Dolphin facing lengthy ban; Storm disaster as Test star heads for surgery — NRL Rd 1 Teams

The Melbourne Storm have announced star rep winger Xavier Coates will spend at least three months on the sidelines after being booked for Achilles surgery, while Dolphins forward Francis Molo is facing a three-match suspension for a high tackle on Jackson Ford during the Pre-Season Challenge.

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Cameron Ciraldo has provided updates on injuries to Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz, Marcelo Montoya and Leo Thompson ahead of the Bulldogs’ Las Vegas season opener.

A new Roosters recruit will have to wait to make his club debut, while the Broncos are set to make a big hooker call.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will be without Te Maire Martin for an extended period after the playmaker suffered a broken leg.

Elsewhere, the Dolphins are set to pull a somewhat surprising decision at the selection table for Round 1.

Read on for the latest team news ahead of Round 1!

BRONCOS

1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Josiah Karapani 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Xavier Willison 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Grant Anderson

Analysis: The World Club Challenge is set to give a clear indication of how the Broncos will line-up come Round 1, and Michael Maguire has made a shock call. Ben Hunt will start on the bench with Cory Paix winning the No.9 jersey in Brisbane’s clash against Hull KR. Hunt revealed his position while speaking to 4BC Breakfast on Wednesday morning. “I’m just laying up in the room, trying to stay warm … I think it was one degree here today and felt like minus two or something like that,” Hunt said. “I actually said to Madge [Michael Maguire], because I’m coming off the bench, that I’m gonna be up in the dressing room and send me a radio call when you need me to go on.” Maguire, meanwhile, told NRL.com that Hunt could also be injected onto the field as a middle forward, but the veteran could also shift to hooker during the NRL season. “That will keep evolving,” he said. “The boys at some stage will change, whether I feel it’s the right thing to do or the team feels it’s the right thing to do. “Having someone like Hunty to come off the bench, it’s pretty handy for us. Hunty can go into the halves if need be, Hunty can go into the middle of the park if he has to. We’ll let the game play out and see where they land.” Paix started at hooker during the Broncos’ 2025 grand final win, however Hunt started at five-eighth in that game with Ezra Mam playing off the bench as he managed his return from a hamstring injury. But now 35-year-old Hunt is set to play the bench impact role, with Paix absorbing the early minutes of the World Club Challenge clash in what could be a big sign of whats to come in the 2026 season. Elsewhere, Tyson Smoothy, who slotted into lock in Brisbane’s preliminary finals triumph over the Panthers, has departed for Super League club Wakefield Trinity. His omission from the top 17 will likely see Ben Talty reclaim his bench spot after he was left out for the grand final. New recruit Aublix Tawha is set to be included on the bench, alongside Paix and Xavier Willison, who featured off the pine in a warm-up clash ahead of Brisbane’s World Club Challenge clash according to Code Sports. Jack Gosiewski is the leading contender to replace the injured Brendan Piakura, who has been ruled out until Round 3 due to a knee injury. When facing Hull KR, Michael Maguire will only have 17 players to utilise, but in the NRL he can add two more to his bench and new recruit Grant Anderson looks to be one player he will name. Jaiyden Hunt could be the other, having travelled to England with Blake Mozer being the other member of the Broncos’ travelling 20-man squad. Ben Te Kura will also come into calculations. Veteran half Adam Reynolds is fully fit after an injury-ravaged 2025.

BULLDOGS

1. Connor Tracey 2. Marcelo Montoya 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jacob Kiraz 6. Matt Burton or Sean O’Sullivan 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Sitili Tupouniua 18. Gordon Cham Kum Tong 19. Enari Tuala

Analysis: Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton trained with no restrictions on Wednesday and wasn’t spotted with any compression wear at the airport on Thursday in a good sign he will be cleared to face the Dragons in Las Vegas next week.

Canterbury fans were holding their breath during Saturday’s trial against the Knights when Burton limped off in the first half with a hamstring injury and headed straight up the tunnel to get an ice pack on his left leg.

Even a low-grade strain would have kept him out of the round 1 clash at Allegiant Stadium, with Sean O’Sullivan getting important minutes in the trial game in case he had to partner Lachlan Galvin.

But Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould took to social media to reveal Burton’s hamstring was completely fine, with coach Cameron Ciraldo describing the outcome as “really good news” as he all but declared Burton would play.

“Scans came back all clear and he trained really well during the week. He’s looking very healthy now,” Ciraldo said at the airport, with the Bulldogs having a round 2 bye if they want to give Burton more time to get fully fit.

“He’s ready to go. He trained really well with us yesterday and there were no implications or anything like that so he’ll be right to go.

“(There are no risks based) on the way he trained yesterday. I just think it was a bit of a scare for him. It can be quite stressful leading up to Vegas and you feel something little and you can probably make it in your head a bit bigger than what it is.

“He trained with no restrictions yesterday.”

While the Burton update is fantastic for the blue and whites, the club has been rocked by news that star recruit Leo Thompson will be sidelined for 10 weeks with a grade 3 calf tear while in All Stars camp.

Thompson was bought to be their enforcer in the middle of the field but will now miss the first two months of the season after signing a four-year deal to leave the Knights.

“He came back from All Stars camp and we initially thought it was a tight calf, but scans showed it was a bit more than that,” Ciraldo said.

“It’s unfortunate that he’s not joining us here, but his best possible preparation for the season now is to stay in Sydney and get the right treatment.

“He was building nicely (in the pre-season), so it’s a shame he won’t be playing in Vegas.

“But we’re really comfortable with the depth in the squad we’ve been building over the past few years. Sam Hughes played really well in his absence against Newcastle in the trial, so I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity.”

The Bulldogs have other injury concerns, with wingers Jacob Kiraz and Marcelo Montoya both in doubt as they battle soft tissue injuries.

Kiraz had a compression sock on his right leg, with Jonathan Sua ready to come in if either of them are ruled out.

“Those guys are tracking really nicely. We’ll see how they pull up when they get there and how they train on Sunday,” Ciraldo said.

“They’re all wearing compression socks, so don’t look too much into it.”

The Bulldogs will be the headline act in Vegas, a title that sits well with their coach who wants them to be in positions where they’re talked about in pressure environments.

They will also be one of the first teams to trial the new six-man benches, with Ciraldo joking that his team is used to dealing with how best to use utilities given they were criticised in the past for only signing guys who could play several roles.

“I think there’s a lot to watch and learn over the first few rounds,” he said.

“What I know is that we had a team of utilities that were basically able to cover most positions anyway, so we might stick to that.”

– Martin Gabor

COWBOYS

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Tom Chester 4. Jaxon Purdue 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jason Taumalolo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Matt Lodge 16. John Bateman 17. Kai O’Donnell 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Ethan King

Analysis: The Cowboys looked set for a spine shake-up, with young gun Jaxon Purdue getting “80 per cent” of the team’s reps at halfback in pre-season, according to Todd Payten. “Whether (he) is in the centres or in the halves, I can’t tell you right at the minute. Some of the stuff he has been able to do here at training is really exciting,” coach Todd Payten said. Purdue played mostly in the centres in 2025 but has long harboured a desire to shift into the halves. If he handles the switch, Purdue would form a lethal playmaking duo with star half Tom Dearden — but that move has been put on ice after Jake Clifford delivered two strong pre-season challenge performances to all but lock in a starting spot alongside Tom Dearden. Both Griffin Neame and Jeremiah Nanai are set to miss at least Round 1 according to the club, with that duo battling with their respective shoulder injuries. Sam McIntyre will likely take Nanai’s spot in the back row with John Bateman the man to join the bench in lieu of Neame. With Jordan McLean retiring this season, the Cowboys have signed Matt Lodge as a like-for-like replacement. Lodge is still a very capable middle forward who could push to start, but given the Cows have gamewreckers in Hess and Jason Taumalolo, Lodge will likely come off the pine in Round 1, injuries permitting. Taumalolo will hopefully put his injuries behind him to start upfront. Star hooker Reece Robson has departed, meaning Reed Mahoney slots into the No. 9 jersey after joining the club as a marquee recruit. Soni Luke is an interesting pick up and could add a bit of spark off the bench and take advantage of tired forwards. He’s a chance of wearing the No. 14. Scott Drinkwater will be the fullback, but there is some doubt surrounding his future after the arrival of young gun Ethan King, who could also benefit from the NRL’s extended bench rules. Scott Drinkwater’s future beyond his current deal isn’t secure,” News Corp journalist David Riccio said on the Code NRL podcast. “When you hear that, it means there might be some leverage or mediation potentially about Scotty getting out of that contract at the Cowboys earlier than what it actually runs for.” While Drinkwater is set to remain at the club in 2026, King has reportedly impressed. Elsewhere, Murray Taulagi is assured of starting on one wing with Braidon Burns the likely other. Zac Laybutt was handed a two-game ban for a dangerous throw against the Panthers, with Tom Chester returning in his place from a knee injury.

