Benji Marshall has picked young gun Heamasi Makasini to start for the Tigers in their season opener against the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have reshuffled their spine with Ezra Mam named at No.6, while Souths have named a new halfback after Ashton Ward’s injury.
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Read on for all the NRL Team Lists for Round 2.
THURSDAY MARCH 12
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Grant Anderson 19. Jaiyden Hunt 20. Blake Mozer 21. Delouise Hoeter 22. Thomas Duffy
Analysis: Ezra Mam has been named to start at five-eighth with Ben Hunt in the No.14, after the pair swapped before kick-off last week. Michael Magurie was criticised for overthinking Mam’s benching despite a full pre-season for his young star, while Hunt struggled witht he defensive workload on the bench against the Panthers and couldn’t spark their attack. “Everyone knows on this panel that I’m a big fan of Madge and I pushed him last year (but) I don’t get this. I didn’t understand it,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360. “When I saw the teams come out I was like why? This kid is one of the elite players of our game, one of the best five-eighths of our game. He’s had a full pre-season. He’s electric. I know he had instances that happened throughout the year that put him in that position but you had two experienced halves in Hunt and Reynolds, they are both ageing halves now. Get your young fresh blood out there. They missed the jump and they couldn’t come back. I just didn’t get it. I rate him as a coach Madge but I thought that was a really strange move and the wrong one.” It will be interesting to see if maguire sticks to his guns or bows to pressure and starts Mam this week. Back-rower Brendan Piakura remains sidelined with a knee injury, so Michael Maguire has kept the same team. Blake Mozer impressed assistant coach Cameron Smith in pre-season and could be a chance to come into the dummyhalf rotation, especially as Cory Paix, while solid with service and in defence is not as creative as Hunt and Mozer.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Tallyn Da Silva 18. Charlie Guymer 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Jordan Samrani 21. Brian Kelly 22. Luca Moretti
Analysis: Winger Josh Addo-Carr (thumb) is back on deck with Sean Russell shifting to centre and Brian Kelly dropping to the extended bench. Jack Williams shifts to prop for the suspended J’maine Hopgood, with Kelma Tuilagi starting in the back row. Sam Tuivaiti has again been named in No.15 and will be hoping for game time after Joash Papalii was sent into the Storm game instead when Isaiah Iongi left the field for a HIA. Addo-Carr is a massive boost since the Eels didn’t look like scoring against the Storm and have lost Zac lOmax to rugby union. Will Penisini needs to step up as his development has stalled in the last couple of years and he has been linked to a switch to rugby union. The pressure is on Jonah Pezet to deliver at five-eighth because he is only there for one season before joining the Broncos and Joash Papalii was doing well last season in the No.6 jersey and is a long-term option for the club. Pezet will be a marked man up against his 2027 club in the Broncos this weekend, who will be desperate to bounce back. Tallyn Da Silva also needs to raise his game because he left the Tigers for a starting opportunity but has so far been unable to unseat Ryle Smith at the Eels. Parramatta need a lot more from their middles and recruit Jack de Belin because they looked out of their depth against the Storm and they may be one or two class forwards short of competing for the finals this season.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘WHO GIVES A F***’: Benji tells Tigers ‘there’s the door’ in brutal NRL ultimatum
‘NOT GETTING BETTER’: Cronk comparisons are wrong amid DCE’s Achilles heel
‘DIDN’T GET IT’: Madge’s ‘strange’ Mam move… and what happens now after backfire
Benji’s law: “There’s the f***ing door!” | 01:27
FRIDAY MARCH 13
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canberra Raiders at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Leka Halasima 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Morgan Gannon 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 22. Marata Niukore 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
Analysis: Andrew Webster has stuck with the same 19-man squad that beat the Roosters in Round 1. Marata Niukore has been named in jersey No.22 as he looks to return from a calf injury and could be a late inclusion, while Alofiana Khan-Pereira is also part of the six-man bench after returning from concussion through NSW Cup last week. The Warriors are set to welcome Storm star Will Warbrick in 2027, which will create more competition for spots on the wing with Watene-Zelezniak and Khan-Pereira. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck plays his 150th game for the club and has been linked leaving the club for R360, but that competition is delayed, so it remains to be seen if he will stay at the club next season. Tanah Boyd was the best player on the field for the Warriors in the win over the Roosters and will create a selection headache when Luke Metcalf returns as Chanel Harris-Tavita also performed well against the Chooks. Te Maire Martin is also due back from injury in the coming weeks, so suddenly the Warriors are looking well stocked in the halves.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Morgan Smithies 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matthew Timoko 18. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy 20. Owen Pattie 21. Jed Stuart 22. Chevy Stewart
Analysis: Back-rower Morgan Smithies starts at prop in place of Josh Papalii who is out due to (concussion). Kiwi centre Matt Timoko joins the bench in jersey No.17 after a successful return from a foot injury via NSW Cup last week. The versatile Simi Sasagi keeps his place at centre, with Ricky Stuart clearly looking to sure up that edge defensively after Timoko struggled at times last season. Daine Laurie and Joe Roddy also feature on the six-man bench with Jed Stuart dropping out. Ethan Sanders announced himself as the Raiders’ long-term solution at halfback with the match winning field goal last week. However, with former Broncos star Coby Black set to return from injury in the coming weeks, Sanders will need to keep improving and find consistency for the Raiders to contend this season. Noah Martin scored an impressive double after starting last week and has kept Zac Hosking and Smithies on the bench after impressing Ricky Stuart in pre-season.
