Wildcard Emerges in Broncos Hooker Duel; Manly Faces Player Losses Key Positional Battles to Watch This Season

Brown ‘testing the market’ for 2026 | 00:29

There has been a huge amount of change in the NRL off-season, with players and coaches departing clubs left, right and centre.

It means plenty of teams will have a different look about them when they line up for Round 1 in just over six weeks time.

There are jerseys up for grabs at every club with some fascinating internal battles unfolding this summer as player battle for jerseys ahead of the 2025 season.

Here foxsports.com.au looks the biggest positional battle at every club.

BRONCOS

Position: hooker

Contenders: Billy Walters, Blake Mozer, Cory Paix, Tyson Smoothy and Ben Hunt

Who plays hooker? Billy Walters started almost every game last season in the No. 9 jersey but now his dad has been sacked his spot is no longer secure. Rising rake Blake Mozer is supposed to be the real deal and will push for a start in Round 1 but where things really get interesting is when Ezra Mam returns from his suspension in Round 10. That will likely push star recruit Ben Hunt from five-eighth to hooker and Walters and Mozer will fight it out for a spot on the bench. But where things get really interesting is Cory Paix, who fell out of favour with former coach Kevin Walters. But with a new coach comes a clean slate and Michael Maguire could take a liking to him; as he’s reportedly already done with his pre-season efforts. In any case, Maguire will have five hookers to choose from in the second half of the season and who gets picked remains anyone’s guess.

RAIDERS

Position: fullback

Contenders: Kaeo Weekes, Chevy Stewart and Xavier Savage

The departure of Jordan Rapana to the Super League has put Canberra’s No. 1 jersey up for grabs and Kaeo Weekes looks set to get first crack after finishing the 2024 season there. But the raps on Chevy Stewart remain huge in the capital and the 19-year-old will be chewing at the bit to add to his three NRL games. Stewart made his debut in Round 6 last year but was dropped just one game after a horror night against the Broncos in Round 7. Utility Weekes can also play in the halves and the 22-year-old has made 29 NRL appearances since debuting at the Sea Eagles in 2022. Xavier Savage, who has started 16 games at fullback for the Raiders since his debut in 2021, is another option for coach Ricky Stuart

BULLDOGS

Position: wing

Contenders: Blake Wilson and Marcelo Montoya

The competition for spots in the forwards is the best it’s been in a long time but perhaps the most intriguing battle is the one for the wing spot that opened up after Josh Addo-Carr was sacked. Blake Wilson has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to be a consistent first-grader. But new recruit Marcelo Montoya is said to have his nose in front. Montoya, who made his first grade debut for the Bulldogs in 2017, has impressed in recent years at the Warriors, with his carries from his own end a particular strong point across his stint in Auckland. At 28, and with 136 games of first grade under his belt, Montoya’s experience could see him edge ahead in the race to fill Addo-Carr’s void. However, in Blake Wilson Canterbury have an incredibly promising winger who’s already adept at covering for their backline injuries this season. The 24-year-old has impressed in each of 21 first grade games, 10 of which came last season. In a resurgent Bulldogs side, the Queenslander scored four tries while averaging 145 metres and three tackle breaks per game, highlighting his effectiveness at both ends of the field.

Blake Wilson of the Bulldogs.Source: Getty Images

SHARKS

Position: halfback

Contenders: Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall

Cronulla are the most settled side in the competition heading into the upcoming season and the only real question mark is who wears the No. 7 jersey. Nicho Hynes is the 2022 Dally M Medal winner and the club’s highest-paid player, but it looks like he’ll be shifting positions to accommodate Braydon Trindall on the back of his breakout season. Hynes took a backseat to Trindall during the finals as the latter took over chief playmaking duties. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon looks set to make the switch official by shifting Hynes to five-eighth this year.

DOLPHINS

Position: five-eighth

Contenders: Kodi Nikorima, O’Sullivan and Kurt Donoghoe

Isaiya Katoa will be the No. 7 but who partners him in the halves remains to be seen under new coach Kristian Woolf. Veteran Kodi Nikorima is expected to get first crack but journeyman Sean O’Sullivan will keep him on his toes and will undoubtedly get a crack if the losses start piling up. Utility Kurt Donoghoe is another option after impressing in his first two NRL seasons, playing 18 games for the Dolphins and scoring one try. Otherwise the Dolphins look a very settled side with hardly any other positions genuinely up for grabs.

TITANS

Position: fullback / five-eighth

Contenders: AJ Brimson, Keano Kini, Kieran Foran and Carter Gordon

Which way Des Hasler goes with his 17 in 2025 is the biggest mystery of any club. The question is whether he sticks with rising star Keano Kini, who won the club’s player of the year award despite playing just 16 games last year, at fullback or hands the No. 1 reins back to AJ Brimson. If Hasler does, then what does he do with Brimson? One option is to play Brimson in the halves and shift injury-prone veteran Kieran Foran to the bench in a bid to better manage his load. Further complicating things is the arrival of rugby convert Carter Gordon who has impressed since arriving on the Gold Coast and can play basically any position in the backline. The only thing we know for sure is that livewire Jayden Campbell, who has also spent plenty of time at fullback, will start the season in the halves.

