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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Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: Clint Gutherson of the Eels on his way to a try during the round eight NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Parramatta Eels at Stadium Australia, on May 01, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Parramatta Eels

The Eels have suffered a major blow to their outside backs, with Maika Sivo facing a three to four-week suspension for a careless high tackle in their second trial match. In his place, the club could go with either Haze Dunster or Morgan Harper - the latter's selection would push Bailey Simonsson to the wing.

Brad Arthur has previously revealed that he will only play one hooker in the team this season meaning Brendan Hands and Joey Lussick will be contending for the number nine jersey.

Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Haze Dunster 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Joey Lussickย 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Kelma Tuilagi 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Wiremu Greig

Canterbury Bulldogs

There has been much talk as to who the Bulldogs will play in their backline this season, but the likely five players are what they used in the second trial match, apart from Jacob Kiraz coming in for Blake Wilson.

Drew Hutchinson has seemingly won the halfback spot from Toby Sexton, with the latter appearing in a NSW Cup trial match last weekend.

Recruits Josh Curran and Kurt Mann will be found on the bench alongside predicted breakout star Samuel Hughes, meaning Jaeman Salmon will slot into the lock spot.

Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmonย 14. Josh Curran 15. Kurt Mann 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Kurtis Morrin

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