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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Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers

NRL Preliminary Final - Panthers v Storm
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Dylan Edwards of the Panthers celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium on September 22, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm

As reported byย News Corp, Joe Chan - the son of ex-Storm forward Alex Chan - is pushing to be selected for the side and impressed Craig Bellamy in the trial matches, especially in Fiji.

Recruit Shawn Blore has been suffering from minor niggle injuries but will be ready to fire in round one and will join Elise Katoa in the back-row. It's understood that the club will play all three of Ryan Papenhuzyen, Nick Meaney and Sua Fa'alogo.

โ€œListen. I am not too sure,โ€ Chan said of his round one prospects viaย News Corp.

โ€œIf coach selects me then I would do my best to go hard as usual. From there, I am not too worried about it.

Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Xavier Coates 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Will Warbrick 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Shawn Blore 12. Elisea Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Joe Chan 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Trent Loiero 17. Sua Fa'alogo

Penrith Panthers

After failing to win the World Club Challenge, the Panthers will be eager to begin their 2024 campaign with a victory. Scott Sorensen (who picked up an injury during pre-season) and Sunia Turuva (injured during the WCC match) are both expected to play.

In what is regarded as their best team, Jarome Luai should be back to replace Jack Cole while Liam Henry is the likely candidate to take Spencer Leniu's vacant spot on the bench.

Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry

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