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O’Brien ‘shocked by question’ on halves? | 01:38
The Pre-Season Challenge is over and now the real games can begin, with the season opening Las Vegas double header just a handful of days away.
Watch the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season opening double-header LIVE from Las Vegas on Kayo, SUN 2 MAR 10AM | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
There were several spanners thrown in the works during the final round of pre-season fixtures, with many teams having to deal with fresh injury headaches on the eve of the 2025 season.
While there are just the two games this weekend, we’ve listed the predicted teams for all eight games to be played in Round 1.
Read on for the Team Tips for Round 1.
SUNDAY MARCH 2
Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 11.00am AEDT
Predicted Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Savellio Tamale 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Matty Nicholson 17. Trey Mooney
Team Tips: After battling a calf issue, Raiders back rower Zac Hosking has been cleared to play in Vegas. He was excellent for Canberra when on the field last season and he’ll slot into the starting side. That means new Raider Matty Nicholson likely comes off an interchange bench featuring Corey Horsburgh and Trey Mooney. There is some doubt over who will wear the No. 14 and back up hooker Tom Starling, but Fox League’s Paul Crawley believes young gun Owen Pattie has done enough to win the spot over veteran Danny Levi. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is certainly impressed with the 20-year-old. “He has got maturity as a young man beyond his years,” Stuart told Code Sports. While new recruit Ethan Sanders did put some pressure on halfback Jamal Fogarty’s starting spot with a strong pre-season showing and even earned a spot in the travelling squad to Vegas, Fogarty will steer the team around against the Warriors. He was one of Canberra’s best in 2024.
Predicted Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Luke Metcalf 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. Jacob Laban 17. Bunty Afoa
Team Tips: Luke Metcalf starred in the No. 7 jersey in the Warriors’ Pre-Season Challenge clash against Melbourne. Andrew Webster should give the talented Metcalf the keys to the team with Shaun Johnson now retired. That means Te Maire Martin will be five-eighth to start the season. Star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will miss half of the season after scans revealed he fractured and dislocated his left wrist during his side’s Pre-Season Challenge opener against Cronulla. He landed awkwardly outside the field of play after throwing it back infield. Taine Tuaupiki will likely be the man to replace him on the wing, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also expected to feature on the other flank. Centre Rocco Berry is in serious doubt with the shoulder injury which kept him out for several months last season. Adam Pompey would be the next man up although he too is under an injury cloud (hand). Promising back rower Jacob Laban is pushing hard for selection in Round 1.
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Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3.30am AEDT
Predicted Panthers 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
Team Tips: The Panthers have received a massive boost with injured quartet Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin all expected to play in Las Vegas in Round 1. However, Jack Cole is shaping as the Panthers’ first choice No. 6 ahead of the club’s Vegas trip, with off-season recruit Blaize 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 said. “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. New recruit Isaiah Papali’i is likely to take a starting back row spot under Ivan Cleary which 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.
Predicted Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sam Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15 Siosifa Talakai 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Team Tips: Sione Katoa will miss four to five months with a shoulder injury. It’s a huge blow for the Sharks, but they do have exciting winger Sam Stonestreet waiting in the wings. He’s made every post a winner since debuting last year and has impressed in the pre-season. Addin Fonua-Blake headlines a forward pack with plenty of punch, although they will be without Toby Rudolf, who hasn’t travelled to Vegas with the club. Rudolf is still dealing with a shoulder injury, which has taken longer than expected to recover. Despite the whispers this off-season that Nicho Hynes will take a back seat to halves partner Braydon Trindall, coach Craig Fitzgibbon has come out and said that this is Hynes’ team. Hynes was excellent in Cronulla’s final pre-season hitout against the Raiders.
