A luckless Knights star has been dominated out of his workforce’s Round 1 conflict towards the Raiders nevertheless his absence has opened the door for a brand new recruit to stake his declare for a beginning halves place.
The Sharks have acquired a giant increase with captain Dale Finucane set to journey to NZ with the aspect and play in Round 1. Finucane has totally recovered from a biceps harm which ended his 2023 marketing campaign.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has acquired a lift with two key gamers anticipated to be match for Round 1, however his star recruit has been suspended.
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Meanwhile, star recruit Herbie Farnworth has despatched a scare across the Dolphins camp after limping off the coaching paddock.
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THURSDAY MARCH 7
Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Predicted Knights workforce: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 17. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: Hooker Jayden Brailey has been dominated out for the conflict towards Canberra as a consequence of a hamstring harm. Brailey missed most of final season with a torn ACL, and whereas the knee is feeling good, his hamstring is now giving him some hassle on the eve of the season. “My body is feeling really good with the knee, but I had a little hiccup with the hammy in January,” he mentioned. “It form of hung round just a little bit longer than I assumed it could, however it’s nothing severe. Phoenix Crossland is his apparent substitute, which additionally solves one other difficulty within the halves. Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble have been named at six and 7 in each pre-season trials for Newcastle, and with the No.14 jersey open Jack Cogger will possible bide his day without work the bench. It will solely be a matter of time nevertheless earlier than Brailey returns and Adam O’Brien has a bumper choice to make. Dom Young’s wing spot can be being contested by Tom Jenkins and Enari Tuala. If the trials are something to go by, Tuala is ready to get the nod. Another place to look at for the Knights, with Krystian Mapapalangi additionally within the equation. Dylan Lucas’ sturdy trials type will possible see him begin within the backrow, with Kai Pearce-Paul possible getting a begin on the bench in his debut NRL season. The trio of entrance rowers, Leo Thompson and the Saifiti brothers, all have credentials to begin or come off the pine.
Predicted Raiders workforce: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Xavier Savage 3. Ethan Strange 4. Matt Timoko 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Emre Guler 17. Zac Hosking
Team Tips: Ricky Stuart has an enormous choice to make concerning who wears the No.6 and Ethan Strange put his greatest foot ahead to shut out the pre-season trials. Kaeo Weekes will possible get first crack, however Strange’s efficiency may see him begin within the centres after enjoying within the halves in pre-season, with Seb Kris suspended till Round 2. Jordan Rapana is ready to begin at fullback, with Xavier Savage on the wing. Young gun Chevy Stewart will bide his time in NSW Cup and probably make his NRL debut sooner or later this season. With Corey Horsburgh additionally suspended till Round 4, English recruit Morgan Smithies put on the No.13 in his absence, having been named at lock towards the Cowboys within the pre-season problem. That will see Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii play within the entrance row, with Emre Guler coming off the bench. Pasami Saulo is ready to be the unfortunate one lacking out, with Ata Mariota delivering a stable efficiency off the bench towards North Queensland.
‘Let’s GO’ – NRL debut new advert for 2024 | 01:04
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FRIDAY MARCH 8
New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Predicted Warriors workforce: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Tom Ale 17. Bunty Afoa
Team Tips: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been dominated out till Round 4, with younger gun Taine Tuaupiki taking his place, having featured towards the Dolphins within the pre-season problem. The the rest of the workforce stays largely settled, with Kurt Capewell pushing Jackson Ford to the bench. Favourite son Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns after a stint in rugby union and slots into the centres. Adam Pompey is the participant who possible makes method, whereas Tom Ale and Jazz Tevaga battle for the ultimate bench spot. Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita will even be scorching on Luke Metcalf’s heels for the No.6 jersey, nevertheless the previous Sharks’ type earlier than his hamstring harm on the finish of the 2023 season will possible see him get a protracted stint within the No.6.
