NRL Round 1 predicted teams, 2026: Squads, news, starting 19s

We’re closing in on the NRL 2026 season opener, so it’s time to predict the starting 19 of every club.

The NRL season start date is on March 1 in Las Vegas with a double header to kick-off.

The remaining six fixtures from NRL Round 1 start on Thursday, March 5.

To get excited, I’ve pieced together what I believe will be the starting 19 for each club in round 1.

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Importantly, it’s what I believe each club will run out as, rather than what I would go with.

Stacks will change as the pre-season unfolds, there’ll be signings, injuries and plenty more happening which will impact each roster.

As the movements occur, I’ll update the relevant squad on a daily basis.

If you disagree with anything below, let us know in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

An important note, this is the best 19, as we know the NRL has recently introduced the six man bench rule.

While I’m confident on the 17 named, the reality is that coaches could go any number of ways with their additional two picks.

Here’s how I believe each NRL team will line up in Round 1.

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BRONCOS

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds

8. Corey Jensen

9. Ben Hunt

10. Payne Haas

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Cory Paix

15. Aublix Tawha

16. Xavier Willison

17. Ben Te Kura

18. Grant Anderson

19. Ben Talty

Analysis: The Broncos outfit fairly well picks itself from last season.

Ezra Mam will return to the starting side at five-eighth, pushing Ben Hunt to hooker.

With Billy Walters unavailable to begin the season, Cory Paix and rookie hooker Blake Mozer will battle for a bench role.

Josiah Karapani will look to lock down his spot on the wing with Selwyn Cobbo departing for the Dolphins, however both wingers will face competition from Jesse Arthars who will be looking to bounce back from an underwhelming season by his standards.

Brendan Piakura is in doubt to start the year due to injury, with Aublix Tawha impressing at Red Hill and a chance to start in his place.

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BULLDOGS

1. Connor Tracey

2. Marcelo Montoya

3. Bronson Xerri

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Jacob Kiraz

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Leo Thompson

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Harry Hayes

16. Josh Curran

17. Sitili Tupouniua

18. Sam Hughes

19. Enari Tuala

Analysis: The Bulldogs team pretty well picks itself to begin the season, however there will be plenty of selection dilemmas as the year goes on.

Recruit Kade Dykes will push Connor Tracey for the starting fullback role.

Mitch Woods will heap pressure on the halves, but is likely to be eased into the top grade and may even feature off the bench at stages of the season.

The club seem content to start Jaeman Salmon at 13 ahead of Kurt Mann or Josh Curran.

Recruit Leo Thompson will start at prop, while Sam Hughes and Jack Todd will push for bench spots throughout the pre-season.

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COWBOYS

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Murray Taulagi

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Jaxon Purdue

5. Braidon Burns

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden

8. Jason Taumalolo

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Coen Hess

11. Heilum Luki

12. Sam McIntyre

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Matt Lodge

15. Harrison Edwards

16. John Bateman

17. Kai O’Donnell

18. Tom Chester*

19. Soni Luke

Analysis: The big call will be around Jaxon Purdue who could start at centre or five-eighth.

At this stage it’s almost a flip of the coin, after being named to start in the trials at centre with Jake Clifford in the halves alongside Tom Dearden.

The alternative would be Purdue in the halves, with Tom Chester at centre.

Chester may not be available in round 1 which may force Payten’s hand.

Braidon Burns faces competition from the likes of Viliame Vailea, Jaxson Paulo and Robert Derby for the final backline spot, pending again the availability of Chester.

With Jeremiah Nanai to miss the start of the season, Heilum Luki will likely start on return from injury, alongside either Sam McIntyre or John Bateman.

Griffin Neame will likely miss the beginning of the season through injury, but is an outside chance to feature.

This will see Coen Hess start at prop, and recruit Matt Lodge join the bench, while Thomas Mikaele will push for a spot one the pine.

Reed Mahoney takes over from Reece Robson at the starting hooker, while Penrith recruit Soni Luke is likely to feature on the six man bench.

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DOLPHINS

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jake Averillo

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Kurt Donoghoe

10. Francis Molo

11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

12. Connelly Lemuelu

13. Tom Gilbert

14. Ray Stone

15. Tom Flegler

16. Oryn Keely

17. Morgan Knowles

18. Felise Kaufusi

19. Trai Fuller

Analysis: The Dolphins are loaded with depth, making them one of the harder line-ups to predict.