DOLPHINS

1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Tom Flegler 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Ray Stone 15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 16. Oryn Keeley 17. Sebastian Su’A 18. Trai Fuller 19. Brad Schneider

Analysis: Kristian Woolf is reportedly set to make a huge spine call for the start of the season, with journalist Ben Dobbin revealing that the mail is Trai Fuller will start at fullback, meaning Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will move to centre. “All the mail is that he will start at fullback at the Dolphins with Hammer moving into the centres. It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out,” Dobbin said Sunday on Triple M. “You’ve put the cat amongst the pigeons there Ben,” former NRL star James Graham responded. The most likely player to make way is Jake Averillo. Woolf has a mountain of players returning from injury ahead of the 2026 season, and has some mammoth selection decisions on his hands. The most notable name is Tom Flegler, who hasn’t seen the field since Round 5, 2024. He scored in his return clash against the Titans in a strong performance, and with further minutes under his belt next weekend will certainly be ready for Round 1. Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King won’t be available for selection in the opening rounds after slipping at home and injuring his knee. Marshall-King has undergone surgery and will be sidelined for three months, meaning he won’t return until Round 6. Max Plath would be the likely replacement, but he is coming off a ruptured ACL and won’t be ready for the start of the season. As a result, Kurt Donoghoe is set to start at hooker which will see English recruit Morgan Knowles make his NRL debut at lock. Talented winger Jack Bostock is also recovering from an ACL injury suffered midway through the 2025 season. According to Bostock, he isn’t expected back until Rounds 8-10 next year. Selwyn Cobbo looks set to line up on the wing despite featuring in the centres against the Titans. Elsewhere in the forwards, Tom Gilbert is set to return to this starting side and told AAP he has been training more in the back row with the club having a raft of options at lock, meaning he will split his time between the positions. “I definitely will play some back-row this year and also will come back in the middle,” he said. Daniel Saifiti, on the other hand, told SEN Radio he is “touch-and-go” for round one after undergoing shoulder surgery. The raft of returning stars unseats Felise Kaufusi while Josh Kerr, Aublix Tawha and Mark Nicholls (retirement) won’t be at the club. Rising star Sebastian Su’A is also pushing for a spot in the 17 after impressing leading into the 2026 season, according to Code Sports. After arriving at the club fresh of a release from the Knights, he suffered a knee injury which ended his hopes of adding to his singular NRL game. However, a club debut for the 17th franchise looks to be almost a certainty. However, the Dolphins will be without Francis Molo who is facing a three-match suspension.

DRAGONS

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. David Fale 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Dan Atkinson 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Hame Sele 14. Hamish Stewart 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Josh Kerr 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Jacob Halangahu

