NRL predicted teams Round 1 2025: Every club’s starting squad

With the NRL pre-season well and truly underway, we’re closing in on the season opener for 2025.

We’ve had a crack at predicting the starting line-ups for every club in round 1.

If a player is suspended for one round or only expected to miss one game, we’ve included them in the team with a note on their availability.

Throughout the pre-season we’ll update our predicted teams daily as injuries hit, and players come in and out of contention with each trial fixture that passes.

Let us know in the comments at the bottom of the page if you agree or disagree with our line-ups.

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Key notes:

• Brian To’o is out of the Vegas clash, opening a position for both McLean brothers to play round 1
• Ryan Papenhyzen is in doubt for round 1
• Jacob Kiraz is expected to miss at least round one with an ongoing back injury
• Joash Papali’i is pushing Isaiah Iongi for the starting fullback role at the Eels
• A shoulder injury will see Broncos rookie hooker Blake Mozer miss the start of the season
• Tyson Frizell is set to shift to the middle in 2025, locking Dylan Lucas and Kai Pearce-Paul onto the edges
• Api Koroisau will miss the opening round one due to suspension
• Selwyn Cobbo is set for a shift back to the wing
• The Titans and Knights are reportedly considering left-field halves switches
• Cowboys rookie Thomas Duffy is closing in on an NRL debut
• David Fifita and Jason Taumalolo are among a host of stars in doubt for round 1
• Rugby recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase heads a three-way battle for Joey Manu’s vacant centre spot
• Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will shift to the wing to accomodate a star rookie

Brisbane Broncos

1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Gehamat Shibasaki
4. Deine Mariner
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Payne Haas
9. Cory Paix
10. Patrick Carrigan
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Ben Te Kura
17. Xavier Willison

Unavailable: Kotoni Staggs (Quad, round 3-4), Blake Mozer (shoulder, TBC), Ezra Mam (suspended, round 10)

Analysis: Selwyn Cobbo is likely to shift to the right wing, pushing Deine Mariner into the centres.

A shoulder injury to rookie hooker Blake Mozer will see him miss at least the early stages of the season, meaning Billy Walters and Cory Paix will fight for the starting hooker spot which will be part of a rotation.

Paix is expected to get the starting position.

Pat Carrigan is likely to move into the front-row, with Kobe Hetherington starting at lock.

Jack Gosiewski is reportedly in contention to start in the back-row ahead of Brendan Piakura. It may come down to his fitness after picking up a concussion during the final trial match.

Fletcher Baker will compete with Ben Te Kura for the final bench spot.

Injury to Kotoni Staggs will likely see Gehamat Shibasaki start at centre.

Canberra Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Albert Hopoate (Savelio Tamale)
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Corey Horsburgh
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Josh Papali’i
17. Ata Mariota

Unavailable:

Analysis: No major shocks to the Raiders team, with cheapie prospect Savelio Tamale named to start on the wing.

Albert Hopoate is unavailable due to the impending birth of his child, so job security isn’t great.

I think he’d have to play very well to jump Hopoate in the wing pecking order following strong trial performances.

Corey Horsburgh starts at prop, with Josh Papali’i coming off the bench.

Bottom dollar cheapie Owen Pattie beats out Danny Levi for the bench hooker role.

He’s a potential star, but he’s likely to play 30 minutes max off the bench.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Bronson Xerri
5. Blake Wilson
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. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Josh Curran*
17. Jaeman Salmon

Unavailable: Jacob Kiraz (Back, early season), Josh Curran (suspension, round 2)

Analysis: Marcelo Montoya and Blake Wilson are fighting for the vacant wing spot of the departed Josh Addo-Carr long-term.

However, Phil Gould dropped a surprise by stating that Jacob Kiraz won’t feature for the Bulldogs at the start of the season.

Jaeman Salmon and Tom Amone will compete for the final bench spot, although both may play round 1 with Josh Curran suspended.

The major watch will be the role of Sitili Tupouniua and where he’s injected.

I suspect he’ll enter the middle rotation, however he could give either of Jacob Preston or Viliame Kikau a spell and play on the edge which he’s done for the majority of his career.

Cronulla Sharks

1. Will Kennedy
2. Sam Stonestreet
3. Kayal Iro
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Tom Hazelton
16. Siosifa Talakai
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Unavailable: Toby Rudolf (shoulder, early stages), Sione Katoa (shoulder, late season)

Analysis: Cronulla boast an extremely settled roster heading into round 1, with star recruit Addin Fonua-Blake slotting into the front-row in place of the injured Toby Rudolf.

