Brisbane have suffered another blow ahead of their round one NRL clash against Penrith, with fullback Reece Walsh ruled out with a fractured cheekbone.

Broncos prop Pat Carrigan confirmed Walsh’s absence after training on Tuesday. 

FOR ALL THE OFFICIAL TEAM LISTS FOR ROUND 1, CLICK HERE

Selwyn Cobbo, who would have played wing if Walsh was fit, trained at fullback and will wear the No.1 jersey in Penrith on Friday night.

Jesse Arthars is set to be the new winger. Walsh trained with a no-contact red bib on Monday but the Broncos have decided to err on the side of caution.

Walsh’s absence continues a difficult week for Brisbane, with centre Herbie Farnworth and prop Tom Flegler committing their futures to the Dolphins from 2024, a scenario Carrigan said was “tough” to take.

Nicho Hynes says he’s racing the clock to play in Cronulla’s NRL season opener.

Hynes is no certainty to be fit to face South Sydney at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night after straining a calf muscle in training last week, and looms as a 50-50 prospect.

But the superstar halfback’s physical pain pales into comparison with the mental toll of his mother being in prison, with Hynes on Monday indicating she’d been unjustly dealt with.

Julie Hynes, 50, is awaiting her fate after being found guilty this month in a Central Coast Court of one count of knowingly supplying heroin.  

“Everyone’s going to have opinions on this story and they’re going to react the way they want to react but I’m going to stand by mum every step of the way in this and be there for her,” Hynes told reporters at Shark Park.

“I’ll visit her and what happened I don’t think was the right outcome.”

Josh Papali’i insists he is on track to play in Canberra’s NRL season opener against North Queensland despite continuing to struggle with a calf injury.

Papali’i required treatment at Raiders training on Monday as he completed a light run, five days out from the clash with the Cowboys. Initially hurt while warming up for Canberra’s final pre-season match, Papali’i played 20 minutes of that game against Canterbury.

But the injury hasn’t responded to treatment and the Queensland State of Origin prop has been in a race against the clock for round one. “It’s all good, obviously just a little tweak in my calf,” Papali’i said on Monday.

“Doing all I can to be ready for Saturday. I should be alright. I had a little run today, it wasn’t too bad. Just taking it day by day. Hopefully be right for round one.”

Newcastle recruit Adam Elliott has been cleared to play in the opening round after overcoming a hip injury suffered in last year’s NRL finals.

Elliott has spent the entire pre-season battling an osteitis pubis injury suffered in the first week of finals at Canberra last year, ruling him out of any trials. The 28-year-old also suffered another setback late in the pre-season, when sidelined by ankle injury after a training mishap.

But he is now back to full training, and is expected to be named at lock for the Knights in their season opener against the Warriors on Friday night in Wellington. “I would’ve liked to have sorted it earlier in the pre-season, but I will be right to go,” Elliott said.

Dolphins assistant coach Kristian Woolf insists 19-year-old playmaker Isaiya Katoa is ready to make his NRL debut as key recruit Anthony Milford looks set to be dumped for the round-one NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters.

Katoa has been training at five-eighth alongside half Sean O’Sullivan with Milford running with the second-stringers as Woolf said he sustained an upper body knock in the 40-16 trial loss to Gold Coast and was unable to engage in contact.

Milford was below his best in the trial game while Tonga international Katoa, formerly with Penrith, impressed when he came on and set up a try with an early touch to stake his claim to start at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Woolf is also the Tonga national coach and gave Katoa his international debut at last year’s World Cup. “From what we have seen, whenever he gets picked, we think he will be ready to go,” Woolf said.

John Bateman says he will be ready to play his first game for Wests Tigers whenever he is called upon, as club officials weigh up how to manage his return to the NRL.

Bateman arrived in Australia from England last week after a two-month wait for his visa to be approved, and toured the Tigers facilities on Friday. He had his first full day of training on Monday when players returned from a long weekend, six days out from the club’s season-opener against Gold Coast.

The Tigers are concerned over his availability to play in the club’s round-one match, unsure if he would be underdone. “I have been training by myself, but you can’t do the team stuff,” he said.  “I’m up for it and looking forward to getting going. (Coach Tim Sheens) has been sending me over some clips, I have been looking through them and some of the plays.”

