Predicted Round 1 teams for 2027, analysis, new signings and positions, Perth Bears first team, latest news

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BEARS

1. Mason Barber

2. Harry Newman

3. Sean Russell

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Nick Meaney

6. Tyran Wishart

7. Toby Sexton

8. Corey Horsburgh

9. Tyson Smoothy

10. Liam Henry

11. Siosifa Talakai

12. Scott Sorensen

13. Morgan Smithies

14. Jack Cole

15. Josh Curran

16. Mikolaj Oledzki

17. James McDonnell

18. Luke Smith

19. Apa Twidle

Analysis: The Bears’ NRL return is set to begin come Round 1 of the 2027 season — and Mal Meninga has a host of big selection decisions to make. Cowboys recruit Mason Barber looks set to win the No.1 jersey, with Perth boasting a solid backline. Harry Newman and Luke Laulilii could fight it out for one wing spot, with Sean Russell and Gehamat Shibasaki the club’s likely centre pairing. Nick Meaney could also slot into the centres, but is a strong chance of starting on the wing. In the halves, Toby Sexton is set to lead the way in the No.7 with Jack Cole, Tyran Wishart and Niwhai Puru the options to start at five-eighth. We’re tipping Storm gun Tyran Wishart to get the nod, with Jack Cole starting on the bench as a utility to give Meninga as much spine flexibility as possible. That means Tyson Smoothy will start at hooker, while Apa Twidle as an outside backs on the pine provides further options for Meninga should anything go wrong to start the season. Perth’s forward pack certainly looks strong, with Corey Horsburgh and Liam Henry in the front row and Siosifa Talakai and Scott Sorensen on an edge. Morgan Smithies could take the sting out of the contest at lock, with Josh Curran on the bench, being a proven performer off the pine for the Bulldogs in the past. English duo Mikolaj Oledzki and James McDonnell are almost certainties to feature, while the remaining bench spot could go to any number of players, but we’re tipping Luke Smith to get the nod.

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Tom Jenkins

3. Casey McLean

4. Paul Alamoti

5. Brian To’o

6. Jaxen Edgar

7. Jack Cogger

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Isaiah Papali’i

12. Liam Martin

13. Billy Phillips

14. Billy Scott

15. Luron Patea

16. Zakauri Clarke

17. Izack Tago

18. Luke Garner

19. Jett Cleary

Analysis: The Panthers sit in an interesting position coming into next season, with Nathan Cleary currently recovering from a compound fracture suffered in his side’s preliminary finals loss to the Knights. Penrith are aiming to have him ready for Round 1, however there’s absolutely no need to rush their star man back and he could spend as long as he can making sure he’s 100 per cent fit. Therefore, Ivan Cleary could consider a left-field option and slot Jaxen Edgar into the No.6 jersey, with the NSW Cup Player of the Year from last season having previously been a five-eighth. Elsewhere, Isaah Yeo looks set to sit out the start of the season with his surgery due to take place after his World Cup campaign on his pectoral injury. Billy Phillips will take his place, while the departures of Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry leave a gaping hole in Penrith’s forward stocks. Rising star Zakauri Clarke looks set to take the leap to first grade permanently after he was handed a fresh contract, while Luron Patea, Izack Tago and Luke Garner could have increased roles in the forward pack. Although Jett Cleary’s arrival at the Panthers hasn’t been confirmed, he looks set to find a spot on the extended bench given Jack Cole is also moving to Perth and his brother could be sidelined.

WARRIORS

1. Taine Tuaupiki

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Leka Halasima

4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

5. Will Warbrick

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Jacob Laban

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Erin Clark

14. Sam Healey

15. Tanner Stowers-Smith

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

18. Sam McIntyre

19. Te Maire Martin

Analysis: The Warriors once again look very strong heading into Round 1. The biggest selection call comes in the halves, with Andrew Webster likely to have Tanah Boyd available after his horror ACL injury. Boyd’s form was immense to start the season and he is deserving of first crack in the No.7 jersey, likely displacing Te Maire Martin who shapes as a versatile option on the bench with Chanel Harris-Tavita in the No.6. Warriors CEO Cameron George recently revealed Leka Halasima is likely to remain in the centres, with new recruit Will Warbrick a strong chance of getting the nod on the wing to oust Alofiana Khan-Pereira if healthy to return from an Achilles injury after Khan-Pereira slipped down the pecking order to close out New Zealand’s campaign. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad did a good job in the centres, while there’s no changes expected in what looks to once again be a formidable pack. With Mitch Barnett leaving for the Broncos, a middle forward spot has opened up and Cowboys recruit Sam McIntyre looks set to slot onto the bench and join the middle rotation.

