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NRL trial team lists: Crichton doubtful for Round 1 after taking personal leave, Roosters call up gun Fijian rookie

8th February, 2023
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8th February, 2023
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Teams for all nine trials in the first week of the Pre-Season Challenge have been announced with an armada of off-season recruits named to make their first appearance for their new clubs.

There will be nine matches featuring the 17 teams as well as Super League champions St Helens taking on St George Illawarra in Wollongong on a bumper weekend which also features the All Stars men’s and women’s matches in Rotorua.

Angus Crichton has emerged as a major doubt for the Roosters’ start to the season after it was revealed that the Kangaroos backrower had missed several weeks of pre-season after being granted personal leave.

He was given time off to deal with off-field issues and only rejoined the squad, who have been training in Queenstown, NZ, this week.

Crichton has not been named in the squad for the Chooks’ first trial, against Manly this Friday night in Gosford, with rookie Siua Wong lined up to take his spot. The Fijian international impressed at the World Cup and was a standout for feeder club North Sydney Bears in 2022.

The All Stars fixture has been hit with more key withdrawals, with the Māori side losing two of their biggest names as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Joey Manu both miss out due to injury.

And the Dolphins will create history with coach Wayne Bennett guiding them into the first official NRL trial when they take on the Cowboys in Cairns on Sunday.

Anthony Milford will start at five-eighth with rising star Isaiya Katoa his halves partner. Jamayne Isaako is getting first crack at fullback with Tesi Niu listed in the centres for the Dolphins, while ex-Parramatta forward Ray Stone makes his return after a knee injury last March.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 07: Brandon Smith of the Storm warms up during the round 17 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm at PointsBet Stadium, on July 07, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Brandon Smith. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Brandon Smith will line up against the Storm in his first match for the Roosters when they lock horns on Sunday in Geelong.

While the Melburnians are resting first-choice rake Harry Grant, the Roosters have rushed their star recruit into the line-up with all 17 teams vying for $100,000 prize-money in the competition. Prop Christian Welch, who did his Achilles in round one last year, as well as centre Reimis Smith, whose season ended in July, will both make their return.

Among the mix of experienced Storm players and newcomers are several NRL offsprings including backrower Joe Chan, son of former Storm forward Alex Chan, and hooker Cole Geyer, son of Melbourne legend Matt Geyer. Bronson Garlick, son of ex-South Sydney star Sean Garlick, is starting at hooker.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has included a number of big names with Luke Keary, Sam Walker, Joseph Suaali’i, Victor Radley and former Bronco Jake Turpin all in the squad.

The Warriors and Wests Tigers are first on deck on Thursday night in Auckland with the home side unveiling recruits Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf in the halves. The Tigers have held back most of their stars until week two, although fullback Charlie Staines will start at fullback.

Adam O’Brien has named recruits Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings in the halves for Newcastle’s clash with Cronulla on Friday night in Gosford while new signing Lachie Miller won’t face his old club.

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Max Riolo, son of former NRL fullback David Riolo, has been included among an experienced Sharks squad.

Neither of the older Trbojevic brothers Tom and Jake or Daly Cherry-Evans will front for Manly in the later Gosford game against Souths, with ex-Storm playmaker Cooper Johns getting an outing.

Grand finalists Penrith and Parramatta will meet on Saturday night at BlueBet Stadium with second-rower Jaeman Salmon the only Panther to back up from their 2022 triumph. Former Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson has been named in the Eels line-up, making his return from a knee reconstruction. 

Josh Hodgson of the Raiders passes

(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

New coach Cameron Ciraldo has included Canterbury Bulldogs recruits Reed Mahoney, Ryan Sutton and Fa’amanu Brown for their clash with Canberra in Moruya, while the Raiders will be led by Jarrod Croker in his return from a shoulder injury.

St George Illawarra will host UK giants St Helens on Saturday night at WIN Stadium. The Super League champions, warming up for their World Club Challenge against Penrith, have included five England World Cup stars with Tommy Makinson, Jack Welsby and Joe Batchelor among them.

