TIGERS v STORM
Saturday, 7.35pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
TIGERS: James Roberts and Starford To’a are vying for a centre spot, I have Roberts narrowly ahead to partner English recruit Oliver Gildart. 2019 Man of Steel Jackson Hasting returns to the NRL to partner Luke Brooks. These two are in contention for the goalkicking duties, Brooks appears ahead at this stage having been the preferred option in the trial win over the Sea Eagles, but this isn’t locked in. Hooker Jacob Liddle injured his knee (PCL, round 4-6) in the final trial which will see Jake Simpkin promoted to start. Despite an interrupted pre-season, Jake Simpkin would likely deputise at 9 if required. With Shawn Blore out for the season, Luke Garner and Kelma Tuilagi will compete for the starting edge back-row spot. Garner is dealing with an ankle complaint, so Tuilagi is firming to start the game.
James Tamou faces a stint on the sidelines following a judiciary charge for his shot on Sam Walker.
Expected team:
1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Oliver Gildart, 4. James Roberts, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jackson Hastings, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Tyrone Peachey
Bench: 14. Luke Garner, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Thomas Mikaele, 17. Zane Musgrove
Injuries/suspensions: Adam Doueihi (Knee, Mid-season), Tommy Talau (Knee, Mid-season), Asu Kepoa (Sternum, Mid-season), Shawn Blore (ACL, Season), Jacob Liddle (Knee, Round 4-6), James Tamou (suspended, Round two)
STORM: The Storm’s flawless Round one record spanning back to 2003 will be put to the test with Harry Grant and Cameron Munster both unavailable due to suspension. However, the club received some good news on Monday with the
NRL clearing Brandon Smith to return after deeming that he served his one game suspension via the All Stars match. Ryan Papenhuyzen is also in major doubt with an ankle injury, and with Cameron Munster spending time at fullback in the trials it suggests he’s against the odds to play. If unavailable, it’d see Nick Meaney start at fullback. Cooper Johns (AC joint, Round 4-5) would have replaced Munster at five-eighth but his injury in the final trial opens the door for Jayden Nikorima or even Kenny Bromwich to fill that role. Smith will likely start at hooker with Tyran Wishart a chance to come on to the bench should Nikorima start at five-eighth. Dale Finucane’s departure could see Josh King could jag a start at lock in the season opener.
Expected team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen (doubtful)/Nick Meaney, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Nick Meaney/George Jennings, 6. Jayden Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King
Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Tepai Moeroa, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Trent Loiero
Injuries/suspensions: Harry Grant, (Suspension, Round 2), Cameron Munster (Suspension, Round 2), Chris Lewis (Suspension, Round 2), Tui Kamikamica (Stood down)
EELS v TITANS
Sunday, 4.05pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
EELS: Sean Russell is the frontrunner to replace Haze Dunster who suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury during the trials. He’ll partner Raiders recruit Bailey Simonsson on the wing, with Will Penisini to start at centre. Nathan Brown didn’t feature in the trials following a pre-season leg injury, but according to the club is expected to be fit for Round one. While there’s a possibility Shaun Lane – who was made captain in the opening trial – could start on the edge with Isaiah Papali’I, I think it’ll go to Ryan Matterson as per last season. Matterson has trialled as a middle forward, so Brad Arthur may be looking to play him off the bench in that role. Marata Niukore isn’t available until Round 2 due to suspension.
Expected team:
1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Sean Russell, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Will Penisini, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown
Bench: 14. Ray Stone, 15. Bryce Cartwright, 16. Shaun Lane, 17. Oregon Kaufusi
INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS: Marata Niukore (Suspension, Round 2), Maika Sivo (Knee, Mid-season), Haze Dunster (Knee, Season)
TITANS: Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson, Toby Sexton and Erin Clark make-up a relatively new-look spine. Expect David Fifita to start on the edge and go the distance having spent the back end of last season playing as an impact player off the bench. Beau Fermor looks to have displaced veteran back-rower Kevin Proctor in a starting edge role. Mr. Versatility Will Smith will play at 14 and is expected to spell Clark at hooker.
Expected team:
1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Jaimin Jolliffe, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Kevin Proctor, 16. Jarrod Wallace, 17. Isaac Liu
Injuries/suspensions: Joe Vuna (knee, mid-season)
COWBOYS v BULLDOGS
Sunday, 6.15pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville
COWBOYS: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will start at fullback, with Valentine Holmes at centre alongside Peta Hiku. Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden are battling to partner recruit Chad Townsend in the halves. Dearden looks likely to get the nod to begin the season. Heilum Luki and Jeremiah Nanai will look to form a young, exciting back-row pairing to start the year, alongside Jason Taumalolo at lock. Taumalolo didn’t feature in the trials due to a hamstring niggle, but is expected to be available for the opener. He also confirmed he’s been given the green light to feature amid concerns over his vaccination status. The other option is to start Taumalolo at prop, with Reuben Cotter at lock.
Expected team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Valentine Holmes, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater/Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Coen Hess, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Jeremiah Nanai, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Bench: 14. Reuben Cotter, 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Tom Gilbert/Ben Condon
BULLDOGS: Matt Dufty, Matt Burton, Jake Averillo and Jeremy Marshall-King form a new-look spine at The Kennel. Brent Naden will start at centre, likely alongside Aaron Schoupp who should edge out Braidon Burns for a spot. Jayden Okunbor and Corey Allan are vying for a wing role, with Okunbor edging ahead at this stage. Paul Vaughan will start at prop for his new club alongside Luke Thompson. With Raymond Faitala-Mariner returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, Jack Hetherington will make the move from front-row to the edge where he’ll partner Tevita Pangai Jnr who managed to avoid suspension despite being put on report twice and sin binned in the trial against the Sharks.
Expected team:
1. Matt Dufty, 2. Josh Addo-Carr, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Jayden Okunbor/Corey Allan, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Jake Averillo, 8. Paul Vaughan, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Tevita Pangai Jr, 12. Jack Hetherington, 13. Josh Jackson
Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 17. Corey Waddell
Injuries/suspensions: Matt Doorey (Knee, Mid-season)