Official NRL squads from this weekend's pre-season trials.
Friday February 22
Storm v Warriors
7.50pm (AEDT) at Kardinia Park, Geelong
Storm: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Sandor Earl, 6. Billy Walters, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Christian Welch, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Tui Kamikamica, 11. Joe Stimson, 12. Tom Eisenhuth, 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Interchange: 14. Jahrome Hughes, 15. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 16. Justin Olam, 17. Cheyse Blair, 18. Curtis Dansey-Smaller, 19. Tom Hughes, 20. Cooper Johns, 21. Harry Grant, 22. Nicho Hynes, 23. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 24. Patrick Kaufusi, 25. Kelma Tuilagi, 27. Matt Stimson, 28. Trent Toelau, 29. Darryn Schonig, 30. Daniel Dole
Scott Drinkwater seems to have the inside running for the No.1 jersey following Billy Slater's retirement. Drinkwater will line up at full-back, while Jahrome Hughes will start on the bench and reliable Brandon Smith will fill Cameron Smith's shoes at hooker.
Warriors (squad): Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Blake Ayshford, Lachlan Burr, Sam Cook, Neria Fomia, Patrick Herbert, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone, Sean Mulaney, Isaiah Papali’I, Hayze Perham, Api Pewhairangi, Adam Pompey, Nate Roache, Chris Satae, Brody Tamarua, Jazz Tevaga, Paul Turner, Ligi Sao, Lewis Soosomea, Cole Waaka
With gun playmaker Shaun Johnson departing, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney will pay close attention to the performances of half-back candidates Chanel Harris-Tavita, Adam Keighran and Hayze Perham.
Saturday February 23
Dragons v Knights
4pm at WIN Stadium
Dragons: 1. Gareth Widdop, 2. Jordan Pereira, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Cameron McInnes, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Korbin Sims. Interchange: 1. Matt Dufty, 6. Jai Field, 7. Darren Nicholls, 14. Jeremy Latimore, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Lachlan Timm, 17. Jacob Host, 18. Mikaele Ravalawa, 19. Reece Robson, 20. Mitch Allgood, 21. Josh Kerr, 22. Joe Lovodua, 23. Lachlan Maranta, 24. Steven Marsters, 25. Tristan Sailor
Former Broncos enforcer Korbin Sims has been named alongside brother Tariq, while Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop have both been named to play. Dragons fans are looking forward to seeing how Wendell Sailor's son Tristan handles the step up to top grade football.
Knights: 1. Connor Watson, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Sione Mata’utia, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Kalyn Ponga, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Danny Levi, 10. James Gavet, 11. Mitch Barnett, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Aidan Guerra. Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Tim Glasby, 16. Herman Ese’ese, 17. Daniel Saifiti, 18. Starford To’a, 19. Brodie Jones, 20. Tex Hoy, 21. Beau Fermor, 23. Jacob Gagai, 24. Josh King, 9. Jamie Buhrer, 8. Pasami Saulo, 7. Phoenix Crossland, 6. Mason Lino.
Coach Nathan Brown has named a strong squad, including newcomer Dave Klemmer, Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga. Fellow off-season signings Kurt Mann, Jesse Ramien, Tim Glasby and Mason Lino will also be on deck for the new-look Knights.
Raiders v Bulldogs
5pm at Bega Recreation Ground
Raiders (squad): Luke Bateman, JJ Collins, Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker (c), Emre Guler, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Seb Kris, Siliva Havili, Josh Hodgson (c), Corey Horsburgh, Royce Hunt, Dean Matterson, Jack Murchie, Josh Papalii, Tony Satini, Aidan Sezer, Bailey Simonsson, Sia Soliola, Tom Starling, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Sutton, Joe Tapine, Matt Timoko, Elliott Whitehead, Jack Wighton, Sam Williams, Hudson Young
Co-captain Jarrod Croker continues his comeback from a knee injury which ended his 2018 season prematurely. Croker got through last week's trial against Parramatta unscathed and will share the captaincy duties with English international Josh Hodgson in 2019.
Bulldogs (squad): Adam Elliott, Aiden Tolman, Chris Smith, Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera, Danny Fualalo, Dylan Napa, Francis Tualau, Jack Cogger, Jayden Okunbor, Jeremy Marshall-King, Jesse Marschke, John Olive, Josh Jackson, Kerrod Holland, Kieran Foran, Lachlan Lewis, Marcelo Montoya, Michael Lichaa, Morgan Harper, Nick Meaney, Ofahiki Ogden, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith, Renouf To'omaga, Rhyse Martin, Sauaso Sue, Tui Katoa, Will Hopoate.
Kieran Foran is expected to start alongside Lachlan Lewis in the halves, while Jeremy Marshall-King is also in the starting side. Former Knights fullback Nick Meaney will be relishing the opportunity to get his year off on the right foot at his new club.
