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

We run through every NRL squad to predicted their starting 17 for the 2025 season, including key pre-season battles at each club.

NRL

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:

  • 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
  • Latrell Mitchell is available for round 1 after the NRL confirmed the All Stars game will count towards his suspension
  • In further boosts for the Rabbitohs, Cam Murray and Campbell Graham are likely to be available in round 1
  • 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
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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. Cory Paix
  10. Patrick Carrigan
  11. Brendan Piakura
  12. Jordan Riki
  13. Kobe Hetherington
  14. Billy Walters
  15. Corey Jensen
  16. Ben Te Kura
  17. Xavier Willison

Unavailable: 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.

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.

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

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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. 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 but is firming after being confirmed to travel to Vegas, with English recruit Matty Nicholson to start in the back-row if unavailable.

Albert Hopoate will miss the Vegas opener as he awaits the birth of his child, with Savelio Tamale likely to start on the wing for the Raiders.

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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)

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.

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.

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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.

Nicho may wear the six, with Trindall in the seven.

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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), Carter Gordon (back, TBC)

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 was 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.

Unfortunately a recent back injury has him in doubt to start 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. Tommy Talau
  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)

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, although Hopoate being named in the weak trial squad that faced the Bunnies suggests he may miss out.

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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. Lazarus Vaalepu
  17. Tui Kamikamica

Unavailable: 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.

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New Zealand Warriors

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

Unavailable: Rocco Berry (wrist, in doubt for round 1)

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.

Rocco Berry is in doubt for round 1, with Adam Pompey likely to start at centre.

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

Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin are the likely round 1 halves, however recruit Tanah Boyd may push Te Maire Martin to a utility bench role.

The Warriors are lacking a long kicking game which Boyd possesses.

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

Jacob Laban is also pushing for a starting edge back-row role, with Jackson Ford moving into a middle role.

Impressive forward Leka Halasima could force his way onto the bench.

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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. Jayden Brailey
  10. Leo Thompson
  11. Dylan Lucas
  12. Kai Pearce-Paul
  13. Adam Elliott
  14. Phoenix Crossland
  15. Mathew Croker
  16. Jack Hetherington
  17. Tyson Frizell

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.

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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. 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.

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, while Purdue is also in the race for the halves.

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. Jack Williams
  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. Joe Ofahengaue

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

Analysis: 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 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.

The partner to Junior Paulo in the front-row could be any number of options, from Joe Ofahengaue to Jack Williams to young gun Charlie Guymer.

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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
  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. Cameron Murray
  14. Siliva Havili
  15. Sean Keppie
  16. Tallis Duncan
  17. Jamie Humphreys

Unavailable: Cameron Murray (wrist, expected to play round 1), Campbell Graham (in doubt for round 1), Cody Walker (calf, likely available round 1), Alex Johnston (Achilles, TBC), Euan Aitken (Pec, early season)

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

Latrell Mitchell is available for round 1 after the NRL confirmed the All Stars game will count towards his suspension.

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.

Further, Cam Murray is well ahead of schedule from injury and is also expected to feature in round 1.

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. Toby Couchman
  11. Luciano Leilua
  12. Jayden Su’A
  13. Tom Eisenhuth
  14. Jacob Liddle
  15. Emre Guler
  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. Justin Olam
  4. Adam Doueihi
  5. Sunia Turuva
  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.

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.

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