Analysis: Valentine Holmes has recovered from a hamstring injury he suffered during pre-season training in January, however the Dragons have revealed he will be pulled from the Red V’s Charity Shield team. It’s a slight scare for Shane Flanagan, who will put his marquee centre on ice, however Flanagan made it clear he will be ready. “He’ll be fine for Vegas,” Flanagan said. “He could have played but we can get a lot more work into him over the weekend and then start afresh next week where we didn’t have to taper off his workload to get ready for the game. Val has played plenty of footy – Origin, Test footy – so he’ll be ready.” Meanwhile, Jacob Liddle will return in Round 2 from a hamstring injury while Dylan Egan is targeting Round 8-10 as his potential first game for the season, currently finishing the late stages of his ACL rehab. Flanagan has also revealed the Dragons could be set to unleash a new wing pairing, with two new recruits impressing since arriving at the club. Setu Tu played a pivotal role for the Warriors in NSW Cup, but was poached by the Red V alongside David Fale who arrived from the Panthers. “Fale and Tu have the jump on the others at the moment,” Flanagan told Code Sports. “Setu brings a bit of energy and is bouncing around and hard to tackle. David is really good in the air, athletic and something we haven’t had. It gives us some options on the wing.” However, Christian Tuipulotu started over Fale in their Charity Shield outing and looks to round out the backline over the Panthers recruit. Elsewhere, Daniel Atkinson will get first crack in the No. 7 jersey alongside Kyle Flanagan at five-eighth. In the forwards, a wave of injured stars return, including young gun quartet Toby and Ryan Couchman and Hamish Stewart. Their selections have been made easier by the departure of David Klemmer, who has joined St Helens, with Emre Guler the likely man to start in the front row and Dolphins recruit Josh Kerr joining the bench. Loko Pasifika Tonga and Jacob Halangahu are the remaining contenders, and were solid to close out the year and will be very much in contention, putting pressure on the likes of Kerr. Luciano Leilua, meanwhile, is the frontrunner to win the remaining spot in the back row with Egan remaining sidelined while Hame Sele played in the No.13 jersey in the Charity Shield, but suffered an ugly head knock. However, he should be fit to take the field for their Vegas clash.

EELS

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Will Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Dylan Walker 17. Jack de Belin 18. Matt Doorey 19. Joash Papalii

Analysis: A huge inclusion in the halves for the Eels. Young gun Jonah Pezet has signed a one-year deal for the 2026 season and he will partner Mitchell Moses under Jason Ryles. The 22-year-old is set to leapfrog Joash Papalii and wear the No. 6, and it’s unlikely Papalii wins a spot on the bench considering the one-two hooker punch the Eels deployed in 2025. Meanwhile, Zac Lomax was granted an immediate release, opening up a spot on the wing. To soften the blow somewhat, the Eels signed Brian Kelly, with the Titans allowing the centre to leave with a year left to run on his contract. Kelly should win the Eels starting left centre spot with Will Penisini on the other side.Sean Russell is the leading contender to slot into the right wing spot left vacant by Lomax’s exit. Elsewhere, Dragons recruit Jack de Belin is a chance to start at lock, but J’maine Hopgood could get the nod. It means that Dylan Walker can come on and terrorise some tired forward in the middle alongside de Belin. Walker was excellent since arriving from the Warriors last season. Luca Moretti, Matt Doorey and Samrani will undoubtedly also be in contention, while Sam Tuivaiti is also due back from a syndesmosis injury.

KNIGHTS

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Dom Young 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Thomas Cant 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Tyson Gamble 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Matthew Croker 18. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana 19. Pasami Saulo

Analysis: New coach Justin Holbrook has a big job to rebuild the Knights and will no doubt have his own ideas after his first pre-season with the team. Kalyn Ponga is set to be right for Las Vegas, but it has been revealed that he will miss the club’s two trial matches to give him every chance to be 100% in Round 1. Ponga’s recovery from a foot injury suffered last year hasn’t been smooth sailing. There is plenty of competition for outside back spots with Greg Marzhew, Dom Young and Fletcher Hunt all fighting to start on the wing. Bradman Best and Dane Gagai should again be the centres, with $13 million man Dylan Brown set to start at five-eighth. “Dyl’s been playing mostly at six, but I guess it’s up in the air still where those guys will be playing,” Tyson Frizell told News Corp. Sandon Smith’s arrival on a four-year deal will add to the spine and he is set to play halfback as he has been seen training with Brown in the halves. That leaves Fletcher Sharpe outside of the starting 13 and the dynamic star could win a spot on the bench. Jacob Saifiti and new recruit Trey Mooney may start in the front row after Leo Thompson’s move to the Bulldogs, which has put a big dent in Newcastle’s middle forward depth. Phoenix Crossland starts at hooker after Jayden Brailey’s switch to the Raiders, while Tyson Gamble will provide coverage. Thomas Cant and Dylan Lucas will likely start in the second row and forge a strong pairing, with Kai Pearce-Paul moving to the Tigers and veteran Tyson Frizell starts at lock. Rising star Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, who the club have big wraps on, having played seven games, with four off the bench to close out last season will start on the bench. New arrivals Pasami Saulo, Peter Hola, and Asu Kepaoa could also push for spots on the pine.

