The opening round of the 2024 NRL season will be unlike any other in the 116-year history of the premiership with two matches in Las Vegas.

But in the countdown to the staggered start to the season, the annual debate over who should and shouldn’t be starting for each team is on again. 

Manly and South Sydney kick off the season on March 1 followed by the Roosters and Broncos later that Sunday afternoon (AEDT) before the rest of the round gets underway the following Thursday. 

Rabbitohs veteran Cody Walker is in doubt due to the calf injury which has ruled him out of this Friday’s All Stars game and they have further problems out wide with young winger Tyrone Munro reportedly breaking his collarbone in a training mishap.

With Jack Wighton suspended for Round 1 and Campbell Graham nursing a long-term sternum injury, Souths are struggling for numbers out wide.

Sea Eagles star Josh Schuster has been racing the clock to prove he will be fit for the Sea Eagles due to a string of injuries in the off-season. 

However, coach Anthony Seibold is confident he will be right if he gets through this weekend’s trial against the Roosters.

“We expect him to play against the Roosters in our first official trial,” Seibold said. “I feel like he will perform well and will be on the plane to Vegas with us.”

Should he not make it, Ben Trbojevic is firming up as a likely replacement after impressing in preseason.

Among the other high-profile names in doubt for Round 1 are Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai and Titans forward David Fifita.

Team by team, here’s how each side is likely to line up for Round 1. 

Round 1 predicted teams

Manly vs South Sydney at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas: 1.30pm, Sunday March 1

Odds: Sea Eagles $2.25, Rabbitohs $1.65 – odds via PlayUp

Sea Eagles: Josh Schuster is struggling to be right for the start of the season due to a bout of chicken pox, a finger injury and a calf strain.

It’s the last thing he needed after questions over his fitness last season when he was switched to five-eighth. Schuster is headed back to the second row in 2024 but he is running out of time to be getting a seat on the plane to Las Vegas for Round 1.

Luke Brooks is certain to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves after an off-season switch from the Wests Tigers.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Tom Trbojevic
2 Jason Saab
3 Reuben Garrick
4 Tolu Koula
5 Jaxson Paulo
6 Luke Brooks
7 Daly Cherry-Evans
8 Taniela Paseka
9 Lachlan Croker
10 Josh Aloiai
11 Haumole Olakau’atu
12 Josh Schuster/Corey Waddell
13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
14 Gordon Chan Kum Tong
15 Ben Trbojevic
16 Ethan Bullemor
17 Tof Sipley

Other squad members: Matt Lodge (injured), Brad Parker, Jake Arthur, Waddell/Schuster, Karl Lawton, Tommy Talau, Ray Vaega, Zac Fulton, Ben Condon, Aaron Woods, Nathan Brown.

Rabbitohs: Cody Walker was forced to pull out of the Indigenous All Stars game in Townsville with a calf injury from training and faces a race against the clock to line up for the season opener in Las Vegas.

Jack Wighton is out suspended and with Campbell Graham facing six months out with a sternum injury, Isaiah Tass and Jacob Gagai are set to start at centre with Taane Milne on the right wing after Tyrone Munro damaged his collarbone at training.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Latrell Mitchell
2 Alex Johnston
3 Isaiah Tass
4 Jacob Gagai
5 Taane Milne
6 Cody Walker
7 Lachlan Ilias
8 Tevita Tatola
9 Damien Cook
10 Tom Burgess
11 Keaon Koloamatangi
12 Jai Arrow
13 Cameron Murray
Interchange
14 Siliva Havili
15 Sean Keppie
16 Davvy Moale
17 Tallis Duncan

Other squad members: Jack Wighton (suspended), Tyrone Munro, Campbell Graham (injured), Michael Chee-Kam, Shaq Mitchell, Jacob Host, Dean Hawkins, Peter Mamouzelos, Ben Lovett, Jye Gray, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Leon Te Hau, Izaac Thompson

Roosters vs Brisbane at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas: 3.30pm, Sunday March 1

Odds: Broncos $1.65, Roosters $2.20 – odds via PlayUp

Broncos: Fletcher Baker has come to the club from the Roosters and will be a straight replacement for Tom Flegler. 