SEA EAGLES

Position: outside backs

Contenders: Lehi Hopoate, Jason Saab, Reuben Garrick, Tommy Talau and Tolu Koula

A selection headache of the good kind is brewing for Manly coach Anthony Seibold when it comes to his outside backs for 2025. Lehi Hopoate’s emergence last season has turned up the heat on the likes of Jason Saab, Reuben Garrick, Tommy Talau and Tolu Koula — so much so that the latter played a couple of games off the bench in 2024. With a fully fit backline, one is going to miss out. Saab and Garrick are expected to hold down their respective wing and centre spots, while Talau — who can play wing or centre — is coming off his best season to date and should also retain a spot in the starting side. That leaves the final outside backs spot up for grabs with Hopoate and Koula vying for it. If Hopoate wins, expect him to play on the wing, allowing Talau to stay at centre. But if Koula wins, Talau could shift to the wing.

STORM

Position: Prop

Contenders: Stefano Utoikamanu, Josh King and Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Nelson Asofa-Solomona is suspended until Round 2, meaning Josh King and marquee recruit Stefano Utoikamanu will partner in the front row to start the season. But once the Kiwi international is fit to play, one of Craig Bellamy’s gun front row trio will be resigned to a spot on the bench. Utoikamanu started in all of his appearances for the Tigers last season, even after he revealed he would be making the move south to Melbourne. He’s also played a single State of Origin game, being one of the NRL’s best props at only 24-years-old. Considering he’s been recruited on a hefty salary, he will likely start alongside King who also was in the run-on side in every game in 2024 under Bellamy. Asofa-Solomona, meanwhile, largely came off the bench in the Storm’s run to the grand final, providing impact in the middle and even in the back row.

WARRIORS

Position: Centre

Contenders: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Rocco Berry and Adam Pompey

While Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris’ absences should feasibly leave the Warriors short at halfback and lock, the reality is Te Maire Martin and Erin Clark appear to be the ready made replacements for the experienced pair. And while Andrew Webster’s 17 appears largely set in stone, there is a potential fight for one of the centre positions on the cards. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is shaping as one of Webster’s outside men, who partners him remains to be seen. Is it Rocco Berry? Who was brilliant before injury last year. Or will it be Adam Pompey? Where do the young pair of Ali Leiataua and Moala Graham-Taufa stand? Webster has plenty of options, but perhaps the most enticing of the lot will be returning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the centres, where he admittedly struggled last season, in order to accommodate Taine Tuaupiki at No.1. So many quality options is a good problem to have, and one Webster will need to resolve before Round 1.

Wildcard Emerges in Broncos Hooker Duel; Manly Faces Player Losses Key Positional Battles to Watch This Season

KNIGHTS

Position: halves

Contenders: Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland, Will Pryce and Fletcher Sharpe

It’s arguably the biggest positional battle in the game at the moment — and it’s crucial to the team’s success. The Knights were stuck on a halves merry-go-round last year with Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Will Pryce making up the 11 different halves combinations that coach Adam O’Brien trialled. All five will be vying for a spot in the halves again, but there’s now a rumour doing that rounds that even Fletcher Sharpe is a chance to play five-eighth; and he just had his contract extended until the end of 2028. As it stands, the answer on who wins the halves race is as clear as mud but we’ll know more once the trials are played.

COWBOYS

Position: Halfback

Contenders: Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy

Chad Townsend’s spell at the Cowboys ended in 2024, with Jake Clifford assuming the club’s primary playmaking responsibilities over the closing rounds of last season. While this would rightfully position Clifford as the front runner to be Townsend’s successor, a Code Sports report suggests his hold on the No.7 jersey isn’t as secure as previously thought. This is owing to the sustained emergence of Tom Duffy, who will be pushing for game time in 2025, and a potential start in Round 1. Duffy, 21, is yet to make his first grade debut but has impressed consistently in Queensland Cup, particularly in 2024 when he led the competition in points (216), try assists (33), and linebreak assists (20). Not only were his efforts rewarded by being named the Queensland Cup’s player of the year last season, but also the Northern Pride’s, highlighting how highly rated he is at the Cowboys. Whether that promise is enough to dethrone Clifford before the season begins remains to be seen, especially considering the 27-year-old won three of the five games he wore the No.7 last season.

EELS

Position: Fullback

Contenders: Isaiah Iongi and Joash Papali’i

Despite a torrid 2024, Parramatta enter the new season with seemingly every position locked in. Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown will be their halves. Their forward pack picks itself, while Brendan Hands has reportedly impressed Jason Ryles over pre-season. And while Isaiah Iongi appears to be locked in as Clint Gutherson’s replacement at fullback, don’t be surprised if fellow recruit Joash Papali’i is breathing down the Penrith juniors neck to secure the club’s No.1 jersey. While Iongi has the upper hand regarding first grade experience, having made an impressive debut for Ivan Cleary’s side last year, Papali’i is a highly-rated, electrifying fullback prospect who featured for the Blues’ Under-19s side in 2023.

