All 16 teams have had one pre-season hit-out and have just one more left in the lead-up to round one on March 10 with game-day line-ups starting to take shape. 

Each coach has selection conundrums leading into the season with injuries and roster turnover causing headaches all around.

Parramatta’s Brad Arthur gained a new dilemma on the weekend when winger Haze Dunster suffered a serious knee injury while the perpetrator of the tackle, Dragons forward Tyrell Fuimaono is out suspended for five matches after being charged for the dangerous hip-drop.

Dunster’s season is over after he suffered extensive damage while Fuimaono accepted the guilty verdict without contesting the charge.

Sharks duo Braydon Trindall (two games for a high tackle) and Franklin Pele (one game for a shoulder charge) were the only other players rubbed out for the start of the season from the first trial week.

The first round of NRL trials resume on Friday with a double header in Gosford. 

NRL trials week two

Friday, February 25

6pm: Manly v Canberra Raiders at Central Coast Stadium.

8pm: Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers at Central Coast Stadium.

Saturday, February 26

2pm AEST (3pm AEDT): Warriors v Gold Coast Titans at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe.

5pm: Penrith v Parramatta at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith.

7pm: South Sydney v St George Illawarra at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee.

8pm AEST (9pm AEDT): North Queensland v Brisbane at BB Print Stadium, Mackay.

Sunday, February 27

5.45pm: Melbourne v . Newcastle Knights at Mars Stadium, Wendouree.

Monday, February 28

7pm: Cronulla v Canterbury at PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla.

Team by team, here is how each team is expected to line up for their season opener. 

Broncos

Key spots to unlock:  Tesi Niu’s hamstring injury means Kevin Walters needs to find a new fullback with David Mead, Selwyn Cobbo, Jamayne Isaako and Herbie Farnworth the main options. Brenko Lee’s arrival at centre means Farnworth is probably the best bet for the No.1 jersey.

Five-eighth continues to be a problem area – Tyson Gamble, Billy Walters, Albert Kelly and rookie Ezra Mam have been given a run in the trials but there is still no standout to partner marquee recruit Adam Reynolds in the halves. 

Round 1 predicted team

1. Herbie Farnworth

2. Corey Oates

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Brenko Lee

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Tyson Gamble

7. Adam Reynolds

8. Payne Haas

9. Jake Turpin

10. Patrick Carrigan

11. Jordan Riki

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Kobe Hetherington

14. Rhys Kennedy

15. Corey Jensen

16. Ryan James

17. TC Robati

18. Billy Walters

Others: Thomas Flegler (suspended until Round 3), Brendan Piakura (suspended until Round 2), Jordan Pereira, Jesse Arthars, Jamayne Isaako, Albert Kelly, Brenko Lee, Ezra Mam, David Mead, Corey Paix, Keenan Palasia

Raiders

Key spots to unlock: Jarrod Croker made a very encouraging return after stem-cell surgery on his knee in the off-season, which will temper Ricky Stuart’s concerns at centre with Harley Smith-Shields out for the year with a torn ACL. 

Rising star Xavier Savage’s superb display at fullback in the trial against the Roosters means he needs to be in the backline, probably on the wing with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the No.1 jersey or CNK could be switched to centre.

Nicoll-Klokstad’s preparations for the season opener against Cronulla have been hampered after the Raiders announced he has tested positive to COVID-19 and will isolate from this week’s trial.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Nick Cotric

3. Jarrod Croker

4. Seb Kris

5. Xavier Savage

6. Jack Wighton

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Josh Papalii

9. Josh Hodgson

10. Corey Horsburgh

11. Hudson Young

12. Elliott Whitehead

13. Joseph Tapine

14. Tom Starling

15. Corey Harawira-Naera

16. Adam Elliott

17. Ryan Sutton

18. Matthew Timoko

Others: Jordan Rapana (suspended), Emre Guler, Matt Frawley, Albert Hopoate, Peter Hola, Trey Mooney, Harry Rushton, Brad Schneider, Harley Smith-Shields,, Semi Valemei, Sam Williams

Bulldogs

Key spots to unlock:  Halfback is still up for grabs although Jake Averillo looks the likely option after he got most of the trial against Newcastle in the role with Kyle Flanagan not making much of an impression in the final quarter. 

