The 2022 NRL season is finally upon us, kicking off on Thursday night at BlueBet Stadium in Penrith.
Here is every team named for the opening round of the year.
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THURSDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles at BlueBet Stadium, 8.05pm
Referee: Adam Gee
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Matthew Eisenhuth 18. Chris Smith 19. J’maine Hopgood 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Taylan May 22. Kurt Falls
Analysis: With Nathan Cleary missing at least the first three games of the season following shoulder surgery, new recruit Sean O’Sullivan is named at halfback. Exciting youngster Izack Tago is named at centre, the position filled by Matt Burton and Paul Momirovski last year, who have both left the club.
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Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Tolutau Koula 15. Karl Lawton 16. Sean Keppie 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Morgan Boyle 19. Andrew Davey 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Alex Tuitavake
Analysis: Not too many surprises here. Young speedster Tolu Koula makes his NRL debut from the bench, having played in the centres during the trials.
FRIDAY
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, 6pm
Referee: Ben Cummins
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. James Schiller 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Semi Valemei 6. Jack Wighton 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Ryan Sutton 19. Matt Frawley 20. Trey Mooney 21. Harry Rushton 22. Jarrod Croker
Analysis: The veteran Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has beaten out young speed demon Xavier Savage for the fullback role. James Schiller debuts at centre, while Nick Cotric returns to his old spot on the wing, having come home from the Bulldogs. Brad Schneider is the halfback replacing Jamal Fogarty, who was injured during the trials. Josh Hodgson beats Tom Starling to the starting hooker spot.
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Jesse Colquhoun 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Jayden Berrell
Analysis: Ronaldo Mulitalo makes a switch from the wing to centre, and recruit Matt Ikuvalu slots in outside him to make his club debut. Matt Moylan is named at five-eighth in place of the suspended Braydon Trindall, with star recruit Nicho Hynes at halfback. Fellow former Storm player Dale Finucane lines up at lock, while Andrew Fifita makes his return from throat surgery to play off the bench.
Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, 8.05pm
Referee: Ashley Klein
Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Billy Walters 7. Albert Kelly 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ryan James 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Teui Robati 17. Tyrone Roberts 18. Corey Jensen 19. Brenko Lee 20. Jordan Pereira 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Ezra Mam
Analysis: Jamayne Isaako is at fullback instead of Selwyn Cobbo, who lines up on a wing. Billy Walters and Albert Kelly have been named the halves, although one of them will make way when Adam Reynolds returns from COVID-19 isolation next week. Interestingly, Tyrone Roberts is named on the bench. He’s a half by trade, so it remains to be seen what role he will offer on Friday.
Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Davvy Moale 19. Josh Mansour 20. Liam Knight 21. Richard Kennar 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Analysis: Taane Milne beats veteran winger Josh Mansour to the job. Otherwise not too many shocks here.
SATURDAY
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights at Sydney Cricket Ground, 3pm
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Paul Momirovski 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Nat Butcher 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Kevin Naiqama 19. Daniel Sulka-fifita 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Adam Keighran
Analysis: Recruit Connor Watson has been named at hooker, but with Drew Hutchison on the bench you would expect Watson to spend some game time in a running lock role. Paul Momirovski returns to the club and lines up on the wing, following the departures of Brett Morris and Matt Ikuvalu. Billy Smith is named at left centre. Joseph Suaalii remains in the casualty ward.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. David Klemmer 9. Chris Randall 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Leo Thompson 17. Jirah Momoisea 18. Tex Hoy 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Brayden Musgrove 22. Mathew Croker 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Jaron Purcell
Analysis: Dane Gagai returns to his centre spot at the club. Adam Clune has beaten out Phoenix Crossland to be named halfback, replacing Mitchell Pearce in the role. Chris Randall is at hooker to replace the injured Jayden Brailey, while Kurt Mann is in a susprising position of lock. Leo Thompson makes his debut from the bench.
Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Sunshine Coast Stadium, 5.30pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Warriors: 1. Chanel Harris-Tavita 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Aaron Pene 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Jack Murchie 20. Ashley Taylor 21. Adam Pompey 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Taniela Otukolo 24. Jesse Arthars 25. Edward Kosi
Analysis: Chanel Harris-Tavita is a surprise in the fullback spot, replacing the suspended Reece Walsh. Shaun Johnson returns to the club and lines up at halfback, partnered by Kodi Nikorima. Euan Aitken has transitioned from the centres to the backrow.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Aaron Woods 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Moses Mbye 15. Francis Molo 16. Josh Kerr 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Jackson Ford 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Poasa Faamausili 22. Tautau Moga 23. Jaiyden Hunt 24. Michael Molo
Analysis: Tyrell Sloan beats out Cody Ramsey to the fullback spot, while new recruit Moses Suli lines up at centre. Aaron Woods and Jayden Su’A join the starting side for their club debuts, while fellow club debutants Francis Molo, Moses Mbye, and Jack Gosiewski are on the pine.
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium, 7.35pm
Referee: Chris Sutton
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Luke Brooks 8. Alex Twal 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Luke Garner 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Starford To’a 20. Jock Madden 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Ruatapu Ngatikaura
Analysis: Oliver Gildart makes his NRL debut at centre, having come over from England. Jackson Hastings also comes from the UK, returning to the NRL to line up in the halves for his new club.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Nick Meaney 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jayden Nikorima 16. Trent Loiero 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Dean Ieremia 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Jack Howarth 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Bronson Garlick
Analysis: Ryan Papenhuyzen is somewhat of a surprise inclusion, given it was expected he may miss the start of the season as he continues his concussion comeback. Xavier Coates makes his club debut, as does Nick Meaney who wins the right to replace the suspended Cameron Munster in the halves, after Cooper Johns injured a shoulder in the trials. Josh King is named at lock, following the off-season departure of Dale Finucane, while Tyran Wishart and Jayden Nikorima are in for their club debuts.
SUNDAY
Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans at CommBank Stadium, 4.05pm
Referee: Grant Atkins
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Oregon Kaufusi 16. Ray Stone 17. Jakob Arthur 18. Nathan Brown 19. Bryce Cartwright 20. Mitch Rein 21. Tom Opacic 22. Hayze Perham
Analysis: Sean Russell and Bailey Simonsson are called on to fix Parramatta’s wing crisis, with Maika Sivo and Haze Dunster both injured long-term.
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. Alexander Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Herman Ese’ese 21. Esan Marsters 22. Sam McIntyre
Analysis: Isaac Liu joins the team from the Roosters, as does Will Smith from the Eels.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 6.15pm
Referee: Chris Butler
Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Reuben Cotter 15. Jordan McLean 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Tom Gilbert 18. Jake Granville 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Griffin Neame 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon
Analysis: Chad Townsend arrives to fill the No.7 jumper, partnering Tom Dearden in the halves. Scott Drinkwater has been left out of the side altogether, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow winning the fullback spot.
Bulldogs: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Braidon Burns 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Jake Averillo 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jack Hetherington 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Josh Jackson 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Corey Waddell 16. Max King 17. Chris Patolo 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Aaron Schoupp 21. Joe Stimson 22. Josh Cook 23. Ava Seumanufagai 24. Kyle Flanagan 25. Reece Hoffman
Analysis: Braidon Burns beats Aaron Schoupp to the centre position. Club newcomers Brent Naden, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, and Tevita Pangai Junior all line up as expected. Jeremy Marshall-King beats Bailey Biondi-Odo to the hooker spot.
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