The other changes to the team which went all the way to the Grand Final last year are Warriors recruit Kurt Capewell’s spot in the second row going to Brendan Piakura and Selwyn Cobbo moving into the centre berth vacated by Herbie Farnworth, who has followed Flegler to the Dolphins. 

Round 1 predicted team

1 Reece Walsh
2 Deine Mariner
3 Kotoni Staggs
4 Selwyn Cobbo
5 Jesse Arthars
6 Ezra Mam
7 Adam Reynolds
8 Payne Haas
9 Billy Walters
10 Pat Carrigan
11 Brendan Piakura
12 Jordan Riki
13 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
14 Tyson Smoothy
15 Martin Taupau
16 Fletcher Baker
17 Corey Jensen

Other squad members: Jock Madden, Tristan Sailor, Cory Paix, Blake Mozer, Jordan Pereira, Corey Oates, Delouise Hoeter, Ben Te Kura, Jaiyden Hunt, Xavier Willison

Roosters: Young prop Fletcher Baker’s switch to the Broncos is a body blow but when you have a star like Penrith powerhouse Spencer Leniu joining the club, it’s not as significant. 

Back-up hooker Jake Turpin and utility Drew Hutchison have joined the Bulldogs, winger Jaxson Paulo has followed Matt Lodge and Nathan Brown to Manly, Corey Allan made an ill-fated switch to the Dragons and Paul Momirovski has linked with Leeds in the Super League.

Dominic Young’s arrival from Newcastle means a conundrum out wide for Trent Robinson. Daniel Tupou is an institution at the Roosters on the left wing, Joey Manu is the best centre in the game and Young has not been lured from Newcastle to play in the NSW Cup so he’s likely to be on the right flank. 

That leaves Robinson with a decision between playing Joseph Suaalii at centre where he seemed to be less effective last season or go with a specialist in the reliable Billy Smith. 

Veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is unavailable for Vegas due to his seven-game ban carrying over from last season.

Round 1 predicted team

1 James Tedesco
2 Daniel Tupou
3 Joseph Manu
4 Joseph Suaalii
5 Dominic Young
6 Luke Keary
7 Sam Walker
8 Spencer Leniu
9 Brandon Smith
10 Lindsay Collins
11 Sitili Tupouniua
12 Nat Butcher
13 Victor Radley
Interchange
14 Connor Watson
15 Siua Wong
16 Angus Crichton
17 Terrell May

Other squad members: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspended), Egan Butcher, Billy Smith, Sandon Smith, Tyler Moriarty, Junior Pauga, Robert Toia, Naufahu Whyte, Zach Dockar-Clay. 

Newcastle vs Canberra at McDonald Jones Stadium: 8pm, Thursday March 7

Odds: Knights $1.40, Raiders $3 – odds via PlayUp

Knights: The return of Jayden Brailey at hooker after another serious knee injury should add starch to the Knights in the middle although his replacement, Phoenix Crossland, gave the team great value in the role last year and at worst should find a spot on the interchange in 2024 as a utility.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien is going into the season with a more settled squad than recent years but needs to decide early whether he will stick with the halves which took his team to the finals in Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings or revamp his playmakers with fresh blood in English recruit Will Pryce or Jack Cogger. 