Joey Manu is hoping he can be fit to play in the Sydney Roosters’ NRL season opener four weeks after being left with a dent in his face from an accidental elbow.

After rushing in to make a tackle on teammate Junior Pauga, he immediately left the field and has since undergone surgery to fix the bone.

And he has not given up on a round-one return on March 5. The Roosters are set to welcome back Luke Keary (jaw), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (back) for the Dolphins clash, but are without Billy Smith (knee) and Sitili Tupouniua (knee).

Angus Crichton has stepped away from rugby league while dealing with bipolar disorder, with no timeline set for his return to the NRL.

Crichton’s father confirmed on Thursday that the 27-year-old NSW State of Origin second-rower was receiving treatment for the condition and was being fully supported.

He is expected to miss at least the first two rounds of the season.

Manly have suffered a blow on the cusp of coach Anthony Seibold‘s first NRL game at the club with five-eighth Josh Schuster ruled out of the round-one clash with Canterbury.

Schuster suffered a calf injury in Friday’s 28-16 victory over the Sydney Roosters in the Pre-Season Challenge with MRI scans on Tuesday confirming his much-awaited crack at the No.6 jersey will be delayed.

The 21-year-old will be unavailable for the home game against the Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park next Saturday and with the Sea Eagles having a second-round bye, Schuster is expected to be fit for the home round-three showdown with 2022 grand finalists Parramatta. Schuster’s unavailability will provide an early opportunity for Cooper Johns or Kaeo Weekes.

CLICK HERE for a seven-day free trial for your favourite sport on KAYO

Round 1 predicted teams

Eels v Storm, at CommBank Stadium – 7.50pm, Thursday, March 2 

Eels: Ryan Matterson, after initially accepting a three-game ban instead of a fine, has failed to reverse that decision at the judiciary and he will sit out matches against Melbourne, Cronulla and Manly.

After being told he could sign elsewhere in 2023, Nathan Brown looked set to stay but now could end at Manly. The injury to Lane could see Jack Murchie get a go to impress in the starting line up.

Hopgood has impressed the Eels in his first pre-season at the club to emerge as the favourite to replace Matterson when Parra open the season on March 2 against Melbourne. 

Replacing Papali’i on the right edge is another spot up for grabs with Doorey and Bryce Cartwright the main contenders but both are under an injury cloud. 

Opacic’s departure means Waqa Blake will get a crack at centre and with Bailey Simonsson nursing the knee injury suffered on Grand Final night, Sean Russell or Haze Dunster (on the comeback trail from his own knee injury) will be on the wing. 

1 Clint Gutherson
2 Maika Sivo
3 Waqa Blake
4 Will Penisini
5 Sean Russell
6 Dylan Brown
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9 Josh Hodgson
10 Junior Paulo
11 Jack Murchie
12 Matt Doorey
13 J’maine Hopgood
Interchange
14 Jakob Arthur
15 Makahesi Makatoa
16 Nathan Brown
17 Bryce Cartwright

Other squad members: Ryan Matterson (suspended), Shaun Lane (fractured jaw), Haze Dunster, Jack Murchie, Jirah Momoisea, Ky Rodwell, Mitch Rein, Ofahiki Ogden, Samuel Loizou, Wiremu Greig.

Storm: The Storm’s backline will not be back to full strength for Round 1 with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (kneecap), centres Justin Olam (broken arm) and Marion Seve (foot), forward Tariq Sims (calf) and winger George Jennings (knee) unavailable.

Nick Meaney looks set to start off in the No.1 jersey while centre Reimis Smith (pectoral) will be back after missing most of last season.

Dean Ieremia added to the body count in the trial win over the Warriors when he tore his ACL and won’t play again this year while prop Tui Kamikamica will be out until Round 6 due to a tendon injury in his foot.

The return of Christian Welch from a torn Achilles tendon offsets the loss of Jesse Bromwich at prop while Eliesa Katoa and Trent Loeiro are the likely candidates to replace the long-term second-row pairing of Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich with Sims sidelined.

Brandon Smith’s departure opens up a bench utility spot for Tyran Wishart to cover hooker and the backs after he had a promising start to his NRL career in 15 appearances.

