NRL 2025 Pre-Season Thread

[Fitzy]

Yeah hard to argue with any of those choices. I think Pasifiki Tonga is arguably the most exciting young forward coming through, I think he will be a mainstay most of the year but whether he can last an entire season at his age and as a forward is a big question mark. Flanagan will need to manage him but he is a future leader of their pack.

Don’t you worry about that. Helen will have him in excellent nick all season.

 

[Big Pete]

Sloan on the wing makes sense, but Flanagan is a by the numbers kind of coach, so I would say he'll want yardage and tough carries out of his wingers.

Is that really going to fit Sloan??

He can't play centres because they've got Suli and Val there, but he's so much x factor that they should be looking to find him a place in the team.

It's one of those picks that looks good on paper, but you wouldn't lock it in with any confidence. On top of his ability to work it out of yardage, he's only played two games on the wing and that was two years ago when the season was all but over.

On paper, you potentially have the second-coming of Addo-Carr who will keep the defensive line honest and punish them for compressing their line.

I've got Feagai there, but thinking about it more, I think Tuipulotu won the spot last year and the only reason he didn't see out the season was due to a hamstring injury. So he could very well have that left wing spot leaving the right wing to Ravalawa/Sloan/etc.

After making my bold prediction that they'll make the eight, I had a look at their draw and I'm beginning to get second thoughts.

vs. Bulldogs
vs. Rabbitohs
vs. Storm

All home games mind you, but I wouldn't be shocked if they start slowly and we see a couple of early changes.

 

[Big Del]

I think he's missing the physicality that Lomax brings though, and that's one of the main things in his game that makes him so good... yardage, quick ptbs, broken tackles, etc.

Sloan could definitely get up in the air and compete on bombs... but Lomax was someone who was physical in the air and physical in his running.

That just doesn't look like something that is in Sloan's game at all.

Sloan needs to gain a half dozen kilos of muscles similar to JAC .
Might take more than one off season though .

 

[Big Pete]

The SuperCoach Whisperer had some interesting observations.

Cowboys

LW: Murray Taulagi
LC: Jaxon Purdue
F/E: Tom Dearden
LSR: Jeremiah Nanai

RW: Braidon Burns
RC: Viliame Vailea
HB: Tom Duffy
RSR: John Bateman

Jake Clifford has undergone surgery so he's unavailable at the moment.

Then at the Raiders:

Savelio Tamale is lining up as a starting winger, Ethan Strange is in the centres, Ethan Sanders is at five-eighth and Owen Pattie has leapfrogged Starling.

 

[Big Pete]

I have to start rifling through these, we're not too far from trials. Let's look at the Dragons Round 1 opponents:

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2025
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton (c)
5. Marcelo Montoya/Blake Wilson
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Josh Curran
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Kurt Mann/Jaeman Salmon

14. Bailey Hayward
15. Sam Hughes
16. Harry Hayes/Kurtis Morrin/Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Sitili Tupouniua

It took Canterbury awhile to find their best line-up but once they were able to bring Tracey, Xerri, Sexton and Curran into the starting side they were one of the form teams in the competition. The question is will they be able to build on that in 2025? It's one thing to give these players time to work their way into the team, but having to do it from the out-set is another challenge.

I like the edges at Canterbury. Crichton is a class player and the type of player you can target when the scores are tight and you need to find something special. However if teams try to number up on him, the Bulldogs have that left edge with Kikau, Xerri and Kiraz who are all handfuls in their own right.

They've really played into that strength by adopting a bunch of mobile middles. Canterbury aren't going to be a bash and barge team, but they'll try to take you on up-tempo and if you aren't able to absorb their line-speed or control possession they'll just roll through you and target their key players.

A lot of their success will rest on the shoulders of Matt Burton. He received a lot more support last year and he was able to make a positive impact but there were times where his limitations showed and he wasn't as robust or dynamic as he should have been. You'd have to think if Canterbury are to be premiers, it'll be off the back of Burton and his class.

Last year Canterbury used 31 players and I expect them to continue in a similar vein. I don't think this is a settled line-up and I think the likes of Jack Todd, Mitchell Woods and Lipoi Hopoi will receive game-time. I expect they'll continue to promote from within and we may see some of their train and trial players like Jack Underhill and Danny Gabrael rewaded if their form permits.

I don't think they have the class yet to win the premiership but I think they'll be in the finals and their pathways will continue to flourish. I have them around 4th-6th and it may take a risky recruitment move for them to take that next leap.