THURSDAY MARCH 6
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Predicted Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Junior Pauga 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15.Siua Wong 16. De La Salle Va’a 17. Blake Steep
Team Tips: More questions than answers for Trent Robinson at the moment following a pre-season thrashing at the hands of the Knights on Sunday. The Knights ran in 36 first half points against what was expected to be close to the Roosters’ Round 1 line up. In a brutal blow, star prop Spencer Leniu has been handed a two-match ban for a careless high shot on Phoenix Crossland. With Terrell May now a Tiger and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves playing in the Super League, it means the Roosters are set to be without three of their best four props from last year for Round 1 if Leniu takes the early plea. Lindsay Collins was already a definite starter, but now Naufahu Whyte will likely be called upon to start at prop. The Roosters right edge of inexperienced centre Robert Toia and Dom Young were torn apart by the Knights, but there were plenty of ordinary performances across the park. Who will play in the centres following the departure of Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii is Robinson’s biggest puzzle to solve. Toia is a talent with a bright future but he’s struggled this pre-season while former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase limped off late in the second half with a leg injury, although it’s believed to just be bad cramps. Billy Smith would be the first centre picked but the luckless 25-year-old hasn’t fully recovered from a hip injury. Junior Pauga is another name in the frame for selection.
Predicted Broncos 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. Cory Paix 10. Pat Carrigan 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Xavier Willison
Team Tips: The Broncos were excellent this pre-season, with a new era under Michael Maguire off to a hot start. Their team appears pretty settled, other than one of the centre positions. Deine Mariner would have been the warm favourite to win the spot entering the pre-season, but it appeared he has been usurped by Gehamat Shibasaki, who started over Mariner in Brisbane’s final trial. To the eye, Mariner had the better game of the two, scoring a try and recording five tackle busts. Kobe Hetherington is firming for a starting spot in Round 1. A favourite of Michael Maguire, Hetherington was on the outer last season under previous coach Kevin Walters, before redeeming himself this off-season. Cory Paix is another who has bounced back from Broncos purgatory. Paix was the fourth choice hooker last season but he has seemingly won the No. 9 battle over Billy Walters, starting both trial matches and putting his best foot forward in those.
FRIDAY MARCH 7
Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Predicted Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Terrell May 11. Jack Bird 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Fonua Pole 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Alex Twal
Team Tips: It was thought that star fullback Jahream Bula would return from a shoulder injury in time to feature in a trial game, but he wasn’t able to following a training incident. Now he’s in doubt for Round 1 according to the SMH. “We’ll see about round one,” Bula said. “Everything went well with the surgery. I’ve been doing my rehab the past six months. I’m getting closer. I started full contact last week … I copped a knock last week; Samuela (Fainu) came flying in with his shoulders. He’s too strong.” Given Bula is imperative to the Tigers’ chances this season, they won’t rush him into the line up until he’s 100%. If Bula can’t go, Heath Mason is in line to wear the No. 1 jersey. Or, Benji Marshall could give Sunia Turuva an opportunity at the back. While one key spine member is in doubt, halfback Jarome Luai is a confirmed starter. Tallyn Da Silva is expected to start the season at hooker with Api Koroisau suspended for Round 1.
Predicted Knights 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
Team Tips: The Knights have seemingly settled on their Round 1 halves combination after they put 36 on the Roosters in a glittering first half of football on Sunday. Young gun Fletcher Sharpe wore the No. 6 and he was in everything, even scoring two tries. Halfback Jack Cogger was solid and barring any setbacks, he and Sharpe should be given the nod by coach Adam O’Brien for the Round 1 clash against the Wests Tigers. 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. New recruit James Schiller has seemingly locked down the left wing position. The Newcastle left edge of Sharpe, Ponga, Bradman Best and Sharpe ran roughshod against the Roosters’ right edge over the weekend.