1 Nick Meaney
2 Grant Anderson
3 Reimis Smith
4 Jack Howarth
5 Xavier Coates
6 Cameron Munster
7 Jahrome Hughes
8 Christian Welch
9 Harry Grant
10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11 Eliesa Katoa
12 Trent Loiero
13 Josh King
Interchange
14 Tyran Wishart
15 Tepai Moeroa
16 Alec MacDonald
17 Tom Eisenhuth

Other squad members: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Tui Kamikamica, Dean Ieremia, Tariq Sims, Marion Seve, George Jennings, Justin Olam (injured), Jayden Nikorima, Joe Chan, Jonah Pezet, Jordan Grant, Aaron Pene, Will Warbrick.

Warriors v Knights, at Sky Stadium, Wellington – 6pm (AEDT), Friday, March 3

Warriors: Shaun Johnson will likely get first crack at halfback with Te Maire Martin at five-eighth and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad chiming in from fullback. 

With Luke Metcalf and Ronald Volkman, another promising playmaker they signed midway through last season from the Roosters, there are younger options for the future at new coach Andrew Webster’s disposal if the experienced halves don’t get the job done. 

Jazz Tevaga (hernia) will miss at least the first week while Metcalf (hamstring) is also sidelined for the start of the season.

1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3 Adam Pompey
4 Rocco Berry
5 Marcelo Montoya
6 Te Maire Martin
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Addin Fonua-Blake
9 Wayde Egan
10 Mitch Barnett
11 Tohu Harris
12 Marata Niukore
13 Josh Curran
Interchange
14 Dylan Walker
15 Jackson Ford
16 Bunty Afoa
17 Bayley Sironen

Other squad members: Luke Metcalf, Jazz Tevaga (injured), Brayden Wiliame, Freddy Lussick, Edward Kosi, Otukinekina Kepu, Ronald Volkman, Taniela Otukolo, Tom Ale , Valingi Kepu, Viliami Vailea.

Knights: Kalyn Ponga made his return from concussions in this weekend’s trial with Parra at five-eighth. 

Lachlan Miller has been brought in to shore up the fullback spot ahead of injury-plagued English fullback Bailey Hodgson as there are no other specialist fullbacks in the squad. 

The Saifiti twins will likely be the starting props with David Klemmer gone with new recruits Jack Hetherington and Adam Elliott potentially starting off as one of the bench options for the middle-forward rotation. 

1 Lachlan Miller
2 Dominic Young
3 Dane Gagai
4 Bradman Best
5 Greg Marzhew
6 Kalyn Ponga
7 Jackson Hastings
8 Daniel Saifiti
9 Jayden Brailey
10 Jacob Saifiti
11 Tyson Frizell
12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon
13 Kurt Mann
Interchange
14 Tyson Gamble
15 Jack Hetherington
16 Brodie Jones
17 Adam Elliott

Other squad members: Mat Croker (suspended until Round 3), Bailey Hodgson, Adam Clune, Dylan Lucas, Enari Tuala, Hymel Hunt, Jack Johns, Krystian Mapapalangi, Leo Thompson, Phoenix Crossland, Simi Sasagi. 

Panthers v Broncos, at BlueBet Stadium – 8.05pm, Friday, March 3 

Panthers: With Taylan May is out for the year after tearing his ACL in the World Club Challenge final. Sunia Turuva will likely edge out Tom Jenkins for the vacant wing berth. 

Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny are readymade replacements for Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs) and Api Koroisau (Tigers) but lack the same game-breaking oomph.

Dylan Edwards, Sorensen and Liam Martin were rested from the World Cup Challenge with minor injuries but are all but certain to be right for Round 1.

1 Dylan Edwards
2 Sunia Turuva
3 Stephen Crichton
4 Izack Tago
5 Brian To’o
6 Jarome Luai
7 Nathan Cleary
8 Moses Leota
9 Mitch Kenny
10 James Fisher-Harris
11 Scott Sorensen
12 Liam Martin
13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
14 Soni Luke
15 Spencer Leniu
16 Jaeman Salmon
17 Luke Garner

Other squad members: Taylan May (injured), Chris Smith, Eddie Blacker, Jack Cogger, Lindsay Smith, Matt Eisenhuth, Tom Jenkins, Tyrone Peachey, Zac Hosking. 

Broncos: Reece Walsh’s fractured eye socket suffered in the pre-season has ruled him out with Selwyn Cobbo switching to fullback played there in the second week of the trials. Jesse Arthars is set to be elevated onto the wing.