DOLPHINS

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Herbie Farnworth

4. Jack Bostock

5. Tevita Naufahu

6. George Williams

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Tom Gilbert

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Tom Flegler

11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

12. Connolly Lemuelu

13. Max Plath

14. Brad Schneider

15. Francis Molo

16. Kurt Donoghoe

17. Morgan Knowles

18. Lewis Symonds

19. Trai Fuller

Analysis: The Dolphins have lost Kodi Nikorima in a big blow, with English recruit George Williams set to take his place in the halves. It’s a genuinely curious decision from the club’s football department, given the partnership Nikorima had forged with Isaiya Katoa and it remains to be seen if their new signing has what it takes to provide the spark the man he replaced provided. With Jamayne Isaako departing, Tevita Naufahu is set to step up and take his place and he’s an obvious NRL star in the making. Max Plath could get the nod at lock, giving Connelly Lemuelu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki the starting back row spots despite the former ending the season on the pine. That move allows Morgan Knowles to start on the bench alongside Francis Molo, strengthening Kristian Woolf’s middle rotation, with Kurt Donoghoe and Trai Fuller the remaining bench players, one spot remains open. Felise Kaufusi is the obvious pick, but young gun Lewis Symonds could also get the nod after a strong season last year, earning him a top 30 contract after he made his NRL debut in a look to the future.

ROOSTERS

1. James Tedesco

2. Reuben Garrick

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Rex Bassingthwaighte

6. Hugo Savala

7. Sam Walker

8. Lindsay Collins

9. Reece Robson

10. Naufahu Whyte

11. Salesi Foketi

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Benaiah Ioelu

15. Blake Steep

16. Nat Butcher

17. Egan Butcher

18. Taylor Losalu

19. Cody Ramsey

Analysis: The Roosters have endured a mass exodus after their premiership-winning campaign, with Daniel Tupou retiring, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton both switching to the 15-man code as well as Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC), Spencer Leniu (Eels) and Connor Watson (Dragons) signing elsewhere. Losing both of their wingers shapes as a mammoth loss, which is offset by the arrival of Manly recruit Reuben Garrick. While Cody Ramsey is an option, rising star Rex Bassingthwaighte could start on the wing next season. Hugo Savala will slot straight into Cherry-Evans’ No.6 jersey, while the likes of Blake Steep, Egan Butcher and Taylor Losalu stepping up to fill the remaining bench spots. Suia Wong and Salesi Foketi look to be Trent Robinson’s long-term back rowers, while Lindsay Collins, Naufahu Whyte and Victor Radley are also certainties to start should they get through their respective World Cup campaigns unscathed.

SHARKS

1. Will Kennedy

2. Ronaldo Mulitalo

3. Michael Gabrael

4. KL Iro

5. Sam Stonestreet

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Thomas Hazelton

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Addin Fonua-Blake

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Hohepa Puru

15. Oregon Kaufusi

16. Owen Trout

17. Felix Fa’atili

18. Billy Burns

19. Liam Ison

Analysis: The Sharks are set to field somewhat of a new-look team in 2027, with both Sione Katoa and Jesse Ramien departing for the Cowboys. Sam Stonestreet is the likely man to take up a wing spot, while Michael Gabrael and Riley Jones will compete for the vacant centre role. The starting forward pack remains, but on the bench some new faces could get a call-up. Super League recruit Owen Trout is set to earn a spot on the bench after arriving from Leigh, while rising star Felix Fa’atili could also make his debut after a strong campaign for Newtown, being signed on for the 2027 and 2028 seasons earlier this year. Liam Ison is also set to give Will Kennedy a run for his money in the No.1 jersey, with the rising star hot on his heels to take over at fullback.

RABBITOHS

1. Matthew Dufty

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Jack Wighton

5. Campbell Graham

6. Cody Walker

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Brandon Smith

10. Payne Haas

11. Tallis Duncan

12. David Fifita

13. Cameron Murray

14. Jye Gray

15. Sean Keppie

16. Lachlan Hubner

17. Euan Aitken

18. Thomas Fletcher

19. Latrell Siegwalt

Analysis: Look who has arrived. Payne Haas is the big addition to this team in a straight swap for Keaon Koloamatangi at prop, who has departed for the Dragons. Haas joins what looks to be a lethal team with strike all across the park. Wayne Bennett also has a huge decision to make at fullback, with Jye Gray and Matt Dufty once again competing for the role, with the latter likely to get the nod while Gray remains on the pine. As it stands, Cody Walker is without a contract for the 2027 season, but reports suggest a deal will get done for him to line up alongside Ashton Ward at halfback. If not, expect Jamie Humprheys to partner Ward. He too is off-contract but it is hard to see Souths losing both Walker and Humphreys. Tallis Duncan will be hopeful of starting the season in his preferred back row slot, with Latrell Mitchell set to be fit for Round 1 alongside Jack Wighton. Elsewhere, young gun Thomas Fletcher could get the call-up on the bench to join Bennett’s middle forward rotation.

