Official team lists, updates and injury news for round one of the 2021 Telstra Premiership season.
The fuse is lit: An action-packed Round 1 awaits
Round 1 teams lists
Storm v Rabbitohs, Thursday 8.05pm at AAMI Park
Match: Storm v Rabbitohs
Round 1 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell Mitchell
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Winger for Storm is number 2 George JenningsWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
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Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis SmithCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Dane Gagai
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham
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Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Josh Mansour
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Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
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Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Thomas Burgess
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Hooker for Storm is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian WelchProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Tevita Tatola
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Jacob Host
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2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jaydn Su'a
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray
Interchange
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Interchange for Storm is number 14 Chris LewisInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Benji Marshall
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Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Mark Nicholls
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Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tom EisenhuthInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Keaon Koloamatangi
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Interchange for Storm is number 21 Tyson SmoothyInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jai Arrow
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Storm: Bench hooker Tyson Smoothy is a late inclusion, replacing Nicho Hynes on the interchange, and is set to give Brandon Smith a breather at dummy-half. Darryn Schonig also dropped out of the squad an hour before kick-off, after Cooper Johns and Trent Loiero were the first two players omitted from the squad on Wednesday.
Smoothy played at last year's NRL Nines with Penrith before linking with first the Sunshine Coast and then the Storm this summer on a train-and-trial deal.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named at lock to cover for Dale Finucane, who faces six weeks out with a calf injury. Brenko Lee (hamstring) is out after only getting through limited training on Monday and his place in the centres is filled by former Bulldog Reimis Smith.
Nicho Hynes is the current utility named in Melbourne's 17 but may yet make way for Smoothy to offer cover for Smith.
George Jennings will take the wing spot vacated by Suliasi Vunivalu's move to rugby. The Storm have won nine of their past 10 games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs are 1-17. Winger Alex Johnston came through the Bunnies' captain's run unscathed after failing to finish training on Monday and is good to go.
Apart from Liam Knight, who suffered a concussion during a training scrimmage leading into the Charity Shield, coach Wayne Bennett had pretty much a full roster to choose from.
Recruits Josh Mansour and Jacob Host have been named to start in their club debuts while Jai Arrow and Benji Marshall will come off the bench.
Bench forward Hame Sele is out for a fortnight with a rib injury, centre Braidon Burns (knee) and Brock Gardner (Achilles) are sidelined indefinitely. The Rabbitohs face Melbourne without Cameron Smith for the first time in 17 years.
Patrick Mago and Jaxson Paulo were the final players trimmed from the reserves on game day after Tautau Moga and Troy Dargan were cut from the extended squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Round 1 hype - Knights v Bulldogs
Knights v Bulldogs, Friday 6pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Match: Knights v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tex HoyFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Corey Allan
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Starford To'aWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Nick Meaney
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Enari TualaCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will Hopoate
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Nick Cotric
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Winger for Knights is number 18 Hymel HuntWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kurt MannFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Jake Averillo
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Mitchell PearceHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle Flanagan
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 David KlemmerProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Ofahiki Ogden
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Sione Katoa
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Daniel SaifitiProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Jack Hetherington
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Adam Elliott
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Mitchell Barnett2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Corey Waddell
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Lock for Knights is number 14 Sauaso SueLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh Jackson
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 13 Connor WatsonInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bradley Deitz
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob SaifitiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Renouf Atoni
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Josh KingInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Dylan Napa
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
Knights: Hymel Hunt has overcome a hamstring injury and is a late inclusion on the wing in jersey 18. Gehamat Shibasaki drops out. In another late switch Sauaso Sue will start the game at lock and Connor Watson shifts to the bench.
Fullback Kalyn Ponga (knee) and winger Edrick Lee (foot) are both missing as is five-eighth Blake Green (knee).
Tex Hoy slots in at fullback and Kurt Mann at five-eighth.
Star recruit Tyson Frizell will launch his Knights career in the second row while Jayden Brailey is back from a knee reconstruction at hooker. Back-rower Mitch Barnett will reportedly take on the goal-kicking duties while Ponga is sidelined.
The Knights have opened the season with a win for the past three years.
Jack Johns and Simi Sasagi were the first two players cut from the squad 24 hours before kick-off. Shibasaki and Pasami Saulo were omitted an hour before game time.
Bulldogs: Trent Barrett's side is 1-17 as named. Prop Dylan Napa (knee), five-eighth Jake Averillo (elbow), back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner (ankle) and winger Nick Cotric (ankle) all take their place but Jeremy Marshall-King (foot) is another week away.
There was some concern about Averillo's fitness, with playmaker Brandon Wakeham included on the extended bench as cover, but Wakeham and Ava Seumanufagai were the first two players cut from the squad on Thursday.