On the All Stars front, prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona will miss the game as a result of a dog bite suffered on New Year’s Eve. The Kiwi international has four dogs, and was bitten by one of them on his hand, resulting in stitches and an extended period where he was not allowed to train to avoid water or sweat contaminating the wound.

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Two players who are set to play are Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton, who travelled to New Zealand with the Indigenous team ahead of the fixture despite spending a night in the cells in Canberra following their arrest at Wighton’s birthday party on Saturday night.

The pair boarded their flight from Sydney on Monday without issue, though Mitchell had to be cleared to travel by Souths medics after suffering shoulder pain as a result of being pinned by four cops during the arrest.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will also now not feature for the Māori team, with Daejarn Asi and Starford To’a also taken out. Roosters duo Joey Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves had already been ruled out of the game.

Tuki Simpkins, Leo Thompson, Paul Turner, Austin Dias, Creedence Toia and Sheldon Pitama have all been added to the Māori team that will take on the Indigenous All Stars in Rotorua next Saturday night.

A club statement from the Roosters revealed Waerea-Hargreaves has a hamstring complaint, as well as a flare-up of a lower back issue, and Manu suffered a minor facial fracture during training. The Golden Boot winner is expected to need four weeks of recovery which should still see him available for Round 1.

The Indigenous side has also lost Ezra Mam, Chris Smith and Will Smith – as well as star Josh Addo-Carr earlier in the week. Wests Tigers fullback Daine Laurie and Sharks half Braydon Trindall are now in, along with Albert Kelly and Isaiah Tass.

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The women’s game has also suffered pullouts: Kennedy Cherrington, one of the leading lights of the Māori team, will miss after picking up a hand injury playing for Canterbury Bulldogs in the first round of the NSW Women’s Premiership, and Caitlan Johnston, perhaps the most prominent player on the Indigenous team, has also withdrawn.

NRL trial team lists – week 1

all times AEDT

Thursday, February 9

Warriors vs Tigers, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm

Warriors squad: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Marcelo Montoya 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Edward Kosi 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Tom Ale 11. Jackson Ford 12. Demitric Sifakula 13. Michael Sio 14. Maiu’u Zyon 15. Sanele Aukusitino 16. Ali Leiataua 17. Jacob Laban 18. Moala Graham-Taufa 20. Kalani Going 21. Eiden Ackland 22. Ben Farr 23. Isaiah Vagana 24. Solomon Vasuvulagi 25. Paul Roache

Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf will get their chance in the halves while fellow recruits Brayden Wiliame (centre) and Jackson Ford (second row) will also make their Warriors debut.

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Tigers squad: 1. Charlie Staines 2. Junior Tupou 3. Asu Kepaoa 4. Tommy Talau 5. Liam Scolari 6. Triston Reilly 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Aistasi James 11. Brandon Tumeth 12. Fonua Pole 13. Justin Matamua 14. Jahream Bula 15. Jordan Hill 16. Trey Peni 17. Josh Feledy 18. Christopher Faagutu 19. Sione Vaihu 20. Zane Camroux 21. Sione Fainu 22. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 23. Alex Seyfarth 24. Tanous Sukkar

Charlie Staines will line up at fullback after switching from Penrith in the off-season. With regular halves Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi sitting out, Brandon Wakeham will be at halfback in his first appearance since joining from Canterbury. Tommy Talau will make his long-awaited return from a knee injury in the centres after tearing his ACL in 2021.

Friday, February 10

Knights v Sharks, Central Coast Stadium, 5.55pm

Knights squad: 1. Bailey Hodgson 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Krystian Mapapalangi 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Brodie Jones 12. Jack Johns 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. John Toleafoa 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17. David Hollis 18. Adam Clune 19. Ben Talty 20. Thomas Cant 21. David Armstrong 22. Toni Tupouniua 23. Riley Jones 24. Ryan Rivett

Lachlan Miller won’t play for Newcastle against his old club a week after a late off-season transfer. Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings will combine in the halves with Kalyn Ponga out with a calf injury.