PANTHERS

Position: five-eighth

Contenders: Blaize Talagi, Daine Laurie, Jack Cole and Brad Schneider

There are several spots up for grabs at the Panthers following the departures of James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva but the one that will draw the most chatter is five-eighth. Luai owned the No.6 jersey for five years but his decision to sign with the Tigers means Ivan Cleary has a big call to make on who will partner his son and superstar halfback Nathan. Young gun Blaize Talagi was recruited from the Eels and is said to be the favourite but it would be silly to put a line through Daine Laurie, whose style would complement Cleary’s, and Jack Cole, who has often been described as a Matt Burton 2.0. Brad Schneider is also an option. As for the other vacant positions, the McLean brothers — Jesse and Casey — will battle it out for Turuva’s wing spot, while new recruit Isaiah Papali’i is an option to replace Fisher-Harris at prop. But don’t be surprised to see Lindsay Smith rewarded with a starting spot after his stellar 2024 season.

RABBITOHS

Position: second row

Contenders: Josh Schuster, Jacob Host, Lachlan Hubner and Ben Lovett

The arrival of Josh Schuster and an injury to Cameron Murray has thrown the race for back row spots wide open. Cameron Murray will be the No.13 when fit, but while he is sidelined Jai Arrow could shift to lock with Schuster and Jacob Host vying to partner Keaon Koloamatangi in the second row. Arrow could also be used at prop, which brings Tallis Duncan and Euan Aitken when he returns form injury into consideration for the lock role until Murray returns. Lachlan Hubner and Ben Lovett are also in the mix for back row spots, so competition for places will be fierce when everyone is fit. Wing is another position that will be hotly contested with Isaiah Tass set to shift to the flank with Jack Wighton and Campbell Graham to start in the centres. Alex Johnston and Tyrone Munro are likely to be the wing pairing when everyone is fit. But with Johnson sidelined Tass will vye with Fletcher Myers and Haizyn Mellars for a spot on the wing.

DRAGONS

Position: wing

Contenders: Christian Tuipolotu, Mat Feagai and Nathan Lawson

Shane Flanagan has been busy this off-season! Lachlan Ilias arrives from Souths in a straight swap for Ben Hunt (Broncos) at halfback. Where things get more interesting is who replaces another departed superstar Zac Lomax, with Christian Tuipolotu and Mat Feagai will fight it out for the spot on the wing. The 23-year-olds were both born in New Zealand and just four days apart and have very similar numbers in their respective careers. Tuipolotu has scored 22 tries in his 45 NRL appearances, while Feagai has scored one more try in his 60 games but eight of those were in the centres and he’s a slightly better defender, statistically. Dragons cross-code recruit, Australian rugby sevens star Nathan Lawson, is also a smokey after making a strong impression in his first NRL pre-season. Tyrell Sloan will shift onto the other wing to accommodate star recruit Clint Gutherson at fullback, while fellow recruit Valentine Holmes will start in the centres alongside Moses Suli.

ROOSTERS

Position: centres

Contenders: Billy Smith, Junior Pauga and Robert Toia

Injuries and departures have put the Roosters in a challenging position heading into the 2025 season. Halfback Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith will miss the first half of the season due to ACL injuries, meaning there’ll be some shuffling to fill those holes. Chad Townsend, who was recruited to bolster the halves depth, will slot in at No.7 to partner Sandon Smith, who was always slated to replace Luke Keary at five-eighth. Connor Watson is likely to play hooker until Smith returns. But even if the squad were at full-strength there’d still be a question mark over the centres following the exit of Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii. The club has shown a lot of faith in Billy Smith throughout his wretched run with injuries but this is his time to shine as the Roosters’ most experienced centre option. Junior Pauga has proven he can do a job at centre and will be in the mix but keep an eye on Robert Toia. The 20-year-old has been earmarked for the NRL and was a standout in NSW Cup last year after returning from an ACL injury.

TIGERS

Position: Second row

Contenders: Reuben Porter, Jack Bird, Alex Seyfarth

No John Bateman and Isaiah Papali’i at Concord this season means there is a vacancy on the edge for Benji Marshall’s side. Samuela Fainu cemented himself as the club’s left back rower, but there remains a void on the right edge needing to be filled. While Jack Bird seems the obvious replacement given his skill set and experience, however there could be question marks over his durability and suitability to the position, given he’s played just a handful of back row games across his career. Given Bird’s versatility there is a world where Benji opts to utilise his talents as a utility off the bench, or even in the centres, a decision which would open the door for one of Alex Seyfarth or Reuben Porter to fight for that vacant edge. Seyfarth played five games on the edge last season, but has spent a large majority of his career through the middle. Porter, who made his debut last season, also played five games on the edge in 2025, impressing in each given his late bloomer status. A look at both men’s stats show very little splits them. Seyfarth averaged 63 run metres per game, compared to Porter’s 68, while the former’s 24 tackles per game is two fewer than Porter.