NRL 2023: Teams Analysis, Round 1, ins and outs, teams, changes, Joey Manu, Roosters, Nicho Hynes, Sharks, Luke Thompson Bulldogs

The Roosters are without several of their stars for a historic first clash against the Dolphins whose coach Wayne Bennett has already swung the axe. 

The Broncos have named their replacement for injured fullback Reece Walsh, while reigning Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes has also been scratched. 

The Tigers have rested one of their biggest off-season recruits and the Raiders have made a shock call at fullback.

Read on for the Teams Analysis for Round 1.

Farnworth inks move to Dolphins in 2024 | 00:32

THURSDAY MARCH 2

Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium, 7.50pm AEDT

Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Matt Doorey 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Jirah Momoisea 15. Jack Murchie 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Ky Rodwell 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Mitch Rein 22. Isaac Lumelume

Analysis: Bailey Simonsson (shoulder) has been named on the wing, while Waqa Blake (arm) switches to centre. Matt Doorey (ankle) and Bryce Cartwright (jaw) have also been named but Shaun Lane (broken jaw) and Ryan Matterson (suspension) are out. Former Panther J’maine Hopgood rounds out an all lnew look front row. Former Raider Josh Hodgson debuts for the Eels at hooker. Recruits Jack Murchie and Jirah Momoisea are on the bench.

Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec Macdonald 16. Chris Lewis 17. Jordan Grant 18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Joe Chan 22. Jonah Pezet

Analysis: With Ryan Papenhuyzen still out for at least eight weeks Nick Meaney is at fullback, while Will Warbrick earns a spot on the wing. It is a new look pack after the departures of Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi. Trent Loiero starts in the second row alongside recruit Eliesa Katoa. Tyran Wishart is the bench utility joined by Chris Lewis, Jordan Grant and Alec MacDonald. Veterans Tariq Sims (calf) and Tepai Moeroa (toe) are both out due to injuries.

Hodgson defends player 'Greed' rumors | 00:56

FRIDAY MARCH 3

Warriors vs Newcastle Knights at Sky Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT

Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Brayden Wiliame 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Josh Curran 17. Tom Ale 18. Viliami Vailea 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Edward Kosi

Analysis: New recruits Marata Niukore, Mitch Barnett, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Te Maire Martin all earn starting spots, while Dylan Walker is the bench utility. Centre Brayden Wiliame will make his NRL return after his stint in French rugby. Former Dragons forward Jackson Ford partners Niukore in the back row.

Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Adam Elliott 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Leo Thompson 18. Jack Johns 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Brodie Jones 21. Dylan Lucas 22. Bailey Hodgson

Analysis: Skipper Kalyn Ponga partners halfback recruit Jackson Hastings in the halves, while fellow signing Lachlan Miller starts at fullback. Centre Dane Gagai (hamstring) is out, with Enari Tuala coming into the centres, after recovering pectoral injury. Adam Elliott (ankle) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) have been named on the bench. Phoenix Crossland fills the utility role edging former Bronco Tyson Gamble who was named in the reserves.

Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos at BlueBet Stadium, 8.05pm AEDT

Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Jack Cogger 22. Lindsay Smith

Analysis: Liam Martin (knee) and Dylan Edwards (hamstring) are both good to go for the season opener. Taylan May (knee) is out for the season with Sunia Turuva starting in his place on the wing. Recruit Luke Garner fills the huge shoes of Viliame Kikau, while Soni Luke is the bench the bench utility with Mitch Kenny starting at hooker.

Broncos team: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Xavier Willison 21. Jock Madden 22. Delouise Hoeter

Analysis: Star recruit Reece Walsh is out with a facial fracture and is replaced by Selwyn Cobbo at fullback, with Jesse Arthars coming onto the wing. Billy Walters starts at hooker with Cory Paix on the bench alongside new recruit Martin Taupau.

Pay dispute finally resolved for NRL | 00:54

SATURDAY MARCH 4

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park, 3.00pm AEDT

Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cooper Johns 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Sean Keppie 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Ben Condon 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Morgan Harper 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Analysis: Tom Trbojevic will start at fullback after overcoming a hamstring injury, with young gun Kaeo Weekes settling for a bench utility role. Josh Schuster (calf) is out with Cooper Johns to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves. Centre Brad Parker (broken nose) will line up in the centres. Jake Trbojevic has been named at prop with Josh Aloiai on the bench.