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Dolphins vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, 8.05pm AEDT
Predicted Dolphins 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. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Ray Stone 15. Kenneath Bromwich 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Mark Nicholls
Team Tips: Unfortunately, star prop Tom Flegler will miss the majority of the season as he continues to deal with a troubling shoulder injury. Reigning Rookie of the Year Jack Bostock limped off the field in the trial against the Titans after an awkward collision. He’s in some doubt for Round 1 although the Dolphins reportedly aren’t too worried. If he is unavailable, Junior Tupou will be called up. An interesting crinkle to note was that the Dolphins started Jake Averillo in the halves against the Titans, shifting Bostock to centre. Hard to know if this will be their plan for Round 1. Former Cowboy Kulikefu Finefeuaki has impressed this pre-season and should earn a starting gig in the back row.
Predicted Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan 14. Siliva Havili 15. Jacob Host 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie
Team Tips: With new recruit Lewis Dodd set to be suspended for Round 1, former Sea Eagles Jamie Humphreys will likely don the No. 7 jersey against the Dolphins. Humphreys had outplayed Dodd clearly in South Sydney’s two trial matches and deserved the nod anyway according to Fox League’s Michael Ennis, even if Dodd hadn’t been suspended. Latrell Mitchell is set to miss 6-8 weeks with a hamstring injury while captain Cam Murray has suffered an Achilles rupture that will sideline him for months. The two Rabbitohs stars suffered injuries within five minutes of each other during a training session last week. We expect Jye Gray to be the South Sydney fullback in Mitchell’s absence. Gray was quite impressive in patches last year, playing in 13 games in what was his rookie season. Campbell Graham has been in the wars over the past couple of years. He had recovered from a sternum injury which kept him sidelined in 2024 however picked up a fresh injury in the pre-season. Graham is set to miss three-to-four games with a fractured hand. Isaiah Tass likely shifts into the centres with Fletcher Myers to start on the wing. 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. Ex-Dolphin Euan Aitken won’t be available against his former side. He is recovering from a pectoral injury and is due to return in Round 4 or 5.
SATURDAY MARCH 8
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Predicted Dragons team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Matt Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Toby Couchman
Team Tips: The Dragons capped off an impressive Pre-Season Challenge campaign with a dominant win in the Charity Shield. New recruits Val Holmes, Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook all starred, particularly Holmes. Winger Sione Finau was the star of the show though, scoring four tries in 28 minutes before he left the field for a HIA which he subsequently failed. Despite his stellar pre-season, Finau hasn’t locked down a spot yet. He’s in a battle with Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu for the left wing position with Matt Feagai set to start on the right flank according to Dragons coach Shane Flanagan via Code Sports. Prop Emre Guler, who was only signed last month, may have done enough to lock in a starting spot after a strong game against Souths.
Predicted Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Jaeman Salmon 17. Kurtis Morrin
Team Tips: Forward Josh Curran is set to miss Round 1 after being handed a one-match ban for a high tackle in the Bulldogs trial loss to Brisbane. Behind Curran, things are uncertain as it leaves the Bulldogs light on quality middle forwards at the moment. New recruit Tom Amone was named on the reserve grade bench, with former Warrior Zyon Maiu’u and Daniel Suluka-Fifita the starting props in NSW Cup. One of those three will have to be considered for the Bulldogs’ Round NRL clash against the Dragons. Or, Cameron Ciraldo goes with three smaller forwards on his bench in Kurtis Morrin, Bailey Hayward and Jaeman Salmon. Ciraldo has been dealt an early blow with Phil Gould revealing the club suffered a double injury blow which will rule two players out of contention for Round 1. Speaking on his Six Tackles with Gus podcast, Gould said that winger Jacob Kiraz had not trained since suffering a back injury that ruled him out of the Pacific Championships and “won’t see the start of the season”. Blake Wilson could be in line to replace Kiraz in the Dogs starting side. Gould went on to add that new recruit Enari Tuala, who he said “was training well”, fractured his foot at training and would be “unavailable”
Manly Sea Eagles vs. North Queensland Cowboys at 4 Pines Park, 7.35pm AEDT
Predicted Sea Eagles 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. Jazz Tevaga 15. Nathan Brown 16. Siosiua Taukeiaho 17. Ethan Bullemor
Team Tips: Manly have received a boost with prop Taniela Paseka set to overcome a shoulder injury in time for Round 1, according to Code Sports. Paseka suffered the injury against Souths, 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. Hopoate will have plenty of competition, with Tommy Talau, Reuben Garrick, Tolu Koula and Jason Saab all gunning for outside back spots. Lachlan Croker is sidelined with a knee injury which is set to keep him out until Round 4. Jake Simpkin and Jazz Tevaga are in the running to start the season in the No. 9 jersey with both expected to at least be apart of the 17 to take on North Queensland.