Sydney Roosters vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Egan Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Fetalaiga Pauga 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Toby Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu
Analysis: Robert Toia has been named to return from a foot injury at centre, with Junior Pauga shifting to the bench. Toia will go up against Latrell Mitchell in a replay of their Origin battle last year and it could be a match-up that decides the contest. Meanwhile Siua Wong will start in the back row in place of Nat Butcher, who shifts to the bench. Egan Butcher is also named to start at lock, with Blake Steep moving to the bench. Cody Ramsey and Junior Pauga round out the six-man bench. The pressure is on Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker to improve their defence or Trent Robinson may have little choice but to return to Hugo Savala at some point this season. If the Roosters are beaten by Souths, who are down on troops in the halves it will only ramp up the pressure on Cherry-Evans to perform. With Spencer Leniu sidelined for a month, Robinson no longer has the luxury of starting Naufahu Whyte at lock as he is needed up front, while Victor Radley doesn’t return from suspension for another month. The Roosters need to sort out their forward pack discipline and improve their completion rates or it won’t matter how their halves go in attack.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie 18. Latrell Siegwalt 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Salesi Ataata
Analysis: Ashton Ward’s ankle injury and the suspension of Jamie Humphreys means Jayden Sullivan will slot in at halfback, with his spot on the bench taken by Sean Keppie. It will be interesting which way Wayne Bennett goes once he has all his halves options available with Jonah Glover on the comeback from a broken jaw and Humphreys serving the final game of his suspension in Round 2, while Ward is expected back from an ankle injury in the next month. Humphreys could be used as a hooker or bench utility, but the form of new recruit Bronson Garlick and the return from injury of Brandon Smith in the coming weeks, will lead to some tough calls for Bennett. Ward has probably eanrred the no.7 jersey on form and Cody Walker looks back to his best, so Humphreys may fall out of the team if Bennett prefers Sullivan on the bench. Given he is off-contract it would be a stunning fall from grace for the man tipped to be Souths’ long-term No.7 this time last year. Interestingly, Humphreys has been unable to reach an agreement with the club on an extension, despite Souths tabling an offer. Could Humphreys be eyeing a big money move to the Bears or Cheifs in the coming years if he falls down the pecking order at Souths. Latrell Siegwalt is the No.18, with Moala Graham-Taufa again in No.19 as they both look to debut for the club. Alex Johnston is two tries away from the all-time record set by Ken Irvine, who’s 212 try total has stood for 50 years. Bennett deterred fans from rushing the field if he breaks it this weekend, but it remains to be seen if the crowd will comply given it is expected to be a sellout.
