The Rabbitohs are set to unveil their star forward David Fifita, while Latrell Mitchell could feature in his new position against the Sea Eagles.
Meanwhile Mitchell Moses is set to combine with Jonah Pezet in the Eels halves against the Roosters, who will likely field two star spine recruits.
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Read on for the NRL Team Tips for trials week three.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20
New Zealand Warriors vs. Dolphins at Leichhardt Oval, 6:00pm AEDT
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Geronimo Doyle 2. Haizyn Mellars 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 20. Motu Pasikala 6. Luke Hanson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Demitric Vaimauga 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Morgan Gannon 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 17. Kayliss Fatialofa 18. Makaia Tafua 21. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea 22. Jack Thompson 23. Caelys-paul Putoko 24. Daeon Amituanai 25. Sio Kali 26. Paea Sikuvea 27. Brandon Norris 28. Harrison Inch 29. Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi 30. Jacob Auloa
Team Tips: Te Maire Martin suffered an ankle injury in the All Stars clash, but it isn’t considered serious. However, he could be put on ice for New Zealand’s final trial, while the club have also confirmed winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, second rower Marata Niukore and standoff Chanel Harris-Tavita will not feature this week. However, that trio will be fit to feature come Round 1 despite niggling injuries. Taine Tuaupiki (ankle) was ruled out last week but is expected to feature against the Dolphins.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Brian Pouniu 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Brad Schneider 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. John Fineanganofo 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Felise Kaufusi 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Matthew Milson 17. Toby Batten 18. Noah Fien 19. Elijah Rasmussen 20. Lauloto Salei 21. Sebastian Su’a 22. Lewis Symonds 23. Callum Bowles 24. Sangstar Figota 25. Elijah McKay 26. Tyreece Tait 27. Zac Garton 28. Jac Finigan
Team Tips: There are a few players who you won’t see this week because they are still working their way back from injury. Most notably, Max Plath isn’t expected back from a knee injury until Round 4, as is the case for winger LJ Nonu, while Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) is likely to be rested too as he targets a Round 1 return. The Dolphins played plenty of their NRL stars next week, so coach Kristian Woolf may opt to rest some of his bigger names this time around.
Maori retain trophy after draw | 02:36
Wests Tigers vs. Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval 8:10pm AEDT
Last week’s Tigers team: 15. Jack Attard 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Heamasi Makasini 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Faaletino Tavana 6. Javon Andrews 7. Jock Madden 8. Kit Laulilii 9. Tristan Hope 10. Sione Fainu 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Pheonix Godinet 17. Christian Taupau-Moors 1. Heath Mason 13. Charlie Murray 14. Jared Haywood 16. Solomane Saukuru 18. Maxwell Taotua 19. Siotame Havea Jr 20. Lachlan Broederlow 21. Luke Jack 22. Iverson Matai 23. Logan Deininger 24. Mitchell Taotua 25 Josese Lanyon 26. William Craig
Team Tips: The big news to know is that breakout winger Heamasi Makasini escaped a ban for a high tackle, meaning he has a chance to impress again after his hat-trick. Latu Fainu, however, has a shoulder injury with his return date uncertain. The Tigers unleashed generation next last week against the Roosters, so like many teams they will be incentivised to give their bigger names one run before the season kicks off.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Jesse McLean 3. Patrick Moimoi 4. Sione Fonua 5. Nick Murphy 6. Keahn Skipps 7. Kurt Falls 8. Delahia Wigmore 9. Billy Scott 10. Tobias Crosby 11. Zakauri Clarke 12. Kalani Going 13. Billy Phillips 14. Jenson Tuaoi 15. Jakeb Vailalo 16. Vea Tapa’atoutai 17. Harry Armstrong 18. Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea 19. Isaiah Scanlan 20. Hokafonu Lemoto 21. Jirah Liddiard 22. Braye Porter 23. Haami Loza 24. Josh Ruxton 25. Cameron Kanaan 26. Samuel Curtain 27. Tyson Sangalang
Team Tips: The Panthers are expected to ring in the changes with most of their stars returning to the team after they fielded a young side against the Cowboys. That should mean the likes of representative stars Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Brian To’o all line up, while there could be a battle for the final spot on the bench for Round 1 between Luke Garner, Matt Eisenhuth and Luron Patea.