Predicted Sharks workforce: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Royce Hunt 16. Tom Hazelton 17. Jack Williams
Team Tips: One of probably the most settled groups within the competitors. Captain Dale Finucane’s 2023 season ended prematurely as a consequence of a biceps harm, however he’s going to journey to NZ and play in Round 1. The Sharks’ again 5 picks itself this season, with Connor Tracey departing for the Bulldogs. The halves pairing is locked in and Toby Rudolf can be set to return after battling turf toe in 2023 and in addition on this pre-season. He may begin on the bench however will possible be within the run-on aspect, with Jack Williams and Jesse Colquhoun battling it out for the ultimate bench spot. It may go both method, however Williams has been glorious in pre-season in line with his teammates and can possible get the nod, handing Craig Fitzgibbon one other center ahead to inject into the sport every time he pleases.
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEDT
Predicted Storm workforce: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Xavier Coates 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Will Warbrick 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Shawn Blore 17. Sua Fa’alogo
Team Tips: Ryan Papenhuyzen is again and he handed with flying colors within the pre-season problem. Craig Bellamy has his strike fullback able to go, with Justin Olam’s departure additionally opening a path for Nick Meaney to begin within the centres. Foxsports.com.au additionally understands Sua Fa’alogo shall be named on the bench. Tigers recruit Shawn Blore can be anticipated to be named within the backrow alongside Eli Katoa, shifting Trent Loiero to the bench. Blore has been battling a number of niggling accidents in pre-season, that means Joe Chan might be a smokey to earn a bench spot if Blore is unavailable. Tui Kamikamica and Nelson Asofa-Solomona may each begin or come off the bench, alongside Bronson Garlick who makes up the ultimate member of the pine.
Predicted Panthers workforce: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Somerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone Peacehy 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry
Team Tips: Mitch Kenny has been suspended for one match, with Soni Luke andLuke Sommerton vying to switch him. The largest query mark for the Panthers stays Jarome Luai’s health. He sat out of the World Club Challenge as a consequence of a shoulder harm, being changed by Jack Cole. The gun five-eighth was an opportunity of taking the sector, that means he’s set to be named come Round 1. Elsewhere, Scott Sorensen, who additionally sat out due a leg harm, will possible return and his return will push Matt Eisenhuth off the bench. Wigan additionally focused Taylan May and Sunia Turuva’s edge in assault, that means Ivan Cleary may swap up his partnerships towards the Storm, shifting May to the suitable aspect of the sector. Tyrone Peachey additionally seems set to be named because the utility. Sunia Turuva can be anticipated to be match after struggling a decrease leg harm within the World Club Challenge.
SATURDAY MARCH 9
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Predicted Eels workforce: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Brendan Hands 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Kelma Tuilagi 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Wiremu Greig
Team Tips: The main speaking level that continues to be on this workforce is who wears the No.9. Brad Arthur needs an 80-minute hooker, which is able to possible see Joey Lussick get the nod as a consequence of his defensive attributes and clear service out of the ruck. However, Brendan Hands might be the choice if the Eels need extra spark out of hooker. It’s a giant name and it may outline how Parramatta assault this 12 months. Bailey Simonsson might be one other man beneath stress, with recruit Morgan Harper delivering a stable pre-season after becoming a member of from the Sea Eagles. Elsewhere, Shaun Lane is ready to begin within the backrow, with Kelma Tuilagi‘s pre-season performances likely seeing him win a spot on the bench with a vacant slot on the pine due to the lack of a utility.
Predicted Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Connor Tracey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Josh Curran 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Kurt Mann 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Poasa Faamausili
Team Tips: Cameron Ciraldo has a backline headache on his hands. Connor Tracey and Jacob Kiraz didn’t play a minute of the trials however are anticipated to begin come Round 1. That will see Tracey accomplice Stephen Crichton within the centres and Kiraz take the place of winger Blake Wilson. After a powerful pre-season, Bronson Xerri is unfortunate to overlook out. Blake Taaffe is ready to put on the No.1, whereas Drew Hutchison will possible win the halfback spot over former Titan Toby Sexton.Josh Curran is a powerful likelihood of enjoying within the No.13, with Jaeman Salmon enjoying because the utility off the bench. Sam Hughes and Kurt Mann additionally look a powerful likelihood of beginning on the bench, leaving one remaining spot. Poasa Faamausili was very spectacular within the pre-season trials and can possible win the ultimate bench spot whereas Kurtis Morrin can be in competition. Ryan Sutton is reportedly nonetheless batting a knee harm and received’t be match to begin the season.
