The final week of the pre-season challenge is upon us, giving rugby league fans their last glimpse of trials action before the Las Vegas showcase on March 2.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21
Manly Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval, 6:00pm AEDT
Sea Eagles team: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Lehi Hopoate 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Navren Willett 6. Dean Matterson 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Siosiua Taukeiaho 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Ethan Bullemor 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Corey Waddell 13. Nathan Brown 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Chris Patolo 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 19. Caleb Navale 20. Aaron Schoupp 21. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 22. Brandon Wakeham 23. Jordan Swann 24. Aitasi James 25. Jacob Sykes 26. Zane Dunford
Analysis: No signs of Tom Trbojevic, Luke Brooks and Daly Cherry-Evans for the Sea Eagles, who have been put on ice ahead of Round 1. However, Anthony Seibold is still unleashing a strong forward pack, with Jazz Tevaga slotting in at No.9 and new recruits Siosiua Taukeiaho, Michael Chee Kam and Chris Patolo feature on the bench. Meanwhile, Reuben Garrick and Lehi Hopoate have been included in the backline.
Panthers team: 1. Sione Fonua 2. David Fale 3. Thomas Jenkins 4. Samuel Lane 5. Asu Kepaoa 6. Soni Luke 7. Trent Toelau 8. Preston Riki 9. Billy Scott 10. Austin Dias 11. Zac Lipowicz 12. Harrison Hassett 13. Niko Apelu 14. Zack Lamont 15. John Sagaga 16. Billy Phillips 17. Riley Wake 18. Falefa Letoi 19. Tangata Utiokamanu 20. Jaxen Edgar 21. Nick Murphy 22. Poutoa Hotere-papalii 23. Tylor Bunting 24. Jakeb Vailalo 25. Zakauri Clarke 26. Harry Armstrong
Analysis: The Panthers have rested their first grade side, putting those who will be travelling to Las Vegas on ice. As such, Trent Toelau and Soni Luke have been named in the halves, while rising star Billy Scott wears the No.9 jersey. Asu Kepaoa has interestingly been named on the wing after joining the club from the Tigers last season. Elsewhere, Harrison Hassett and Preston Riki will also slot in to the forward pack.
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels at Leichhardt Oval, 8:00pm AEDT
Tigers team: 1. Heath Mason 2. Jeral Skelton 3. Starford To’a 4. Brent Naden 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tristan Hope 19. Tony Sukkar 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomona Faataape
Analysis: Marquee recruit Jarome Luai has been put on ice, with Adam Doueihi named in the No.7 alongside Lachlan Galvin. Api Koroisau has also been rested, with Tallyn Da Silva taking the hooker spot. Meanwhile, recruits Jack Bird, Royce Hunt and Terrell May have been named for their first Tigers appearances, being named on the bench and in the front row.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jake Tago 6. Te Hurinui Twidle 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Toni Mataele 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Bryce Cartwright 21. Dan Keir 22. Ryley Smith 23. Brendan Hands 24. Joash Papali’i 25. Josh Addo-Carr 26. Jordan Samrani 27. Arthur Miller-Stephen 28. Josh Lynn
Analysis: Zac Lomax makes his long-awaited first appearance for the Eels, and the star recruit has been named in the centres. J’maine Hopgood, Ryan Matterson, Luca Moretti, Matt Doorey and Sean Russell will also make their first appearances of the season. Ronald Volkman remains in the No.7 jersey, with Dylan Brown being rested ahead of Round 1. Replacing him in the No.6 is Te Hurinui Twidle, while exciting young gun Ryley Smith has once again been named on the bench.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22
St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Glen Willow Oval, MUDGEE 3:00pm AEDT
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Hamish Stewart 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Hame Sele 20. Jonah Glover 21. Kade Reed 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 23. Dylan Egan 24. Nathan Lawson 25. Hayden Buchanan
Analysis: Shane Flanagan is looking for consistency this pre-season, naming the same starting 13 that beat the Roosters a week earlier. Clint Gutherson, Val Holmes, Damien Cook and Lachlan Ilias will all once again feature, while Tyrell Sloan makes his first appearance on the extended bench alongside Jacob Liddle who wears the No.14.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Declan Casey 4. Jack Wighton 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Jye Gray 16. Thomas Fletcher 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Salesi Ataata 19. Ashton Ward 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo 22. Luke Webley
Analysis: Latrell Mitchell has been named to face the Dragons at fullback, with Jack Wighton, Tyrone Munro, Tallis Duncan and Jayden Sullivan all named after All Stars duty. Meanwhile, Keaon Koloamatangi has also been named in the back row, with Lachlan Hubner taking the No.13 jersey once again. No signs of Cameron Murray and Cody Walker, who have been put on ice ahead of the NRL’s Australian season opener against the Dolphins. Jayden Sullivan also partners English recruit Lewis Dodd in the halves.
Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Kayo Stadium, REDCLIFFE,5:30pm AEDT
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Latrell Siegwalt 15. Josiah Karapani 16. Delouise Hoeter 17. Jock Madden 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Deine Mariner 20. Billy Walters 21. Corey Jensen 22. Tyson Smoothy 23. Brendan Piakura 24. Benjamin Te Kura 25. Martin Taupau 26. Jaiyden Hunt 27. Xavier Willison 28. Jett Bryce
Analysis: NRL fans won’t have to wait any longer see arguably the most anticipated signing play with Ben Hunt being named at five-eighth for the Broncos. New coach Michael Maguire has named just about all of his big guns with the like of Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan all set to feature in this clash. Cory Paix looks to be in the box seat to win the race to the No.9 jersey, with Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy named in the reserves.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Sam Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Ratu Rinakama 20. Joseph O’Neill 21. Cassius Tia 22. Blake Taaffe 23. Harry Hayes 24. Jonathan Sua 25. Luke Smith
Analysis: The Bulldogs big guns are all set to return to the field too with Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau all being named. New recruits Sitili Tupouniua, Tom Amone and Zyon Maiu’u won’t feature, however Marcelo Montoya. Montoya will start on the wing along with Blake Wilson, while Enari Tuala and Jacob Kiraz are sidelined due to injury.
Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans at Kayo Stadium, REDCLIFFE,7:30pm AEDT
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Junior Tupou 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone 18. Max Feagai 19. Josh Kerr 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Harrison Graham 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Aublix Tawha 24. Tevita Naufahu 25. LJ Nonu
Analysis: Tom Gilbert will make his long-awaited return to the field after missing majority of last season due to an ACL injury. He’s been named to start at lock with the versatile Max Plath being named on an edge. New recruit Daniel Saifiti will start up front and fills the void of left by Jesse Bromwich’s retirement, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki – another new face – will start on an edge. No sign of star hooker Jeremy Marshall-King with Kurt Donoghue named at hooker. After representing the Indigenous All Stars last week, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns to the field for the Dolphins, while Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa partner up in the halves.
Titans team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Allan Fitzgibbon 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 5. Tony Francis 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Keano Kini 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 16. Brian Kelly 17. Klese Haas 18. Jayden Campbell 19. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Thomas Weaver
Analysis: The Titans also celebrate a long-awaited return in Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who will play his first game since rupturing his ACL in Round 3 last season. Also joining the captain as fresh faces in Des Hasler’s line-up are Jayden Campbell, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Keano Kini and Brian Kelly. AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran have been named in the halves with Campbell named in the reserves. Jaylan De Groot will start at fullback again after doing so last week too.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights at Industree Group Stadium, GOSFORD, 3:15pm AEDT
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Siua Wong 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Nat Butcher 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Fetalaiga Pauga 19. Blake Steep 20. Jake Elliott 21. Ethan King 22. Tom Rodwell 23. Max McCathie 24. Delasalle Vaa 25. Hugo Savala
Analysis: The Roosters big guns will be rolled out for the final trial with James Tedesco, Angus Crichton and Victor Radley all being named. New-look halves combination Sandon Smith and Chad Townsend will get another game under their belt before Round 1, while Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia look set to be the centre pairing for Round 1 after again being named to start.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Brodie Jones 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jack Cogger 19. Thomas Cant 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Logan Aoake 22. Will Pryce 23. Matthew Arthur 24. Jackson Hastings 25. Cody Hopwood 26. Elijah Ealesa-Leaumoana 27. Tyrone Thompson 28. Connor Votano
Analysis: Coach Adam O’Brien has named a full-strength side for the Knights’ final trial, all but confirming Fletcher Sharpe will start at five-eighth in Round 1. After starting Jack Cogger at halfback last week, Tyson Gamble will get his chance this week to stake his claim for the No.7 jersey. Jackson Hastings looks to be very much out of the mix after being named in the reserves. Kalyn Ponga will play after starring in last week’s All Stars clash, while the likes of Bradman Best an Tyson Frizell have also been named.
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys at Casey Fields, VICTORIA, 5:15pm AEDT
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Joe Chan 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Stanley Huen 20. Angus Hinchey 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Ryan Papenhuyzen 23. Hugo Peel 24. Cooper Page-Wilson 24. Cooper Page-Wilson 25. Nathaniel Roache 26. Preston Conn 27. Coby Williamson 28. Mitchell Jennings
Analysis: Superstars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant will get their first hitout of 2025, but Jahrome Hughes has not been named to feature in this trial. The likes of Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa and Josh King make up the regular first-graders that have also been named. Meanwhile Sua Fa’alogo will get another chance in the No.1 jersey with regular fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen named in the reserves
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Matautia 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Karl Lawton 16. Griffin Neame 19. Kai O’Donnell 20. Coen Hess 21. Robert Derby 22. Thomas Mikaele 23. Jaxson Paulo
Analysis: After an inexperienced Cowboys outfit got smashed last week, coach Todd Payten will unleash his big guns with Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Reece Robson being named. New recruit John Bateman will play his first game as a Cowboy, while Braidon Burns is in the box seat to nail down a spot in the 17 after being named on the wing. Young gun Tom Duffy will wear the No.7 with Jake Clifford side lined due to a hernia surgery.
MY PICKS.
MANLY, EELS, DRAGONS, BRONCOS, DOLPHINS, ROOSTERS, STORM,
NOTE. I have now switched to St George Dragons now that Mitchell is out of Souths side.
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