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‘A young kid stood up in this moment’ | 05:26
SATURDAY MARCH 14
Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, 3.00pm AEDT
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Heath Mason
Analysis: Teenager Heamasi Makasini has been named at centre for his second NRL appearance following his four tries in the trials. It is a huge call to play an 18-year-old in the centre position and time will tell if he is up to it defensively. Another way to go would be to play Makasini on the wing and build his confidence by allowing him to score tries and ease his way into first grade. But Benji Marshall clearly feels he needs more strike in defence and attack in the centres, with Starford To’a out injured. But it will be interesting when To’a returns how he shuffles the deck chairs if Makasini brains it at centre. Fellow teenager Luke Laulilii gets his shot on the wing in his 10th game. Star recruit Kai Pearce-Paul has been named despite a calf injury and will make his Tigers debut in the second row. Halfback Jock Madden, prop Royce Hunt and winger Jeral Skelton have been named on the bench. Adam Doeuihi gets first crack at halfback with Jarome Luai at five-eighth, while Madden fills the bench utility role until Latu Fainu returns from injury. Fainu is regarded as the club’s long-term No.7, but he has struggled with injuries and needs to get some consistent footy under his belt. Pearce-Paul is the recruit to watch because the Toigers lacked an X-factor in their forward pack on both sides of the ball and he could be the man to fill the void.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Liam Sutton 19. Ethan King 20. Robert Derby 21. Harrison Edwards 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Analysis: Braidon Burns has been named on the wing as he fights his charge at the judiciary seeking a downgrade on a high tackle charge. Robert Derby is considered a better attacking option than Burns and will likely come in, but he needs to improve his defence if he wants to stay there should Burns be suspended. Tom Mikaele is out with a knee injury, with Soni Luke joining the bench, while Liam Sutton and Ethan King round out the six-man bench. Fullback Scott Drinkwater is expected to play despite needing a needle on a rib injury suffered against the Knights in Vegas. The pressure is on Todd Payten, who can’t afford to drop too many more games early or the knives will be out and he is the coach widely tipped to be sacked first if the season doesn’t go to plan. Jake Clifford impressed in the trials, but he and Tom Dearden struggled to ignite the Cowboys attack against the Knights. Interestingly, Scott Drinkwater is rumoured to be on the outer at the club and when he went off to get a needle on his ribs, Jaxon Purdue showed promise at fullback and could be an option there if Drinkwater fails to fire.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Hame Sele 15. Josh Kerr 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. David Fale 20. Jacob Halangahu 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Tyrell Sloan
Analysis: The Dragons haven’t made any changes ahead of Round 2 after a narrow loss to the Bulldogs in Las Vegas. Blake Lawrie could get his first NRL minutes of the year after Mat Feagai took the field to cover for a Moses Suli head knock. But it’s Shane Flanagan’s rising forwards who stole the show in their opening fixture. The likes of Hamish Stewart, Ryan Couchman and Toby Couchman were immense, with that trio hopefully becoming the building blocks of the Red V forward pack moving forward. Ryan Couchman, in particular, played a mammoth role off the bench, spending 56 minutes on the field ahead of the likes of Josh Kerr and Hame Sele. But that trio aren’t the only players putting in the work, with Damien Cook’s tireless efforts in the middle of the park going unnoticed. The veteran hooker is currently on a five-gae streak of making 50 or more tackles. It’s the longest streak on record since 2002 and he made 60 in Vegas, as well as 60 in the Dragons Round 27 clash at the end of last season. If he is able to replicate that figure, he joins Jake Friend as the only player to have ever made 60 or more tackles in three straight games. His fellow hooker managed the staggering record in 2011.
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Tui Kamikamica 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Davvy Moale 18. Preston Conn 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 20. Angus Hinchey 21. Shawn Blore 22. Hugo Peel
Analysis: After Alec MacDonald suffered a head knock, Tui Kamikamica has been named at lock while Jack Hetherington joins the bench for his Storm debut after serving a suspension. There’s one man the Dragons need to be on high alert for this round and that’s Jahrome Hughes. The gun halfback has scored six tries in seven games against the Red V, having crossed in all three of his games at WIN Stadium, with one of those tries coming during his time at the Cowboys.
Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks at Carrington Park Bathurst, 7.35pm AEDT
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Kalani Going 18. Izack Tago 19. Freddy Lussick 20. Tom Ale 21. Jack Cole 22. Sione Fonua
Analysis: Ivan Cleary has stuck solid with the same 19 players who bested the broncos in Round 1. Liam Martin remains sidelined due to his ongoing calf issue, while Izack Tago has once again been named on the bench. Tago didn’t get a minute against Brisbane, but it’s important to note he has a background in the back row and could find himself playing in the forwards at some point this season while also being a strong back-up option on the bench. Mitch Kenny, meanwhile, is one victory away from his 100th career win. Should the Panthers beat the Sharks, they will do so in Kenny’s 131st match and only Jarome Luai has achieved the feat quicker (122 games) in the NRL era.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Chris Veaila 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Michael Gabrael
Analysis: Craig Fitzgibbon has rolled out the same side that got the job done against the Titans, with Teig Wilton remaining sidelined due to a shoulder issue. While there’s no pressing selection calls for Cronulla to make, Sam Stonestreet is on the brink of breaking an interesting record. The gun winger has scored seven try-doubles in 17 games, giving him three games to break Alex Johnston’s NRL era record (since 1998) for most doubles by a player in their opening 20 games. He also has seven and will push to break that record, while Braydon Trindall’s dominance in their Round 1 outing is summed up by another interesting stat. Since the start of 2024, only James Tedesco (115) has more try involvements than Braydon Trindall who has recorded 104 in that same period – 21 tries, 48 assists and 35 contributions. Nicho Hynes, meanwhile, has 86.