KNIGHTS

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Dom Young

3. Fletcher Hunt

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Dylan Brown

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Francis Manuleleua

13. Mat Croker

14. Harrison Graham

15. Jermaine McEwen

16. Marata Niukore

17. Cody Hopwood

18. Lachlan Crouch

19. Sandon Smith

Analysis: The Knights will get their $1.3 million halfback Dylan Brown back but will he make it for Round 1? The whole front row was missing on Grand Final day and will also be a welcome addition to the squad come the opening round. Dylan Lucas was one of the club’s best players before a nasty leg injury. He returned for the finals but was naturally not at his peak. He should be at his peak next year and is good enough to get back into the starting side, but how can Jermaine McEwen or Francis Manuleleua be demoted after busting onto the scene in 2026? Justin Holbrook could have a tough decision on his hands, but McEwen could be the one to make way. Dane Gagai will be a loss and Fletcher Hunt may take his centre spot. Elsewhere, Sandon Smith was great replacing Brown when he got injured but will need to move back to the bench as he did to start the 2026 season. Marata Niukore has to be in the squad given the size of his contract and will provide firepower off the bench alongside rising stars Cody Hopwood and Lachlan Crouch. Phoenix Crossland was suspended for four matches because of an ugly tackle in the prelim final but the World Cup matches count towards his ban, meaning he’ll be available for Round 1.

SEA EAGLES

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Lehi Hopoate

3. Clayton Faulalo

4. Tolu Koula

5. Jason Saab

6. Luke Brooks

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Taniela Paseka

9. Brandon Wakeham

10. Simione Laiafi

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jake Simpkin

15. Caleb Navale

16. Davvy Moale

17. Kobe Hetherington

18. Ethan Bullemor

19. Joey Walsh

Analysis: The Sea Eagles will welcome back some key faces for Round 1, with Luke Brooks pushing to be fit for their season opener after he suffered an ACL injury in Round 17 last season. He will slot straight back into the No.6 jersey if fit, shuffling Joey Walsh back to the bench. Manly’s backline is full of familiar faces, with Foran now not forced to leave one of Lehi Hopoate or Clayton Faulalo out of the side with Reuben Garrick departing for the Roosters. Nathan Brown has also left the club, with Davvy Moale the likely man to take his spot on the bench after arriving from the Storm. Elsewhere, Brandon Wakeham was Foran’s preferred option in the No.9 jersey with Jake Simpkin deputising on the bench as a utility option. Once again, Haumole Olakau’atu and Ben Trbojevic partner in the back row with Jake Trbojevic at lock and Taniela Paseka and Simione Laiafi the starting front rowers. Expect Caleb Navale to have a huge season after returning late in the year from his ACL injury.

STORM

1. Sua Faalogo

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jack Howarth

4. Bronson Xerri

5. Xavier Coates

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Josh King

9. Harry Grant

10. Stefano Utoikamanu

11. Oryn Keeley

12. Ativalu Lisati

13. Trent Loiero

14. Hayden Watson

15. Cooper Clarke

16. Kelma Tuilagi

17. Stanley Huen

18. Alec MacDonald

19. Adam Pompey

Analysis: Craig Bellamy will be without Will Warbrick, Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney this season after the trio signed elsewhere for 2027. However, to replace that trio, the Storm have made some strong signings, bringing Jamayne Isaako and Bronson Xerri to the club to fill their backline spots. Adam Pompey is also in contention for a centre spot after he made the move from the Warriors, while Melbourne’s spine will remain intact. Ativalu Lisati is set to be fit to take the field in Round 1 after his season was cut short due to injury and he could join Oryn Keeley in the back row. Elsewhere, Eels signing Kelma Tuilagi could find a spot on the bench alongside Cooper Clarke and Alec MacDonald, with Hayden Watson a potential utility option. Stanley Huen could be the latest Storm forward to get consistent minutes after he made his NRL debut last year and played four games, including a 51-minute stint off the bench against Manly in Round 17.