Sivo cops 3-game ban for MONSTROUS hit | 00:36
Gold Coast Titans vs. St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium, 7.35pm AEDT
Predicted Titans workforce: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. AJ Brimson 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Mo Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Jacob Alick
Team Tips: The Titans are set to be with out Jayden Campbell for Round 1 and the gun fullback is ready to get replaced by Keano Kini. Brian Kelly missed out on the ultimate pre-season problem sport to due sickness however ought to be match to return and take up a spot within the centres. David Fifita can be doubtful as a consequence of a pectoral harm and Des Hasler shall be doing every thing he can to verify he’s match, nevertheless he seems prone to miss a month of soccer. If he’s unable to take the sector Jacob Alick or Klese Haas will take his place alongside Beau Fermor. Chris Randall will possible play the utility function, with Kini at fullback alongside Erin Clark and Haas on the bench. Keenan Palasia is ready to begin for the Titans, with Isaac Liu additionally doubtful as a consequence of a knee harm. Liu shall be named on the bench if match, however ought to he be dominated out Alick or Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui will take his place. Jaimin Jolliffe is one other who might be in competition for a spot on the bench.
Predicted Dragons workforce: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Hame Sele 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Team Tips: The Shane Flanagan period begins and his star recruit Luciano Leilua will miss the opening two video games after being suspended for failing to inform the NRL of his low-level drink driving cost, which is able to possible see Tom Eisenhuth begin and Viliami Fifita join the bench. But the Dragons backline is ready, with Zac Lomax enjoying on the wing and Tyrell Sloan at fullback. Ben Hunt will accomplice Kyle Flanagan within the halves. Blake Lawrie and Jacob Liddle have niggling accidents they suffered in Round 1 however each gamers have been handed optimistic updates and shall be match for Round 1 from their rib and hamstring blows respectively. Jesse Marschke can be set to play because the utility, with younger gun Connor Mulheisen additionally within the equation. Viliami Fifita, Ben Murdoch Masila and Michael Molo will all be pushing for spots off the bench, having performed on pine within the closing pre-season problem conflict.
SUNDAY MARCH 10
Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Predicted Dolphins workforce: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Jake Averillo 5. Jack Bostock 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Jarrod Wallace
Team Tips: Star recruit Herbie Farnworth has despatched a scare via the Dolphins camp after limping off the sector at coaching (imaginative and prescient under). It has been reported by The Courier Mail that Farnworth jarred his proper knee however early indications is that it isn’t severe. It’s a horror blow for Wayne Bennett, however the Dolphins are set to be with out Tom Gilbert for majority of the season after he suffered a non-contact knee harm. The harm comes after his season-ending shoulder harm in 2023 he suffered throughout Origin. Bennett additionally has some massive selections concerning his backline, with Tesi Niu delivering spectacular pre-season performances. Jake Averillo will possible begin within the centres, with Jack Bostock on the wing however Niu shall be scorching on each of their heels. Gilbert’s No.13 jersey is ready to be taken by Ray Stone, opening a slot of Kodi Nikorima to play within the utility function and Isaiya Katoa at No.6. Euan Aitken can be a powerful likelihood of profitable a backrow spot over Connelly Lemuelu who may begin off the bench alongside Kenny Bromwich and Jarrod Wallace.
Predicted Cowboys workforce: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele
Team Tips: The Cowboys have misplaced Coen Hess for the season after the previous Maroons front-rower ruptured his ACL within the closing trial. Otherwise it’s a reasonably settled workforce heading into Round 1, with Zac Laybutt main the race to win a spot within the centres over Viliami Vailea. Heilum Luki takes Leilua’s backrow slot, that means Kulikefu Finefeuiaki wins a spot on the pine. Sam McIntyre will possible come onto the bench for Hess.
Bye: Wests Tigers
Source: www.foxsports.com.au