The second week of the pre-season challenge is in the books, meaning the 2025 NRL season is only two weekends away.
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There are still plenty of selection decisions that teams have yet to figure out, but most clubs are close to locking in their best 17.
Factoring in injuries, suspensions, roster moves and potential shake-ups, here’s how we think the teams could look for Round 1.
PANTHERS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Analysis: The Panthers have received a massive boost with injured quartet Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin all firming to play in Las Vegas in Round 1, according to The Daily Telegraph. The three stars all got through an n-house opposed session across the weekend unscathed and are expected to line up in the season opener. However, Jack Cole is shaping as the Panthers’ first choice No.6 ahead of the club’s Vegas trip, with off-season recruit Talagi nursing a shoulder injury which has hampered his pre-season. Cole is set to start at five-eighth, which could see Daine Laurie wear the No.14 as cover for Edwards who underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season. Meanwhile, Cleary faces a dilemma over who will partner Brian To’o on the wing with McLean brothers Jesse and Casey battling it out for the same spot. Casey was believed to be the favourite after four tries on debut for New Zealand last year, but Jesse impressed Cleary more in their final trial before heading to Las Vegas. “I thought Jess was really good. I thought Casey was all right,” Cleary told The Daily Telegraph. “There are plenty of guys putting their hand up for different spots. We are not settled on everything yet.” Still, Casey is understood to be the man winning the race for the vacant spot. Elsewhere, Isaiah Papali’i ran out for the Panthers in their trial loss against the Raiders. The former Warriors, Eels and Tigers gun had seven runs for 41 metres in his 50-minute stint, showing why he’s likely to take a starting back row spot under Ivan Cleary, with could see Scott Sorensen return to the middle rotation and play edge minutes when needed. With Liam Martin likely featuring on the right side, Papali’i could line up on the left edge come Round 1.
Raiders rattle Panthers in the rain | 02:26
STORM
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Lazarus Vaalapu 17. Tui Kamikamica
Analysis: Storm prop Christian Welch announced his medical retirement last week. Lazarus Vaalepu looms as the logical replacement for Welch in Round 1, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona suspended. Winger Xavier Coates has escaped any serious injury despite leaving training on-board a medical cab on Thursday. Coates suffered a slightly sprained ankle but is expected to feature in the Storm’s round 1 clash against Parramatta. A Storm spokesperson said Coates was only taken in a medical cab due to the distance between the field and the club’s medical room. Should he be unable to take the field, Grant Anderson is the frontrunner to take his place on the wing.
ROOSTERS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Robert Toia 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Naufahu Whyte 15. Siua Wong 16. De La Salle Va’a 17. Egan Butcher
Analysis: The biggest question for the Roosters is who replaces Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii in the backline and there’s a three horse race to fill the centre spots. Billy Smith,Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia are all in contention, with Smith having played 27 NRL games in an injury-riddled stint at the Tricolours. Nawaqanitawase has featured once in first grade, while Toia is a highly-touted young gun who has also battled to return from a pair of ACL injuries. Smith was interestingly nowhere to be seen in the club’s pre-season trial against the Dragons, with Toia and Nawaqanitawase getting first nod in the centres, which is shaping as Trent Robinson’s first choice centre pairing.
SHARKS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Nicho Hynes 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Siosifa Talakai
Analysis: Star recruit Addin Fonua-Blake has revealed that he could play less minutes this season in an explosive new role. The former Warrior joins a loaded front row room that includes Braden Hamlin-Uele, Tom Hazelton, Toby Rudolf and Oregon Kaufusi. “I think we have a quality rotation of props here at the moment, it might be shorter minutes (for me) which might be a bit more of an output but you have to have fitness for that,” he told Code Sports. Meanwhile, Hazelton started in the club’s 12-all draw with the Warriors, scoring a try before he played off the bench in week two against the Raiders. Kaufusi looks likely to win the starting spot alongside Fonua-Blake, which could see the clut hero resigned to a spot on the bench.
How did they BOTCH that?! | 00:41
COWBOYS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame
Analysis: Cowboys young gun Viliami Vailea has reportedly won the battle to replace Val Holmes in the centres and could even take on the kicking duties. Vailea forced his way into North Queensland’s side in Round 9 last year and didn’t look back, starting all 18 games for the rest of the season. The 22-year-old Tongan started the summer training on both edges but has now cemented his spot on the right, according to Code Sports. Vailea is also in the running to replace Holmes as a goalkicking option and coach Todd Payten already has him practising. Jason Taumalolo, meanwhile, could miss the opening games of the season after suffering a Lisfranc injury while representing Tonga. He had surgery in early December to repair the injury, but it remains to be seen if he will be fit to take the field come Round 1. Robert Derby also delivered a mammoth performance on the wing in the club’s most recent trial, scoring one try and running for 134 metres, which could see him win a spot on the wing come Round 1 if Todd Payten decides Semi Valemei isn’t the man to start the season on the wing.