 

[Sproj]

I have to start rifling through these, we're not too far from trials. Let's look at the Dragons Round 1 opponents:

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2025
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton (c)
5. Marcelo Montoya/Blake Wilson
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Josh Curran
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Kurt Mann/Jaeman Salmon

14. Bailey Hayward
15. Sam Hughes
16. Harry Hayes/Kurtis Morrin/Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Sitili Tupouniua

It took Canterbury awhile to find their best line-up but once they were able to bring Tracey, Xerri, Sexton and Curran into the starting side they were one of the form teams in the competition. The question is will they be able to build on that in 2025? It's one thing to give these players time to work their way into the team, but having to do it from the out-set is another challenge.

I like the edges at Canterbury. Crichton is a class player and the type of player you can target when the scores are tight and you need to find something special. However if teams try to number up on him, the Bulldogs have that left edge with Kikau, Xerri and Kiraz who are all handfuls in their own right.

They've really played into that strength by adopting a bunch of mobile middles. Canterbury aren't going to be a bash and barge team, but they'll try to take you on up-tempo and if you aren't able to absorb their line-speed or control possession they'll just roll through you and target their key players.

A lot of their success will rest on the shoulders of Matt Burton. He received a lot more support last year and he was able to make a positive impact but there were times where his limitations showed and he wasn't as robust or dynamic as he should have been. You'd have to think if Canterbury are to be premiers, it'll be off the back of Burton and his class.

Last year Canterbury used 31 players and I expect them to continue in a similar vein. I don't think this is a settled line-up and I think the likes of Jack Todd, Mitchell Woods and Lipoi Hopoi will receive game-time. I expect they'll continue to promote from within and we may see some of their train and trial players like Jack Underhill and Danny Gabrael rewaded if their form permits.

I don't think they have the class yet to win the premiership but I think they'll be in the finals and their pathways will continue to flourish. I have them around 4th-6th and it may take a risky recruitment move for them to take that next leap.

A real shame they couldn't land Paps, it would have been perfect for them to make that key recruitment for 2026 along with Thompson.

I still think that their forward pack is a massive weakness. I know they have Kikau but against the bigger packs that can negate their mobility, I just don't think they can match the better sides. Burton to me is a centre but did show signs of becoming a half last year. Sexton though is the key, can he not only back up last year but can he actually improve? Game managing halves are a dying breed and in Sexton, the Dogs have one of the few younger ones around who look like they could get there. He really is the key to me.

If they get injuries though, I am not sure they have the ready made depth to handle it. They will be ultra competitive though if that defensive system which worked wonders in 2024 holds up but as Brisbane showed last year, you only have to be a couple of percent off for it to fall apart. They aren't being anyone important if that defense can't back up 2024.

 

[Big Pete]

I actually think their depth is one of their strengths since they're not overly reliant on players and their pathways are quite strong. On paper it doesn't read that well, but as we saw last year, there were so many players putting their hands up that when somebody needed a spell the Bulldogs could turn to a Harry Hayes and he'd come in and bring so much energy to the team.

That's what the pathways allow and really makes a difference come the Origin period when teams are beginning to run on fumes.

So I'm pretty optimistic about their 2025, I'm just not sold on their Plan A and expect they'll need to learn some lessons in the finals before they're really able to challenge for the premiership.

 

[Big Pete]

Before Sproj kicked my ass into gear, the team I was stewing on was:

Parramatta Eels 2025
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Bailey Simonsson/Sean Russell/Haze Dunster
3. Zac Lomax
4. Will Penisini
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Joe Ofahengaue/Wiremu Greig
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane/Ryan Matterson
12. Bryce Cartwright/Ryan Matterson
13. J'maine Hopgood

14. Joash Papalii/Joey Lussick/Dean Hawkins/Ronald Volkman
15. Jack Williams
16. Wiremu Greig/Joe Ofahengaue/Luca Moretti
17. Kelma Tuilagi

After 11 seasons under Brad Arthur, the Eels have chosen to go in a fresh direction under Jason Ryles. Ryles comes from two quality systems in the Roosters and the Storm and will be looking to make a similar impact as Fitzgibbon has made at Cronulla.

Unfortunately he'll have his work cut out for him at the Eels. Their pathways have largely been gutted with a lot of their best prospects - your Blaze Talaigis, Ethan Sanders, Matt Arthurs heading to other clubs for opportunities.