Brisbane’s major decision will be the five-eighth’s role with Ezra Mam likely to get the nod ahead of Madden. Mam showed enough in his 13-game rookie season to suggest he is a player of the future but Madden is a handy back-up option if the young gun’s form is up and down. Billy Walters and Cory Paix are other options but they are likely to share dummy-half duties.

The pack has been weakened for depth a little in the off-season and Kobe Hetherington suffering a torn pectoral at training recently is a body blow. He was one of the Broncos’ most consistent performers last season. 

Second-rower TC Robati has been sacked due to a string of off-field incidents.

1 Selwyn Cobbo
2 Jesse Arthars
3 Herbie Farnworth
4 Kotoni Staggs
5 Corey Oates
6 Ezra Mam
7 Adam Reynolds
8 Payne Haas
9 Billy Walters
10 Thomas Flegler
11 Jordan Riki
12 Kurt Capewell
13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
14 Cory Paix
15 Brendan Piakura
16 Corey Jensen
17 Keenan Palasia

Other squad members: TC Robati (sacked), Reece Walsh, Kobe Hetherington (injured), Blake Mozer, Deine Mariner, Delouise Hoeter, Ethan Quai, Jock Madden, Jordan Pereira, Logan Bayliss, Xavier Willison, Tyson Smoothy.

Sea Eagles v Bulldogs, at 4 Pines Park Stadium – 3pm, Saturday, March 4

Sea Eagles: With Morgan Harper out with a shoulder injury, Tolu Koula was impressive in the trials at centre so he will likely start there with Reuben Garrick on the flank.

Josh Schuster has been ruled out of the season opener with a calf injury so Cooper Johns is likely to get the nod at five-eighth ahead of Kaeo Weekes.

Tom Trbojevic suffered a hamstring injury suffered in the off-season but the star fullback is confident he will be right for the Round 1 opener against Canterbury at Brookvale on March 4.

Jason Saab being out until midway through the season with a knee injury means Christian Tuipulotu will get a sustained chance to build on last year’s efforts. Karl Lawton is also missing the start of the season with a knee problem. 

1 Tom Trbojevic
2 Christian Tuipulotu
3 Brad Parker
4 Tolu Koula
5 Reuben Garrick
6 Cooper Johns
7 Daly Cherry-Evans
8 Josh Aloiai
9 Lachlan Croker
10 Taniela Paseka
11 Kelma Tuilagi
12 Haumole Olakau’atu
13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
14 Kaeo Weekes
15 Sean Keppie
16 Toff Sipley
17 Ben Trbojevic

Other squad members: Jason Saab, Morgan Harper, Karl Lawton, Morgan Boyle, Josh Schuster, Alec Tu’itavake (injured), Raymond Vaega, Ethan Bullemor, Ben Condon, Viliami Fifita, Zac Fulton

Bulldogs: Titans recruit Aaron Schoupp’s centre spot will probably end up with Averillo with Hayze Perham set to get the nod at fullback although young prospects Paul Alomati and Jeral Skelton are highly regarded at the club. 

The middle-forward rotation looks stronger with Viliame Kikau on an edge and Ryan Sutton packing down alongside Tevita Pangai jnr, Luke Thompson and Max King. 

Pangai will miss the first three weeks of the season after suffering a calf strain at training. Young forard Chris Patolo (knee) is unlikely to play in Round 1 but utility back Declan Casey (shoulder) has been cleared.

Reed Mahoney’s ability to play 80 minutes each week means new coach Cameron Ciraldo could roll with four forwards or a back on the bench instead of Fa’amanu Brown. Regular back-up hooker Bailey Biondi-Odo is out for the first few months of the season due to an ACL tear suffered in September. 

1 Hayze Perham
2 Jacob Kiraz
3 Braidon Burns
4 Jake Averillo
5 Josh Addo-Carr
6 Matt Burton
7 Kyle Flanagan
8 Max King
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Ryan Sutton
11 Viliame Kikau
12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
13 Luke Thompson
Interchange
14 Fa’amanu Brown
15 Jackson Topine
16 Corey Waddell
17 Andrew Davey

Other squad members: Tevita Pangai jnr, Chris Patolo, Bailey Biondi-Odo (injured), Franklin Pele, Jayden Okunbor, Brandon Clarke, Declan Casey, Jacob Preston, Jeral Skelton, Paul Alamoti, Samuel Hughes. 