Has Trai Fuller shown enough to force Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow into the centres?

Perhaps, but we will get a better indication of this once the squad rip into their pre-season and news unfolds.

For now, it appears Hammer will get the No.1 jumper which will allow Averillo to start at centre.

Jack Bostock is out for the start of the season, which locks recruit Selwyn Cobbo onto the wing with Jamayne Isaako.

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Max Plath is now an outside chance for round one, which would shake-up the starting side.

Jeremy Marshall-King is out for the beginning of the season with a knee injury, with Plath also likely out it’ll see Kurt Donoghoe start at hooker.

There are countless ways they could go with their forward pack and bench, with a number of versatile big men that can be moved around.

Tom Flegler is on track to return from a lengthy injury lay-off in round 1 after an impressive trial performance.

English international Morgan Knowles joins the club and will join the six man bench alongside Felise Kaufusi and Ray Stone.

It also wouldn’t surprise to see Oryn Keeley start on the edge and either Kulikefu Finefeuiaki or Connelly Lemuelu miss out.

One thing’s for sure, it’ll be a fascinating pre-season in Phin territory with plenty of spots up for grabs.

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DRAGONS

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Setu Tu

3. Moses Suli

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Christian Tuipulotu

6. Kyle Flanagan

7. Daniel Atkinson

8. Toby Couchman

9. Damien Cook

10. Emre Guler

11. Jaydn Su’A

12. Luciano Leilua

13. Hamish Stewart

14. Jacob Liddle*

15. Loko Pasifika-Tonga

16. Josh Kerr

17. Jacob Halangahu

18. Kade Reed

19. David Fale

Analysis: Recruit Daniel Atkinson is likely to start in the halves alongside Kyle Flanagan, with rookie Lyhkan King-Togia and impressive trialist Kade Reed will push both for round 1 spots on the extended bench,

The battle for backline spots is also heating up with Tyrell Sloan, David Fale, Setu Tu all fighting for spots on the wing.

Winger Christian Tuipulotu has overcome injury concern to feature in the opening trial.

He starts on the wing alongside Setu Tu, with David Fale at centre, suggesting perhaps the latter could miss out in Vegas.

Dylan Egan will miss the beginning of the season through injury, with Jacob Halangahu or Luciano Leilua to start on the edge.

Trial teams indicate Leilua is the front-runner at this stage.

Ryan Couchman will push for a bench spot on return from a lengthy injury lay-off alongside other candidates Hame Sele, Blake Lawrie and recruit Josh Kerr.

Jacob Liddle is in major doubt for round 1 with a hamstring injury.

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EELS

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Bailey Simonsson

3. Will Penisini

4. Brian Kelly

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Jonah Pezet

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Junior Paulo

9. Ryley Smith

10. Jack Williams

11. Kitione Kautoga

12. Kelma Tuilagi

13. Jack de Belin

14. Tallyn Da Silva

15. Dylan Walker

16. Sam Tuivaiti

17. J’maine Hopgood

18. Jordan Samrani

19. Joash Papalii

Analysis: The departure of Zac Lomax will likely see Bailey Simonsson shift to the wing to accommodate the arrival of Brian Kelly who will play centre, while Sean Russell is also an option.

Jonah Pezet is likely to start in the halves ahead of Joash Papalii.

The forward pack boasts plenty of depth and could go in a number of directions, depending on who they opt to start in the edge back-row roles.

Kitione Kautoga and Kelma Tuilagi were favourites of Jason Ryles last season and likely start round 1, however they could opt to shift Jack Williams to an edge which would see J’maine Hopgood start in the middle.

Recruit Jack de Belin likely starts at lock, however they could also opt for J’maine Hopgood.

Ryley Smith and Tallyn Da Silva will share hooking duties, while recruit Jack de Belin is expected to start at lock.

Sam Tuivaiti, Jordan Samrani and Charlie Guymer are likely to compete for the final bench role, while Ryan Matterson has a very interesting year coming up after being on the outer in 2025.