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21
Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders at Polytec Stadium, Gosford 3:50pm AEDT
Last week’s Sharks team: 14. Riley Jones 2. Kristian Dixon 3. Chris Veaila 4. Michael Gabrael 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Riley Pollard 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Braeden Uele 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Billy Burns 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Toby Rudolf 15. Bradley Fearnley 16. Felix Faatili 17. Harrison Hassett 18. Samuel McCulloch 19. Jaxon Lavender 20. Taj Ford 21. Xavier Cacciotti 22. Alex Challenor 23. Nikora Williams 24. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa 28. Pharrell Gray 29. Thomas Dellow 30. Oliver Lester 31. Callum Grantham
Team Tips: Liam Ison was a late scratching at fullback last week due to knee soreness. The club said it was not related to his recovery from an ACL injury, but that medical staff was being cautious, so it remains to be seen whether he will run out this week. The Sharks fielded a very inexperienced team for last week’s clash against Parramatta, so coach Craig Fitzgibbon may opt to give some of his bigger names a run this week given it is his last chance to get minutes into his players before the season proper.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. Michael Asomua 3. Mark Tuialii 4. Savelio Tamale 5. Jed Stuart 18. Ethan Alaia 7. Daine Laurie 8. Samuel Hyne 9. Owen Pattie 10. Vena Patuki-Case 11. Matt Nicholson 12. Jordan Uta 13. Joseph Roddy 14. Malachi Smith 15. Sebastian Kris 16. Sione Finau 17. Jayze Tuigamala 19. Kain Anderson 20. Shaun Packer 21. Myles Martin 22. Jake Clydsdale 23. Roman Tuaimau 24. Saxon Innes 25. Braydan Darmody 26. Campbell Munn 27. Jalen Afamasaga
Team Tips: Centre Mark Tuialii is facing a one game ban with an early guilty plea for a careless high tackle, while Xavier Savage is not due back from a shoulder injury until Round 1. Otherwise, Ricky Stuart will largely have a full compliment of players to choose from as he, like Fitzgibbon, gets a final look at his playing group before Round 1. Daine Laurie will be one to watch after starring in the halfback jumper in their first hit-out, as he could shape as a dynamic option off the bench once the season kicks off.
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels at Polytec Stadium, Gosford 6:00pm AEDT
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. Rex Bassingthwaighte 2. Junior Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Tommy Talau 5. Tom Rodwell 6. Hugo Savala 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Egan Butcher 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Taylor Losalu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Nat Butcher 13. Siua Wong 14. Delasalle Vaa 15. Jackson Stewart 16. Jaxson Allen 17. Itula Seve 18. Jake Elliott 19. Lachlan Dooner 20. Zac Sarfati 21. Reece Foley 22. Lui Lee 23. Kanaan Magele 24. Enzo Griffier 25. Aston Warwick
Team Tips: The Roosters’ young guns impressed early last week before the Tigers finished strong and while there was plenty of experience in that forward pack, this will be a good chance to see their first-choice spine on display. New recruits Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson are likely to play their first games for the club, while skipper James Tedesco and the club’s backline stars will likely get a game in the team’s last trial. The same goes for the club’s forwards who didn’t feature in last week’s game, although 20-year-old Jake Elliott won’t play after being ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury suffered against the Tigers.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Jonah Pezet 15. Charlie Guymer 9. Ryley Smith 10. Sam Tuivaiti 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Matt Doorey 8. Saxon Pryke 14. Tallyn Da Silva 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Teancum Brown 18. Apa Twidle 19. Mohamed Alameddine 20. Richard Penisini 21. Araz Nanva 22. Lorenzo Talataina 23. Ronald Volkman 24. Ryda Talagi 25. Jezaiah Funa-Iuta 26. Will Latu 27. Meni Luke 28. Lincoln Fletcher
Team Tips: Unlike many teams, Jason Ryles named several of his big guns in the first trial game. Isaiah Iongi, Jonah Pezet, Will Penisini, Ryley Smith and Kitione Kautoga all played in the first half before being benched. Pezet will line up for the Eels again this weekend, with Mitch Moses set to play – the first game we’ll get to see the brand new Parramatta halves combo. J’maine Hopgood was a late scratching for the trial against Cronulla but he’ll be back on deck against the Roosters and start in the middle. Sam Tuivaiti has impressed this pre-season and was strong against the Sharks.
