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:

• Api Koroisau will miss the opening round, as will Latrell Mitchell unless the NRL count the All Stars clash in his one game 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 may shift positions to accomodate a star rookie

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Brisbane Broncos

1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Deine Mariner
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Payne Haas
9. Blake Mozer
10. Patrick Carrigan
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Fletcher Baker
17. Xavier Willison

Unavailable: Ezra Mam (suspended, round 10)

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

Blake Mozer appears to be the front-runner to win the starting hooker role ahead of Billy Walters.

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

Big bopper Ben Te Kura could jump Fletcher Baker for a bench spot.

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Canberra Raiders

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

Unavailable: Zac Hosking (calf, in doubt for round 1, scans to confirm)

Analysis: The Raiders have a host of different combinations at their disposal with a number of promising rookies on the way up.

Raiders Jersey Flegg player of the year Owen Pattie has impressed during the pre-season and will push both Tom Starling and Danny Levi for round 1 spots.

Chevy Stewart (fullback) and Ethan Sanders (halves) can also push their cases for round 1 starting spots with strong performances in the pre-season trials, granted it’d force a reshuffle in the spine.

If either did start, it’d like see Ethan Strange shift to centre which would create further backline movement.

The spine could look very different come the Las Vegas opener based on pre-season performances.

Zac Hosking is in doubt with a calf injury which would likely see English recruit Matty Nicholson start in the back-row if unavailable.

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Bronson Xerri
5. Jacob Kiraz
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:

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

Jaeman Salmon and Tom Amone will compete for the final bench spot.

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Cronulla Sharks

1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
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)

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 is expected to start the season at the back.

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Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jack Bostock
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. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Max Plath
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Tom Gilbert
16. Ray Stone
17. Mark Nicholls

Unavailable: Tom Flegler (shoulder, mid-season), Trai Fuller (knee, late season)

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 or Junior Tupou.

It remains to be seen which flyer would make the shift, however pre-season trial teams should tell the story.

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 Connelly Lemuelu.

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.

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Gold Coast Titans

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

Unavailable: David Fifita (ankle, in doubt for round 1), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (shoulder, in doubt for round 1)

Analysis: David Fifita and Reagan Campbell-Gillard are both in doubt for the opening round.

There’s some chat around Jayden Campbell starting in the halves with AJ Brimson, with Kieran Foran starting from the bench.

It makes little sense to me, but it’s certainly one worth monitoring as the pre-season unfolds.

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

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

If they want Campbell starting, Brimson could shift to centre but there becomes another headache in who drops out.

It’ll be a fascinating pre-season on the Gold Coast because there’ll be plenty of quality missing from the round 1 starting line-up.

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Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
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)

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.

The other big battle will be for the final backline spot, with Tommy Talau and Lehi Hopoate likely competing for a spot on the wing.

Trial form will dictate who gets that nod.

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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. Christian Welch
17. Tui Kamikamica

Unavailable: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension, round 3),Dean Ieremia (Achilles, late season)

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.

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New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Ali Leiataua
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Te Maire Martin
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jackson Ford
13. Dylan Walker
14. Chanel Harris-Tavita
15. Demitric Vaimauga
16. Marata Niukore
17. Erin Clark

Unavailable:

Analysis: There’s a battle for the fullback role between incumbent Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Taine Tuaupiki.

I expect CNK to get the start, if they did opt for Tuaupiki it could see Charnze shift to centre.

Promising rookie Ali Leiataua is expected to cement himself at centre in 2025.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is likely to shift to the wing in place of the departed Marcelo Montoya.

Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin will be the round 1 halves, there’s a chance Metcalf could even wear the seven jumper, although I think he’ll stay in the six.

The retirement of Tohu Harris will likely see Dylan Walker start at lock, while recruit Erin Clark is also an option.

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Newcastle Knights

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

Unavailable:

Analysis: Recent chat out of the Hunter is that Fletcher Sharpe has been training at five-eighth alongside Tyson Gamble at halfback.

While it may unfold this way, it doesn’t make much sense to me so I’ll back a more traditional halves pairing of Gamble and Jack Cogger, with Sharpe on the wing where he excelled last season.

