WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Mikaele Ravalawa of the Dragons looks on during the NRL trail match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on February 23, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Storm v Broncos

Joe Stimson is in doubt for Craig Bellamy's side, after not being named in the Storm's provisional 21-man squad for Thursday's opener at their fan day on Sunday. While that squad announcement isn't official, it doesn't bode well for the forward. Tui Kamikamica was named by Bellamy on Sunday despite picking up a knee injury against the Cowboys in the trial match.

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold named a 17-man squad during the Broncos' season launch, which saw youngster Tom Flegler named to make his debut against the Storm. Matt Gillett will play at lock, while Jaydn Su'A will partner Alex Glenn in the second row.

Knights v Sharks

Danny Levi looks set to line up at hooker, having just edged out Kurt Mann for the position. James Gavet and Tim Glasby are also set to start, after joining the club in the off-season.

Blayke Brailey could make his debut for the Sharks on Friday night, and if he does, he'll line up alongside his brother Jayden who'll wear the No. 9 jersey. Shaun Johnson will partner Chad Townsend in the halves, with Matt Moylan to drop to fullback.

Roosters v Rabbitohs

The Roosters will look to replace Dylan Napa with Lindsay Collins, while Brett Morris will also grab the No. 5 jersey after the vacant hole left by Blake Ferguson. Angus Crichton will debut for the Roosters, too.

Greg Inglis should line up for the Bunnies on Friday, as he continues to battle a knee complaint. Cameron Murray impressed in the Charity Shield and looks set to start at lock, while Tom Amone and Liam Knight have likely done enough for a bench spot.

Warriors v Bulldogs

Adam Keighran and Chanel Harris-Tevita are both fighting for the one spot in the halves alongside Blake Green, although it looks as though Keighran may just have edged his teammate so far this pre-season. Isaiah Papali'i looks to have done enough for a spot in the second row, while Issac Luke should start at hooker.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Corey Harawira-Naera have seemingly pushed Rhyse Martin out of the Dogs' squad altogether, with Faitala-Mariner set to start in the second-row on Saturday. Nick Meaney is odds on to start the game at fullback.

Tigers v Sea Eagles

Luke Garner looks likely to replace Chris Lawrence in the second row, while Paul Momirovski may be pipped for a spot in the centres by Robert Jennings.

Tom Trbojevic will miss the Sea Eagles' opening two matches, after suffering a hamstring injury during the trials. Brandan Elliot is set to be his replacement. Trent Hodkinson looks likely to beat out Kane Elgey for a spot alongside Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves. Kelepi Tanginoa and Taniela Paseka aren't fit just yet, with Corey Waddell set to jump into their 17.

Cowboys v Dragons

Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford look set to battle it out for the five-eighth jersey, with the winner to partner Michael Morgan against the Dragons. Nene Macdonald is set to start in round one despite not playing a trial, while Jordan Kahu is preparing to play at fullback.

Zac Lomax is expected to lose his spot in a huge move from coach Paul McGregor, with Fijian rookie Mikaele Ravalawa set to get his debut this weekend. Jack de Belin won't play for the Dragons this weekend, with Tyson Frizell set to play at lock, meaning Jacob Host could come in and fill the void in the second row.

Panthers v Eels

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will make his return from a knee injury in round one, and will take the spot of his brother Malakai. Dean Whare should return from a broken arm, while Sione Katoa should start at hooker over Wayde Egan.

Peni Terepo won't be available after being stood down following an alcohol-related incident. Dylan Brown should partner Mitchell Moses in the halves, while Marata Niukore is tipped to beat out Tepai Moeroa for a spot on the bench following the trial injury to Manu Ma'u.

Titans v Raiders

Tyrone Peachey could play in the centres on Sunday, but could also feature in the second row if Ryan James can't take to the field with injury. Phillip Sami looks set to edge out Anthony Don for a spot on the wing, while Bryce Cartwright should be good enough for a spot on the bench.

Jordan Rapana's injury is set to see Bayley Simonsson make his NRL debut with the Raiders, as he looks set to line up alongside Joseph Leilua. Michael Oldfield may also miss the clash, which helps Simonsson get his first start. John Bateman didn't feature in any trial games, but seems poised to play at lock against Gold Coast.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Do your homework before publishing Zero Tackle. Regarding the South’s Roosters game, Tom Amone can’t be named in the 17. He is a development player and is ineligible to play NRL until after June 30.

  2. That is true but there are moves being made behind the scenes to have Tom promoted to our Top 30.
    Obviously, another player will need to be moved on but I am not sure if such a deal will be made before Friday!

    Tom needs a few more mile in his legs before debuting in First Grade.
    He had an interrupted preseason at Manly, he has only been at the Rabbitohs for 4 weeks but he has made progress.

  3. McGregor plays Lomax out of positon and sacks him for not doing great on the wing, yet he played well at centre. Lomax’s defense was no worse than Nightingale’s has been for the last 3 years. Good to see Ravalawa get a run. He has high potential, just hope he doesn’t get stage fright.

  4. How many potato scallops did you eat on the side line watching them train 3CAPS. ❓😂❔🤣❓😆❔😂❓😁

  5. Where does your info come from about promoting him into the top 30 3hats?. An ex team mate of mine from my playing days is heavily involved in the club, and he hasn’t mentioned anything along those lines.

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