Cowboys v Raiders, at QCB Stadium – 5.30pm, Saturday, March 4

Cowboys: Luciano Leilua is currently stood down by the NRL under it’s no-fault stand down policy as he is facing domestic violence charges. 

The Cowboys could have had a readymade replacement in the second row with Heilum Luki but he is not due to make a comeback from an ACL tear until around the start of April. 

Coen Hess, Cotter or Griffin Neame could be shifted to an edge to fill the breach or Payten could promote Gosiewski straight into the starting side. 

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Tamou and Jake Granville are in the mix for a hotly contested interchange bench. Payten carried a utility back in his game-day squad last season rather than a hooker due to Cotter’s versatility and Reece Robson’s 80-minute stamina.

1 Scott Drinkwater
2 Murray Taulagi
3 Peta Hiku
4 Valentine Holmes
5 Kyle Feldt
6 Tom Dearden
7 Chad Townsend
8 Jordan McLean
9 Reece Robson
10 Reuben Cotter
11 Jeremiah Nanai
12 Coen Hess
13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14 Jake Granville
15 Jack Gosiewski
16 Griffin Neame
17 James Tamou

Other squad members: Luciano Leilua (stood down), Heilum Luki, Ben Hampton, Brendan Elliot, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jack Gosiewski, Jake Bourke, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Jordan Lipp, Laitia Moceidreke, Mitch Dunn, Riley Price, Taniela Sadrugu, Tom Chester.

Raiders: Xavier Savage being out with a broken jaw means Stuart is likely to play Seb Kris at fullback although Jordan Rapana is still an option as he can avoid suspension for a high tackle in the trial loss against the Tigers if he pays a $3000 fine.

Zac Woolford cemented the starting hooker’s spot mid-season with Tom Starling reverting to his bench role and Ricky Stuart now has another option with Danny Levi at the club. Levi has been one of their best performers in the trials and is all but certain to get the nod.

1 Sebastian Kris
2 Nick Cotric
3 Matt Timoko
4 Semi Valemei
5 Jordan Rapana
6 Jack Wighton
7 Jamal Fogarty
8 Josh Papalii
9 Danny Levi
10 Joseph Tapine
11 Hudson Young
12 Corey Harawira-Naera
13 Elliott Whitehead
Interchange
14 Tom Starling
15 Emre Guler
16 Peter Hola
17 Corey Horsburgh

Other squad members: Xavier Savage (injured until Round 7) Pasami Saulo, Adrian Trevilyan, Albert Hopoate, Ata Mariota, Brad Schneider, Clay Webb, Zac Woolford, Harley Smith-Shields, James Schiller, Jarrod Croker, Matt Frawley, Trey Mooney.

Sharks v Rabbitohs, at PointsBet Stadium – 7.35pm, Saturday, March 4 

Sharks: Craig Fitzgibbon will have few issues when coming up with his Round 1 teamsheet with Oregon Kaufusi likely to slot in as a bench forward, an impact role he filled regularly at Parramatta. 

Samoan prop Royce Hunt, one of the most improved players in the NRL, could be squeezed out of the middle-forward rotation due to an elbow problem.

With the likes of Hunt, Connor Tracey, Jack Williams and Matt Ikuvalu likely to be outside the game-day squad, the Sharks are swimming in depth.

Co-captain Wade Graham is set to be used in a bench role with Teig Wilton starting in the second row on the left edge and Dale Finucane taking over as skipper in the run-on side.

Nicho Hynes is a 50-50 prospect with a calf injury but the Dally M Medal winner is hopeful of being right. Braydon Trindall will come into the halves if Hynes is hobbled.

1 Will Kennedy
2 Ronaldo Mulitalo
3 Siosifa Talakai
4 Jesse Ramien
5 Sione Katoa
6 Matt Moylan
7 Nicho Hynes
8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
9 Blayke Brailey
10 Toby Rudolf
11 Briton Nikora
12 Teig Wilton
13 Dale Finucane
Interchange
14 Braydon Trindall
15 Cameron McInnes
16 Wade Graham
17 Oregon Kaufusi

Other squad members: Kade Dykes (injured), Connor Tracey, Jack Williams, Royce Hunt, Jayden Berrell, Jesse Colquhoun, Kayal Iro, Matt Ikuvalu, Mawene Hiroti, Siteni Taukamo, Tom Hazelton. 