RAIDERS

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Sav Tamale

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Matt Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Joe Tapine

9. Owen Pattie

10. Ata Mariota

11. Hudson Young

12. Matty Nicholson

13. Noah Martin

14. Daine Laurie

15. Zac Hosking

16. Joe Roddy

17. Jaiyden Hunt

18. Coby Black

19. Vena Patuki-Case

Analysis: The big call facing Ricky Stuart this off-season will be halfback. Coby Black was unbelievable in his NRL debut in Round 27 but Ethan Sanders was strong all season and won Dally M Rookie of the Year. Sanders likely begins Round 1 in the No. 7 jersey and alongside Ethan Strange in the halves, but don’t be surprised if we see a Black/Sanders halves pairing at some stage next season with Strange moved to either lock or centre. Sav Tamale regressed in 2026 following a terrific 2025 campaign but he gives this team a bit of x-factor so expect his to start next season on one wing with Xavier Savage on the other. Tom Starling has moved on so the promising Owen Pattie will jump into the starting hooker spot. Expect Ata Mariota to start in the engine room in place of the departed Corey Horsburgh while Matty Nicholson or Noah Martin could be the new starting lock forward. Hudson Young, meanwhile, will be in a race against the clock to return from his torn Achilles. New recruit Jaiyden Hunt will be knocking on the door as will another new face in Lipoi Hopoi, a prop joining the Raiders from Canterbury. Unfortunately he suffered a serious knee injury at the end of this year, meaning Vena Patuki-Case gets the nod to round out the extended bench.

BULLDOGS

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Matt Burton

4. Enari Tuala

5. Jesse McLean

6. Stephen Crichton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Leo Thompson

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Max King

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston

13. Sitili Tupouniua

14. Bailey Hayward

15. Jaeman Salmon

16. Jack Underhill

17. Harry Hayes

18. Alekolasimi Jones

19. Mitchell Woods

Analysis: This side has chopped and changed players in key positions for 18 months now and again it will be interesting to see who partners Galvin in the halves. The club has told Matt Burton they see him as a centre moving forward so skipper Stephen Crichton likely stays at six. If Mitchell Woods can stay fit, he might be a chance to partner Lachlan Galvin in the halves at some point, which is what the club has been planning on for a couple of years now. Freddy Lussick was signed to a good deal and his form at Penrith was good enough for him to earn a starting spot over Bailey Hayward. Another ex-Penrith player Jesse McLean will battle it out with Jethro Rinakama for a wing spot. Rinakama has had handling issues and it might help the newcomer get first crack on the wing. Sitili Tupouniua was too good last year before he got injured not to be in the starting side, which means Jaeman Salmon drops back to the bench. With Kurt Mann and Josh Curran off to other clubs, there will be forward bench spots up for grabs.

EELS

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Bailey Simonsson

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Will Penisini

5. Brian Kelly

6. Jarome Luai

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Sam Tuivaiti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Junior Paulo

11. Jack Williams

12. Jaydn Su’A

13. J’maine Hopgood

14. Ronald Volkman

15. Spencer Leniu

16. Matt Doorey

17. Kitione Kautoga

18. Harrison Edwards

19. Joash Papalii

Analysis: Some big inclusions for the Eels even before we talk about their signings. J’maine Hopgood returns after an ACL injury, while Matt Doorey is also likely to return from an ACL rupture of his own. Doorey was in fine form to open the season before he went down in Round 4 and will likely find a spot on the bench, while Hopgood could wear the No.13. Elsewhere, Jarome Luai and Jaydn Su’A slot into this side as the club’s marquee recruits in 2027. Luai forges a strong halves pairing with Mitchell Moses, while Tallyn Da Silva is also likely the man joining them at hooker. Jack Williams could shuffle into the back row full time, with Junior Paulo and Sam Tuivaiti in the front row. Meanwhile, another marquee signing is set to start off the bench in Spencer Leniu, with it being proven in the past he is best used as a firecracker when injected into the game. Joash Papalii is currently without a contract, but if he remains will likely slot onto the bench as cover in the outside backs.