BULLDOGS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Tom Amone 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Josh Curran
Analysis: Connor Tracey will retain the No.1 jersey after a breakout season at fullback. But the backline is set for a shake-up after Josh Addo-Carr’s switch to the Eels and Jeral Skelton’s defection to the Tigers. Marcelo Montoya and Enari Tuala will battle it out for the vacant wing spot, with Montoya potentially set to get first cricket. Johnathan Sua and Jethro Rinakama both gave good accounts of themselves in a win over the Tigers on the weekend, with the pair combining for 311 running metres and three tries to go with 10 tackle breaks. However, it remains unlikely either player will leapfrog the experienced NRL duo for a starting spot. Another interesting selection battle looms in the forward pack, with English forward Ryan Sutton gunning for a return to the field after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign that saw him feature in NSW Cup in a single game. He is contracted for the 2025 season, but will be hopeful of adding starch to Bulldogs’ forward pack once he strings together a patch of games in reserve grade. Jack Todd was also impressive against the Tigers, running for 122 metres and breaking 10 tackles to go with a single four-pointer.
SEA EAGLES
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Nathan Brown 16. Siosiua Taukeiaho 17. Jazz Tevaga
Analysis: Manly have received a boost with prop Taniela Paseka set to overcome a shoulder injury in time for Round 1, according to The Daily Telegraph. Paseka suffered the injury against Souths and will be rested for the club’s second trial, but it was just some bruising to his AC joint and he will be ready to play in Round 1. Anthony Seibold has confirmed that Tom Trbojevic will be his fullback, despite competition from Lehi Hopoate, who is pushing for a spot on the wing or in the centres. In the meantime, Lehi (Hopoate) will compete for a spot on the wing or in the centres. Hopoate will have plenty of competition, with Tommy Talau, Reuben Garrick, Tolu Koula and Jason Saab all gunning for outside back spots.
KNIGHTS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mat Croker
Analysis: Kalyn Ponga has endorsed former winger Fletcher Sharpe’s shock switch to five-eighth. “He’s definitely got the work ethic and football IQ,” Ponga said on SEN radio. “Fletch is a natural footy player and he’s normally a fullback but he’s a pretty handy fullback as well. He is someone you want close to the footy because of what he can do with it. It will take some time for him to learn and I’m prepared to be patient with it. You want the footy in his hands because he makes things happen and he’s just a natural footy player.” Sharpe looked dangerous with ball in hand against the Eels, but lacked finishing touch which could develop with further minutes in the No.6. Regardless, Sharpe looks to be getting the first nod alongside Jack Cogger in the halves. Knights star Tyson Frizell is also set for a shift into the middle according to captain Kalyn Ponga, with rising stars Dylan Lucas and Kai Pearce-Paul to be the team’s starting second row pairing. “We’re moving Friz (Frizell) from the back row into the middle,” Ponga told foxsports.com.au. That switch took shape against Parramatta, with Frizell starting at lock in what could be his spot for the remainder of the season.
RAIDERS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matty Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Trey Mooney
Analysis: Ricky Stuart’s rebuild is in full swing. Ethan Sanders in his first game in Raiders colours steered Canberra to victory over the Panthers in the first week of the Pre-Season Challenge. The 21-year-old is pushing to take Jamal Fogarty’s No.7 jersey, and he did nothing to hurt his chances of debuting for his new club sooner rather than later on Saturday night. The big story of the first week of trials was hooker Owen Pattie, who was impressive out of dummy-half. The young gun was labelled a “young Harry Grant” by Fox League’s Paul Crawley, who predicted he could beat out Danny Levi for a spot in the hooker rotation in Vegas alongside Tom Starling. However, Stuart then rolled out the hooking duo of Starling and Levi for their final pre-season tune up against the Sharks, with Pattie not included in the extended squad, potentially putting hopes of a debut for the young gun to bed. Matty Nicholson, who joined the Raiders from the Super League, also look set to get first nod in the back row with Zac Hosking battling a calf injury. Nicholson looks to join Hudson Young in the back row, with Trey Mooney also starting in their trial which could see him slot onto the bench.
DOLPHINS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Ray Stone 15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Mark Nicholls
Analysis: Dolphins veteran Kenny Bromwich revealed to foxsports.com.au that Kristian Woolf is plotting a way to unleash both Max Plath and Tom Gilbert in his forward pack ahead of Round 1. Plath had a breakout season in 2024, while Gilbert was sidelined due to an ACL rupture he suffered in February last year. Plath took over in the No.13, but Gilbert is an Origin level lock, handing rookie coach Kristian Woolf a healthy headache ahead of his debut season. “We have to find a way to fit them both in,” Bromwich said. “They are both great players, but that’s a job for Woolfy, but I think we are trying to fit them in some way.” Meanwhile, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been confirmed to wear the No.1 jersey.
DRAGONS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Damien Cook 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hame Sele 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Toby Couchman
Analysis: Dragons co-captain Clint Gutherson has confirmed young gun Tyrell Sloan is well and truly in the mix to remain in the starting side in Round 1. The 22-year-old has been ousted from the fullback slot due to Gutherson’s arrival, but the former NSW star had nothing but praise for Sloan who could be set to feature on the wing under Shane Flanagan. “He’s probably a generational talent in some words, he’s played at the highest level for a number of years now,” Gutherson told foxsports.com.au. “We’ve seen what he can do on the field, he can do things probably 99 per cent of people can’t.” When asked if he will take the field, Gutherson said: “Definitely, we will find a spot”. That spot was filled by Sione Finau in the club’s trial victory over the Roosters, with Sloan not picked to take the field in that clash, with their next game against the Rabbitohs likely indicating whether he will in fact find a spot in Flanagan’s 17.