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Liam Henry 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Kalani Going 19. Tom Jenkins

Analysis: The Panthers are one of the most settled teams in the NRL and have officially added four new faces to their squad. Two of those have a chance of finding a spot in the 17. Jack Cogger, having returned to Penrith after winning a premiership in his last stint, could leapfrog Jack Cole and take over in the No. 14 as a bench utility. Speaking to Code Sports, Cogger explained that he will be fighting hard to be the first-choice halves replacement. “I have to be ready around Origin time when I’m pretty certain that Nathan will be away in that Blues squad,” he said. “You have to be ready to step in and make sure that the team keeps ticking away exactly the same as when he’s here. “Hopefully, I can play a bit of a role as a utility. I don’t know exactly how that’ll look, but hopefully I can offer something a bit different that can benefit the team. “Whether that means coming on late in games or at the end of the first half, I definitely think I can offer something there.” However, Cogger and Cole will also have further competition with Freddy Lussick reportedly joining the club from the Warriors. Meanwhile, after a mammoth NSW Cup campaign, New Zealand recruit Kalani Going could also force his way onto the pine and join the middle rotation, which you could argue has been lacking punch for the Panthers. Going could replace Luke Garner on the bench after signing a one-year deal for the 2026 season while Tom Ale is also a strong chance of winning a bench spot. Elsewhere, Dylan Edwards will be the fullback, with Paul Alamoti and Brian To’o on the wings, ahead of Thomas Jenkins, who could be named in the 19 as cover. Izack Tago and Casey McLean will be the centres, with Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary in the halves. Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith start upfront, with Mitch Kenny at hooker as per usual. Isaiah Papali’i might get a start next year with Scott Sorensen shifting to the bench due to his consistent injury concerns, while skipper Isaah Yeo is, of course, at lock.

RABBITOHS

1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Jai Arrow 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Tallis Duncan 12. David Fifita 13. Cameron Murray 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Euan Aitken 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Adam Elliott 19. Isaiah Tass

Analysis: The Rabbitohs avoided a dual disaster with stars Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita escaping with minor injuries in pre-season training. Mitchell suffered a calf strain and Fifita a rib injury but both are on track to play in Souths’ second trial game after they beat the Dragons in a charity Shield upset. However, reports from Triple Mindicate that Jai Arrow is under an injury cloud to begin the season. “Jai Arrow’s got a neck issue at the moment and he’s having scans and may not start the season,” Brent Read said. Coach Wayne Bennett has some big decisions to make next season after the Rabbitohs’ disappointing campaign in 2025, albeit with a horror casualty ward. Tallis Duncan is set to be rewarded for a breakout 2025 campaign with the other starting spot alongside Fifita. “I spoke to Wayne (coach Wayne Bennett) and we had a conversation,” he said. “He sees me at the moment playing in the back row. I really enjoyed playing in the back row at the back end of last year. so I’m really happy there.” It looms as a potent one-two punch on the edges, with Fifita set to start in the back row where he does his best work. While Duncan played on the left last year, he will likely shift to the right to cater for a Fifita and Mitchell partnership. That means Jack Wighton will also shift to the right side where he’ll partner Campbell Graham. “We’ve got a strong left edge with ‘Trell’ and a few of the boys there, so I’ve been doing a bit of work on the right edge,” Duncan said ahead of this weekend’s All Stars game. “I’ve not played much right edge throughout my career, so it’s good to train my brain again to work on the opposite side of the field.” With Jamie Humphreys suspended, foxsports.com.au revealed that Jayden Sullivan is the frontrunner to replace him in the halves and combine with Cody Walker. Keaon Koloamatangi will start in the front row, and as it stands Jai Arrow will still partner him, with Brandon Smith the favourite to win the starting hooker job, unless he is suspended over his drug and betting scandal, which is still to play out in the courts. Elsewhere, rising star Jonah Glover suffered a broken jaw in the Charity Shield and as such drops out of selection calculations.