Bulldogs team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Fa’amanu Brown 14. Jayden Tanner 15. Corey Waddell 16. Franklin Pele 17. Jacob Preston 19. Braidon Burns 20. Josh Reynolds 21. Andrew Davey 22. Jackson Topine 23. Jayden Okunbor

Analysis: Forward Luke Thompson (ankle) has been ruled out with Fa’amanu Brown starting at lock. Max King and Ryan Sutton are the starting props with recruit Franklin Pele and youngster Jayden Tanner coming off the bench. Star recruits Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney will start, while Tevita Pangai Junior (calf) is out for two more weeks. Hayze Perham starts at fullback with Jake Averilo in the centres alongside rookie Paul Alamoti.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders at Queensland Coutnry Bank Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. James Tamou 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Price 20. Tomas Chester 21. Gehamat Shibasaki 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Analysis: There’s only one change to the run-on side from last year’s preliminary final loss with Coen Hess moving into the second row to replace Tom Gilbert, who is now a Dolphin. Jake Granville has landed the bench utility role, which was left vacant by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – who has also joined the Dolphins. Also on the bench is returning Cowboy James Tamou, who will play his first game for the club since his exit in 2016.

Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Pasami Saulo 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Emre Guler 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Matt Frawley 20. Zac Woolford 21. Trey Mooney 22. Peter Hola

Analysis: Coach Ricky Stuart saw enough from Sebastian Kris in the Raiders’ last trial to hand him the No.1 jersey while Xavier Savage is sidelined with a fractured jaw. That allows Jordan Rapana to remain on the wing, while Harley Smith-Shields fills Kris’ spot in the centres. The Green Machine will be without star prop Josh Papalii, who has picked up a calf injury. New recruit Pasami Saulo replaces him in the starting pack. Fellow new recruit Danny Levi has won the race to the No.9 jersey with Tom Starling named on the bench and last year’s starting hooker Zac Woolford in the reserves. Corey Harawira-Naera will fill the lock role left vacant by Adam Elliott, while rookie Ata Mariota has been named on the bench for his second NRL game.

Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at PointsBet Stadium, 7.35pm AEDT

Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Wade Graham 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Jack Williams 18. Connor Tracey 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Thomas Hazelton 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Niwhai Puru

Analysis: Reigning Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes (calf) has been ruled out of the season opener in a crushing blow for the Sharks. Braydon Trindall has replaced Hynes and will partner Matt Moylan in the halves. Eels recruit Oregon Kaufusi makes his club debut off the bench and Braden Hamlin-Uele will start with Royce Hunt (elbow) sidelined. 

Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Davvy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Terrell Kalo Kalo 20. Ben Lovett 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Josiah Karapani

Analysis: Latrell Mitchell will spearhead Souths at fullback and his brother ShaquaiMitchell has won a spot on the bench after an impressive performance in the Charity Shield. Izaac Thompson starts with winger Taane Milne still suspended for one game. Jai Arrow returns to the starting side after playing off the bench in the trials and Blake Taaffe has won the No. 14 jersey while Hame Sele (calf) is out. 

New recruit Bateman arrives at Tigers | 00:53

SUNDAY MARCH 5

Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT

Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Connelly Lemuelu 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Mason Teague 21. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings

Analysis: Anthony Milford has been sensationally dropped for teenager Isaiya Katoa who will wear the No. 6 jersey and partner Sean O’Sullivan in the halves. Jesse Bromwich makes history as the Dolphins skipper in their inaugural NRL match and is joined in the pack by Maroons representatives Felise Kaufusi, Tom Gilbert and Jarrod Wallace. Eels recruit Ray Stone returns via the bench for his first game since Round 3 last season when he tore his ACL while scoring a try. Herman Ese’ese has overcome an elbow injury in the  trials, while Kurt Donoghue will make his NRL debut off the bench.

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Corey Allan 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Brandon Smith 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. Terrell May 18. Jake Turpin 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Junior Pauga

Analysis: Trent Robinson is without some of his best players with Joey Manu (facial fracture) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (back) both sidelined. Bulldogs recruit Corey Allan comes in for Manu and will partner Joseph Suaalii in the centres. But star recruit Brandon Smith has come through his first Roosters pre-season unscathed and will start at hooker.  Luke Keary (jaw) has been declared fit and will start in the halves with Sam Walker. Angus Crichton (personal leave) has been replaced on an edge by Egan Butcher.

Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval, 6.15pm AEDT

Tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Tommy Talau 5. Charlie Staines 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Fonua Pole 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Starford To’a 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Justin Matamua 22. Junior Tupou

Analysis: Star recruit John Bateman has been rested following his delayed arrival from England. Daine Laurie has been given first crack at fullback with Charlie Staines named on the wing with veteran Ken Maumalo (knee) sidelined). Luke Brooks has been named alongside star recruits Api Koroisau, David Klemmer and Isaiah Papali’i. Tommy Talau will start in the centres for his first NRL game in over 525 days after missing last season with an ACL injury. 

Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Joe Stimson 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Keano Kini 20. Chris Randall 21. Klese Haas 22. Treymain Spry

Analysis: Young gun No. 7 Tanah Boyd has won the race to partner star recruit Kieran Foran in the halves. Roosters recruit Sam Verrills is the hooker and AJ Brimson completes the spin at fullback. David Fifita will start in the second row despite spending the majority of last season on the bench. Winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been rewarded with an NRL debut after scoring four tries against the Dolphins in the trials. Jayden Campbell will wear the No. 14 jersey.