Will Kennedy faces stiff competition from Kade Dykes and Liam Ison for the fullback role, but will start the season at fullback.

Daniel Atkinson has been named as the bench utility.

Sione Katoa is out for most of the season, with Sam Stonestreet to start in his place on the wing.

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Max Feagai
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Junior Tupou
6. Jake Averillo
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Max Plath
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Connelly Lemuele
16. Ray Stone
17. Mark Nicholls

Unavailable: Tom Flegler (shoulder, mid-season), Trai Fuller (knee, late season), Daniel Saifiti (Hamstring, in doubt for round 1), Jack Bostock (knee, round 3)

Analysis: There’s a few spots still up for debate at the Dolphins ahead of their season opener.

Jake Averillo is firming for a permanent shift to five-eighth, which may push Kodi Nikorima out of the 17 entirely.

This would leave a vacant centre spot, which would likely force a positional switch for either of Jack Bostock.

Bostock suffered a knee injury that’s likely to see him miss the first two rounds, with Max Feagai likely to start in his place.

Felise Kaufusi may make the permanent move to the middle this season with the arrival of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki who likely starts on the edge with Max Plath.

Tom Gilbert may be eased back from an ACL injury from the bench, however strong trial performances may see him catapulted straight back into the starting team from round 1 at lock.

Gold Coast Titans

1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. David Fifita
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Carter Gordon
15. Jaimin Jolliffe
16. Josiah Pahulu
17. Chris Randall

Unavailable: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (shoulder, in doubt for round 1), Carter Gordon (back, TBC), Kieran Foran (Biceps, round 5-8)

Analysis: Reagan Campbell-Gillard is in doubt for the opening round.

With Kieran Foran injured, it confirms a halves pairing of AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell.

It feels as though it’ll be a genuine shoot-out for backline positions at the Titans.

Rugby recruit Carter Gordon was flying on all reports, but with a plethora of options in all positions they may be tempted to continue his development through QLD Cup to begin the season.

Unfortunately a recent back injury has him in doubt to start the season.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab/Raymond Vaega
3. Reuben Garrick
4. Tolutau Koula
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jazz Tevaga
15. Nathan Brown
16. Toa Sipley
17. Ethan Bullemor

Unavailable: Lachlan Croker (knee, round 4), Taniela Paseka (shoulder, in doubt for round 1), Tommy Talau (hamstring tightness, TBC)

Analysis: It’s a fairly settled line-up at Manly to begin the season.

Lachlan Croker’s recent injury will see Jake Simpkin and Gordan Chan Kum Tong fight for the starting hooker role.

Recruit Jazz Tevaga is likely to nab a bench spot and provide cover at number nine if required. Siua Taukeiaho will also come into contention.

The other big battle will be for the final backline spot, with Jason Saab battling fitness concerns to be right to return to wing. With Talau unavailable through injury it could pave the way for Ray Vaega to start in the spot.

After being upgraded to the Top 30 squad in pre-season, Lehi Hopoate has been confirmed as a preferred starter already by Seibold.

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Lazarus Vaalepu
17. Tui Kamikamica

Unavailable: Ryan Papenhuyzen (Ankle/knee, in doubt for round 1), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension, round 3), Dean Ieremia (Achilles, late season), Xavier Coates (ankle, likely available in round 1), Christian Welch (retired)

Analysis: Barring any injury troubles, the Melbourne Storm side picks itself for round 1.

Recruit Stefano Utoikamanu will slot straight into prop in place of the suspended Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Kiwi rugby sevens convert Moses Leo is flying on all reports from down south and is putting series pressure on the current centre pairing leading into the season opener.

Christian Welch has announced his immediate retirement ahead of the season.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is in doubt for round 1, with Sua Fa’alogo to replace him at fullback if required.

Both wingers have endured time in the rehab side during pre-season but should be fit to be named.

New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Adam Pompey
4. Ali Leiataua
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Dylan Walker
15. Demitric Vaimauga
16. Jackson Ford
17. Leka Halasima

Unavailable: Rocco Berry (wrist, in doubt for round 1), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wrist, round 6-12)

Analysis: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad holds off Taine Tuaupiki and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the starting fullback spot.

Luke Metcalf is confirmed at halfback with Chanel Harris-Tavita edging Te Maire Martin for the five-eighth role.

Marata Niukore starts on the edge alongside Kurt Capewell.