Trent Barrett’s ploy to use Jack Hetherington and Tevita Pangai jnr as edge forwards will have a wide variance – it could potentially fall flat on its face or be a masterstroke if the powerful middles can cause carnage, in a good way, wide of the ruck.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Matt Dufty

2. Corey Allan

3. Aaron Schoupp

4. Brent Naden

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Matt Burton

7. Jake Averillo

8. Luke Thompson

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Paul Vaughan

11. Tevita Pangai jnr

12. Jack Hetherington

13. Josh Jackson

14. Bailey Biondi-Odo

15. Max King

16. Corey Waddell

17. Ava Seumanufagai

18. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Others: Paul Alamoti, Kyle Flanagan, Jayden Okunbor, Josh Cook, Matt Doorey, Tui Katoa, Chris Patolo, Braidon Burns, Jackson Topine, Joe Stimson, Brandon Wakeham

Sharks

Key spots to unlock: Matt Moylan looks set to partner Nicho Hynes in the halves ahead of Braydon Trindall, who will miss the first two rounds due to a high-tackle ban in Sunday’s trial loss to Penrith.

Young forward Franklin Pele, who was probably unlikely to make the bench, is also out of the selection equation for round one due to a shoulder charge against the Panthers.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Will Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Connor Tracey

4. Jesse Ramien

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Matt Moylan

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Toby Rudolf

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Dale Finucane

11. Siosifa Talakai

12. Wade Graham

13. Cameron McInnes

14. Aiden Tolman

15. Braden Hamlin-Uele

16. Briton Nikora

17. Teig Wilton

18. Luke Metcalf

Others: Braydon Trindall, Franklin Pele (suspended) Jayden Berrell, Andrew Fifita, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Matt Ikuvalu, Lachlan Miller, Jensen Taumoepeau, Jack Williams

Titans

Key spots to unlock:  Toby Sexton, entrusted to replace Raiders recruit Jamal Fogarty at halfback, put in a strong showing in the trial draw against Brisbane on the weekend, as did Tanah Boyd, who looks certain to be in the dummy-half rotation with Erin Clark.

David Fifita rested last weekend after a heavy knock in the All Stars and may have a run in their final trial against the Warriors on Saturday along with utility Will Smith, who was also given a spell after representing the Indigenous team.

Complicating matters is that Justin Holbrook will miss the trial at Redcliffe as he has tested positive to COVID-19.

Holbrook will miss Saturday's trial in Redcliffe.
https://t.co/qsivVZWSq6

— Gold Coast Titans (@GCTitans) February 21, 2022

Round 1 predicted team

1. Jayden Campbell

2. Phillip Sami

3. Patrick Herbert

4. Brian Kelly

5. Corey Thompson

6. AJ Brimson

7. Toby Sexton

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Erin Clark

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. David Fifita

12. Kevin Proctor

13. Isaac Liu

14. Tanah Boyd

15. Jarrod Wallace

16. Beau Fermor

17. Jaimin Jolliffe

18. Sam Lisone

Others: Will Smith, Herman Ese’ese, Sosefo Fifita, Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira, Esan Marsters, Sam McIntyre, Greg Marzhew, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna

Sea Eagles

Key spots to unlock:  Josh Schuster’s pre-season surgery on his ankle means Manly have a second-row slot up for grabs. Broncos recruit Ethan Bullemore and versatile former Warriors forward Karl Lawton are the frontrunners to partner Haumole Olakau’atu in the back row. 

Round 1 predicted team

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Jason Saab

3. Brad Parker

4. Morgan Harper

5. Reuben Garrick

6. Kieran Foran

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Josh Aloiai

9. Lachlan Croker

10. Martin Taupau

11. Ethan Bullemor

12. Haumole Olakau’atu

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Dylan Walker

15. Taniela Paseka

16. Karl Lawton

17. Sean Keppie

18. Toff Sipley

Others: Josh Schuster, Morgan Boyle, Andrew Davey, Sione Fainu, Tolutau Koula, Jorge Taufua, Ben Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Alec Tu’itavake

Storm

Key spots to unlock:  No Munster, Grant, Smith or Lewis for round one and a cloud hanging over Tui Kamikamika (stood down while facing assault charges) means plenty of headaches for Craig Bellamy on top of the off-season exits of Dale Finucane, Nicho Hynes and Josh Addo-Carr. At least Nelson Asofa-Solomona is now eligible to play again after sorting out his COVID-19 requirements with the Victorian government.

On top of that, Ryan Papenhuyzen is no certainty for kick-off due to a foot/ankle concern. Tyran Wishart impressed at hooker in the trial against the Warriors while Jayden Nikorima is likely to get a start in the halves.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Xavier Coates

3. Reimis Smith

4. Justin Olam

5. George Jennings

6. Jayden Nikorima

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Tyran Wishart

10. Christian Welch

11. Felise Kaufusi

12. Kenny Bromwich

13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

14. Trent Loiero

15. Nick Meaney

16. Tepai Moeroa

17. Thomas Eisenhuth

18. Cooper Johns

Others: Harry Grant, Brandon Smith, Chris Lewis, Cameron Munster (all suspended until Round 2), Tui Kamikamica (stood down), Jordan Grant, Jack Howarth, Dean Ieremia, Josh King, Jonah Pezet, William Warbrick

Knights

Key spots to unlock: The new halves combination of Jake Clifford and Adam Clune displayed some potential against Canterbury on Monday night but both teams were relatively stagnant in attacking zones. 