RAIDERS

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savielo Tamale 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Matty Nicholson 17. Ata Mariota 18. Morgan Smithies 19. Daine Laurie

Analysis: The only change for the Raiders in the off-season will be the loss of halfback Jamal Fogarty, who will now call Manly home. Perhaps envisioning Fogarty’s potential departure, 18 months ago, the Raiders signed exciting Eels playmaker Ethan Sanders. Sanders was barely tested in first grade this year, but when he did hit the field, he didn’t let the team down. Ricky Stuart confirmed he’ll be given first crack in the Green Machine’s No. 7 jersey to form an exciting playmaker partnership with Ethan Strange — but he could have competition. Coby Black was brought into the side from the Broncos, but foxsports.com.au understands that he is facing a minor setback with injury. In the forwards, Zac Hosking did enough this past season to earn the right to start at second row to kick off next season, with Matty Nicholson and the versatile Simi Sasagi to come off the bench. In the hooker ranks, Jayden Brailey joins the club and could put pressure on Owen Pattie, however he likely did enough this season to retain his spot for the time being. Daine Laurie was also excellent in his side’s first trial against the Raiders and is a strong chance of being named in the six-man bench. All the other positions are pretty straightforward for Stuart, with very little change required. After all, they were the best team of the regular season in 2025.

ROOSTERS

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Connor Watson 15. Nat Butcher 16. Egan Butcher 17. Blake Steep 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Salesi Foketi

Analysis: The Roosters have suffered a big blow just two weeks out from their opening game against the Warriors, with star hooker Reece Robson to miss at least the first month of the season. The Tricolours confirmed on Thursday, Robson will be sidelined with a broken thumb for six to eight weeks, with the gun recruit going under the knife. His omission should see either Connor Watson or Benaiah Ioelu step in to the starting role at hooker. It is just the latest injury setback for the Roosters, with the NRL Physio reporting that Robert Toia is in some doubt for Round 1 as he continues to recover from a foot injury he sustained during the Pacific Championships. The returning Nat Butcher, Egan Butcher and Blake Steep will get first crack at the bench spots, but there is plenty of competition in this Roosters pack, with Taylor Losalu and Salesi Foketi pushing hard for inclusion. Dragons recruit Cody Ramsey could be the next cab off the rank when it comes to a backline spot after signing a two-year contract, while Junior Pauga and Junior Tupou are also in the running.

SEA EAGLES

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Joey Walsh 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Nathan Brown 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Zach Dockar-Clay 19. Clayton Faulalo

Analysis: For the first time in 16 years, the Sea Eagles will enter a new season without Daly Cherry-Evans after he officially joined the Roosters on a two-year deal. He will be replaced in the starting side by former Raiders half Jamal Fogarty, who joins Manly on a three-year contract. Several players ended the year on the injury list, including a couple of star forwards in Taniela Paseka (Achilles) and Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder). The club released a statement when Manly’s season ended that both will be right for Round 1, with Olakau’atu to return to full contact in January. Sadly, hooker Lachlan Croker has been forced into a medical retirement. Jake Simpkin has recently signed an extension with the club, and he’ll be promoted to Manly’s starting rake as he came off the bench behind Croker last season, with serious pressure on his shoulders. One forward who will be missing is Josh Aloiai who was medically retired due to a shoulder injury. Reuben Garrick hurt his shoulder late in the year, but he will be fit for the pre-season. The Sea Eagles also signed Kobe Hetherington on a four-year deal. He’ll be pushing hard for a starting spot, which could see Jake Trbojevic start in the front row. Don’t be surprised to see young half Joey Walsh start on the bench after making his debut last season but he may also be used in NSW Cup as he continues to build his development.