On top of that they've decided to cut ties with a few senior stalwarts so they can quickly transition to the next era. The difficult part is that the few remaining prospects they have are returning from serious injuries and they'll need to be patient if they're going to make an impact at this level.

The concerning thing for me was the discussion around Moses and Brown. When it was initially reported that the Eels had locked up both long term I thought it was a fantastic position since it's so difficult to keep a halves pairing together in the modern age. However then it came out about escape clauses and when you sack the coach that's when things start going pear shaped.

If the Eels are to put up much of a fight, both Moses and Brown will need to be at the forefront. However if the results don't come quickly, I expect there will be headaches in the locker room and something will give there.

Lomax had a great 2024 but there's a few red flags around the signing. If he was coming into play wing, it would be a different story but the talk is that he wants to play centre where he has really struggled in the past. The Eels have hired Mark Gasnier as an assistant coach, so maybe Gaz can give him some pointers and teach him how to set up his winger.

However that's the other issue with the signing. What side will Lomax play on? Penisini is established on that right side and while he needs to improve I'm not sure if he has the versatility to play on the left. If he does play left, he'll have Josh Addo-Carr who will really need to turn it around this season, less he become another Storm burn-out signing. Addo-Carr certainly had his moments at the Bulldogs so it's not beyond him but he's struggling to stay fit these days and like a lot of finishers, he relies on his team mates.

I'll try and be positive. I like the Williams signing on the bench, I think he's a similar player to Hopgood where he plays above his size and can change the tempo of the game off the bench. As long as he keeps his errors to a minimum he should be a handy replacement.

I also like that they've hedged their bets on Gutherson's replacement between Iongi and Papalii. Iongi would have to be the favourite and he's a really strong runner of the football who should be able to help the Eels work the ball out of trouble. If they play Addo-Carr, he'll be vital in that role and if Lomax can keep busy that will make life so much easier.

Papalii is a similar style of player as Gray. A dimunative fullback who knows how to set up his winger and is great on his feet. I'm not sure if it will translate to first grade but I expect he'll get an opportunity and grab a headline or two.

Otherwise with a new coach and without a key player like Gutherson it's difficult to get too excited. It would have to take a real reversal in form from several senior players and the new faces putting their hands up for them to really make any noise.

I'm expecting bottom four and think it's going to take some very bold recruitment calls for them to turn this around.

 

[Sproj]

Before Sproj kicked my ass into gear, the team I was stewing on was:

Parramatta Eels 2025
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Bailey Simonsson/Sean Russell/Haze Dunster
3. Zac Lomax
4. Will Penisini
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Joe Ofahengaue/Wiremu Greig
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane/Ryan Matterson
12. Bryce Cartwright/Ryan Matterson
13. J'maine Hopgood

14. Joash Papalii/Joey Lussick/Dean Hawkins/Ronald Volkman
15. Jack Williams
16. Wiremu Greig/Joe Ofahengaue/Luca Moretti
17. Kelma Tuilagi

After 11 seasons under Brad Arthur, the Eels have chosen to go in a fresh direction under Jason Ryles. Ryles comes from two quality systems in the Roosters and the Storm and will be looking to make a similar impact as Fitzgibbon has made at Cronulla.

Unfortunately he'll have his work cut out for him at the Eels. Their pathways have largely been gutted with a lot of their best prospects - your Blaze Talaigis, Ethan Sanders, Matt Arthurs heading to other clubs for opportunities.

On top of that they've decided to cut ties with a few senior stalwarts so they can quickly transition to the next era. The difficult part is that the few remaining prospects they have are returning from serious injuries and they'll need to be patient if they're going to make an impact at this level.

The concerning thing for me was the discussion around Moses and Brown. When it was initially reported that the Eels had locked up both long term I thought it was a fantastic position since it's so difficult to keep a halves pairing together in the modern age. However then it came out about escape clauses and when you sack the coach that's when things start going pear shaped.

If the Eels are to put up much of a fight, both Moses and Brown will need to be at the forefront. However if the results don't come quickly, I expect there will be headaches in the locker room and something will give there.

Lomax had a great 2024 but there's a few red flags around the signing. If he was coming into play wing, it would be a different story but the talk is that he wants to play centre where he has really struggled in the past. The Eels have hired Mark Gasnier as an assistant coach, so maybe Gaz can give him some pointers and teach him how to set up his winger.