Powerful Eels march to trial win | 01:45
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium 8:10pm AEDT
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Hugo Peel 2. Luke Cesari 3. Marion Seve 4. Moses Leo 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Eli Morris 7. Jordan Hamlin 8. Davvy Moale 9. Gabriel Satrick 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Amare Milford 15. Zayvian Langkilde-Fale 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Angus Hinchey 18. Preston Conn 19. Liam Williams 20. Jesse Rafferty 21. Mitchell Jennings 22. Amaziah Murgha 24. Alan Holten 25. Tala Abell 26. Joey Tramontana
Team Tips: Only a couple of the Storm’s best 17 lined up in the loss to Canberra. Last year, Craig Bellamy named a full strength side in the club’s second trial game so expect to see the likes of Cam Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and co. given a hit out before the Storm’s season starts on March 5 against the Eels.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Sunny Kama 4. Max Feagai 5. Jenson Taumoepeau 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Zane Harrison 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Klese Haas 11. Arama Hau 12. Adam Christensen 13. Cooper Bai 14. Sam Verrills 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Jett Liu 17. Tukimihia Simpkins 18. Kyle Pickering 19. Max Bradbury 20. Bodhi Sharpley 21. Tony Francis 22. Dean Ieremia 23. Phoenix Steinwede 24. Brenton Baira 25. Jhett Sydir, 26. Allan Fitzgibbon
Team Tips: If you’re a Titans fan, there was plenty to like about the Gold Coast’s upset trial win over the Dolphins. Zane Harrison and Lachlan Ilias were the halves and they were impressive. Josh Hannay will have to choose one of them to partner Jayden Campbell in the halves this weekend. AJ Brimson is set to miss the second trial so he’s right for the season opener against the Sharks. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is a chance of playing against his former team but don’t be surprised to see him kept on ice for Round 1.
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SOO game to be played in Auckland in 27 | 00:44
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee (Fox) 4:00pm AEDT
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 3. Talanoa Penitani 4. Latrell Siegwalt 5. Jordi Mazzone 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jonah Glover 8. Salesi Ataata 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Lachlan Hubner 11. Thomas Fletcher 12. Max Mccarthy 13. Bronson Garlick 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Tevita Tatola 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Matthew Humphries 19. John Radel 20. Tim Johannssen 21. Elijah Keung 22. Jay Kirk 23. Nazareth Taua 24. William Afualo 25. Oliver Lawry 26. Tayson Fakaosi
Team Tips: Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita are some chance of playing in the Bunnies’ second and final trial game. The star duo picked up injuries earlier this pre-season but latest reports indicate they’ll be right for the Manly clash. Souths only played a couple of the club’s best 17 in the Charity Shield so you’d think Wayne Bennett will name a much stronger squad for this weekend’s fixture. Jonah Glover suffered a jaw injury against the Dragons and won’t play. The luckless Campbell Graham is a chance to return from a back injury ahead of the season proper.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Blake Metcalfe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Clayton Faulalo 4. Josh Feledy 5. Navren Willett 6. Onitoni Large 7. Joey Walsh 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Paul Bryan 11. Jackson-levi Shereb-schmidt 15. Hugo Hart 12. Corey Waddell 14. Zaidas Muagututia 16. Viliami Fifita 17. Kylan Mafoa 18. Tyler Melrose 19. Andes Johansson 20. Benjamin Keene-o’keefe 21. Tom Summer
Team Tips: Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks are set to start the season in the halves, but they may be on a shorter leash this season after impressive performances from Ohtani Large and Joey Walsh over the weekend. Fogarty represented the Indigenous All-Stars last week so expect the crafty No. 7 to play his first match in Sea Eagles colours. Manly left out several of their big guns for the Warriors clash so expect the likes of Tom Trbojevic, Lehi Hopoate and Haumole Olakau’atu to have a hit out against Souths.
Men’s All Stars play out thrilling draw | 02:35
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