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KNIGHTS

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Greg Marzhew

3. Bradman Best

4. Dane Gagai

5. Dom Young

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Dylan Brown

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Dylan Lucas

13. Tyson Frizell

14. Sandon Smith

15. Thomas Cant

16. Matthew Croker

17. Cody Hopwood

18. Pasami Saulo

19. Fletcher Hunt

Analysis: I’ve seen different reports in different places as to how the halves will line-up for round 1, to be perfectly honest I’m not sure what the plan will be and I’m not sure Justin Holbrook has it locked in yet either.

Holbrook suggested the reported wing move for Fletcher Sharpe is off the cards, which may mean he starts in the halves alongside Dylan Brown with Sandon Smith to play as the bench utility.

Smith could also start at hooker, with Phoenix Crossland as the bench utility, time will tell.

As per the trial, Smith could also start at halfback.

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With Kai Pearce-Paul leaving, Dylan Lucas will be joined by Jermaine McEwen on the edge.

McEwen is being eased back from injury, so Thomas Cant could start in his place in the short-term, with McEwen off the bench.

With the departure of Leo Thompson, and Adam Elliott currently unsigned, the Knights middles look extremely light on.

Recruit Trey Mooney may have to start up front alongside Jacob Saifiti who will be one prop, with Tyson Frizell at lock.

The make-up of the bench is uncertain, however they’ll be banking on their youth to come to the fore in the shape of Cody Hopwood, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana and former Raider Pasami Saulo.

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PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Paul Alamoti

3. Izack Tago

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To’o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Jack Cogger

15. Liam Henry

16. Isaiah Papali’i

17. Luke Garner

18. Kalani Going

19. Thomas Jenkins

Analysis: For the first time since the beginning of their dynasty, the Penrith Panthers have little roster rotation in terms of their best 19.

Their 17 essentially picks itself, outside of some potential bench movement.

The only potential shift would be Isaiah Papali’i starting on the edge and Scott Sorensen shifting to the bench to play a middle role, but last year’s usage of both men would suggest there won’t be a change.

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The utility bench spot will be up for grabs and will be determined by Ivan Cleary’s preference for his 14. The six man bench obviously gives plenty of flexibility now.

Traditionally he’s used a halves option, meaning Jack Cole or Jack Cogger will get the nod.

He could also opt for a big bopper in Luron Patea or NSW Cup player of the year Kalani Going who signed on from the Warriors.

Going could be utilised as the bench utility with the ability to play across numerous positions.

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RABBITOHS

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Jack Wighton

4. Latrell Mitchell

5. Campbell Graham

6. Cody Walker

7. Jamie Humphreys* (Sullivan)

8. Jai Arrow

9. Peter Mamouzelos

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. Tallis Duncan

12. David Fifita

13. Cameron Murray

14. Brandon Smith

15. Lachlan Hubner

16. Tevita Tatola

17. Euan Aitken

18. Adam Elliott

19. Jayden Sullivan

Analysis: The Rabbitohs are stacked heading into the 2026 season and should be competing for a premiership if they can finally have a good run of luck on the injury front.

Jye Gray is likely to start at fullback, shifting Latrell Mitchell to centre, although this isn’t yet confirmed.

This would see Campbell Graham shift to the wing.

Jamie Humphries is expected to start at halfback, with competition coming from Jonah Glover.

Note however Humphreys is suspended for the first two games, so Glover may get the round 1 start

Peter Mamouzelos is likely to start at hooker, but faces competition from recruit Bronson Garlick.

Outside of Tevita Tatola, essentially their entire pack is capable of starting in the middle or on the edge.

Tatola or Jai Arrow will start at prop alongside Keaon Koloamatangi, with the loser likely to play off the bench.

The only alternative would be if Wayne Bennett used David Fifita in a middle role, enabling Arrow to remain on the edge.

The Rabbitohs have recently added Adam Elliott to their roster to add to their absurd depth, he’ll likely fight for minutes with Lachlan Hubner.

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RAIDERS

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savelio Tamale

3. Matt Timoko

4. Seb Kris

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Josh Papalii

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine

11. Hudson Young

12. Zac Hosking

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Owen Pattie

15. Simi Sasagi

16. Ata Mariota

17. Matty Nicholson

18. Morgan Smithies

19. Daine Laurie

Analysis: The Raiders starting side will pick itself for the most part, barring any standout pre-season performances.