However that's the other issue with the signing. What side will Lomax play on? Penisini is established on that right side and while he needs to improve I'm not sure if he has the versatility to play on the left. If he does play left, he'll have Josh Addo-Carr who will really need to turn it around this season, less he become another Storm burn-out signing. Addo-Carr certainly had his moments at the Bulldogs so it's not beyond him but he's struggling to stay fit these days and like a lot of finishers, he relies on his team mates.

I'll try and be positive. I like the Williams signing on the bench, I think he's a similar player to Hopgood where he plays above his size and can change the tempo of the game off the bench. As long as he keeps his errors to a minimum he should be a handy replacement.

I also like that they've hedged their bets on Gutherson's replacement between Iongi and Papalii. Iongi would have to be the favourite and he's a really strong runner of the football who should be able to help the Eels work the ball out of trouble. If they play Addo-Carr, he'll be vital in that role and if Lomax can keep busy that will make life so much easier.

Papalii is a similar style of player as Gray. A dimunative fullback who knows how to set up his winger and is great on his feet. I'm not sure if it will translate to first grade but I expect he'll get an opportunity and grab a headline or two.

Otherwise with a new coach and without a key player like Gutherson it's difficult to get too excited. It would have to take a real reversal in form from several senior players and the new faces putting their hands up for them to really make any noise.

I'm expecting bottom four and think it's going to take some very bold recruitment calls for them to turn this around.

The thing in the Eels favour though is their 6 and 7. Quality halves can make a world of difference and while Brown is average on his own, he really compliments Moses well and obviously, Moses is one of the best 7s in the comp.

It looks a very different side to 2024 and honestly, I think that is a good thing. I also fear for them having lost so many of their key juniors but I am also really excited to see how Iongi goes, he'll either end up an Edwardslite or an Isaako, no idea which. It is also difficult for these guys to come in and dominate an entire season from the get go at this age and experience, so that is a big red flag for sure.

I suppose the other thing as well is that as O'Brien shows, you can be an assistant in some fantastic systems but it doesn't mean you are going to turn out to be a great head coach. Ryles definitely has a season without pressure though, so let's see if he has the team pointing in the right direction by the end.

You look at the side and there is clearly some absolute class there but also some huge gaps and players in key positions who are unlikely to be ready yet. I could see the season starting well and then hitting a crossroads. It will be an interesting team to watch.

 

[Sproj]

@Big Pete, love your work on these. I see a lot of talking heads are putting Souths up there not only for top 8 but as contenders. Who do you see as their best side? I feel like they have a lot of square pegs to put in round holes and vice versa. No matter how individually strong those players are, can they make their non-preferred position their own?

 

[BroncsFan]

@Big Pete, love your work on these. I see a lot of talking heads are putting Souths up there not only for top 8 but as contenders. Who do you see as their best side? I feel like they have a lot of square pegs to put in round holes and vice versa. No matter how individually strong those players are, can they make their non-preferred position their own?

Second row has become a little bit of an issue for them all of a sudden.

KK was underwhelming on the edge last year, but then exploded when moved to middle.

Arrow was starting on the edge and then moving to middle, which I'd say he is far more suited to.

When Arrow moved I'm pretty sure it was Host coming to the edge or Chee-Kam when he was injured (moved to Manly).

I'm assuming they will go back to that role, but Host isn't exactly an inspiring choice, and Arrow and KK look better in the middle, but that area is loaded for Souths.

Do they have a young guy that is likely to start emerging on the edge for them this year?

Excluding Duncan who is also a middle

 

[KateBroncos1812]

so this is happening i have get there early like 4am

 

[Sproj]

Second row has become a little bit of an issue for them all of a sudden.

KK was underwhelming on the edge last year, but then exploded when moved to middle.

Arrow was starting on the edge and then moving to middle, which I'd say he is far more suited to.

When Arrow moved I'm pretty sure it was Host coming to the edge or Chee-Kam when he was injured (moved to Manly).

I'm assuming they will go back to that role, but Host isn't exactly an inspiring choice, and Arrow and KK look better in the middle, but that area is loaded for Souths.

Do they have a young guy that is likely to start emerging on the edge for them this year?

Excluding Duncan who is also a middle

Would you consider Arrow to 13 and Murray to second-row?

 

[BroncsFan]

Would you consider Arrow to 13 and Murray to second-row?

Murray is their best middle, so I think that would be a case of weakening one position to slightly strengthen another.

I wonder if Duncan might be the one that gets moved to an edge though

 

[Big Pete]

Let's take a look...

