While the four Vegas teams have already taken the field, there is still a bit of uncertainty around the make-up of the remainder of sides.
The Dolphins have suffered an injury scare, with gun half Isaiya Katoa racing the clock for Round 1.
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Meanwhile, it’s been a big pre-season on and off the field for Souths star Brandon Smith, but all his hard work may have been derailed by an injury.
Elsewhere, the Roosters are set to unveil a dynamic new halves pairing, with their plans for how Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker will work together being revealed.
Read on for the Round 1 team tips/predicted teams!
THURSDAY MARCH 5
Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park, 8:00pm AEST
Predicted Rd 1 Storm Team: 1. Sualauvi Fa’alogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Joe Chan 13. Alec MacDonald 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Davvy Moale 17. Tui Kamikamica 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Marion Seve
Storm Team Tips: Melbourne CEO Frank Ponissi confirmed on SEN Radio that Shawn Blore would be unavailable for Round 1, with the second rower still recovering from an ankle issue in the off-season. He is expected to be available by Round 2 or 3. Ativalu Lisati is the likely candidate to come in on the left edge having trained there in the pre-season, with Trent Loiero also out for two weeks (suspension). While traditionally a front row forward, Tui Kamikamica could start at lock while Alec MacDonald is another option. Eli Katoa, meanwhile, is out for the season and his spot is set to be taken by Joe Chan to start 2026. Davvy Moale comes over from Souths to add some much-needed punch to the forward pack given Nelson Asofa-Solomona has left the club. With winger Xavier Coates sidelined with an Achilles injury, Craig Bellamy is also desperate for reinforcements in the outiside backs. Young gun Hugo Peel slotted into the role in Melbourne’s trial against the Titans and could find his way into the starting side after impressing in pre-season, with Moses Leo the remaining option.
Predicted Rd 1 Eels Team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Sean Russell 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Jack Williams 13. Jack de Belin. Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Kelma Tuilagi 17. Matt Doorey 18. Sam Tuivaiti 19. Jordan Samrani
Eels Team Tips: The Eels have confirmed that star winger Josh Addo-Carr will be unavailable until at least Round 4 after suffering a broken thumb during the final trials match and has already undergone surgery. Jordan Samrani, meanwhile, was impressive in the Eels’ trial win over the Roosters and looks likely to have won a spot on the six-man bench. Elsewhere, Bailey Simonsson and Sean Russell will be the wings. Russell impressed this pre-season in the centres but he has the versatility to play on the flank which accommodates new recruit Brian Kelly to start at centre.
FRIDAY MARCH 6
New Zealand Warriors vs. Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium, 6:00pm AEST
Predicted Rd 1 Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Demetric Vaimauga 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. 16. Leka Halasima 17. Marata Niukore 18. Morgan Gannon19. Taine Tuaupiki
Warriors Team Tips: Jackson Ford escaped with a fine after being placed on report in the Warriors’ last pre-season challenge outing. Te Maire Martin’s broken leg suffered in the All Stars game all but secures Tanah Boyd’s spot in the halves alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Marata Niukore are likely to be fit for Round 1. Mitch Barnett, who was already unavailable due to an ACL injury, has also announced he will depart the club on compassionate grounds after this season and will likely be available to take the field in Round 2. Sam Healey could slot into a utility role, while Jacob Laban has been tipped to win a back row spot over Leka Halasima, who provides utility value on the pine.
Predicted Rd 1 Roosters Team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Blake Steep 14. Connor Watson 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Hugo Savala 19. Nat Butcher
Roosters Team Tips: Trent Robinson is set to unleash an alternative halves approach this season, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker set to alternate dominant ball-player duties. Meanwhile, fullback James Tedesco is also set to join that pair to forge a scary trio who will have “freedom to road around”. “We won’t be the traditional six or seven, that’s for sure,” Walker said to Code Sports. While Walker and Cherry-Evans remain the halves, Tedesco will increase his ball-playing duties, adding another string to the bow of one of rugby league’s most dangerous support players. “The thing with Chez and Sammy is they can both play the first receiver, second receiver or third receiver,” Tedesco said. “All three of us can interchange into those different roles, and I like it because it gives us a bit of freedom. “I feel like with Sammy and Chez, they’re not a genuine halfback, they’re not a genuine five-eighth, they can fit between both and that’s going to add to our game.” Elsewhere, in the absence of Reece Robson due to a thumb injury, Benaiah Ioelu looks to have won the No. 9 jersey after slotting in at hooker against the Eels, meaning Connor Watson will slot into the bench as a utility. Blake Steep could also start the season in the No. 13 jersey, having been named in that slot in the last trial. That would mean the Chooks start with Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins upfront with enforcer Spencer Leniu to come off the pine in a familiar role.