Train-and-trialist hooker Bradley Deitz has been named on the bench in Marshall-King's absence. The 26-year-old has been given an NRL exemption to play from outside the club's top 30 given Marshall-King’s injury with Sione Katoa starting as the Bulldogs’ other hooking option.
Former Rabbitoh Corey Allan will make his Bulldog debut at fullback with former Rooster Kyle Flanagan to steer the ship from halfback. The Bulldogs have won eight of their past nine games against the Knights.
Chris Smith and Tuipolotu Katoa were cut from the squad an hour before kick-off.
Round 1 hype - Broncos v Eels
Broncos v Eels, Friday 8.05pm at Suncorp Stadium
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 1 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Jamayne IsaakoFullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
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Winger for Broncos is number 2 Xavier CoatesWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
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Centre for Broncos is number 3 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Eels is number 3 Tom Opacic
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Centre for Broncos is number 4 Tesi NiuCentre for Eels is number 4 Waqa Blake
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Winger for Broncos is number 5 David MeadWinger for Eels is number 5 Blake Ferguson
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Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Anthony MilfordFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Brodie CroftHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
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Prop for Broncos is number 8 Tevita Pangai JuniorProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
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Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake TurpinHooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Broncos is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Alex Glenn2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Ryan Matterson
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Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick CarriganLock for Eels is number 13 Nathan Brown
Interchange
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Interchange for Broncos is number 14 John AsiataInterchange for Eels is number 14 Oregon Kaufusi
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Thomas FleglerInterchange for Eels is number 15 Isaiah Papali'i
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Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Ethan BullemorInterchange for Eels is number 16 Keegan Hipgrave
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Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Ben Te'oInterchange for Eels is number 17 Will Smith
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
Broncos: Kevin Walters' team will start 1-17, with Tom Dearden and Richie Kennar the last two players omitted. Brodie Croft will get first crack at the No.7 jersey and partner Anthony Milford in the halves. Herbie Farnworth will start at centre having recently undergone surgery on a chest infection. Veteran David Mead will return as a Bronco on the left wing while 19-year-old Tesi Niu has switched to right centre in the absence of Kotoni Staggs (ACL).
Thomas Flegler has been cleared after copping a knock in the trial but fellow prop Payne Haas is suspended until round four. Rhys Kennedy and Cory Paix were cut from the extended squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Eels: The Eels will start 1-17, with Haze Dunster and Joey Lussick the last two players dropped from the squad. With veteran Michael Jennings suspended for an alleged performance-enhancing drugs violation, former Cowboy Tom Opacic will start in the centres. Former Titan Keegan Hipgrave will make his Eels debut from the bench alongside ex-Warrior Isaiah Papali'i, who will fill the hole left by Marata Niukore's suspension.
Jordan Rankin and David Hollis were the first two omitted from the 21-man squad on Thursday.
Round 1 hype - Warriors v Titans
Warriors v Titans, Saturday 3pm at Central Coast Stadium
Match: Warriors v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-SheckFullback for Titans is number 1 AJ Brimson
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Winger for Warriors is number 2 David Fusitu'aWinger for Titans is number 2 Anthony Don
-
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Euan AitkenCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
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Centre for Warriors is number 4 Peta HikuCentre for Titans is number 4 Patrick Herbert
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Winger for Warriors is number 5 Ken MaumaloWinger for Titans is number 5 Corey Thompson
-
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi NikorimaFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Ashley Taylor
-
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Chanel Harris-TavitaHalfback for Titans is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Titans is number 8 Jarrod Wallace
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde EganHooker for Titans is number 9 Mitch Rein
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Jamayne Taunoa-BrownProp for Titans is number 10 Moeaki Fotuaika
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Kevin Proctor
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen2nd Row for Titans is number 12 David Fifita
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Lock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu HarrisLock for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Interchange
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Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Jazz TevagaInterchange for Titans is number 14 Tyrone Peachey
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Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Ben Murdoch-MasilaInterchange for Titans is number 15 Sam Lisone
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Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Leeson Ah MauInterchange for Titans is number 16 Jaimin Jolliffe
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Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Bunty AfoaInterchange for Titans is number 17 Erin Clark
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Warriors: The team temporarily based in Gosford will start 1-17 after Adam Pompey and Sean O'Sullivan were omitted an hour before kick-off.
Wayde Egan has recovered from an elbow injury suffered in the trials and will start at hooker. Jazz Tevaga provides dummy-half cover on the bench.
Former Dragon Euan Aitken will start in the centres while fellow recruits Addin Fonua-Blake and Bayley Sironen are in the run-on side and Ben Murdoch-Masila on the bench.
Chanel Harris-Tavita (quadriceps) and Eliesa Katoa (cheekbone) have both recovered from injury and are good to go for the start of the Nathan Brown era.
Second-rower Eliesa Katoa (cheekbone) is fit and good to go. Tom Ale and Josh Curran were omitted from the reserves on Friday. The Warriors are chasing back-to-back wins over the Titans for the first time since 2010.