Rabbitohs: Taane Milne will serve the last match of his ban for a finals high shot which ruled him out of Fiji’s World Cup campaign. Izaac Thompson is likely to get first crack at the wing spot left vacant by Milne. 

Tom Burgess is the frontrunner to replace Dolphins signing Mark Nicholls as a starting prop while coach Jason Demetriou has been singing Blake Taaffe’s praises as a bench utility with Kodi Nikorima, another Redcliffe recruit, no longer around. 

1 Latrell Mitchell
2 Alex Johnston
3 Campbell Graham
4 Isaiah Tass
5 Izaac Thompson
6 Cody Walker
7 Lachlan Ilias
8 Tevita Tatola
9 Damien Cook
10 Thomas Burgess
11 Keaon Koloamatangi
12 Jai Arrow
13 Cameron Murray
Interchange
14 Blake Taaffe
15 Hame Sele
16 Jacob Host
17 Davvy Moale

Other squad members: Taane Milne (suspended), Siliva Havili, Liam Knight (injured), Ben Lovett, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Dean Hawkins, Jed Cartwright, Josiah Karapani, Leon Te Hau, Michael Chee Kam, Peter Mamouzelos, Shaquai Mitchell, Terrell Kalo Kalo.

Dolphins v Roosters, at Suncorp Stadium – 4.05pm, Sunday, March 5

Dolphins: The spine is capable with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s arrival from the Cowboys giving them a speedy fullback, Sean O’Sullivan has bounced around a few clubs but was more than capable at Penrith last year when he filled in, hooker Jeremy Marshall-King has been one of the NRL’s most improved players in recent years while the only question mark is on five-eighth Anthony Milford.

He had an unhappy exit from Brisbane and didn’t set the world on fire during a short stint at Newcastle last year. Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett does have former Panthers prodigy Isaiya Katoa waiting in the wings so he could be pitched into a playmaking role sooner than expected.

The pack is full of experienced hard-heads who don’t like losing, such as captain Jesse Bromwich, his brother Kenny and their Storm comrade Felise Kaufusi. 

Cowboys forward Tom Gilbert is the kind of player they can build their pack around long term and the Maroons rookie is likely to slot in at lock for their historic first match.

1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2 Robert Jennings
3 Tesi Niu
4 Euan Aitken
5 Jamayne Isaako
6 Isaiya Katoa
7 Sean O’Sullivan
8 Jesse Bromwich
9 Jeremy Marshall-King
10 Mark Nicholls
11 Felise Kaufusi
12 Kenny Bromwich
13 Tom Gilbert
Interchange
14 Kodi Nikorima
15 Ray Stone
16 Jarrod Wallace
17 Herman Ese’ese

Other squad members: Edrick Lee, Anthony Milford, Brenko Lee, Connelly Lemuelu, JJ Collins, Mason Teague, Oliver Gildart, Valynce Te Whare, Poasa Faamausili

Roosters: Bench utility Connor Watson will miss a large chunk of the season after suffering a patella tendon injury at training. Brandon Smith will get first crack at hooker and with Watson out, Drew Hutchison or Turpin are in contention to be his back-up off the bench.

Centre has been a problem spot for the Roosters in recent seasons. Joey Manu is arguably the best in the world while the other spot is set to go to Joseph Suaali’i with Trent Robinson keen to move his teen prodigy closer to the action from the wing. Billy Smith is again injured and is due back mid-season from a knee complaint.

Luke Keary deserves to be given five-eighth duties but long term, Manu could be a better option. They are both in doubt for the opener after head knocks in training but the club is confident they will play.

Angus Crichton has stepped away from rugby league while dealing with bipolar disorder, with no timeline set for his return to the NRL. Crichton’s father confirmed that the 27-year-old NSW State of Origin second-rower was receiving treatment for the condition and was being fully supported. He is expected to miss at least the first two rounds of the season.

Fellow second-rower Sitili Tupouniua is rehabbing a knee injury so Nat Butcher should step into the run-on team.