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Sharks squad: 1. Daniel Atkinson 2. Thomas Rodwell 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Wade Graham 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Teig Wilton 12. Jesse Colquhoun 13. Jack Williams 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Joshua Finau 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Max Bradbury 18. Lachlan Crouch 19. Henry O’Kane 20. Samuel Healey 21. Jacob Gagan 22. Blake Hosking 23. Max Riolo 24. Manaia Waitere

Cronulla captain Wade Graham is a surprise at five-eighth with a backline containing no other regular NRL players. There is experience in the pack with Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Teig Wilton, Cameron McInnes and Jack Williams listed.

Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium, 8pm

Rabbitohs squad: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Richard Kennar 3. Josiah Karapani 4. Jacob Gagai 5. Leon Te Hau 6. Dion Teaupa 7. Jarrett Subloo 8. Hame Sele 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jacob Host 13. Tallis Duncan 14. Terrell Kalo Kalo 15. Ethan O’neill 16. Ben Lovett 17. Louis Grossemy 18. Romano Cook 19. Jaxson Rahme 20. Thomas Carr 21. Shannon Gardiner 22. Leonard Skelton 23. Hugo Patterson 24. Brock Gray

Blake Taaffe is filling in at fullback with Latrell Mitchell on All Stars duty for an inexperienced side. Jacob Host is back after shoulder surgery alongside fellow NRL forwards Hame Sele, Davvy Moale and Michael Chee Kam.

Sea Eagles squad: 1. Jake Toby 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Jackson Ferris 4. Fletcher Myers 5. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 6. Cooper Johns 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Ben Condon 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Ethan Bullemor 14. Harradyn Wilson 15. Zac Fulton 16. Cameron Brown 17. Viliami Fifita 18. Jacob Sykes 19. Charlie Thompson 20. Joshua Stuckey 21. Dean Matterson 22. James Uesele 23. Joey Tramontana

Saturday, February 11

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Maori vs Indigenous All Stars – Women, Rotorua International Stadium, 1.30pm

Maori squad: Brooke Anderson, Destiny Brill, Gayle Broughton, Harata Butler, Kahu Cassidy, Laikha Clarke, Zali Fay, Mya Hill-Moana, Olivia Kernick, Shannon Mato, Capri Paekau, Aaliyah Paki, Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan, Jasmin Strange, Zahara Temara, Amy Turner. Coach: Keith Hanley

Indigenous squad: Essay Banu, Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman, Bree Chester, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Taliah Fuimaono, Ahlivia Ingram, Keilee Joseph, Bobbi Law, Mia Middleton, Sareka Mooka, Jasmine Peters, Kaitlyn Phillips, Shaniah Power, Jada Taylor, Tahlulah Tillett, Shakiah Tungai, Coach: Ben Jeffries

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Josh Addo-Carr of the Indigenous All Stars waits as he and his team prepare to perform the war cry during the pre-match ceremony before the match between the Men's Indigenous All Stars and the Men's Maori All Stars at CommBank Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Maori vs Indigenous All Stars – Men, Rotorua International Stadium, 3.45pm

Maori squad: Bailey Butler, Selwyn Cobbo, Tyrell Fuimaono, J’maine Hopgood, Nicho Hynes, Ryan James, Albert Kelly, Josh Kerr, Daine Laurie, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Kierran Moseley, Brent Naden, Tyrone Peachey, Tyrell Sloan, Isaiah Tass, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Braydon Trindall, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton. Coach: Ronald Griffiths

Indigenous squad: Jesse Arthars, Zach Dockar-Clay, Austin Dias, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Morgan Harper, Royce Hunt, Zane Musgrove, Briton Nikora, Hayze Perham, Sheldon Pitama, Adam Pompey, Jordan Rapana, Jordan Riki, Tukimihia Simpkins, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Paul Turner, Creedence Toia, Dylan Walker. Coach: Ben Gardiner

