NRL Round 1 Team Lists: Talking Points and Surprises Across the Competition
The much-anticipated opening round of the National Rugby League (NRL) season is upon us, and with all 12 teams confirmed for their Australian-based fixtures, several coaching decisions have certainly raised a few eyebrows. From unexpected selections to significant omissions, Round 1 is shaping up to be a compelling showcase of both established talent and emerging stars.
The Canberra Raiders appear to be at the forefront of the talking points, with a couple of significant calls from their coaching staff. However, the spotlight isn’t solely on the nation’s capital. The opening weekend will also feature a host of compelling narratives, including thrilling fullback duels, the return of key players from injury, and intriguing choices from the reigning premiers.
Let’s dive into the key team list discussions for Round 1, presented in a rapid-fire format:
Melbourne Storm
The Melbourne Storm’s Round 1 lineup offers few major surprises, though Sua Fa’alogo has clinched the fullback position following the departure of Ryan Papenhuyzen. It’s worth noting that the Storm are considerably understrength to commence the season, with a notable absence of Xavier Coates, Eliesa Katoa, Shawn Blore, and Trent Loiero. Nick Meaney is set to shift to the wing, while Moses Leo earns a centre spot after an impressive pre-season challenge. The back-row will feature a new-look combination of Joe Chan, Ativalu Lisati, and Alex MacDonald. Cooper Clarke and Preston Conn are the surprise inclusions on the bench, with Lazarus Vaalepu named as the 20th man. Davvy Moale is set to make his club debut.
Parramatta Eels
The Eels will be without Josh Addo-Carr for their opening clash. Sean Russell will move to the wing, and Brian Kelly is slated to make his club debut in the centres. Otherwise, Parramatta appears to be at full strength. Jonah Pezet will make his club debut at five-eighth, and Jack de Belin will start at lock, with Dylan Walker coming off the bench.
New Zealand Warriors
Alofiana Khan-Pereira has missed out on an expected wing spot, with Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey both named in the back five. They will line up in the centres, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will occupy the wing positions. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will start at fullback, and Taine Tuaupiki has secured a bench spot. Tanah Boyd will play halfback with Luke Metcalf sidelined, while Jackson Ford starts at prop with Mitchell Barnett not yet fit. Jacob Laban is set to start in the second-row, with Leka Halasima on the bench – an intriguing selection given Halasima’s centre and bench role during the pre-season challenge.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters’ back seven looks to be at full strength, with coach Trent Robinson confirming Sam Walker as the halfback and Daly Cherry-Evans as the five-eighth. Benaiah Ioelu will start at hooker with Reece Robson out, and Connor Watson will wear the number 14 jersey. Blake Steep has won the race for a spot at lock. Nat Butcher will start in the second-row, deputising for the suspended Victor Radley. Cody Ramsey has earned a spot on the six-man bench.
Brisbane Broncos
There are no major surprises in the Broncos’ back seven. Grant Anderson and Jesse Arthars are both named on the six-man bench. Cory Paix has won the race to start at hooker, with Ben Hunt set to come from the bench. Blake Mozer has not been named in the 19 but is the 20th man. Corey Jensen will start at prop, with Xavier Willison and Ben Talty on the bench. Aublix Tawha has also secured a spot on the bench.
Penrith Panthers
Paul Alamoti has secured a wing spot ahead of Thomas Jenkins (who is on the bench) in an otherwise predictable back seven. Liam Martin is sidelined with an injury. Luke Garner and Scott Sorensen will form the second-row combination, with Isaiah Papali’i set to play from the bench. Luron Patea and Kalani Going have earned spots on the bench.
Cronulla Sharks
Sam Stonestreet will take the wing position vacated by the injured Ronaldo Mulitalo. Thomas Hazelton has won the race to start at prop alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, with middles Toby Rudolf, Oregon Kaufusi, Braden Uele, and Hohepa Puru all named on the bench. Billy Burns starts with Teig Wilton not yet fit. Chris Vea’ila could be the next player into the side if injuries arise; he is named on the six-man bench, while Michael Gabrael is only the 21st man.
Gold Coast Titans
Sialetili Faeamani has won the race for a wing spot, while Max Feagai is set to make his club debut in the centres, with Jaylan de Groot missing out. Lachlan Ilias will be the halfback with Jayden Campbell out for a fortnight. Arama Hau starts in the second-row in a significant upset, edging out Josh Patston, who has missed the 19 entirely. Chris Randall starts at lock, while Kurtis Morrin and Tukimihia Simpkins are the surprise inclusions on the bench, with Jaimin Jolliffe out for the year.
Manly Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles appear to be at almost full strength for Round 1. Tom Trbojevic will play fullback, with Lehi Hopoate on the wing. Jamal Fogarty makes his club debut at halfback, while Kobe Hetherington can only secure a bench spot. Jake Trbojevic remains at lock, with Siosiua Taukeiaho set to start at prop. Corey Waddell has been overlooked for a spot. Joey Walsh, Nathan Brown, Clayton Faulalo, and Brandon Wakeham are all on the bench, which also features Hetherington and another Nathan Brown.
Canberra Raiders
Matthew Timoko has surprisingly been left out and will be part of the reserves, with Simi Sasagi set to start at centre. Ethan Sanders moves into the halfback role vacated by Jamal Fogarty, who has now joined Manly. Coby Black is not in the 22-man squad. Tom Starling starts at hooker, Jayden Brailey will play from the bench, and Owen Pattie misses out, with coach Ricky Stuart confirming this is to allow Starling more minutes to develop in the NSW Cup. Noah Martin has earned a surprise start in the second-row. Zac Hosking has only made the bench, and Matty Nicholson is the 20th man.
The Dolphins
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will play fullback, meaning Trai Fuller is only part of the six-man bench. Jack Bostock’s injury simplifies the rest of the backline selection. Jamayne Isaako and Selwyn Cobbo are the wingers, and Jake Averillo will partner Herbie Farnworth in the centres. Tom Gilbert and Thomas Flegler are the new-look props with Daniel Saifiti out, while Connelly Lemuelu has secured a spot in the second-row alongside Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Max Plath remains injured, as does Jeremy Marshall-King, so Kurt Donoghoe will play hooker, Morgan Knowles at lock, and Brad Schneider is the 14. Sebastian Su’a and Brent Woolf have earned places on the six-man bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Ashton Ward will start the season at halfback for the Rabbitohs in an otherwise predictable back seven. Bronson Garlick has won the race to start at hooker, with Peter Mamouzelos on the bench. Brandon Smith is sidelined with a calf strain. Euan Aitken will join David Fifita in the second-row, with Tallis Duncan coming from the bench. Cameron Murray returns to lock, Lachlan Hubner plays from the bench, while Sean Keppie and Jayden Sullivan are also among the six players named on the pine.