South Sydney Rabbitohs 2025
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Lewis Dodd/Jayden Sullivan
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Peter Mamouzelos/Jamie Humphreys
10. Jai Arrow
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Euan Aitken
13. Cameron Murray

14. Siliva Havili
15. Tallis Duncan/Sean Keppie/Shaq Mitchell
16. Davy Moale
17. Josh Schuster

So in the modern NRL you have the Penrith Panthers who are an absolute phenomenon no questions asked. Then you have a team like Melbourne who even when they're struggling still manage to make the Top 4 and just keep on rolling. Then there's the Roosters who have a fantastic team on paper but can't quite match it with those teams and always seem to leave their run too late.

Below them is South Sydney who have this brilliant core that can beat anyone on their day but have completely lost the plot the past couple of years. It was amazing just how quickly it all fell apart. Half-way through 2023 they were the form team of the competition and had an embarrassment of riches with Jack Wighton joining the next year. A year later they're sending out an SOS to Bennett as all the star players start going AWOL.

They've completely underachieved and while they've veered off course they have a coach who can make the big calls and win the big matches. He doesn't always get it right and sometimes it's a case of so close yet so far but with him on board I certainly feel more confident than I did with Demetriou and Hornby respectively.

I think the reason why they're being favoured so much is because they have arguably the best back and the best forward in the competition in Latrell and Murray. We've seen what both can do on their day and if Bennett can unlock them it'll just allow so much to fall into place. Ever since leaving the Roosters Latrell has been complacent but I think his time is drawing to a close and if he doesn't sort himself out quickly he knows he could be entering the next phase of his life prematurely. One last serious run with Bennett could be just the inspiration he needs.

The forwards need to really lift. If Tatola and Arrow can get back to their best that will be a huge boost because Souths were awful in the ruck last year. I like the Aitken and Schuster purchases - it's two sides of the coin where you have a reliable player in Aitken who can slot in. Then you have the high ceiling player in Schuster who could be a match-winner. Bennett will have to manage him well and there's a risk factor there but that could be a huge boon.

Also have my doubts around halves and hooker. Will they be able to direct traffic and control possession? WIll they take the pressure off the other players and allow them to shine? I'm not even sold on the halves I've named - even Bennett didn't seem to recognise Dodd from what I saw. Sullivan just seems like another back-up half to play alongside Gerome Burns. It could very well be a Wighton/Walker combo for all I know.

Souths have been high on Mamouzelos for years but he's yet to make an impact at NRL. Humphreys showed some potential last year at Manly but the jury is well and truly out.

It's tough because if it all goes to plan, they'll finish Top 4. However I just think Bennett got his hands on this team too late and they won't be as consistent as he'd like. Still think they're a signing or two off from where they need to be to challenge for the premiership.

 

[KateBroncos1812]

My Plan for this year is 2 games in the beginning of season Cowboys and a certain mother's team then I am deciding on Dolphins and storm for the last 2 games

 

[Sproj]

And what do you do with Gray? I really feel in addition to everything you said @Big Pete, with all those options they have, if it takes Bennett too long to figure out how best to fit everyone, they might be coming from too far back.

Dodd is a really good halfback but can he take the reins of an experienced and arguably set in their ways NRL side with a few potentially prickly characters? I'm not sure.

I'd be really tempted to go with Gray at 1 and Latrell in the centres but if you do that, what do you do with Walker and Wighton given Graham at his best in my opinion is the best centre in the comp. That said, given how long he's been out, what version of Graham will come back?

So many question marks around that side and so much Jekyll and Hyde in there. Regardless of the calibre of player, I'm not sure the collective mindset is professional enough to actually contend when the whips are cracking. I could see them somehow scraping into top four equally as much as finishing bottom four. Weird side.

 

[Big Pete]

Just because I like having this resource handy, here's a list of all the players on training contracts during the pre-season.