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Jacob Laban is nowhere to be seen in the squad which must be injury related, we’ll find out more on this.

Leka Halasima and Demetric Vaimauga nab bench spots.

If Laban is to come back into the mix this also puts doubts on job security for this pair.

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Mathew Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Thomas Cant/Adam Elliott

Unavailable:

Analysis: Fletcher Sharpe impressed at stages in the halves in the trial clash with the Eels.

He’s firming to start in the halves, likely alongside Jack Cogger or Tyson Gamble.

Will Pryce and Jackson Hastings add to the list of halves who remain in the running to start in round 1.

Aside from perhaps Mat Croker’s bench spot, the only other major question mark is who starts in the back-row.

Tyson Frizell is moving to the middle rotation in 2025, which will see Dylan Lucas and Kai Pearce-Paul start on the edges.

This will likely see Frizell and Adam Elliott fight for the starting lock role, with one to play big minutes off the bench.

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Viliame Vailea
4. Jaxon Purdue
5. Braidon Burns
6. Tom Dearden
7. Tom Duffy
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Karl Lawton
15. Griffin Neame
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Coen Hess

Unavailable: Heilum Luki (ACL, season), Tom Chester (ACL, season), Jason Taumalolo (foot, chance for round 1)

Analysis: Departures of Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt opens roles for two outside backs.

Promising centre Zac Laybutt may return from injury through QLD Cup early in the season, which may open a spot for Jaxon Purdue.

Braidon Burns, Semi Valemei and rookie Robert Derby squared off during the pre-season trials with Burns looking favoured to start.

The halfback spot is also up for grabs, with incumbent playmaker Jake Clifford facing competition from rookie Thomas Duffy who starred in the QLD Cup last season.

A recent hernia setback for Clifford gave Duffy every chance to propel himself into the No.7 jersey for round 1 which he looks to have secured.

Coen Hess will start at some stage, but he may be eased back from the bench on return from a lengthy ACL lay-off.

Jason Taumalolo is in doubt for round with a foot injury, with Harrison Edwards likely to deputise if required.

Parramatta Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Jake Tago
3. Will Penisini
4. Zac Lomax
5. Sean Russell
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Jack Williams
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Ryley Smith
15. Luca Moretti
16. Charlie Guymer
17. Ryan Matterson

Unavailable: Josh Addo-Carr (suspension, round 5), Bailey Simonsson (ACL, Early Rounds)

Analysis: Faster, leaner, small and more mobile. Those are the words from inside the camp which could spell a new style of ‘small ball’ football from the Eels.

Penrith recruit Isaiah Iongi is expected to fill the boots of Clint Gutherson at fullback, however he’s facing genuine competition from fellow recruit Joash Papali’i.

NSW Origin star Zac Lomax will return to the centres at his new club.

Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick looked set to share hooking duties until the emergence of Ryley Smith in trials. Smith is tipped to win a bench spot at 14 and offers great speed around the ruck.

This boosts the stocks of J’Maine Hopgood who should play good minutes with three forwards on the bench behind him.

The edge back-row is a lottery, with Kelma Tuilagi expected to win one spot and new recruit and club captain Jack Williams another. They could be spelled by Charlie Guymer and Ryan Matterson off the bench.

Bryce Cartwright only played small minutes in the trials in an indication he could be out of favour.

Joe O looks to have moved into the front row to partner a trim Junior Paulo.

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Casey McLean
3. Izack Tago
4. Luke Garner
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Jack Cole
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Daine Laurie
15. Isaiah Papali’i
16. Matt Eisenhuth
17. Luron Patea

Unavailable: Brian To’o (Hamstring, round 2 or 3), Liam Henry (Shoulder, round 2-4)

Analysis: Paul Alamoti shifts to the wing in place of the injured Brian To’o.

Luke Garner has been named at centre, surely, surely Alamoti plays centre, Jesse McLean plays wing and Garner shifts to the bench?

It’s likely the Supercoach bias coming out in me but that seems far more logical with Alamoti’s form at centre in the finals last season.

If the team stays as named it means McLean is potentially two injuries away from a start once To’o returns.

As reported in recent days, Jack Cole beats out Blaize Talagi for the five-eighth spot.

