Sixteen NRL clubs are gearing up for Round 1, with several players making their club debuts and transitioning from positions they previously played.

From Luke Brooks at the Manly Sea Eagles, to Spencer Leniu to the Sydney Roosters to Morgan Smithies at the Canberra Raiders, this round will mark the first time fans get to see them wear their clubs jersey.

Unfortunately, it isn't all good news with a plethora of elite players ruled out of round one including Dominic Young, Jack Wighton, David Fifita and Maika Sivo.

Teams will be named at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.

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Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders

NRL Rd 4 - Raiders v Knights
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights scores a try during the round four NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium on June 07, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Newcastle Knights

Tyson Gamble is the frontrunner to take the five-eighth role and join Jackson Hastings in the halves over Jack Cogger and Will Pryce. However, Cogger will likely find himself on the bench, with Jayden Brailey likely not to start the season with a hamstring injury, per The Daily Telegraph.

Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul is set to make his debut this round after missing the two trial games and will likely be used in the starting edge spot.

Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Tom Jenkins 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Dylan Lucas 17. Jack Hetherington

Canberra Raiders

According to News Corp, Jordan Rapana has won the battle for the vacant fullback spot over youngster Chevy Stewart, as Seb Kris remains on the sidelines after being suspended last season.

Although he was charged by the Match Review Committee (MRC), Ethan Strange is free to play and will take one of the centre spots, whilst English international Morgan Smithies will get his first taste of NRL footy at lock.

Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Xavier Savage 3. Ethan Strange 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Emre Guler 17. Zac Hosking

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