SHARKS

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Sam Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Tom Hazelton 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Billy Burns 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Niwhai Puru

Analysis: The Sharks are one of the most settled teams in the NRL, with William Kennedy at fullback and Siona Katoa and Sam Stonestreet on the wings, after Ronaldo Mulitalo’s ACL injury. However, Katoa is in some doubt for Rd 1 after suffering a groin injury against the Raiders in Saturday’s trial. Mawene Hiroti is expected to be right for Cronulla’s Rd 1 clash against the Titans but speedster Michael Gabreal comes into the frame for a potential NRL debut in the opening round. Jesse Ramien and KL Iro will be the centres, while Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes will again be the halves. Addin Fonua-Blake and Toby Rudolf will start upfront after the latter’s impressive end to their 2025 season, with skipper Blayke Brailey at hooker. Briton Nikora should reclaim a starting spot alongside Teig Wilton in the back row, although Billy Burns’ outstanding finish to the year will have given Craig Fitzgibbon food for thought. Regardless, it’s a clean slate next year and as such, Nikora’s quality could earn him selection. Tom Hazelton will also be pushing for a bench spot, having returned to close out last season. Oregon Kaufusi and Tuku Hau Tapuha are the odd men out in the forward pack, while Cameron McInnes will also be sidelined to start the season after an ACL blow.

STORM

1. Sualauvi Fa’alogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Marion Seve 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Tui Kamikamica 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Davvy Moale 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Josiah Pahulu 19. Manaia Waitere

Analysis: Test winger Xavier Coates will be out for at least three months after being booked for Achilles surgery, Melbourne Storm announced on Friday (February 20). His best-case return is Round 10, after his recovery from a minor tear suffered in last season’s grand final did not progress as hoped. Coates was a Dally M Winger of the Year last season. Marion Seve (usually a centre) and Moses Leo are replacement options. In a huge blow for the Storm, Eliesa Katoa has been ruled out for the 2026 season after he suffered three nasty head knocks while playing for Tonga, which saw him require emergency surgery. It’s a terrible situation for both Katoa and the club, with Craig Bellamy now having a back-row spot wide open for the taking. With Trent Loiero sidelined for two games due to a high tackle on Pat Carrigan in the grand final, the lock role is open and Tui Kamikamica could wear the No. 13 to start the year after he was reportedly handed a one-year contract for 2026 according to News Corp. That leaves Hetherington to be joined by Tyran Wishart, Alec MacDonald and Josiah Pahulu on the bench following the release of Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Elsewhere, Ryan Papenhuyzen shocked the NRL world when it was revealed he would leave the club and “take a break” from rugby league. That leaves the No. 1 jersey well and truly open under Bellamy, and in a move that would mean the remainder of the backline stays intact, Sualauvi Fa’alogo could slot in at fullback. According to Code Sports, Fa’alogo will get the first opportunity to fill the void left by Papenhuyzen. That allows Nick Meaney, who is also a contender to wear the No. 1, to remain in the centres. The new rules will allow Craig Bellamy to carry both Tyran Wishart and Manaia Waitere or Hugo Peel on the bench as utility options, while Davvy Moale will add spice from the reserves.

TITANS

1. Keano Kini 2. Siale Faeamani 3. Max Feagai 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Mo Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Cooper Bai 17. Josh Patston 18. Lachlan Ilias 19. Jaylan De Groot

Analysis: Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui confirmed he will be right for Round 1 despite undergoing surgery. Fa’asuamaleaui underwent a “minor knee procedure” according to new Titans coach Josh Hannay, after the star middle returning from the Ashes Tour with some knee pain. “The knee is good … I’ve done all my rehab to get it strong and the [club’s medical] team have helped me out with that,” Fa’asuamaleaui said. The gun skipper also confirmed he will take the field in the Gold Coast’s second pre-season challenge clash. In a crushing blow, talented middle forward Jaimin Joliffe is set to miss the entire season after suffering an ACL injury at pre-season training. Surprisingly, uncapped young gun Siale Faeamani has the inside running to win a spot in the Titans’ backline for Round 1 according to Code Sports. The Panthers recruit was unable to break into Penrith’s A-grade side given he was behind a stack of talent but Hannay saw something he likes and lured the 21-year-old to the Gold Coast. Faemani is set to start the season on the wing and make his debut against the Sharks. The club will also need to reshuffle other positions in the backline following the departure of Brian Kelly to the Eels. Phil Sami and another recruit in Max Feagai could be the team’s centre pairing to begin 2026. Luke Sommerton arrives from the Panthers and could forge a hooker partnership with Sam Verrills, with the new recruit starting on the bench. Lachlan Ilias will likely have to bide his time behind Jayden Campbell in the No. 7 jersey, after being granted a release from the Dragons. Elsewhere, Klese Haas declared he will shift into the middle of the park. “I’m not a backrower anymore, I’m a middle,” Haas said to Code Sports. “It is a big change but I feel like I’m well-equipped for it.” The brother of superstar prop Payne Haas is now set to join the club’s middle rotation, which could see Josh Patston join Beau Fermor in the back row and Chris Randall take over in the front row. Keano Kini will wear the No. 1 with the club putting faith in him with a long-term deal, while young gun Cooper Bai was super impressive in his NRL debut in Round 27.