Jayden Brailey’s pre-season Achilles tear means Chris Randall is likely to be the first-choice hooker with Kurt Mann starting games at lock and switching to dummy-half when needed.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Enari Tuala

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Hymel Hunt

6. Jake Clifford

7. Adam Clune

8. David Klemmer

9. Chris Randall

10. Daniel Saifiti

11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

12. Tyson Frizell

13. Kurt Mann

14. Mitchell Barnett

15. Jacob Saifiti

16. Sauaso Sue

17. Brodie Jones

18. Phoenix Crossland

Others: Bailey Hodgson, Jack Johns, Jacob Kiraz, Jirah Momoisea, Brayden Musgrove, Simi Sasagi, Pasami Saulo, Starford To’a, Dominic Young, Jayden Brailey

Warriors

Key spots to unlock: With Reece Walsh suspended for the first two rounds, Chanel Harris-Tavita looks set to fill in at fullback with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remaining on a wing. 

Warriors coach Nathan Brown has indicated Shaun Johnson will be the starting halfback with Kodi Nikorima odds-on to partner him at five-eighth due to his solid defence and kicking game. 

Round 1 predicted team

1. Chanel Harris-Tavita

2. Marcelo Montoya

3. Adam Pompey

4. Rocco Berry

5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Shaun Johnson

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Wayde Egan

10. Bunty Afoa

11. Euan Aitken

12. Josh Curran

13. Jazz Tevaga

14. Ash Taylor

15. Aaron Pene

16. Eliesa Katoa

17. Ben Murdoch-Masila

18. Bailey Sironen

Others: Matt Lodge (suspended until Round 2), Reece Walsh (suspended until Round 3), Tohu Harris, Edward Kosi, Jesse Arthars, Jack Murchie, Taniela Otukolo, Iliesa Ratuva, Pride Petterson-Robati, Viliami Vailea

Cowboys

Key spots to unlock:  Not much can be gleaned from the first trial against Souths with Todd Payten trotting out an inexperienced squad. Veteran recruit Chad Townsend is up against incumbents Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater for the halves roles and more will be known after this weekend’s trial against Brisbane on that front. 

Second-rower is another area up for grabs and Connelly Lemuelu made a successful transition in the trial on the weekend so he could pip young gun Heilum Luki for a starting berth. 

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is making a switch to fullback with Valentine Holmes to be given a run at centre – both players have the talent to make the most of their new positions.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Kyle Feldt

3. Peta Hiku

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Scott Drinkwater

7. Chad Townsend

8. Jordan McLean

9. Reece Robson

10. Coen Hess

11. Mitchell Dunn

12. Heilum Luki

13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Reuben Cotter

15. Connelly Lemuelu

16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

17. Lachlan Burr

18. Jake Granville

Others: Daejarn Asi, Kane Bradley, Tom Dearden, Tom Gilbert, Ben Condon, Ben Hampton, Laitia Moceidreke, Jeremiah Nanai, Griffin Neame, Emry Pere, 

Eels

Key spots to unlock: Bailey Simonsson will be on one wing after switching from Canberra while Haze Dunster’s season-ending knee injury on the weekend against the Dragons means Sean Russell is likely to beat Solomone Naiduki for the other flank. 

Reed Mahoney made a successful comeback from shoulder surgery on Sunday which means Ray Stone will be his back-up off the bench and veteran recruit Mitch Rein probably won’t be needed in the round-one squad.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Bailey Simonsson

3. Will Penisini

4. Waqa Blake

5. Sean Russell

6. Dylan Brown

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Junior Paulo

11. Shaun Lane

12. Ryan Matterson

13. Nathan Brown

14. Isaiah Papali’i

15. Ray Stone

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Bryce Cartwright

18. Makahesi Makatoa

Others: Marata Niukore (suspended until Round 2), Jakob Arthur, Wiremu Greig, Haze Dunster, David Hollis, Solomone Naiduki, Tom Opacic, Hayze Perham, Maika Sivo, Mitch Rein

Panthers

Key spots to unlock: Izack Tago and Robert Jennings are vying for the centre berth alongside Stephen Crichton, who will come back in from the wing from the team which won the grand final last year.Nathan Cleary is optimistic that his shoulder will be good to go for their season opener against Manly after surgery a few days after he was lofting the premiership trophy.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Charlie Staines

3. Stephen Crichton

4. Izack Tago

5. Brian To’o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. James Fisher-Harris

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Mitch Kenny

15. Spencer Leniu

16. Matt Eisenhuth

17. Scott Sorensen

18. J’maine Hopgood

Others: Eddie Blacker, Kurt Falls, Robert Jennings, Taylan May, Sean O’Sullivan, Lindsay Smith, Jaeman Salmon, Chris Smith 

Dragons

Key spots to unlock: Tyrell Fuimaono joins Josh McGuire on the suspended list but St George Illawarra have plenty of forward depth.