Dominic Young’s departure to the Roosters leaves a big hole on the flank – his spot is likely to go to experienced campaigner Enari Tuala although Tom Jenkins scored five tries in his six appearances for Penrith so he could be the better long-term candidate.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Kalyn Ponga
2 Enari Tuala
3 Dane Gagai
4 Bradman Best
5 Greg Marzhew
6 Will Pryce
7 Jackson Hastings
8 Daniel Saifiti
9 Jayden Brailey
10 Jacob Saifiti
11 Tyson Frizell
12 Kai Pearce-Paul
13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
14 Phoenix Crossland
15 Jed Cartwright
16 Jack Hetherington
17 Leo Thompson

Other squad members: Jack Cogger, David Armstrong, Dylan Lucas, Riley Jones, Paul Bryan, Myles Martin, Mathew Croker, Tyson Gamble, Thomas Jenkins, Ryan Rivett, Krystian Mapapalangi, Brodie Jones. 

Raiders: Jack Wighton has departed after holding a mortgage on this team’s No.6 jersey for a long time. Jarrod Croker has retired and Corey Harawira-Naera’s playing future is clouded after his health problems late last year.

Rising star Ethan Strange and Manly recruit Kaeo Weekes are set to fight out Wighton’s old five-eighth spot. 

Round 1 predicted team

1 Xavier Savage
2 Nick Cotric
3 Jordan Rapana
4 Matt Timoko
5 Albert Hopoate
6 Ethan Strange
7 Jamal Fogarty
8 Josh Papalii
9 Zac Woolford
10 Joseph Tapine
11 Hudson Young
12 Elliott Whitehead
13 Emre Guler
Interchange
14 Tom Starling
15 Morgan Smithies
16 Pasami Saulo
17 Ata Mariota

Other squad members: Seb Kris, Corey Horsburgh (suspended), James Schiller, Trey Mooney, Danny Levi, Kaeo Weekes, Chevy Stewart, Peter Hola, Hohepa Puru, Simi Sasagi, Corey Harawira-Naera

NZ Warriors vs Cronulla at Go Media Stadium: 6pm, Friday March 8

Odds: Warriors $1.55, Sharks $2.45 – odds via PlayUp

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a superstar and returns from rugby union both as a talismanic figure for the sport in New Zealand and as potential game breaker to take the Wahs to the next level. He is set to slot in at centre.

Lastly, Kurt Capewell crosses the ditch as a pure culture signing. He was the weak link in last year’s Broncos, but has won a premiership, played Origin and seen it all. He’s a winner and will add a lot to this Warriors team off the field and, they hope, on it too.

Utility back Chanel Harris-Tavita is a real Swiss Army knife of a player who won’t walk into the first 13 but adds experience and depth to multiple positions.

Josh Curran has been hugely influential in this Warriors side over the past few years, but with a real pile up of back-rowers, the club let him return to Australia with the Bulldogs.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2 Marcelo Montoya
3 Roger Tuisvasa-Sheck
4 Rocco Berry
5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
6 Luke Metcalf
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Addin Fonua-Blake
9 Wayde Egan
10 Bunty Afoa
11 Kurt Capewell
12 Marata Niukore
13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
14 Chanel Harris-Tavita
15 Jackson Ford
16 Dylan Walker
17 Tom Ale

Other squad members: Adam Pompey, Jazz Tevaga, Ali Leiataua, Demetric Sifakula, Edward Kosi, Freddy Lussick, Jacob Laban, Te Maire Martin, Mitch Barnett, Zyon Maiu’u, Taine Tuaupiki

Sharks: Wade Graham, the last remaining member of the 2016 premiership team, has retired. Matt Moylan got an early release to link with Leigh in the UK after seeing the writing on the wall at Cronulla following Braydon Trindall taking his five-eighth’s jersey. 

Connor Tracey was also allowed to break his deal after the Dogs made him a better offer with a greater opportunity to nail down a starting spot. 