Xavier Savage should start on the wing, but will face competition from recruit Sione Fainu and Jed Stuart.

Ethan Sanders is expected to get the first crack at Jamal Fogarty’s jersey ahead of highly touted rookie Coby Black who was signed from the Broncos.

Zac Hosking and Matty Nicholson will battle out the pre-season for a starting edge role, with the loser to play off the bench.

Tom Starling and Owen Pattie are expected to again share hooking duties despite the arrival of Jayden Brailey from the Knights.

Expect Pattie to play greater minutes this season after being eased in last year.

The big bench battle appeared a fight between Ata Mariota and Morgan Smithies, but the six man bench takes away this decision for Ricky Stuart.

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ROOSTERS

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Reece Robson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Connor Watson

14. Spencer Leniu

15. Blake Steep

16. Egan Butcher

17. Salesi Foketi

18. Hugo Savala

19. Tommy Talau

Analysis: The Roosters outfit largely picks itself to begin the new season.

Daly Cherry-Evans will come in and partner Sam Walker in the halves, leaving breakout star Hugo Savala as the odd man out.

Savala will play a role as the bench utility with the benefit of the six man bench.

With Reece Robson’s arrival at hooker, Benaiah Ioelu is likely to begin the season in NSW Cup.

Egan Butcher, Blake Steep, Salesi Foketi, Nat Butcher and Taylor Losalu will battle for bench spots.

Victor Radley will miss the start of the season due to suspension.

Any of Junior Tupou, Tommy Talau or Junior Pauga could fill the final spot on the six man bench.

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SEA EAGLES

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Jason Saab

3. Tolu Koula

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Luke Brooks

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Siosiua Taukeiaho

9. Jake Simpkin

10. Taniela Paseka

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Kobe Hetherington

15. Ethan Bullemor

16. Nathan Brown

17. Simione Laiafi

18. Joey Walsh

19. Clayton Faulalo

Analysis: Manly’s backline is set with Jamal Fogarty replacing Daly Cherry-Evans.

The pack could go one of two ways pending how big man Taniela Paseka returns from a lengthy ACL lay-off.

If they opt to ease him back off the bench, Jake Trbojevic could shift to prop with recruit Kobe Hetherington starting at lock.

If Paseka is ready to rock and isn’t eased back, he could start up front with Siosiua Taukeiaho allowing Trbojevic to remain at lock.

Rookie forward Simione Laiafi has huge prospects and could feature in round 1 off the bench, particularly with Caleb Navale out for the season.

Anthony Seibold does like to run a utility in the 14, so gun rookie Joey Walsh could come into the picture if he opts to go that way.

I suspect Walsh will float between the bench and NSW Cup as they’ll be eager to get as many minutes into him at NSW Cup level as possible.

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SHARKS

1. William Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien

4. KL Iro

5. Sam Stonestreet

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Oregan Kaufusi

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Siosifa Talakai

15. Billy Burns

16. Toby Rudolf

17. Tom Hazelton

18. Mawene Hiroti

19. Niwhai Puru

Analysis: The Sharks backline picks itself, with Sam Stonestreet to start on the wing in the absence of the injured Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Liam Ison will heap pressure on Will Kennedy at fullback on return from an ACL injury.

Cameron McInnes is returning from an ACL injury of his own and will miss the start of the season.

This will see Jesse Colquhoun as the likely replacement at lock.

Briton Nikora is likely to regain his starting back-row spot, pushing Billy Burns to the bench.

Braden Hamlin-Uele will be in contention for a round 1 bench spot.

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STORM

1. Sua Fa’alogo

2. Will Warbrick

3. Jack Howarth

4. Nick Meaney

5. Xavier Coates

6. Cam Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Harry Grant

10. Josh King

11. Joe Chan

12. Shawn Blore

13. Ativalu Lisati

14. Tyran Wishart

15. Tui Kamikamica

16. Alec MacDonald

17. Josiah Pahulu

18. Jack Hetherington

19. Moses Leo

Analysis: Sua Fa’alogo will fill the boots of Ryan Papenhuyzen following his exit from the club.

If Zac Lomax was cleared to sign with the Storm at any point, he’d start at centre with Nick Meaney likely the man to drop out.