Titans: Like the Warriors, Gold Coast will start 1-17 after Phillip Sami and Beau Fermor will left out an hour before the match. Off-season recruits Herman Ese'ese and Sam McIntyre were dropped from the squad 24 hours out from kick-off.
Patrick Herbert will line up at centre against his old club while big-name recruits David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui join captain Kevin Proctor in a powerful back row.
Star fullback AJ Brimson is fit and firing after missing the first 11 rounds of 2020 with a back issue and then suffering a foot injury in his State of Origin debut.
Tyrone Peachey had an excellent finish to the 2020 season at lock but with two high-profile No.13s coming on board he has been moved to the bench and will provide impact alongside Sam Lisone.
Round 1 hype - Roosters v Sea Eagles
Roosters v Sea Eagles, Saturday 5.30pm at Sydney Cricket Ground
Match: Roosters v Sea Eagles
Round 1 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Sea Eagles
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Dylan Walker
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Josh MorrisCentre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Brad Parker
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Mosese Suli
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Brett MorrisWinger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Lachlan LamFive-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Kieran Foran
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke KearyHalfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay CollinsProp for Sea Eagles is number 8 Josh Aloiai
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Jake FriendHooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua TaukeiahoProp for Sea Eagles is number 10 Martin Taupau
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Jack Gosiewski
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Curtis Sironen
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Isaac LiuLock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Adam KeighranInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Tevita Funa
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Jared Waerea-HargreavesInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Andrew Davey
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat ButcherInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Morgan Boyle
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Daniel Suluka-FifitaInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Taniela Paseka
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Roosters: The Roosters will start 1-17 after Fletcher Baker and Sam Walker were the two players left out an hour before game time. Luke Keary, who sat out their trial clash with a hamstring issue, will take his place after training on Monday. Lachlan Lam will be his halves partner with Adam Keighran grabbing a bench spot.
Lindsay Collins has earned a start at prop with veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves sliding to the bench. Angus Crichton will line up on the left edge in place of skipper Boyd Cordner with Sitili Tupouniua slotting into the retired Mitch Aubusson's right side back-row position. Victor Radley and Sam Verrills (both ACL) will be kept on ice for at least another week.
Matt Ikuvalu and Freddy Lussick were omitted from the 21-man squad on Friday.
The Roosters have lost their opening round game for the past three seasons.
Sea Eagles: Des Hasler's team will start 1-17 after Josh Schuster and Sean Keppie were the last two players omitted. Dylan Walker is the surprise replacement for star fullback Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) and his switch gives Brad Parker a start in the centres alongside Moses Suli.
Back-rower Jack Gosiewski has seen off the challenge of veteran recruit Andrew Davey, who will start from the bench.
Much of the attacking responsibility will now fall onto the shoulders of veteran halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran. Josh Aloiai takes over from Addin Fonua-Blake in the front row.
Lachlan Croker has recovered from his hamstring issue to get the start at No.9 with Cade Cust returning from a thumb injury in the NSW Cup, while centre Tevita Funa has earned a bench spot. The Sea Eagles will play their first game at the SCG in seven years.
Toafofoa Sipley and Morgan Harper were omitted from the extended squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Round 1 hype - Panthers v Cowboys
Panthers v Cowboys, Saturday 7.35pm at Panthers Stadium
Match: Panthers v Cowboys
Round 1 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Charlie StainesWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Esan Marsters
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Valentine Holmes
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Michael Morgan
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake Clifford
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Cowboys is number 8 Francis Molo
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLean
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Mitchell Dunn
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Coen Hess
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Tyrone MayInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Josh McGuire
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Corey Jensen
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Liam MartinInterchange for Cowboys is number 19 Reuben Cotter
Match Officials
- Referee: Matt Cecchin
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
Panthers: The Panthers will line up 1-17 with Robert Jennings and Mitch Kenny omitted an hour before kick-off.
Moses Leota can't be expected to fill in for the experience left by James Tamou, but he'll need to replicate his consistent level of performance when he steps out as James Fisher-Harris's front-row partner. Bench forward Spencer Leniu will also be expected to help fill that void. The Panthers' bench is a work in progress with Scott Sorensen still sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Paul Momirovski won the race to be Stephen Crichton's centre partner ahead of Tyrone May, who claimed a bench spot, with Brent Naden not being considered for selection in the first four rounds after his positive cocaine test in grand final week. J'Maine Hopgood and Matt Burton were the two players left out 24 hours before kick-off.
Penrith are aiming for their 10th consecutive win at Panthers Stadium.
Cowboys: No late changes for the Cowboys. Scott Drinkwater has won the battle for the No.1 jersey with Valentine Holmes named on the wing. Veteran forward Josh McGuire will be eased back from a hamstring injury on the bench with Francis Molo partnering Jordan McLean in the front row.