Trindall should benefit from having a full summer to work on his playmaking combination with Nicho Hynes but fullback Will Kennedy and hooker Blayke Brailey also need to take on a greater load in attack.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Will Kennedy
2 Sione Katoa
3 Jesse Ramien
4 Siosifa Talakai
5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
6 Braydon Trindall
7 Nicho Hynes
8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
9 Blayke Brailey
10 Toby Rudolf
11 Briton Nikora
12 Teig Wilton
13 Dale Finucane
Interchange
14 Cameron McInnes
15 Royce Hunt
16 Jack Williams
17 Oregon Kaufusi

Other squad members: Daniel Atkinson, Jayden Berrell, Kade Dykes, Tom Hazelton, Siteni Taukamo, Sam Stonestreet, Niwhai Puru, Michael Gabrael, Kayal Iro, Jesse Colquhoun, Billy Burns.

Melbourne vs Penrith at AAMI Park: 8.05pm, Friday March 8

Odds: Storm $2.15, Panthers $1.70 – odds via PlayUp

Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen is hopeful of getting a trial under his belt and playing in Round 1 but coach Craig Bellamy may be more cautious with the fullback in his attempt to return from a broken leg.

When he’s fit, Nick Meaney is set to switch to centre to replace Justin Olam. 

Ex-Tigers forward Shawn Blore has bolstered the pack as part of the swap deal which sent Olam to Wests.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
2 Xavier Coates
3 Reimis Smith
4 Nick Meaney
5 Will Warbrick
6 Cameron Munster
7 Jahrome Hughes
8 Tui Kamikamica
9 Harry Grant
10 Christian Welch
11 Trent Loiero
12 Eliesa Katoa
13 Josh King
Interchange
14 Tyran Wishart
15 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16 Tepai Moeroa
17 Aaron Pene

Other squad members: Bronson Garlick, Chris Lewis, Alec MacDonald, Marion Seve, Shawn Blore, Jonah Pezet, Joe Chan, Jack Howarth, Dean Ieremia, Young Tonumaipea.

Panthers: Jarome Luai is no certainty to be right for the start of the season due to the shoulder injury he carried into last year’s Grand Final which is all but certain to rule him out of the World Club Challenge final against Wigan.

Premiership-winning hooker Mitch Kenny’s future is under a cloud as he may face a suspension due to a drug-related social media post in the off-season which he claimed was done by unidentified trolls.

With Luai vacating the No.6 jersey in 2025, former Raiders playmaker Brad Schneider could have an early chance to show he can be Cleary’s next long-term halves partner if he makes the most of whatever opportunities come his way this year but local junior Jack Cole is considered the frontrunner for the five-eighth role.

Spencer Leniu’s switch to the Roosters leaves a spot on the bench while Stephen Crichton’s defection to Canterbury means former Bulldogs centre Paul Alamoti could get a start out wide for the Panthers.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Dylan Edwards
2 Sunia Turuva
3 Izack Tago
4 Paul Alamoti
5 Brian To’o
6 Jarome Luai
7 Nathan Cleary
8 James Fisher-Harris
9 Mitch Kenny
10 Moses Leota
11 Scott Sorensen
12 Liam Martin
13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
14 Soni Luke
15 Lindsay Smith
16 Matt Eisenhuth
17 Luke Garner

Other squad members: Brad Schneider, Daine Laurie, Harrison Hassett, Taylan May, Mavrik Geyer, Liam Henry, Jesse McLean, Tyrone Peachey, Jack Cole, Ativalu Lisati. 

Parramatta vs Canterbury at CommBank Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday March 9

Odds: Eels $1.48, Bulldogs $2.65 – odds via PlayUp

Eels: Ex-Manly duo Kelma Tuilagi and Morgan Harper are interesting additions. 

Tuilagi has been forced out following the return of Josh Schuster to the pack and he could give the Eels extra attacking thrust on the edges.

Harper has had his defensive issues but can also be a threat in attack and the Eels are a bit skinny for depth in the outside backs.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Clint Gutherson
2 Maika Sivo
3 Will Penisini
4 Bailey Simonsson
5 Sean Russell
6 Dylan Brown
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Junior Paulo
9 Joey Lussick
10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11 Shaun Lane
12 Bryce Cartwright
13 J’maine Hopgood
Interchange
14 Brendan Hands
15 Kelma Tuilagi
16 Ryan Matterson
17 Joe Ofahengaue

Other squad members: Daejarn Asi, Haze Dunster, Makahesi Makatoa, Zac Cini, Wiremu Greig, Toni Mataele, Tevita Taumoepenu, Ofahiki Ogden, Matt Doorey, Morgan Harper, Ky Rodwell, Jirah Momoisea.