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Eels vs Panthers, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm

Panthers squad: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jesse Mclean 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Daeon Amituanai 6. Kurt Falls 7. Jack Cogger 8. Lindsay Smith 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Liam Henry 11. Jaeman Salmon 12. Zac Hosking 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Connor Mason 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Mavrik Geyer 17. Harrison Hassett 18. John Faiumu 19. Hanna El-Nachar 20. Sunita Lotoaniu 21. Liam Ison 22. Jake Tago 23. Logan Cohen 24. Ryley Smith

Ivan Cleary has rested many of his big guns with Matt Eisenhuth and Jaeman Salmon the only regular NRL players in the squad.

Eels squad: 1. Sean Russell 2. Matthew Komolafe 3. Samuel Loizou 4. Zac Cini 5. Isaac Lumelume 6. Jordan Rankin 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Ky Rodwell 11. Shaun Lane 12. Jirah Momoisea 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Matt Doorey 15. Mitch Rein 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Toni Mataele 19. Jayden Yates 20. Dan Keir 21. Luca Moretti 22. Tevita Taumoepenu 23. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa 24. Daejarn Asi

Former Raiders rake Josh Hodgson will turn out for Parramatta for the first time in his return from a knee reconstruction. Daejarn Asi (Warriors), Matt Doorey (Bulldogs) and Jirah Momoisea (Knights) are also playing their first Eels match. Ryan Matterson is allowed to play but has to serve his three-game ban in the regular season.

Dragons v St Helens, WIN Stadium, 8.05pm

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Dragons squad: 1. Treigh Stewart 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Connor Muhleisen 7. Moses Mbye 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Billy Burns 13. Jaiyden Hunt 14. Tautau Moga 15. Max Feagai 16. Michael Molo 17. Joshua Coric 18. Nick Lui-Toso 19. Dan Russell 20. Haele Finau 21. Sione Finau 22. Alexander Lobb 23. Savelio Tamale 24. Jackson Shereb

Tyrell Sloan’s absence on All Stars duty means Treigh Stewart lines up at fullback with regular custodian Cody Ramsey out for the year. Moses Mbye will line up at halfback and could end up Ben Hunt’s playmaking partner for the start of the year with Jayden Sullivan sidelined with a hamstring problem.

St Helens squad: 1. Jack Welsby 2. Tommy Makinson 3. Will Hopoate 4. Mark Percival 5. Jonathan Bennison 6. Jonny Lomax 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Alex Walmsley 9. James Roby 10. Matty Lees 11. Sione Mata’utia 12. Joe Batchelor 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Joey Lussick 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook 16. Curtis Sironen 17. Agnatius Paasi 18. Jake Wingfield 19. James Bell 20. Daniel Norman 21. Ben Davies 22. Sam Royle 23. Konrad Hurrell 24. Lewis Baxter

The squad includes all the players from the team which beat Leads 24-12 in the Super League grand final and the Saints are using this trial as a proper warm-up for next week’s World Club Challenge final against Penrith.

Sunday, February 12

Storm vs Roosters, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, 1.50pm

Storm squad: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Dean Ieremia 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jonah Pezet 8. Aaron Pene 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Christian Welch 11. Joe Chan 12. Chris Lewis 13. Josh King 14. Ammaron Gudgeon 15. Young Tonumaipea 16. Jordan Grant 17. Eliesa Katoa 18. Jayden Nikorima 19. Keagan Russell-Smith 20. Cole Geyer 21. Grant Anderson 22. Angus Hinchey 23. Lazarus Vaalepu 24. Kane Bradley

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Christian Welch will make a welcome return at prop for the Storm after an Achilles injury ruined his season last year in Round 1. Centre Reimis Smith (pectoral) is also on the comeback trail.