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45,000 plus takeover Vegas for the NRL | 05:32
Brisbane Broncos vs. Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST
Predicted Rd 1 Broncos Team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Cory Paix 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Grant Anderson 19. Jaidyn Hunt
Broncos Team Tips: The Broncos unleashed what looks to be their first string side in the World Club Challenge, with the biggest talking point being Ben Hunt’s position. The veteran started on the pine, with Cory Paix being named in the No. 9 jersey. Given their poor start in said WCC, Maguire may look to make a change there. Brendan Piakura, who is Maguire’s first choice edge forward, could be on the sidelines for the first two rounds after he underwent surgery on a meniscus injury. Initially the Broncos believed he could be fit to start the season, but Maguire confirmed he won’t return that early after being assessed by club medicos. “I don’t think Brendan will be right for round 1,” Maguire said to Code Sports. “He’s not as far forward as we would have hoped, just seeing him at training (on Wednesday). He might miss a couple of games.” Jack Gosiewski is set to remain in the back row.
Predicted Rd 1 Panthers Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo. Interchange: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Kalani Going 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Luron Patea 19. Tom Jenkins
Panthers Team Tips: Nathan Cleary successfully challenged the grading of his careless high tackle charge and is free to play in the Friday night blockbuster against the Broncos. He’ll start alongside Blaize Talagi in the halves. In a big blow, forward Liam Henry will be out of action for a few weeks after suffering a knee injury. Isaiah Papali’i likely starts in the back row with Blues pair Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin. Emerging forward Billy Phillips won a spot on the bench in Penrith’s trial last week so is right in the frame of being picked in the club’s 19 for Round 1. His form this pre-season has mightily impressed his Panthers teammates. but he is unlikely to slot in given Jack Cogger’s utility value.
SATURDAY MARCH 7
Cronulla Sharks vs. Gold Coast Titans at Ocean Protect Stadium, 5:30pm AEST
Predicted Rd 1 Sharks Team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Sam Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Tom Hazelton 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Billy Burns 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Niwhai Puru
Sharks Team Tips: Sione Katoa could be set for a stint on the sidelines, leaving the field with a potential groin injury which could see him join Ronaldo Mulitalo in the casualty ward. Sam Stonestreet looks to have locked down Mulitalo’s spot, with Mawene Hiroti the leading candidate to replace Katoa if he unable to take the field in Round 1. At this stage, Katoa will play, but given it’s early in the season, Cronulla might elect to be cautious, knowing the more than capable Hiroti is waiting in the wings. Skipper Cam McInnes won’t be back for a couple of months due to an ACL injury suffered last season.
Predicted Rd 1 Titans Team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Siale Faeamani 3. Max Feagai 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Mo Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Arama Hau 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Cooper Bai 17. Klese Haas 18. Tukimihia Simpkins 19. Jaylan De Groot
Titans Team Tips: The Titans backline looks to be locked in, with Max Feagai in the centres alongside Jojo Fifita and Phillip Sami on the wings alongside Sialetili Faeamani. AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell will partner in the halves. Elsewhere, Josh Patston looks set to start in the back row alongside Beau Fermor, with Chris Randall at lock. Young gun Cooper Bai will be this team’s starting lock forward one day but he’ll likely come off the bench in Round 1. New recruits Luke Sommerton and Kurtis Morrin are in line to win spots in the 19. Arama Hau was sensational for the Titans against the Storm and will be unlucky not to be named. He could even start ahead of Patston.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Canberra Raiders at 4 Pines Park, 7:35pm AEST
Predicted Rd 1 Sea Eagles Team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Joey Walsh 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Nathan Brown 17. Kobe Hetherington 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Zach Dockar-Clay
Sea Eagles Team Tips: The Sea Eagles’ line-up is expected to look very similar to 2025, with some minor changes. Jamal Fogarty will replace the club’s longest-serving player, Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves after agreeing on a three-year contract from the Raiders. Meanwhile, Caleb Navale will miss the entire season after rupturing his ACL. After missing the trials, Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder) will be available for Round 1. Nathan Brown avoided a sideline stint after escaping with a fine for a careless high tackle on Bayleigh Bentley-Hape. Luke Brooks is under some pressure to start the season. He didn’t light the world on fire last year or in Manly’s latest trial while young gun Joey Walsh has done everything right so far this pre-season. Walsh could win a spot in the No. 14 jersey.