Hookers Jake Granville and Reuben Cotter (jersey 19), who can also play in the back row, have both been named on the bench. Coach Todd Payten has confirmed that Cotter will play as a lock. Flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has a chance to strut his stuff in the centres.
Tom Gilbert was unavailable for selection after suffering a leg fracture during a training ground mishap.
Shane Wright and Murray Taulagi were dropped on the eve of the match and Ben Hampton and Lachlan Burr were cut an hour before kick-off..
The Cowboys have not won at Penrith since 2016.
Raiders v Wests Tigers, Sunday 4.05pm at GIO Stadium
Match: Raiders v Wests Tigers
Round 1 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-KlokstadFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine Laurie
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey SimonssonWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Sebastian KrisCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 James Roberts
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis ScottCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Joseph Leilua
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan RapanaWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Asu Kepaoa
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Moses Mbye
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George WilliamsHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'iProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 James Tamou
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh HodgsonHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jacob Liddle
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis LuiProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Joe Ofahengaue
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Luke Garner
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Joseph TapineLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Tommy Talau
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Ryan SuttonInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Thomas Mikaele
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Iosia SoliolaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Stefano Utoikamanu
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Ryan JamesInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Russell Packer
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Raiders: Canberra will start 1-17 after Sam Williams and Harley Smith-Shields were the last two players dropped from the squad. Sebastian Kris is a left-field selection in place of co-captain Jarrod Croker (shoulder), beating out Matthew Timoko.
Croker had been given the all-clear to resume full squad training and was thought a chance of being fit for the season opener after it was initially feared he would be out for the first month.
Veteran recruit Ryan James will play in the No.17 jersey. Tom Starling and Emre Guler were the two players left out 24 hours before kick-off.
Forward duo Corey Horsburgh and Corey Harawira-Naera have both missed selection in the initial 21-man squad after being suspended for one and two weeks respectively over off-season drink-driving charges.
Defy impossible: The chase
Wests Tigers: Michael Maguire's side will start 1-17 after Jock Madden and Michael Chee-Kam were omitted an hour before the match. Moses Mbye will start at No.6 after shaking off hamstring concerns.
Daine Laurie has won the fullback jersey and fellow recruit James Roberts will line up in the centres alongside Joey Leilua, who is set to return after missing the big trial win over Manly with a minor foot injury. On the wing, Tommy Talau has been relegated to the bench by Asu Kepaoa.
Tukimihia Simpkins and Alex Seyfarth were dropped 24 hours before kick-off.
Dragons v Sharks, Sunday 6.15pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Match: Dragons v Sharks
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Cody RamseyWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jack BirdCentre for Sharks is number 3 Josh Dugan
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Sharks is number 4 Jesse Ramien
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Adam CluneFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Blake LawrieProp for Sharks is number 8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Josh Kerr2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tyrell FuimaonoLock for Sharks is number 13 Toby Rudolf
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Poasa FaamausiliInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Connor Tracey
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Trent MerrinInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Aiden Tolman
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Daniel AlvaroInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack Williams
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Brayden WiliameInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Billy Magoulias
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Dragons: Anthony Griffin's side will start 1-17 after Jackson Ford and Kaide Ellis were the two players left out an hour before the game.
Former Roosters prop Poasa Faamausili has successfully progressed through HIA protocols after suffering a concussion in the Charity Shield. He has been named on the bench alongside fellow forward recruit Daniel Alvaro.
With Cameron McInnes out for the season with a torn ACL, veteran Andrew McCullough will slot in at hooker with Tyrell Fuimaono winning the race for the No.13 jersey. Blake Lawrie has been named at prop, with veteran Trent Merrin on the bench.
Jordan Pereira and Max Feagai were cut from the 21-man squad on Saturday.
The Dragons won only two from six at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in 2020.
Defy impossible: The leap
Sharks: Cronulla will start 1-17 after Mawene Hiroti and Teig Wilton were the last two players omitted. Andrew Fifita has missed out on a spot in the 17. He was cut from the extended squad on Saturday along with Braydon Trindall.
Josh Dugan, Toby Rudolf and 2021 recruit Aiden Tolman shook off their respective leg injuries to be named for the short trip to Kogarah. Royce Hunt (knee) and Siosifa Talakai (shoulder) are still at least a week away from returning.
Matt Moylan will start the season at five-eighth and Will Kennedy at fullback with Shaun Johnson still a couple of months away from returning after Achilles surgery.
The Sharks have lost their past seven Round 1 games.
NRL Magic Round Brisbane 1-Day Passes are now on sale with eight massive games across round 10 at Suncorp Stadium this May. With the league's best players all heading to Brisbane, you'd hate to miss it! Tickets at NRL.com/Tickets