WARRIORS

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Demetric Vaimauga 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Leka Halasima 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Morgan Gannon 17. Marata Niukore 18. Samuel Healey 19. Ali Leiataua

Analysis: In a huge blow, the Warriors will be without another playmaker. According to Code Sports, Te Maire Martin will miss at least several weeks with a broken leg suffered in the All-Stars game. Veteran outside back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been ruled out of both pre-season matches after suffering a hamstring injury at training. While on the minor side, he’s in some doubt for the start of the season. The signing of Alofiana Khan-Pereira could throw a spanner in the works for the Warriors, who have looked to add depth after the departures of Moala Graham-Taufa (Rabbitohs), Ed Kosi (Rabbitohs) and Morgan Harper. Rocco Berry ended the season with a shoulder injury and won’t be available to start the year. “I had surgery a bit over a month ago and I’m starting to run and do a bit of strength stuff, so I’m hoping to be back around late April, early May,” Berry told foxsports.com.au. Considering his persistent issues, there’s a chance that Tuivasa-Sheck shifts into the centres, which would accommodate a starting spot for Khan-Pereira. Andrew Webster is said to have a desire to add some speed to his squad, and the former Titans flyer could be the man to do just that. Elsewhere, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will be the fullback and Chanel Harris-Tavita will be joined by Tanah Boyd in the halves as Luke Metcalf continues his recovery from an ACL injury while Martin has a broken leg. Mitch Barnett also returns from an ACL injury in 2026, but won’t be available for the opening round. Tanner Stowers-Smith is a chance to take Barnett’s place, but Demetric Vaimauga will likely get the nod. Kurt Capewell and Leka Halasima could start in the back row, with Dally M lock of the year Erin Clark in the No. 13. However, that move would force Marata Niukore to a bench role and also shift him into the middle of the park. Samuel Healey looms as the utility under the new rules and is joined on the bench by new recruit second-rower Morgan Gannon after his switch from Leeds on a three-year deal.

WESTS TIGERS

1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Royce Hunt 18. Bunty Afoa 19. Luke Laulilii

Analysis: Jahream Bula will be the fullback, with Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton on the wings, while 18-year-old young gun Heamasi Makasini will likely have to bide his time despite scoring a hattrick in his side’s first pre-season challenge clash. Taylan May and Starford To’a will start the season in the centres, but Makasini could force his way into the backline somewhere during the year. There has been some chatter that Luke Laulilii is also in contention to start for their opening game after being seen training with the first-grade starting team. According to NRL Physio, Jeral Skelton is in doubt for Round 1 after picking up a shoulder injury at pre-season training. He has also not been named in the squad for the club’s second trial match. Skipper Jarome Luai will be the five-eighth, with Adam Doueihi at halfback. Doueihi confirmed he would be wearing the No. 7 in 2026, revealing he has been training at halfback during pre-season. “That’s where I’ve been most of this pre-season, so fingers crossed I get the nod there for Round 1 and take it from there,” Doueihi said on SEN. The new rules will allow forward duo Bunty Afoa and Royce Hunt to take two of the bench spots. However, Latu Fainu is not set to return for another month. “Latu’s had a shoulder injury, so he won’t be back to Round 4 (or) 5,” Benji Marshall said on Fox League. Jock Madden, Javon Andrews and Tristan Hope will all contend for the vacant spot.