Predicted Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 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
Team Tips: Halfback Tom Duffy has given himself every chance to make his NRL debut in Round 1. Due to an untimely hernia injury to Jake Clifford, Duffy started both Pre-Season Challenge games for the Cowboys. He impressed in the win over Melbourne, working well in combination with star five-eighth Tom Dearden and recording two try assists. Veteran Braidon Burns has won the battle to take over the right wing position left vacant by Kyle Feldt.He beat out the likes of Semi Valemei and Rob Derby, although the latter is expected to crack the first grade side at some stage this season. Derby recently signed an extension until the end of 2028.
SATURDAY MARCH 9
Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park, 4.05pm AEDT
Predicted Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 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
Team Tips: In a double blow for Craig Bellamy, fullbacks Ryan Papenhuyzen and Sua Fa’alogo are both in doubt for Round 1. Papenhuyzen was ruled out of Mebourne’s trial match against the Cowboys on Sunday due to “ankle and knee” issues. Papenhuyzen has had a difficult run with injuries throughout his career and with the Storm having a bye in Round 2, Bellamy has decided to err on the side of caution. “Paps is probably most doubtful for round one,” Bellamy told AAP. “It’s just a little bit with his ankle and his knee. He’s obviously had some bad injuries.” Rubbing salt into the wounds, Papenhuyzen’s likely replacement Sua Fa’alogo is also under an injury cloud. Fa’alogo picked up a hamstring injury against the Cowboys. “He has that tight hamstring. He is on the bench and he is iced up,” Fox League’s Eloise Sohier reported. The Storm have indicated it was just tightness but according to ‘NRL Physio’ Brian Seeney, if there is a minor strain present, it would mean a 2-4 sideline stint. If Papenhuyzen and Fa’alogo are unavailable, Nick Meaney is the favourite to play fullback, which would give Grant Anderson an opportunity in the centres. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is out suspended until Round 3.
Predicted Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Joash Papalii 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Brendan Hands 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Jack Williams 17. Charlie Guymer
Team Tips: In news that may cause unease among Eels fans, coach Jason Ryles revealed over the weekend that skipper Mitch Moses is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1. Moses missed two months with a foot injury in 2024 and according to Ryles, he’s had scans on the same foot this pre-season due to soreness. “Mitch had a bit of soreness with his foot around the screw,” Ryles said. “We’ve had every scan under the sun. He had a really good running session Friday to build him back up for round one. Because of where we were in the pre-season, we didn’t want to push him through whatever he didn’t need to. But he’s all clear, he’s happy and he’s training – we expect him to play round one.” Shaun Lane is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 after undergoing knee surgery. Lane won’t play the trials, according to Code Sports 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. Former Panther Isaiah Iongi has been a revelation for the Eels this pre-season. While he was in battle with the promising Joash Papalii, Iongi seems to have done enough to win the No. 1 jersey to start the season.Outside back Bailey Simonsson is unlikely to be fit enough for Round 1 and could miss a couple of weeks. He’s still recovering from an ACL injury he suffered last season. New recruit Josh Addo-Carr is suspended until Round 3. That could open the door for Papalii to nab a spot on the wing.
BYE – Gold Coast Titans