Isaiah Papali’i misses out on the starting spot, with Scott Sorensen preferred.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Jye Gray
2. Isaiah Tass
3. Campbell Graham
4. Jack Wighton
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Davvy Moale
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Sean Keppie
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Tavita Tatola
16. Tallis Duncan
17. Liam le Blanc

Unavailable: Cameron Murray (Achilles, TBC), Latrell Mitchell (Hamstring, round 6), Campbell Graham (hand, likely for round 1), Cody Walker (calf, likely available round 1), Alex Johnston (Achilles, TBC), Euan Aitken (Pec, early season), Lewis Dodd (suspension, round 2), Shaq Mitchell (Hamstring, round 10)

Analysis: Injuries will plague the start of the Rabbitohs season.

Latrell Mitchell is out for two months with a hamstring injury, with Jye Gray to slot in at fullback.

Cam Murray suffered a suspect Achilles rupture that will see him spend a long time on the sidelines if confirmed.

With Euan Aitken injured, Keaon Koloamatangi will likely have to start on the edge.

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Campbell Graham is in major doubt for round 1 after injuring his hand at training.

From the time of injury in late January he’s set to miss four to six weeks which puts the time frame in line with the early rounds of the season.

Englishman Lewis Dodd is the front-runner to start at halfback, however Manly recruit Jamie Humphreys has impressed at his new club and could easily find his way into the 17 for round 1, as has Jayden Sullivan.

Wayne Bennett won’t hesitate to catapult Humphreys or Sullivan into the starting team, with one to get a crack in the season opener with Dodd suspended.

He could be utilised as the bench utility, however Siliva Havili can also cover the hooking role if required.

St. George Illawarra Dragons

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Matt Faegai
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Moses Suli
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. Toby Couchman
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jayden Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Tom Eisenhuth
16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
17. Hame Sele

Unavailable: Ben Murdoch-Masila (lisfrac, round 3)

Analysis: Despite plenty of change to the Dragons line-up, the starting 17 appears fairly straight-forward.

Tyrell Sloan will need to prove himself defensively to win a starting berth on the wing, and looks set to be sent to reserve grade to do so. Matt Faegai looks locked on one wing while Christian Tuipuluto or cheapie Sione Finau will land on the left.

Damien Cook will start at hooker, likely spending time at lock when Jacob Liddle is introduced.

The likes of Blake Lawrie, Michael Molo, Ryan Couchman and rookie Loko Pasifika Tonga will all come into contention for bench roles.

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Robert Toia
4. Mark Nawaqanitawase
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Suia Wong
14. Salesi Foketi
15. De La Salle Va’a
16. Blake Steep
17. Nat Butcher

Unavailable: Sam Walker (ACL, late season), Brandon Smith, (ACL, late season), Billy Smith (Hip, round 2 or 3), Egan Butcher (Knee, round 2 or 3), Spencer Leniu (Suspension, round 3)

Analysis: The Roosters boast a few new faces due to injuries to end 2024 and a few departures.

Sandon Smith and Chad Townsend are likely to form a new halves pairing with Luke Keary retired and Sam Walker injured.

Joey Manu’s vacant centre spot is up for grabs, with Mark Nawaqanitawase, Robert Toia and Junior Pauga all fighting to start.

It’ll be a genuine shoot-out in the pre-season trial fixtures.

With Smith likely to miss the first two rounds, it’ll open up two spots for round 1.

The Victor Radley experiment in the second row looks set to continue with Suia Wong firming to land the lock spot in Round 1. Nat Butcher should come off the bench and provide cover to both positions.

Spencer Leniu is suspended until round 3.

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula/Heath Mason
2. Jeral Skelton
3. Starford To’a
4. Adam Doueihi
5. Sunia Turuva
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Fonua Pole
9. Api Koroisau (Tallyn Da Silva)
10. Terrell May
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Alex Twal
14. Latu Fainu
15. Jack Bird
16. Royce Hunt
17. Sione Fainu

Unavailable: Api Koroisau (suspension, round 2), Brent Naden (knee, round 6-8), Justin Olam (Knee, TBC)

Analysis: It’s a very new-look Tigers roster heading into the 2025 season after a big recruitment drive.

There’s spots up for grabs in the backline, with Sunia Turuva to either play centre or wing.

Justin Olam’s future is in doubt with a knee injury, meaning Starford To’a may start at centre.

Turuva could also make the move, open a win spot for Luke Laulilii.

Jack Bird is also able to play numerous positions, but recent reports suggest he’ll look to cement a lock role this season, albeit starting from the bench.

If that’s the case, it’ll likely see Alex Seyfarth start on the edge.

Jarome Luai had an injury scare at training but has been cleared of anything serious and is a chance to feature in the trials.

Latu Fainu and Tallyn Da Silva will battle for the utility bench role.