BRONCOS

1. Reece Walsh

2. Deine Mariner

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Dane Gagai

5. Antonio Verhoeven

6. Ezra Mam

7. Jonah Pezet

8. Mitch Barnett

9. Billy Walters

10. Xavier Willison

11. Jordan Riki

12. Brendan Piakura

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Ben Hunt

15. Ben Talty

16. Aublix Tawha

17. Shawn Blore

18. VJ Semu

19. Josiah Karapani

Analysis: Michael Maguire has a tough job on his hands here. The arrivals of Mitch Barnett and Dane Gagai quickly solve two problems for the Broncos, slotting into the spots left vacant by the exits of Gehamat Shibasaki and Payne Haas. However, Brisbane have a huge call to make in the halves, with Jonah Pezet, Ben Hunt and Tom Duffy all vying for the No.7 jersey. Pezet could get first crack after he was signed with a view for him to be the club’s long-term halfback, meaning Hunt slots in on the bench as a handy hooker and halves utility. On the wing, Josiah Karapani is the obvious selection. However, Antonio Verhoeven showed immense promise last season and with another NRL pre-season under his belt could emerge as a smokey for a starting spot. Elsewhere, the Broncos bench looks somewhat thin when it comes to their forward stocks, with Storm recruit Shawn Blore potentially riding the pine to start the season in the middle rotation alongside Aublix Tawha, Ben Talty and rising star VJ Semu.

TIGERS

1. Jahream Bula

2. Heamasi Makasini

3. Solomone Saukuru

4. Taylan May

5. Sunia Turuva

6. Jake Averillo

7. Adam Doueihi

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisau

10. Alex Twal

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Kurt Mann

14. Latu Fainu

15. Alex Seyfarth

16. Tyson Frizell

17. Fonua Pole

18. Sione Fainu

19. Jock Madden

Analysis: The Tigers welcome a host of new faces into this side, with Jake Averillo, Kurt Mann and Tyson Frizell all signing on. Mann’s experience could be best used at lock, with Frizell is a strong chance of coming off the bench while Averillo has been floated as an option to start at five-eighth, meaning Latu Fainu and Jock Madden will be resigned to a role on the bench. Heamasi Makasini and Solomone Saukuru could join Taylan May and Sunia Turuva in the Tigers’ backline, with the rest of their forward pack sticking solid to the one that was often deployed last season. As expected, Adam Doueihi could wear the No.1 with Jahream Bula and Api Koroisau joining him in the spine.

TITANS

1. Keano Kini

2. Jojo Fifita

3. AJ Brimson

4. Mawene Hiroti

5. Siale Faeamani

6. Jayden Campbell

7. Zane Harrison

8. Mo Fotuaika

9. Oliver Pascoe

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. Beau Fermor

12. Arama Hau

13. Chris Randall

14. Luke Hanson

15. Luke Sommerton

16. Cooper Bai

17. Klese Haas

18. Kurtis Morrin

19. Jensen Taumoepeau

Analysis: The Titans lost their leading try scorer and metre eater in Philip Sami and the battle to secure his wing spot probably comes down to Max Feagai and Siale Faeamani. Josh Hannay likely gives Faeamani first crack as he’s the player with the most upside. Former Shark Mawene Hiroti should slot straight into the centres. Cooper Bai will be pushing for a starting spot after injury ruled him out of the World Cup, but he will be fully fit for pre-season training as should young halfback Zane Harrison. The promising playmaker’s contract situation has been in the news of late and it will be interesting to see if the Gold Coast local extends or entertains offers from rivals. Luke Hanson will be a nice addition to the halves stocks after coming over from the Warriors. He’s mainly a five-eighth but will add depth and even has the ability to drop back and play fullback so he should become part of Hannay’s bench.

DRAGONS

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Phillip Sami

3. Moses Suli

4. Clint Gutherson

5. Valentine Holmes

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Luke Metcalf

8. Keaon Koloamatangi

9. Jacob Liddle

10. Toby Couchman

11. Dylan Egan

12. Hamish Stewart

13. Ryan Couchman

14. Connor Watson

15. Loko Pasifiki Tonga

16. Jacob Webster

17. Josh Kerr

18. Jacob Halangahu

19. Daniel Atkinson

Analysis: The Dragons have gone on a spending spree and have targeted spine players. They will have a new fullback (Scott Drinkwater) and new halves in Kodi Nikorima and Luke Metcalf which is desperately needed given the team’s struggles to score points in 2026. They’ve also beefed up their forward pack with star middle Keaon Koloamatangi along with Connor Watson who will come on to help Jacob Liddle in the hooking role or play in the halves or lock if needed. The Dragons have also brought in Gold Coast’s leading try-scorer and metre-eater in Phillip Sami so they’ve done really well to change the squad in a short period of time. They targeted good players who were unwanted by their former clubs, so, for the most part, didn’t have to pay overs for the majority of them. The Couchman brothers along with Hamish Stewart are only going to get better, so there’s not many excuses for the Dragons in 2027.