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.
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Des Hasler will have some tough choices to make for his first game as Titans coach, with David Fifita and Jayden Campbell being ruled out. In their place, Keano Kini will play at fullback, while Jacob Alick and Klese Haas are contending for the vacant back-row spot.
Kieran Foran will return after missing their second pre-season match, while AJ Brimson will be ready to go after suffering a slight head knock.
Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. AJ Brimson 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Keenan Palasia 11. Jacob Alick 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas
Shane Flanagan has decided to mix up his backline, moving Zac Lomax to the wing from the centres and Jack Bird from the second-row to the centres.
It's an interesting move, but it paid off against the Wests Tigers in the second trial match. Luciano Leilua will move directly into the back row after joining from the Cowboys.
The interchange bench will be made up of new recruits - Jesse Marschke, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Hame Sele and Tom Eisenhuth - with Marschke playing the utility role and playing a one-two punch with Jacob Liddle at hooker
Projected Round 1 Team:ย ย 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Hame Sele 17. Tom Eisenhuth