1 James Tedesco
2 Daniel Tupou
3 Joseph Suaali’i
4 Joseph Manu
5 Paul Momirovski
6 Luke Keary
7 Sam Walker
8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9 Brandon Smith
10 Lindsay Collins
11 Nat Butcher
12 Joshua Wong
13 Victor Radley
Interchange
14 Drew Hutchison
15 Egan Butcher
16 Terrell May
17 Fletcher Baker

Other squad members: Sitili Tupouniua, Connor Watson, Billy Smith (injured), Angus Crichton, Corey Allan, Jake Turpin, Jaxson Paulo, Naufau Whyte, Robert Toia, Tukupa Hau Tapuha.

Tigers v Titans, at Leichhardt Oval – 6.15pm, Sunday, March 5

Tigers: Fullback is the main question for returning coach Tim Sheens with incumbent Daine Laurie facing a challenge from Staines for the role. Laurie has shown slightly more consistency than his counterpart in their first few seasons in the NRL but is yet to cement the spot long term.

Sheens views Shawn Blore and Tommy Talau as additional recruits after they didn’t play a game last year and believes they are virtually automatic inclusions in their first-choice line-up.

John Bateman will start in the second row so Blore could end up on the bench or at lock with Joe Ofahengaue switched into the front-row rotation.

1 Daine Laurie
2 Charlie Staines
3 Tommy Talau
4 Brent Naden
5 David Nofoaluma
6 Adam Doueihi
7 Luke Brooks
8 Stefano Utoikamanu
9 Apisai Koroisau
10 David Klemmer
11 John Bateman
12 Isaiah Papali’i
13 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange
14 Jake Simpkin
15 Shawn Blore
16 Alex Twal
17 Alex Seyfarth

Other squad members: Fonua Pole, Apisalome Saukuru, Brandon Tumeth, Junior Tupou, Justin Matamua, Ken Maumalo, Rua Ngatikaura, Sione Fainu, Starford To’a, Asu Kepaoa, Triston Reilly, Tukimihia Simpkins.

Titans: Coach Justin Holbrook is likely to start Kieran Foran in the halves alongside Tanah Boyd with AJ Brimson at fullback so young guns Toby Sexton and Jayden Campbell will have to work their way back into the NRL side. 

Their pack is very strong on paper but unfortunately their defence was paper thin too often last season. 

Aaron Schoupp is a shoo-in to start at centre with Patrick Herbert out with a knee injury and Brian Kelly suspended at the start of the season due to a spear tackle ban carrying over. Phil Sami is likely to move in from the wing with Alofiana Khan-Pereira close to an NRL debut, particularly after running in four tries in the trial win over the Dolphins.

1 AJ Brimson
2 Jojo Fifita
3 Aaron Schoupp
4 Phillip Sami
5 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6 Kieran Foran
7 Tanah Boyd
8 Moeaki Fotuaika
9 Sam Verrills
10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11 David Fifita
12 Beau Fermor
13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
14 Jayden Campbell
15 Sam McIntyre
16 Jaimin Jollife
17 Joe Stimson

Other squad members: Brian Kelly (suspended until Round 4), Patrick Herbert (knee injury) Erin Clark, Chris Randall, Jacob Alick, Joseph Vuna, Klese Haas, Paul Turner, Thomas Weaver, Toby Sexton.

Bye – Dragons

Cody Ramsey won’t be back until next year due to his intestinal problem so Sloan should get another chance to lock down the fullback role.

Amone’s suspension means Sullivan would be the likely halves partner for captain Ben Hunt when he is fit but if he is hamstrung for Round 2, Moses Mbye is the next option. Jacob Liddle is slated to slot in at hooker with Mbye another option, who will probably end up as the bench utility later in the season.

Second-rowers Jaydn Su’A and Jack Bird are the only forwards with game-breaking ability – the Dragons need to get the best out of them to have any chance of becoming finals contenders.

1 Tyrell Sloan
2 Mikaele Ravalawa
3 Moses Suli
4 Zac Lomax
5 Mat Feagai
6 Moses Mbye
7 Ben Hunt
8 Blake Lawrie
9 Jacob Liddle
10 Zane Musgrove
11 Jack Bird
12 Jaydn Su’A
13 Jack De Belin
Interchange
14 Billy Burns
15 Josh Kerr
16 Tyrell Fuimaono
17 Aaron Woods

Other squad members: Francis Molo (suspended until Round 3), Junior Amone (stood down), Cody Ramsey (injured), Jayden Sullivan (injured), Jaiyden Hunt, Max Feagai, Michael Molo, Nick Lui Toso, Tautau Moga, Billy Burns