Predicted Rd 1 Raiders Team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savielo Tamale 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Matty Nicholson 17. Ata Mariota 18. Noah Martin 19. Daine Laurie
Raiders Team Tips: Assistant coach Brock Sheppard has confirmed that Ethan Sanders will wear the No. 7 jersey for Round 1 and while Raiders fans didn’t get to see either him or Coby Black during the trials, Daine Laurie pressed his case to be named on the extended bench. Meanwhile, the Raiders will be sweating on the availability of Englishman Matty Nicholson. According to The Canberra Times, he sustained a shoulder subluxation in their final trials match, but medical staff remain hopeful that he will be available. If he is ruled out, Noah Martin looms as his obvious replacement on the extended bench. Regardless if Nicholson plays or not, expect Martin to be named in the 19. He’s enjoyed a terrific pre-season from all reports. Morgan Smithies could be the odd man out.
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SUNDAY MARCH 8
Predicted Rd 1 Dolphins Team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Tom Flegler 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Ray Stone 15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 16. Oryn Keeley 17. Sebastian Su’A 18. Trai Fuller 19. Brad Schneider
Dolphins Team Tips: Star half Isaiya Katoa suffered an injury scare at training. Thankfully, on a night he was promoted to Dolphins co-captain, Katoa confirmed at the club’s season launch that he will play in Round 1. Katoa limped off with a leg injury and received treatment from a physio with his training load set to lighten over the next week. Despite rumours emerging that the Dolphins were considering a shock backline switch with Trai Fuller playing in the No. 1 jersey, coach Kristian Woolf confirmed that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be the fullback for Round 1. While Jake Averillo is the favourite to start the season at centre, there have been rumblings he may be on the outer. Not only that, but young outside back Tevita Naufahu has had an outstanding pre-season by all reports and could prove hard to resist to start the season. The club have been forced into at least one change in the forwards from the trials after Francis Molo copped a three-match suspension, but they do receive Thomas Flegler back from a long lay-off. Daniel Saifiti revealed on SEN Radio that he is “touch-and-go” for Round 1, while Jeremy Marshall-King, Jack Bostock and Max Plath are all out with injuries.
Predicted Rd 1 Rabbitohs Team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Tallis Duncan 12. David Fifita 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Euan Aitken 17. Sean Keppie 18. Adam Elliott 19. Jayden Sullivan
Rabbitohs Team Tips: Brandon Smith has received positive news after undergoing scans on a calf injury. While he originally told Triple M that he feared the injury “could be serious”, the Rabbitohs later confirmed in a statement on Thursday that he suffered a moderate calf strain and would miss at least two games. Peter Mamouzelos will start with Bronson Garlick to come off the bench. The Rabbitohs have opted for a new-look backline this season, with star Latrell Mitchell making the full-time transition from fullback to the centres – allowing Jye Gray to play in the No.1. Ashton Ward is the red-hot favourite to win the halfback role to start the season given Jamie Humphreys is suspended for the opening two rounds. Ward’s right side has looked lethal in attack this pre-season. Jayden Sullivan is another option but he’s on the mend from injury. Veteran Jai Arrow (shoulder) remains on the sidelines with injury and there are fears that he could be absent for an indefinite period of time. Elsewhere, the club confirmed that Adam Elliott (calf) and Alex Johnston (hamstring) will both be available after missing the final trial match.