.
Mr Versatile Nick Meaney will likely wear the No. 3 jersey which not so long ago Justin Olam had a mortgage on.
The man they swapped Olam for, Shawn Blore, will likely slot into the backrow alongside rising star Eli Katoa.
Round 1 predicted 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. Trent Loiero
17. Sua Fa’alogo
Panthers set for 2025 home renovations | 00:54
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Ins: Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors), Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Jed Cartwright (Rabbitohs), Tom Jenkins (Panthers)
Outs: Dominic Young (Roosters), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Warrington Wolves), Fa’amanu Brown (Hull FC), Kurt Mann (Bulldogs)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: The Knights were the surprise packets of 2023 and there’s been plenty of changes to Adam O’Brien’s squad this summer.
The biggest loss is star winger Dominic Young who broke the club record for tries in a season (25) last year.
Enari Tuala and recruit Tom Jenkins are battling to replace him, while Dylan Lucas will likely replace Lachlan Fitzgibbon on the edge.
Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul, who stands 196cm, will likely be the only other change to a relatively settled 17.
Utility Phoenix Crossland enjoyed a breakout season at hooker in 2023 but he’ll revert to the bench as skipper Jayden Brailey returns.
Panthers recruit Jack Cogger is also a strong chance of forcing his way into the halves at some point in the season, however O’Brien will likely stay loyal to the successful pairing of Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble to start the year.
Round 1 predicted 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. Jacob Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliott
14. Phoenix Crossland
15. Leo Thompson
16. Kai Pearce-Paul
17. Jack Hetherington
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Ins: Viliami Vailea (Warriors), Thomas Mikaele (Warrington Wolves)
Outs: James Tamou (retired), Peta Hiku (Hull KR), Mitch Dunn (retired), Ben Hampton (unsigned), Brendan Elliot (unsigned) Riley Price (Panthers), Gehamat Shibasaki (unsigned), Jake Bourke (unsigned), Taniela Sadrugu (Brive rugby)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: Cowboys coach Todd Payten has ruthlessly cut the fat after his side spiralled from third to 11th on the ladder in the space of 12 months.
The nine players who departed were mostly fringe first-graders and Payten made just two signings in Viliami Vailea (Warriors) and Thomas Mikaele (Warrington Wolves).
It means his best 17 next year remains largely unchanged and on paper they’re still one of the most talented sides in the NRL.
A strong mix of youth and experience has them well positioned to bounce back in 2024, with all of their starters having earned representative honours in their career.
At this stage the Cowboys have a full complement to choose from with their only injury Tom Chester who is due back in the pre-season trials.
However, there will be changes from their best 17 last year with centre Peta Hiku moving to Hull KR. Murray Taulagi looks set to shift from wing to centre to fill the void, with Kyle Feldt likely to come back into the starting team on the wing ahead of recruit Viliami Vailea to partner Semi Velemei.
Scott Drinkwater, Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend are all locks in the starting backline.
Meanwhile, Jason Taumalolo, Jordan McLean, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter are locks in the pack. Taumalolo could shift to prop permanently to prop for the back end of his career, with Cotter at lock.
Luciano Leilua will get plenty of competition from young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, but should start the season in the back row.
Finefeuiaki could nab a bench spot, but incumbents, Jake Granville, Coen Hess, Griffin Neame and Heilum Luki should start the season on the bench.
Predicted Round 1 team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Murray Taulagi
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
PARRAMATTA EELS
Ins: Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles)
Outs: Jack Murchie (Huddersfield Giants), Josh Hodgson (retired), Andrew Davey (retired)
Unavailable: None
Analysis: There’s been very little movement at the station for the Eels this off-season with just a handful of player turnover in Brad Arthur’s squad.
The backline should largely remain the same with recruit Morgan Harper not expected to crack the side in Round 1, while Daejarn Asi is another option in the centres.
Young gun Brendan Hands looks to be the club’s best No. 9 heading into 2024, with Joey Lussick or recruit Kelma Tuilagi to take the final bench spot.
Lussick will likely get the nod, taking pressure off Hands who would otherwise have to deliver an 80-minute performance under Arthur.
Round 1 predicted 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. Joey Lussick
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Wiremu Greig
Dogs won’t stand in the way of TPJ | 00:31
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Ins: Jack Wighton (Raiders), Sean Keppie (Sea Eagles)
Outs: Hame Sele (Dragons), Blake Taaffe (Bulldogs), Jed Cartwright (Knights), Terrell Kalo Kalo (unsigned)
Unavailable: Jack Wighton (suspended)
Analysis: Souths have a largely settled team with Latrell Mitchell set to stay at fullback and Alex Johnston, Cambell Graham and Cody Walker all locks in the backline.
Meanwhile, skipper Cameron Murray, Damien Cook, Tevita Tatola, Jai Arrow and Keaon Koloamatangi are certainties in the starting pack.
The Rabbitohs’ 2023 season ended disastrously but they’ve added a Dally M Medal winner to their squad for 2024.
Jack Wighton left hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table when he decided to leave Canberra for South Sydney to join good mate Latrell Mitchell in the hunt for a premiership.
Wighton mostly played No. 6 for the Raiders, the position he won the 2019 Clive Churchill Medal in a losing side, and he’s been linked with a move into the halves at Souths.
But under-pressure coach Jason Demetriou is adamant he’ll play him in the centres, with Lachlan Ilias and Cody Walker to stay in the halves.