If Sharpe did start in the halves, it’d open a spot for Raiders recruit James Schiller on the wing.

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.

I’d imagine Dylan Lucas is locked into one spot, while Tyson Frizell jags the other with Kai Pearce-Paul on the bench.

If they choose to start KPP, Frizell may be forced to push into the middle rotation.

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North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Viliame Vailea
4. Jaxon Purdue
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
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 is expected to return from injury through QLD Cup early in the season, which may open a spot for Jaxon Purdue.

Semi Valemei and rookie Robert Derby will square off in the pre-season trials to win the other spot.

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 will give Duffy every chance to propel himself into the No.7 jersey for round 1.

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.

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Parramatta Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Bailey Simonsson
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. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Joey Lussick
15. Ryan Matterson
16. Shaun Lane
17. Jack Williams

Unavailable: Josh Addo-Carr (suspension, round 5)

Analysis: Penrith recruit Isaiah Iongi is expected to fill the boots of Clint Gutherson at fullback.

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

Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick are likely to share hooking duties, however coach Jason Ryles may opt for a sole hooker in 2025.

The edge back-row is a lottery, with Kelma Tuilagi, Bryce Cartwright, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson all options to start.

I believe they’ll go with Tuilagi and Cartwright, with Lane and Matterson utilised as middle forwards.

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Penrith Panthers

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

Unavailable:

Analysis: The major battle at Penrith is the successor to Jarome Luai at five-eighth.

Eels recruit Blaize Talagi is a strong chance to get the nod, with Jack Cole and Brad Schneider also options.

The other question is in the back-row, Isaiah Papali’i is likely to come in and start on the edge, with Scott Sorensen to revert back to a middle role off the bench that he’s done successfully in the past.

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South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell* (Jye Gray)
2. Isaiah Tass
3. Campbell Graham
4. Jack Wighton
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Lewis Dodd
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Davvy Moale
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Tallis Duncan
14. Siliva Havili
15. Sean Keppie
16. Josh Schuster
17. Lachlan Hubner

Unavailable: Cameron Murray (wrist, early season), Latrell Mitchell (suspension, round 2), Alex Johnston (Achilles, TBC), Euan Aitken (Pec, early season)

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

Latrell Mitchell is likely to miss round 1 due to suspension, with Jye Gray to start at fullback.

He may be a chance should the NRL choose to count the All Stars clash as his one game suspension which would make him available for round 1.

With Euan Aitken injured, Keaon Koloamatangi will likely have to start on the edge with Tallis Duncan at lock.

The only variation would be if Josh Schuster can impress during the pre-season and win a starting role.

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.

If Dodd struggles in trials, Wayne Bennett won’t hesitate to catapult Humphreys into the starting team.

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

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St. George Illawarra Dragons

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Moses Suli
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Jack de Belin
9. Damien Cook
10. Francis Molo
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jayden Su’A
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Toby Couchman
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.

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.

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Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Mark Nawaqanitawase
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Nat Butcher
13. Victor Radley
14. Naufahu Whyte
15. Egan Butcher
16. Blake Steep
17. Siua Wong

Unavailable: Sam Walker (ACL, late season), Brandon Smith, (ACL, late season)

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.

Nat Butcher is likely to start on the edge, however Trent Robinson may opt to play Victor Radley there as per the majority of last season.

Egan Butcher is on track for round 1 after suffering an ACL injury last season, he’ll fight for bench spots alongside Blake Steep, Siua Wong and De La Salle Va’a.

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Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula
2. Jeral Skelton
3. Sunia Turuva
4. Adam Doueihi
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. David Klemmer
9. Api Koroisau (Tallyn Da Silva)
10. Terrell May
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Jack Bird
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Fonua Pole
16. Royce Hunt
17. Alex Twal

Unavailable: Api Koroisau (suspension, round 2)

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.

If at centre, it could force Justin Olam out of the team and create a wing role for Luke Laulilii.

If Turuva plays wing, Olam would likely start at centre.

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

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