Spotlight on DCE after ‘shock loss’ | 03:08
SUNDAY MARCH 15
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Newcastle Knights at 4 Pines Park, 4.05pm AEDT
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Joey Walsh 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Paul Bryan 18. Brandon Wakeham 19. Josh Feledy 20. Corey Waddell 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Simione Laiafi
Analysis: In the absence of Siosiua Taukeiaho due to a calf injury, Kobe Hetherington has been named at prop. Knights recruit Paul Bryan is also set to make his NRL debut off the pine in the middle of the park, while rising star Joey Walsh has been named in the No.14 jersey. His inclusion specifically is an interesting topic, considering he didn’t manage to record a single minute against the Raiders. Walsh is a starting playmaker of the future, but Anthony Seibold couldn’t find space to give him a minute in their golden point loss. It’s important to note that four forwards were used with Taukeiaho going off injured in the first half, but both Nathan Brown and Corey Waddell both featured for only 22 and 25 minutes respectively. Haumole Olakau’atu was also forced from the field, but there’s an argument to say Joey Walsh could have made an impact through the middle of the park and give Jake Simpkin a reprieve at hooker.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Thomas Cant 15. Mathew Croker 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Francis Manuleleua 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Harrison Graham 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Cody Hopwood 22. James Schiller
Analysis: With Fletcher Sharpe sidelined, Sandon Smith takes his place in the No.6 jersey in the only major change to a winning Newcastle side. Back-rower Francis Manuleleua has also been named and could be in line to make his NRL debut, but it’s the halves who have dominated the selection debate in the Hunter. While Sharpe’s omission is a tough break for Newcastle, it’s important to note Smith made an immediate impact when he came on the field in Las Vegas. He put Kalyn Ponga through a gaping hole with an inside ball and kicked well in positive signs for Holbrook. It’s also interesting to note just how involved Ponga was in their win over the Cowboys. He has the most possessions of any fullback in Round 1 with 50, averaging only 36 across the course of his career.
Dolphins vs. Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 6.15pm AEDT
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Brad Schneider 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Max Plath 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 19. Sebastian Su’a 20. Lewis Symonds 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu
Analysis: Kristian Woolf welcomes back two key players on the bench for this clash, with both Max Plath and Ray Stone named on the bench. Plath returned in Queensland Cup from an ACL injury last weekend, while Stone has been battling a shoulder injury. Brent Woolf drops out of the squad and Trai Fuller shifts to the extended bench – but the Dolphins have a pack headache on their hands. Skipper Tom Gilbert, albeit with a sin bin, played only 36 minutes while English recruit Morgan Knowles spent 67 minutes on the field. Throw in the mix Plath and Stone, two players who are also deserving of minutes, and Woolf has some tough decisions to make surrounding the make-up of his pack. Especially when both back rowers Connelly Lemeulu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki both played 80 minutes, and it’s hard to think that Plath, as one example, isn’t deserving of an 80-minute stint.
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Zane Harrison 20. Jett Liu 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Josh Patston
Analysis: Josh Hannay has named the same 19 players that lost to the Sharks, with Sam Verrills wearing the No.9 jersey despite suffering a sternum injury. It’s an interesting call given the Gold Coast were resoundingly beaten in their first outing under the rookie coach. But Hannay clearly has faith in his side. One player who could push for a first grade return is Josh Patston, who featured in reserve grade last week and scored for the Ipswich Jets in a big win over the Townsville Blackhawks. Early indications were in pre-season that Patston had won the vacant back row spot, however he had some concussion concerns. Arama Hau has retained his spot for the time being, but Patston will be pushing to leapfrog him in the coming weeks.
Bye: Canterbury Bulldogs