Titans v Cowboys
5pm (6pm AEDT) at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Titans: 1. Jesse Arthars, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Brenko Lee, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Dylan Phythian, 7. Tyrone Roberts (c), 8. Jack Stockwell, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Bryce Cartwright, 12. Will Matthews, 13. Max King. Interchange: 14. Christian Hazard, 15. Morgan Boyle, 16. Jai Whitbread, 17. Leilani Latu, 18. John Palavi, 19. Darius Farmer, 20. Jaxson Paulo, 21. Kai O’Donnell, 22. Ben Thomas, 23. Ioana Seiuli, 24. Kea Pere, 25. Treymain Spry, 26. Jacob Hind
Titans coach Garth Brennan is keen to give Bryce Cartwright every chance to prove he is worthy of a regular first grade spot, naming the former Panthers back-rower in the starting side. The Titans also want to see how Jesse Arthars handles his role at the back.
Cowboys:1. Carlin Anderson, 2. Gideon Gela-Mosby, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Javid Bowen, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Te Maire Martin, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Matt Scott, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Ethan Lowe, 12. Mitch Dunn, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Kurt Wiltshire, 15. Corey Jensen, 16. Shane Wright, 17. Scott Bolton, 18. Francis Molo, 19. Tom Gilbert, 20. Reuben Cotter, 21. Tom Opacic, 22. Peter Hola, 23. Dan Russell
Question marks hang over the Cowboys' new-look halves combination of Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford. The pair should get ample chances to shine behind a strong, experienced pack. Ethan Lowe will look to make every post a winner after failing to cement a regular spot last year.
Rabbitohs v Panthers
6pm at Redfern Oval
Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jacob Gagan, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Connor Tracey, 8. Junior Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. John Sutton (c), 12. Sam Burgess, 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Kyle Turner, 16. Liam Knight, 17. Rhys Kennedy, 18. Bayley Sironen, 19. Jack Johns, 20. Mawene Hiroti, 21. Dean Hawkins, 5. Cory Denniss, 9. Billy Brittain, 10. Tom Amone, 12. Tarquinn Alatipi-Butler
New coach Wayne Bennett has named a relatively strong squad for captain John Sutton's testimonial match. Untested halfback Connor Tracey will be out to impress Bennett and stamp himself as a capable back-up to Adam Reynolds.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Tyrell Fuimaono, 5. Josh Mansour, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. James Maloney, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaah Yeo, 12. Viliame Kikau, 13. Hame Sele. Interchange: 3. Liam Coleman, 11. Matheson Johns, 14. Tyrone May, 15. Wayde Egan, 16. Tim Grant, 17. Kaide Ellis, 18. Caleb Aekins, 19. Tyrone Phillips, 20. Jed Cartwright, 20. Paea Pua, 21. Liam Martin, 23. Nick Lui-Toso, 27. Brent Naden, 28. Brian Too
Jarome Luai will be eager to leave his mark in the absence of Nathan Cleary and there are plenty of players on the bench who are no doubt using the pre-season to get in coach Ivan Cleary's good books. Tim Grant has returned to Penrith after stints with the Rabbitohs and Tigers and will relish his battle with his former team.
Sea Eagles v Sharks
7:30pm at Southern Cross Group Stadium
Sea Eagles (squad): Jade Anderson, Dane Aukafolau, Daly Cherry-Evans, Cade Cust, Kurt Deluis, Zach Dockar-Clay, Kane Elgey, Brendan Elliot, Manase Fainu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tevita Funa, Reuben Garrick, Jack Gosiewski, Trent Hodkinson, Abbas Miski, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Lloyd Perrett, Toafofoa Sipley, Curtis Sironen, Moses Suli, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Joel Thompson, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Corey Waddell, Dylan Walker, Frank Winterstein
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Sione Katoa, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Jack Williams. Interchange: 14. Jaimin Jolliffe, 15. Billy Magoulias, 16. Brayden Trindall, 17. Cruz Topai-Aveai, 18. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 19. Daniel Vasquez, 20. Luke Polselli, 21 Isaac Lumelume, 22 Jackson Ferris, 23 Jack A Williams, 24 Teig Wilton, 25 Josh Carr
Kyle Flanagan gets the nod to start in the halves with regular half-back Chad Townsend. Coach John Morris will cast an eye over several first grade contenders and is still finding his feet after replacing Shane Flanagan in January.
Broncos v Wynnum Seagulls
7pm (8pm AEDT) at Kougari Oval, Wynnum
Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Richie Kennar, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Herbie Farnworth, 6. Sean O’Sullivan, 7. Tom Dearden, TBA, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Shaun Fensom, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. David Fifita, 13. Tevita Pangai. Interchange: 14. Gehamat Shibasaki, 15. Sam Tagataese, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Patrick Carrigan, 18. Cory Paix, 19. Jamil Hopoate, 20. Jaydn Su’A, 21. Tanah Boyd, 22. Xavier Coates, 23. Ilikena Vudogo
After enduring a virtual write-off of a season last year, Jack Bird should be itching to get back on the field and prove he is still one of the game's elite players. The Broncos are excited about half-back Tom Dearden's potential, while new coach Anthony Seibold will give his bevy of promising young forwards plenty of responsibilty.