Brisbane Broncos
Gehamat Shibasaki (Wynnum Manly), Luke Gayle (Wynnum Manly), Latrell Siegwalt (Souths Logan), Callum Eggerling (Souths Logan), Ronald Philitoga (Souths Logan), Glen Vaihu (Souths Logan), Tristan Powell (Burleigh), Ewan Moore (Burleigh), Lachlan West (Burleigh), Matt Koellener (Burleigh)

Canberra Raiders
Izaac Thompson, Regan Carr, Caleb Garvie, Shaun Packer, Jaxon Lavender, Jensen Taumoepeau, Jayze Tuigamala

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Jack Underhill, Luke Smith, Reuben Moyle, Cassius Tia, Danny Gabreal, AJ Jones

Cronulla Sharks
Kyle Pickering, Kristian Dixon, Blake Hosking, Brad Fearnley, Lachlan Crouch (Newtown), Riley Pollard, Taj Ford, Sam McCulloch, Alex Challenor, Nikora Williams

Dolphins
Josh Allen (Redcliffe), Will Patridge (Redcliffe), Ethan Quai-Ward (Redcliffe), Ben Stevanovic (Norths), Peter Hola (Norths), Cooper Marshall (CQ), Larson Dale-Doyle (CQ), Tane Kiriona (CQ)

Gold Coast Titans
Cooper Bai, Brock Gray, Sean Mullany, Josh Patston (Ipswich), Luke Burton (Tweed Heads), Jayden Wright (Tweed Heads), Kieran Hayman (Tweed Heads), Ethan Clark-Wood (Tweed Heads)

Manly Sea Eagles
Zane Dunford, Navren Willett, Chris Patolo, Onitoni Large, Jacob Sykes, Tyler Melrose, Kylan Mafoa, Hugo Hart, Devante Mihinui, Max Haley, Broden Konz

Melbourne Storm
Coby Williamson (Storm academy), Mitch Jennings (Storm academy), Josh Billing (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Cooper-Page Wilson (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Vaka Sikahele (Brisbane Easts Tigers), Setu Tu (Brisbane Easts Tigers), Nathaniel Roache (North Sydney Bears), Morgan Harper (North Sydney Bears), Ben Talty (North Sydney Bears)

Newcastle Knights
Connor Votano, Kyle McCarthy, Cody Hopwood, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Jack Hillier, Haami Herbert-Lozza, Bailey Carmichael, Liam Sutton, Brock Greacen

North Queensland Cowboys
Xavier Kerrisk, Mutua Brown, Mason Barber, Henry Teutau, Jeremiah Mata’utia, Matt Watts, Kai Simon, Morea Morea, Assiriah Lenoy, Adrian Treviliyan (Northern Pride), Jarrett Subloo (Northern Pride), Esom Ioka (Northern Pride), Campbell Duffy, Ricco Falaniko (Northern Pride), John Radel (Mackay Cutters), Temple Kalepo (Mackay Cutters)

Parramatta Eels
Ethyn Martin, Jordan Samrani, Ryley Smith, Apa Twidle, Dom Farrugia, Josh Lynn, Will Latu, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Brock Parker

Penrith Panthers
Trent Toelau, Billy Scott, Austin Dias, David Fale, Jaxen Edgar

South Sydney Rabbitohs
Salesi Ataata (prop), Talanoa Penitani (outside back), Maddax Fui (prop), Ryan Gray (hooker), Elijah Keung (prop), Lennix Tovo (fullback), Ashton Ward (half), Luke Webley (backrower), Josh Stuckey (backrow), Bailey Biondi-Odo (halfback)

St George Illawarra Dragons
Hayden Buchanan (centre), Jacob Halangahu (backrower), Kyan Hjaltason (hooker), Jett Liu (prop), Kade Reed (halfback), Ben Rumble (outside back), Jarrah Treweek (backrower), Leeroy Weatherall (prop), Aaymon Fitzgibbon (halfback), Cyrus Stanley-Trail (second row/centre)

Sydney Roosters
Taylor Losalu, Max McCathie, Toby Rodwell, Lachlan Dooner, Rex Bassingthwaite, Cohen Dittman, Mikey Nassar, Zac Sarfati, Tyreece Tait, Benaiah Ioelu, Jake Elliott, Hugo Savala, Reece Foley

Warriors
Jett Cleary (halfback), Moala Graham-Taufa (winger), Daeon Amituanai (winger), Kahu Capper (outside back), Jaydee Auloa (hooker), Makaia Tafua (hooker), Rodney Vea (prop), Augustino Filipo (backrow), Etuate Fukofuka (hooker), Jason Salalilo (prop), Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (backrow), Motu Pasikala (fullback), Brandon Norris (utility)

Wests Tigers
Solomona Faatapape, Reuben Porter, William Craig, Alex Lobb Heath Mason, Heasmasi Makasini, Tim Johannssen, Jaxson Rahme, Tristan Hope, Lachlan Broederlow, Eiden Ackland, Marc Tannous