Roosters squad: 1. Ethan King 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Junior Pauga 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Jake Turpin 17. Terrell May 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Ben Thomas 20. William Fakatoumafi 21. Thomas Deakin 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha 23. Xavier Va’a 24. Tyler Moriarty

Brandon Smith is sure to cop a mixed reception from Storm players and fans when he makes his Roosters debut. The visitors have named plenty of big guns, including Joseph Suaali’i, Victor Radley, Luke Keary and Sam Walker. Suaali’i is lining up at centre in a likely pointer to his position for Round 1.

Jarrod Croker

(AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Raiders vs Bulldogs, Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya, 3.55pm

Raiders squad: 1. Xavier Savage 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Brad Morkos 5. Elijah Anderson 6. Matt Frawley 7. Brad Schneider 8. Ata Mariota 9. Danny Levi 10. Emre Guler 11. Clay Webb 12. Trey Mooney 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Zac Woolford 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Jordan Martin 17. James Schiller 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Jed Stuart 20. Joshua Allen 21. Michael Asomua 22. Peter Hola 23. Ethan Strange 24. Loghan Lewis 25. Mitchell Spencer 26. Josh James 27. Lachlan Lewis 28. Ray Burns

Fingers will be crossed for club stalwart Jarrod Croker when he makes his comeback from shoulder surgery in the centres. Matt Frawley will suit up at five-eighth with Jack Wighton in All Stars camp. Brad Schneider will be halfback while Jamal Fogarty is kept in cotton wool after suffering a serious knee injury last year in the trials. Danny Levi and Zac Woolford will lay down their claims to be starting hooker. A surprise name is Lachlan Lewis on the bench with the former Canterbury half trying to revive his NRL career at Canberra.

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Bulldogs squad: 1. Braidon Burns 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 21. Jayden Okunbor 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Max King 11. Jacob Preston 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Ryan Sutton 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Chris Patolo 16. Andrew Davey 17. Corey Waddell 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Jackson Topine 22. Bailey Hayward 23. Harrison Edwards 24. Khaled Rajab 25. Jayden Tanner 26. Kurtis Morrin

Off-season signings Reed Mahoney, Ryan Sutton, Fa’amanu Brown, Franklin Pele and Andrew Davey are part of Cameron Ciraldo’s first trial squad but former Panthers forward Viliame Kikau won’t make his Dogs debut until next week. Josh Reynolds is back in the halves for the Dogs after stints at the Wests Tigers and in the Super League with the veteran pushing for a spot in Round 1 as Matt Burton’s halves partner or a bench utility.

Cowboys vs Dolphins, Barlow Park, Cairns, 6pm

Cowboys squad: 1. Tomas Chester 2. Laitia Moceidreke 3. Gehamat Shibasaki 4. Brendan Elliot 5. Robert Derby 6. Ben Hampton 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Taniela Sadrugu 9. Kyle Schneider 10. James Tamou 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Riley Price 14. Mia Pua’avase 15. Sylvester Namo 16. Emarly Bitugane 17. Julian Christian 18. Jordan Lipp 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Adam Cook 21. Jake Bourke

Gehamat Shibasaki and Jack Gosiewski will giddy up for the Cowboys after heading to Townsville in the summer but coach Todd Payten has kept many of his stars away from their opening trial.

Dolphins squad: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Jack Bostock 3. Tesi Niu 4. Euan Aitken 5. Oliver Gildart 6. Anthony Milford 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Harrison Graham 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Jeremiah Simbiken 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Brayden McGrady 15. Valynce Te Whare 16. Tyler Szepanowski 17. Lachlan Hubner 18. Judah Rimbu 19. Rodrick Tai 20. Sherwin Tanabi 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Brenton Baira 23. Mason Teague 24. Poasa Faamausili

All eyes will be on ex-Panthers half Isaiya Katoa to see if he will live up to the hype. He has been chosen alongside Anthony Milford in the halves. Jamayne Isaako gis getting first crack at fullback with Tesi Niu listed in the centres for the Dolphins.