Tyrell Sloan outshone Cody Ramsey in their first trial on the weekend for the fullback jersey left vacant by Matt Dufty’s switch to the Bulldogs so the Indigenous All Stars representative is likely to get the gig.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Tyrell Sloan

2. Cody Ramsey

3. Zac Lomax

4. Moses Suli

5. Mikaele Ravalawa

6. Junior Amone

7. Ben Hunt (c)

8. Josh Kerr

9. Andrew McCullough

10. Jack de Belin

11. Jaydn Su’A

12. Tariq Sims

13. Jack Bird

14. Moses Mbye

15. Francis Molo

16. Jackson Ford

17. Blake Lawrie

18. Poasa Faamausili

Others: Tyrell Fuimaono, Josh McGuire (suspended), Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski, Jayden Sullivan, Daniel Alvaro, Billy Burns, Mat Feagai, Max Feagai, Jaiyden Hunt, George Burgess

Charity Shield we coming for you! ????????️????❤️????#GoRabbitohs pic.twitter.com/33IK5ftqUi

— South Sydney Rabbitohs ???? (@SSFCRABBITOHS) February 20, 2022

Rabbitohs

Key spots to unlock: Dean Hawkins got first crack at replacing Adam Reynolds at halfback in last weekend’s trial but Lachlan Ilias is likely to get the gig this weekend in the Charity Shield and in round one. 

Blake Taaffe is set to continue filling in at fullback for suspended star Latrell Mitchell while Jaxson Paulo has moved closer to the action at centre and appears certain to replace Dane Gagai after the veteran returned to Newcastle. Mitchell will be allowed to play in the Charity Shield despite being suspended for the first two competition rounds.

Round 1 predicted team

1. Blake Taaffe

2. Alex Johnston

3. Jaxson Paulo

4. Campbell Graham

5. Josh Mansour

6. Cody Walker

7. Lachlan Ilias

8. Mark Nicholls

9. Damien Cook

10. Tevita Tatola

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jai Arrow

13. Cameron Murray

14. Hame Sele

15. Jacob Host

16. Liam Knight

17. Thomas Burgess

18. Siliva Havili

Others: Latrell Mitchell (suspended until Round 3), Taane Milne, Michael Chee Kam, Jed Cartwright, Peter Mamouzelos, Zane Bijorac, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Davvy Moale, Isaiah Tass

Roosters

Key spots to unlock: Luke Keary is confident of making his return from his ACL tear for round one but coach Trent Robinson is yet to give him the green light. Keary and captain James Tedesco will again be rested for this weekend’s trial against the Tigers in Gosford.

Such is their depth, there are going to be some regular first-graders not making the cut for round one with the likes of Drew Hutchison and Adam Keighran potentially being squeezed out by the return of versatile utility Connor Watson from Newcastle.

Round 1 predicted team

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Joseph Suaalii

4. Joseph Manu

5. Paul Momirovski

6. Luke Keary

7. Sam Walker

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Ben Marschke

10. Siosiua Taukeiaho

11. Sitili Tupouniua

12. Angus Crichton

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson

15. Fletcher Baker

16. Lindsay Collins

17. Nat Butcher

18. Drew Hutchison

Others: Sam Verrills (suspended until Round 2), Renouf Atoni, Egan Butcher, Moala Graham-Taufa, Lachlan Lam, Adam Keighran, Freddy Lussick, Billy Smith, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Ben Thomas, Naufahu Whyte

Tigers

Key spots to unlock: Shawn Blore’s pre-season ACL tear only adds to the pain of Michael Maguire’s attempts to rebuild the team this season with Adam Doueihi and Tommy Talau still months away from returning from the same injury.Jackson Hastings was rested due to a lower leg problem from their uninspiring first trial against the Sea Eagles and is set to suit up alongside Luke Brooks this weekend against the Roosters. 

Round 1 predicted team

1. Daine Laurie

2. David Nofoaluma

3. Starford Toa

4. Oliver Gildart

5. Ken Maumalo

6. Jackson Hastings

7. Luke Brooks

8. James Tamou

9. Jacob Liddle

10. Stefano Utoikamanu

11. Luke Garner 

12. Luciano Leilua

13. Alex Twal

14. Tyrone Peachey

15. Thomas Mikaele

16. Kelma Tuilagi

17. Joe Ofahengaue

18. Zane Musgrove

Others: Adam Doueihi, Reece Hoffman, William Kei, Asu Kepaoa, Jock Madden, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tuki Simpkins, Junior Tupou, Tommy Talau, Shawn Blore