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.
New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks
The Warriors will be without Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for the opening rounds, with all reports pointing to Taine Tuaupiki taking his position at the back of the field.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his return to the NRL after a stint at rugby union, while Kurt Capewell will also put on the club's jersey for the first time, adding great depth to their forward stocks.
Chanel Harris-Tavita will have to be patient as he attempts to play his first game in over a year with Luke Metcalf taking the five-eight spot and Dylan Walker being used as the utility off the interchange bench.
Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jackson Ford 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Marata Niukore 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Bunty Afoa
The Sharks are one of the only clubs that will have their best team on show in round one. Nicho Hynes returns after missing the second trial match with a quad injury linking up with Braydon Trindall in the halves.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon is unlikely to pull the plug on playing Siosifa Talakai in the centres, but Kade Dykes and Kayal Iro are hot on his tail, and poor performances will see him easily drop out of the team.
Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Royce Hunt 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Jack Williams