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Broncos vs Titans, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.05pm

Broncos squad: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jack Ahearn 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Shalom O’Ofou 12. Brendan Frei 13. Corey Jensen 14. Billy Walters 15. Logan Bayliss-Brow 16. Martin Taupau 17. Benjamin Te Kura 18. Ethan Quai-Ward 19. Tyson Smoothy 20. Tristan Sailor 21. Joshua Rogers 22. Jamen Johnson

Despite spending some time training in the halves during the pre-season, Reece Walsh will be in his preferred No.1 jersey for his first match back at Brisbane since his stint with the Warriors. Ezra Mam is at five-eighth but Adam Reynolds is not playing, giving young Jack Ahearn a chance at halfback. Cory Paix has got the nod at hooker ahead of Billy Walters while Tristan Sailor has earned a spot on the bench as he tries to restart his NRL career which was put on pause by off-field issues at the Dragons.

Titans squad: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. Sosefo Fifita 6. Toby Sexton 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Chris Randall 10. Joe Stimson 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Erin Clark 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Jo Vuna 17. Treymain Spry 18. Thomas Weaver 19. Keano Kini 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Tony Francis 22. Josiah Pahulu 23. Vaka Sikahele 24. Jacob Alick 25. Ryan Foran 26. Jaron Purcell

Toby Sexton is back in favour but at five-eighth with Tanah Boyd lining up at halfback. David Fifita will begin the first match in his contract year at second row while Aaron Schoupp and Chris Randall are making their first outing in Titans colours.

THE 2023 NRL PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE

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When: February 9-12 and February 17-19
Prizemoney: $100,000 winner takes all
Teams: All 17 NRL clubs, plus Super League champions St Helens
TV: All games live and exclusive on Fox League

The rules

– 80-minute games
– No extra time or golden point. A draw will be declared it scores are equal
– Squad sizes: As many as 28 players for week-one matches and 26 for week-two matches
– Unlimited interchange
*World Club Challenge will have 17-man squads with an 18th player for concussion protocols, and 10 interchanges
– One referee
– Bunker in use

The ladder

Competition points
– 12 for a win
– Six for a draw
– None for a loss

Bonus points

A bonus point available for each of the following:

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– Scoring five or more tries
– Making five or more linebreaks
– Making 10 or more offloads

Teams can earn a maximum 15 points for a win, nine for a draw and three for a loss.

The winner

The overall winner will be determined by the most competition points.

– For and against (points differential), then if still equal;
– The greater percentage of points scored in for and against, then if still equal;
– Most tries scored, then if still equal;
– Most goals kicked, then if still equal;
– Most drop goals kicked, then if still equal;
– Least amount of penalties conceded across both games, then if still equal;
– The toss of a coin

2023 NRL Pre-season

All times in AEDT

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WEEK ONE

Thursday, Feb 9

Warriors vs Tigers, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm

Friday, Feb 10

Knights v Sharks, Central Coast Stadium, 5.55pm
Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium, 8pm

Saturday, Feb 11

Maori vs Indigenous All Stars – Women, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, 1.30pm
Maori vs Indigenous All Stars – Men, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, 3.45pm
Eels vs Panthers, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm
Dragons v St Helens, WIN Stadium, 8.05pm

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Sunday, Feb 12

Storm vs Roosters, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, 1.50pm
Raiders vs Bulldogs, Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya, 3.55pm
Cowboys vs Dolphins, Barlow Park, Cairns, 6pm
Broncos vs Titans, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.05pm

WEEK TWO

Friday, Feb 17

Knights vs Eels, Central Coast Stadium. 5.55pm
Roosters vs Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium. 8pm

Saturday, Feb 18

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Dragons vs Rabbitohs, Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee, 3.30pm (Charity Shield)
Panthers vs St Helens, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm (World Club Challenge)
Broncos vs Cowboys, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.10pm

Sunday, Feb 19

Warriors vs Storm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 12.50pm
Tigers vs Raiders, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney, 2.55pm
Bulldogs vs Sharks, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney, 5pm
Dolphins vs Titans, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 7.05pm

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