Bulldogs: Panthers star Stephen Crichton is the marquee addition and will get a chance to establish himself at his preferred position of fullback after being stuck in the centres at Penrith due to the presence of Dylan Edwards.

Former Sharks young gun Bronson Xerri will try to resurrect his career in the centres after serving a four-year ban for performance-enhancing drugs while Warriors forward Josh Curran should bring plenty of much-needed mongrel to the Dogs pack.

The Dogs have signed a slew of utility players who can cover the edge, spine and backline positions with Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Roosters duo Drew Hutchison and Jake Turpin), Kurt Mann (Knights) and Connor Tracey (Sharks) giving Ciraldo plenty of options for the make-up of his side.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Stephen Crichton
2 Jacob Kiraz
3 Bronson Xerri
4 Connor Tracey
5 Josh Addo-Carr
6 Matt Burton
7 Toby Sexton
8 Liam Knight
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Max King
11 Viliame Kikau
12 Jacob Preston
13 Josh Curran
Interchange
14 Drew Hutchison
15 Ryan Sutton
16 Kurt Mann
17 Jaeman Salmon

Other squad members: Karl Oloapu (injured), Blake Taaffe, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Kitione Kautoga, Blake Wilson, Jordan Samrani, Sam Hughes, Jeral Skelton, Jake Turpin, Hayze Perham, Chris Patolo, Zac Montgomery.

Gold Coast vs St George Illawarra at Cbus Super Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday March 8

Odds: Titans $1.45, Dragons $2.75 – odds via PlayUp

Titans: The arrivals are Keenan Palasia, who takes the well-worn path down the M1 in search of more minutes from Brisbane. He’ll likely start on the bench on the Gold Coast, but has plenty of scope to move up the rotation – and certainly presents an upgrade on what was already a pretty strong pack.

Raiders utility back Harley Smith-Shields is the only other newcomer, and gives a depth option in the backline.

David Fifita is in doubt for the start of the season due to surgery for a pectoral tear suffered late last year.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Jayden Campbell
2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3 Brian Kelly
4 AJ Brimson
5 Phillip Sami
6 Kieran Foran
7 Tanah Boyd
8 Moeaki Fotuaika
9 Sam Verrills
10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11 David Fifita
12 Beau Fermor
13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
14 Chris Randall
15 Erin Clark
16 Joe Stimson
17 Keenan Palasia

Other squad members: Keano Kini, Aaron Schoupp, Harley Smith-Shields, Jojo Fifita, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Klese Haas, Jaimin Jolliffe, Jacob Alick, Josiah Pahulu, Ken Maumolo, Ryan Foran, Tom Weaver, Tony Francis

Dragons: Kyle Flanagan was purchased as a bench utility but will likely start at five-eighth following Junior Amone being stood down due to being found guilty of assault. Rabbitohs forward Hame Sele, Canterbury second-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Storm veteran Tom Eisenhuth will bolster the pack.  

Talatau Amone avoided jail time after being found guilty of intimidation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm but his NRL contract has been deregistered while Jayden Sullivan’s release to the Tigers means the club is very thin on playmaker depth.

Cody Ramsey is likely to miss a second straight season due to the inflammatory bowel condition ulcerative colitis, but the club is hopeful he can revive his career in 2025. 