WARRIORS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Tom Ale 17. Bunty Afoa
Analysis: Warriors star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is racing the clock to be fit for the club’s season opener in Las Vegas. He suffered a wrist injury against the Sharks in the first week of the pre-season challenge, landing awkwardly outside the field of play after throwing it back infield. Taine Tuaupiki could be the man to replace him on the wing, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also expected to feature on the other flank. There’s also an interesting squeeze set to take place in the fullback position, with Te Maire Martin featuring at the back in the club’s win over the Warriors. If he doesn’t wear the No.6, Martin could play at fullback with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the centres. However, it looks likely Nicoll-Klokstad could get first nod in the No.1 jersey.
DWZ in doubt after injury in pre-season | 01:21
BRONCOS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Payne Haas 9. Billy Walters 10. Corey Jensen 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Xavier Willison
Analysis: Young gun Blake Mozer has been ruled out of Round 1 after suffering a shoulder injury at training. Billy Walters will likely start the year at hooker, which opens up a bench spot for Cory Paix. It would be Paix’s first NRL game since Round 27, 2023 after the 25-year-old fell out of favour under previous coach Kevin Walters, with a two-try perfomance against the Titans helping his credentials. There has been further clarity around the No.9 jersey with reports Tyson Smoothy is set to head to the Super League at season’s end. Patrick Carrigan could make a switch to the front row in 2025, opening a path for Kobe Hetherington to start at lock under new coach Michael Maguire. It remains to be seen if that move will eventuate, but a host of first grade hopefuls took the field for the first time against Queensland Cup side the Burleigh Bears on Saturday. Hooker Smoothy, prop Ben Te Kura and centre Josiah Karapani all played, while Jock Madden also featured at halfback. But the real story came at fullback, with Latrell Siegwalt showing he has what it takes to be Reece Walsh’s deputy in 2025, competing with Hayze Perham and Selwyn Cobbo as the preferred No.1 should the club’s Origin superstar go down injured.
TITANS
Predicted Round 2 team (Bye in Round 1): 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Kieran Foran
Analysis: Foxsports.com.au understands that AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell will be the team’s halves pairing to start the season, meaning last year’s Titans Player of the Year Keano Kini will continue wearing the No. 1 jersey. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui isn’t quite 100% yet, meaning the extra week (Titans have bye in Rd 1) will do him the world of good as he readies to be right by the start of the season.
EELS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Joey Lussick 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Jack Williams 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Analysis: Eels star Shaun Lane is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 after undergoing knee surgery. Lane won’t play the trials, according to The Daily Telegraph, and suffered the injury while rehabbing a hamstring strain. The 30-year-old reported knee soreness to Parramatta’s medical staff and an ensuing scan revealed a minor meniscus issue. Meanwhile, Isaiah Iongi’s position at fullback has been threatened by the emergence of Bulldogs recruit Joash Papalii, who was excellent in the Eels’ victory over the Knights. Iongi did set up a smart try on the right flank, however Papalii tallied 111 running metres, five tackle breaks, two try assists and a try of his own.
RABBITOHS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jai Arrow 14. Siliva Havili 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie
Analysis: New Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett may pull a shocker and start an inexperienced recruit in the halves over a highly spruiked UK star to begin the season. It’s been reported by WWOS that Jamie Humphreys has been impressing all pre-season and pushing to be named in the No. 7 jersey for the Round 1 clash against the Dolphins over Lewis Dodd. Dodd, who starred in the Super League before linking up with the Rabbitohs in the off-season, was pegged to be South Sydney’s halfback to start the 2025 season. However, Humphreys is keeping Dodd honest and making a strong case for the prized spot, having played a single NRL game for Manly in 2024. Humphreys could also push for selection at hooker, having played dummy-half in NSW Cup last season. Meanwhile, five-eighth Cody Walker is reportedly in doubt for the opening round after suffering a calf injury last month. According to Code Sports, Walker is unlikely to play in the two South Sydney trial matches as he aims to be fit for the Rabbitohs’ Round 1 clash against the Dolphins. While Walker’s rehab is on target, he’s still in some doubt for the 2025 opener.
WESTS TIGERS
Predicted Round 1 team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Royce Hunt 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Terrell May 11. Jack Bird 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Fonua Pole 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. David Klemmer 17. Alex Twal
Analysis: Jahream Bula is due back from a shoulder injury in the trials and will be the fullback with former Panthers premiership winners Sunia Turuva in his first season at the Tigers and new recruit Jeral Skelton on the wing. With the halves pairing (Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin) seemingly sorted, utility Adam Doueihi will be fighting for a centre spot in Round 1. Api Koroisau has one game left to serve of his three-game suspension, with Tallyn Da Silva the likely man to wear the No.9, with Latu Fainu on the bench.
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