Meaney could also shift to fullback, pending how Fa’alogo performs in the pre-season.

Trent Loiero will miss the first two rounds due to suspension, Ativalu Lisati is likely to start either at lock or on the edge.

With Loiero out, he probably begins the new campaign at lock with Joe Chan on the edge.

Recruit Jack Hetherington will be competing for a round 1 bench spot.

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TITANS

1. Keano Kini

2. Siale Faeamani

3. Max Feagai

4. Phil Sami

5. Jojo Fifita

6. AJ Brimson

7. Jayden Campbell

8. Moe Fotuaika

9. Sam Verrills

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. Josh Patston

12. Beau Fermor

13. Chris Randall

14. Klese Haas

15. Kurtis Morrin

16. Cooper Bai

17. Arama Hau

18. Lachlan Ilias

19. Adam Christensen

Analysis: There’s some movement at the Titans, with a number of starters departing the club in the off-season.

Keano Kini will return to the fullback role after missing the majority of last season with injury.

Rookie Siale Faeamani heads a list of contenders to fill the wing spot of Lofi Khan-Pereira, with Jaylan De Groot and Tony Francis also in contention.

Light on out wide, AJ Brimson may be forced to play centre with Lachlan Ilias joining Jayden Campbell in the halves.

For now though, it looks as though Brimson will get first crack at five-eighth with recruit Lachlan Ilias to miss out on a starting role.

Former Dolphin Max Feagai may start at centre, however Josh Hannay could shift Jojo Fifita to centre and start Francis or Allan Fitzgibbon on the wing.

A number of players could start in the edge back-row spot previously held by David Fifita, with reports suggesting Josh Patston is leading the contenders early on.

Chris Randall is expected to return to a middle role at this stage after spending time on the edge in the back end of 2025.

Jaimin Joliffe can’t take a trick, he’s a great footballer but the poor bloke has suffered a season ending ACL injury.

This could see a number of changes, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui a chance to move to prop with Chris Randall starting at lock.

Arama Hau and Adam Christensen are in contention for minutes early on.

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WARRIORS

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Lofi Khan-Periera

3. Adam Pompey

4. Ali Leiataua

5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Leka Halasima

13. Erin Clark

14. Te Maire Martin

15. Demitric Vaimauga

16. Jacob Laban

17. Marata Niukore

18. Morgan Gannon

19. Taine Tuaupiki*

Analysis: The Warriors are stacked for depth once again which will see a number of players battle out for positions throughout the pre-season.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstadd and Taine Tuaupiki are in a pre-season duel to start at fullback, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is far from locked onto the wing with lightning quick recruit Alofiana Khan-Pereira a chance to displace the veteran.

Tuaupiki is in doubt for the start of the season with a niggle.

The centre duel will be fascinating, with Adam Pompey, Ali Leiataua and Rocco Berry competing for two spots.

Berry is expected to miss the start of the season through injury, giving his rivals a head start.

Tanah Boyd will again deputise for Luke Metcalf who is due back approximately round 7.

Mitchell Barnett is a chance to return for round 1, we won’t know whether he’ll be eased back through NSW Cup, bench or straight into the starting side until closer to the season opener.

I expect Jackson Ford and Jacob Laban to be in competition for the final bench spot, alongside highly regarded English recruit Morgan Gannon.

Rookie hooker Samuel Healey will push his case for the no.14 jumper, but it’ll likely go to the more versatile Te Maire Martin.

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WESTS TIGERS

1. Jahream Bula

2. Sunia Turuva

3. Taylan May

4. Starford To’a

5. Heamasi Makasini

6. Jarome Luai

7. Adam Doueihi

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisau

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Alex Twal

14. Latu Fainu

15. Tony Sukkar

16. Alex Seyfarth

17. Sione Fainu

18. Royce Hunt

19. Jeral Skelton

Analysis: The Tigers backline fairly well picks itself, with Adam Doueihi to start in the halves and Latu Fainu as the bench utility.

Star rookie Heamasi Makasini is firming to start on the wing, however he will face competition from highly touted rookie Jeral Skelton who could force his way into the team with a big pre-season.

Knights recruit Kai Pearce-Paul joins Samuela Fainu in the back-row.

Warriors recruit Bunty Afoa and Royce Hunt will likely fight for the bench spot.