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.
The Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys
Jake Averillo and Tesi Niu are in a two-way battle for the centre spot as Wayne Bennett looks to complete a new-look backline that includes Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock.
Farnworth reportedly jarred his knee at training on Tuesday but is expected to play. This comes after representative forward Tom Gilbert has been ruled out of the season with an ACL injury.
A scare for @dolphinsnrl this morning. Herbie Farnworth appears to have jarred his knee at training. Has attempted to stride out a few times and struggled. Club doc seems to think heโll be okay. @10NewsFirstQLD #NRL pic.twitter.com/iQV1dc52T3
— Veronica Eggleton (@veggleton) February 26, 2024
Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Jake Averillo 5. Jack Bostock 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Valynce Te Whare 15. Kenneath Bromwich 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Kodi Nikorima
The Cowboys face a difficult choice as to who their two centres and two wingers will be this weekend. Zac Laybutt, Viliami Vailea, Semi Valemei and Kyle Feldt have all emerged as players that could be chosen by Todd Payten.
Payten will also have to fill the spot left by Luciano Leilua on the edge with young guns Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki emerging as the favourites.
Projected Round 1 Team:ย 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Semi Valemei 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiakiย 17. Thomas Mikaele