However, Wighton was suspended for biting in his final game for the Raiders in a finals loss to the Knights and won’t debut for his new club until Round 4.
South Sydney also have a big battle on their hands for the vacant wing spot, with Isaiah Tass, Tyrone Munro, Taane Milne and Izack Thompson all in contention to partner Alex Johnston.
With Wighton out Tass should hold his place at centre for the first three weeks, with young gun Munro tipped to get first crack on the wing, if he recovers from an ankle injury in time as predicted.
The Rabbitohs have also signed Sean Keppie in an immediate switch from the Sea Eagles on a three-year deal and he is likely to earn a spot on the bench for Round 1
Demetriou has lost Hame Sele (Dragons), Blake Taaffe (Bulldogs), Jed Cartwright (Knights). Siliva Havili will likely start as the bench utility, while Jai Arrow will start in the front row with Jacob Host starting in the second row.
Young gun Tallis Duncan and veteran Tom Burgess round out the bench.
Predicted Round 1 team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
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
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Ins: Dominic Young (Knights), Spencer Leniu (Panthers)
Outs: Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Paul Momirovski (Leeds Rhinos), Drew Hutchison (Bulldogs), Jake Turpin (Bulldogs)
Unavailable: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspended, Round 2)
Analysis: The Roosters already had the best team on paper in 2023 and they’ve somehow bolstered it for 2024.
They poached international winger Dom Young who is fresh off breaking the Knights’ single-season tries record (25).
Additionally, not only has Jared Waerea-Hargreaves unexpectedly extended his career for another year but the Chooks have signed triple premiership winner Spencer Leniu.
Tricolours coach Trent Robinson once again has the best starting side in the competition, with the club’s record tryscorer Daniel Tupou unable to crack the side.
Round 1 predicted team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Joseph Suaalii
3. Joseph Manu
4. Billy Smith
5. Dom Young
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Egan Butcher
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Nat Butcher
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Sandon Smith
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Terrell May
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Ins: Corey Allan (Roosters), Tom Eisenhuth (Storm), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Hame Sele (Rabbitohs)
Outs: Billy Burns (Sharks), Tyrell Fuimaono (unsigned), Jaiyden Hunt (Broncos), Zane Musgrove (Warrington Wolves), Jayden Sullivan (Wests Tigers)
Unavailable: Corey Allan (knee, season), Cody Ramsey (illness, indefinite), Junior Amone (off-field, deregistered)
Analysis: It’s been the pre-season from hell for new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan who lost signings Corey Allan and Ronald Volkman, while his star No. 6 Junior Amone was deregistered after being found guilty of assault.
It means his son, Kyle Flanagan, will slot into the halves instead of hooker and the Round 1 side will depend on where Jack Bird gets picked.
Flanagan has already made it clear Bird will play in the centres which will see Zac Lomax shift to the wing, allowing him to swap with Tyrell Sloan at will.
Hame Sele will push for a start spot while fellow recruit Tom Eisenhuth should force his way onto the bench.
Predicted Round 1 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. Dan Russell
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Michael Molo
15. Toby Couchman
16. Hame Sele
17. Tom Eisenhuth
‘I’ve made my decision’ – Bromwich | 00:52
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Ins: Kurt Capewell (Broncos), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Outs: Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Bayley Sironen (Super League)
Unavailable: Edward Kosi (hand, Round 3)
Analysis: Backrower Kurt Capewell is a huge off-season acquisition for a team who might have just been one or two players away last season. He’ll slot straight into the starting side.
As will Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who makes his highly-anticipated return to the Warriors after a two-year stint in rugby union.
RTS will line up in the centres instead of fullback with coach Andrew Webster intending to keep Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad at the back.
One of Rocco Berry or Adam Pompey will be the other centre come Round 1. We’ve given the nod to Berry after his impressive back half of 2023.
Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin are in a battle for the no. 6 jersey, with the former coming of age last season before a hamstring injury ended his season. There’s a minor chance both could start in Round 1 if Shaun Johnson isn’t ready to go (ankle).
Round 1 predicted team:
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
WESTS TIGERS
Ins: Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), Aidan Sezer (Super League), Justin Olam (Storm), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles)
Outs: Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Shawn Blore (Storm), David Nofoaluma (released), Daine Laurie (Panthers)
Unavailable: Adam Doueihi (knee, indefinite)
Analysis: The Benji Marshall era is upon us and despite the loss of Luke Brooks, the Tigers have recruited quite well.
Jayden Sullivan and Aidan Sezer will start in the halves in Round 1 and given first crack to lead this side around the park with help from Api Koroisau.
The outside backs will look a little different as well with winger David Nofoaluma let go in the off-season. Charlie Staines, Brent Naden and Junior Tupou will battle for the two flanks while new recruit Justin Olam will slot straight into the centres.
Rising stars and brothers Samuela Fainu and Latu Fainu come over from Manly. Samuela, a second rower, will be pushing for selection in Round 2 while Latu, a promising five-eighth, will have to bide his time.
Note: The Tigers have a bye in Round 1.
Round 2 predicted team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Brent Naden
3. Justin Olam
4. Starford To’a
5. Junior Tupou
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Aidan Sezer
8. David Klemmer
9. Api Koroisau
10. Stefano Utoikamanu
11. John Bateman
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Fonua Pole
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Samuela Fainu
16. Justin Matamua
17. Asu Kepaoa
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