Storm star Cam Munster remains in some doubt to play against the Panthers in Round 1 after suffering a groin injury in a shower mishap.
Two starting Dragons are under injury clouds but will be given every chance to prove their fitness for Round 1.
A luckless Knights star has been ruled out of his team’s Round 1 clash against the Raiders however his absence has opened the door for a new recruit to stake his claim for a starting halves position.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are set to make some big changes to his side, with a new recruit missing out in the centres.
Ask all your teams questions ahead of the next six games of Round 1 in our Live Teams Chat with Fox League’s Tom Sargeant, starting at 2pm!
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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. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: Hooker Jayden Brailey has been ruled out for the clash against Canberra due to a hamstring injury. Brailey missed most of last season with a torn ACL, and while the knee is feeling good, his hamstring is now giving him some trouble on the eve of the season. “My body is feeling really good with the knee, but I had a little hiccup with the hammy in January,” he said. “It sort of hung around a little bit longer than I thought it would, but it’s nothing serious. 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. James Schiller 4. Matt Timoko 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Ethan Strange 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. According to the Daily Telegraph, Strange has hit the front in the race for that jersey over Kaeo Weekes. 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. After a strong pre-season, James Schiller is a leading chance to take the suspended Seb Kris’ centre spot for Round 1. Kris returns in Round 2.
‘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. Captain Dale Finucane’s 2023 season ended prematurely due to a biceps injury, but he’s going to travel to NZ and play in Round 1. 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. Trent Loiero
Team Tips: Cameron Munster has said he will make a decision on Wednesday as to whether he’ll play against Penrith. Munster injured his groin after slipping in the shower. Heis reportedly “touch and go” to play. “It’s something that has been hindering me the last couple of weeks, so (I’m) trying to get that sorted.
“If I’m not right by (Tuesday) or Wednesday, I’ll pull the pin,” Munster said on Tuesday. Storm coach Craig Bellamy confirmed Jonah Pezet will replace Munster if he’s unavailable. 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 once he returns from a shoulder injury. He will miss Round 1 then will have to return via Queensland Cup. Tigers recruit Shawn Blore could also be named on the bench, with Kane Bradley reportedly moving ahead of him to win the vacant backrow spot. Eli Katoa will take the other spot, shifting Trent Loiero to the bench. Blore has been battling several niggling injuries in pre-season, meaning Joe Chan could be a smokey to earn a bench spot if Blore is unavailable. 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. Luke Somerton 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: Mitch Kenny has been suspended for one match, with Soni Luke andLuke Sommerton vying to replace him. 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. “He’s doing really well, so at this stage we expect him to play,” Ivan Cleary said on Monday. 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. Sunia Turuva is racing the clock to be fit after suffering a lower leg injury in the World Club Challenge, with new recruit Paul Alamoti the man to replace him if the winger is ruled out. However, it is expected Peachey would shift to the centres and bump May to the wing with Alamoti coming off the bench.
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. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 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: Connor Tracey won’t be seen for the Bulldogs first grade side until at least Round 3 (ankle). Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould said on X, that Tracey will return via the NSW Cup side in Round 2. According to The Daily Telegraph, Jacob Kiraz is looking like he’ll be fit for Round 1. It means Kiraz and new recruit Stephen Crichton will be the team’s centre pairing to start the season. 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. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Mulhesian 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Hame Sele 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Team Tips: Dragons prop Blake Lawrie is in some doubt for Round 1 after suffering a rib injury during the Pre-Season Challenge. Hooker Jacob Liddle is more likely to play but is also under an injury cloud (hamstring). Uncapped Jesse Marschke is in line to make his debut if Liddle can’t go with Connor Mulhesian to start. The Shane Flanagan era begins and his star recruit Luciano Leilua will miss the opening two games after being suspended for failing to tell the NRL of his low-level drink driving charge, which will likely see Tom Eisenhuth start and Viliami Fifita join the bench. But 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. 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: Star recruit Herbie Farnworth has sent a scare through the Dolphins camp after limping off the field at training (vision below). It has been reported by The Courier Mail that Farnworth jarred his right knee but early indications is that it isn’t serious. 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 and AAP is reporting he has made some big changes. Tesi Niu delivered some big pre-season performances and it set to get the nod in the centres, meaning Jake Averillo might be resigned to a bench spot or out of the team. Jack Bostock will playon the wing. Gilbert’s No.13 jersey is reportedly set to be taken by Max Plath who has been training in the middle. Meanwhile Kodi Nikorima has reportedly won the No.6 jersey, meaning Isaiya Katoa could either start on the bench or miss out on selection. 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. Sam McIntyre 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele
Team Tips: The Cowboys have lost Coen Hess for the season after the former Maroons front-rower ruptured his ACL in the final trial. Otherwise it’s 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. Sam McIntyre will likely come onto the bench for Hess.
Bye: Wests Tigers
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