Round 1 predicted team

1 Tyrell Sloan
2 Mikaele Ravalawa
3 Moses Suli
4 Zac Lomax
5 Mat Feagai
6 Kyle Flanagan
7 Ben Hunt
8 Blake Lawrie
9 Jacob Liddle
10 Francis Molo
11 Jack Bird
12 Jaydn Su’A
13 Jack de Belin
Interchange
14 Ronald Volkman
15 Toby Couchman
16 Tom Eisenhuth
17 Hame Sele 

Other squad members: Corey Allan (injured – torn ACL), Cody Ramsey (unavailable due to illness), Michael Molo, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Paul Turner, Dan Russell, Ryan Couchman, Max Feagai, Viliami Fifita, Sione Finau, Savelio Tamale, Alec Tuitavake. 

Dolphins vs North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday March 10

Odds: Dolphins $2.50, Cowboys $1.53 – odds via PlayUp

Dolphins: The Dolphins’ weak point in 2023 was their centres, and they have immediately upgraded both with the arrival of Broncos star Herbie Farnworth and Canterbury’s Jake Averillo.

Tom Flegler boosts the pack which will largely remain unchanged from last year.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2 Jamayne Isaako
3 Herbie Farnworth
4 Jake Averillo
5 Tesi Niu
6 Isaiya Katoa
7 Sean O’Sullivan
8 Jesse Bromwich
9 Jeremy Marshall-King
10 Tom Flegler
11 Felise Kaufusi
12 Connolly Lemuelu
13 Tom Gilbert
Interchange
14 Kodi Nikorima
15 Kenny Bromwich
16 Mark Nicholls
17 Jarrod Wallace

Other squad members: Valynce Te Whare, Max Plath, Ray Stone, Jack Bostock, Edrick Lee, Euan Aitken, Harrison Graham, Josh Kerr, Mason Teague, Robert Jennings, Oryn Keeley, Anthony Milford

Cowboys: Reuben Cotter is sitting out All-Stars due to a few recent concussions but is not considered in doubt for Round 1.

Jake Clifford has returned to his original club after stints at Newcastle and the Super League, potentially with a view to the former junior representative star taking over from Chad Townsend as the chief on-field organiser.

Round 1 predicted team

1 Scott Drinkwater
2 Murray Taulagi
3 Semi Valemei
4 Valentine Holmes
5 Kyle Feldt
6 Tom Dearden
7 Chad Townsend
8 Jordan McLean
9 Reece Robson
10 Jason Taumalolo
11 Jeremiah Nanai
12 Heilum Luki
13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14 Griffin Neame
15 Coen Hess
16 Luciano Leilua
17 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Other squad members: Jake Clifford, Jack Gosiewski, Jake Granville, Viliami Vailea, Tom Chester, Thomas Duffy, Sam McIntyre, Robert Derby, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, Zac Laybutt. 

Bye – Wests Tigers

Tigers: The halves will be Benji Marshall’s first big decision as coach. Former Raiders playmaker Aiden Sezer hasn’t played NRL in years, Latu Fainu hasn’t played it at all, Jayden Sullivan has at least been in the top grade, but wasn’t always first pick at the Dragons.

Justin Olam gives the young team a much-needed jolt of experience and impact out wide while David Nofoaluma is no longer at the club after his controversial abrupt exit midway through the off-season after a clash with Marshall.

Round 2 predicted team

1 Jahream Bula
2 Junior Tupou
3 Starford To’a
4 Justin Olam
5 Charlie Staines
6 Jayden Sullivan
7 Aidan Sezer
8 David Klemmer
9 Api Koroisau
10 Stefano Utoikamanu
11 Isaiah Papali’i
12 John Bateman
13 Fonua Pole
Interchange
14 Jake Simpkin
15 Asu Kepaoa
16 Alex Twal
17 Alex Seyfarth

Other squad members: Adam Doueihi (injured), Brent Naden, David Nofoaluma, Josh Feledy, Lachlan Galvin, Latu Fainu, Solomon Alaimalo, Brandon Tumeth, Justin Matamua, Kit Laulili, Samuela Fainu, Tallyn Da Silva, Sione Fainu, Jordan Miller