Latrell Mitchell looks set for a permanent switch in a reshuffled South Sydney side, while the Sydney Roosters will field a new-look spine with Daly Cherry-Evans in our 2026 predicted Round 1 teams.
Meanwhile, Dylan Brown has a new club, and a new position, after joining the Knights on his record $13 million deal.
And Ben Hunt could be set for a permanent switch to hooker, as the Broncos look to go back-to-back.
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Read below for foxsports.com.au’s way-too-early predicted Round 1 teams for 2026!
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh
2. Deine Mariner
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Josiah Karapani
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Ben Hunt
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Billy Walters
15. Ben Talty
16. Xavier Willison
17. Ben Te Kura
Analysis: Why change a winning formula? Well Michael Maguire might do just that in Round 1 of the 2026 season, with Ezra Mam likely to return to the starting side and Ben Hunt shifting to hooker. Billy Walters might be touch and go to take the field after going under the knife on a knee injury and if he’s not fit, Blake Mozer could be named as the bench utility. Tyson Smoothy, who slotted into lock in Brisbane’s preliminary finals triumph over the Panthers, will depart for the Super League, signing a three-year deal with Wakefield Trinity. His omission from the top 17 will likely see Ben Talty reclaim his bench spot after he was left out for the grand final. Ben Te Kura is set to join the bench rotation, with Kobe Hetherington moving to Manly on a four-year deal.
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BULLDOGS
1. Connor Tracey
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Jacob Kiraz
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Mitchell Woods
15. Kurt Mann
16. Josh Curran
17. Sitili Tupouniua
Analysis: The Bulldogs have a halves headache on their hands, and the emergence of young gun Mitchell Woods throws a spanner in the works. To start the season, Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin will likely begin in the halves. However, Cameron Ciraldo could give Woods a chance to showcase his skills off the bench and find his feet in first grade, before a decision is made regarding the rising star’s long-term position in this side. That decision could spark a backline reshuffle, but for now the Bulldogs’ best back five includes Marcelo Montoya and Connor Tracey. Joining this side is also Leo Thompson, who will start in the front row as the club’s marquee recruit, which could put Harry Hayes’ spot in the 17 under pressure despite delivering a host of strong performances to close out the year.
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Samoa stars commit for 2026 World Cup | 02:29
COWBOYS
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Braidon Burns
6. Jaxon Purdue
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jason Taumalolo
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Coen Hess
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. John Bateman
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Kai O’Donnell
Analysis: With Reece Robson departing, Reed Mahoney slots into the No.9 jersey after joining the club as a marquee recruit. Scott Drinkwater will be the fullback, with Murray Taulagi and Braidon Burns on the wings and Zac Laybutt and Viliami Vailea in the centres should Todd Payten opt to shuffle a rising star into the halves. Jaxon Purdue is expected to get first crack at five-eighth and partner Tom Dearden in the halves, despite a failed experiment during the 2025 season. It’s a big call to shift Purdue out of the centres, but long-term he is considered a playmaker and as such could make that switch permanently. Jason Taumalolo will hopefully put his injuries behind him to start up front with Coen Hess, after the retirement of Jordan McLean. A fit-again Heilum Luki and Jeremiah Nanai will be the second-rowers, with Reuben Cotter at lock. John Bateman, Harrison Edwards, Sam McIntyre and Kai O’Donnell round out the likely bench with Thomas Mikaele also in the equation depending on pre-season performances.
DOLPHINS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Max Plath
12. Connelly Lemeulu
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
16. Francis Molo
17. Morgan Knowles
Analysis: This line-up is absolutely stacked. Kristian Woolf has a mountain of players returning from injury ahead of the 2026 season, and has some mammoth selection decisions on his hands. Recruit Selwyn Cobbo and flyer Jack Bostock are set to battle it out for a spot on the wings in the first of many big calls, with the former Dally M Rookie of the Year returning from an ACL injury suffered in Round 16, so he could be touch and go to take the field. Elsewhere in the forwards, Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert, Max Plath and most notably, Tom Flegler are all set to return into this starting side. Flegler has not taken the field since Round 5 of the 2024 season due to a nerve issue stemming from a shoulder injury. He revealed to News Corp he is eyeing a return in 2026 and that he is aiming to take the field in Round 1. “If you want to say (I’ve avoided retirement), you could. I’m going to go back and play, and you know what it’s like, anything can happen when we play,” he said. The raft of returning stars unseats the likes of Felise Kaufusi, Oryn Keeley and Ray Stone, while Josh Kerr, Aublix Tawha and Mark Nicholls (retirement) won’t be at the club. Morgan Knowles is also somewhat of an unknown, but Woolf clearly rates his English recruit and he could force his way onto the pine.
Pacific Champs teams unveiled | 02:30
DRAGONS
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Jayd’n Su’A
12. Dylan Egan
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Ryan Couchman
16. Emre Guler
17. Joseph Leilua
Analysis: Shane Flanagan has some big decisions to make, with one of Kyle Flanagan or Lykhan King-Togia on the chopping block. Daniel Atkinson is set to arrive at the Dragons and may slot straight into the halves, with Flanagan likely to remain alongside him in 2026. In the forwards, a wave of injured stars return, including young gun quartet Toby and Ryan Couchman, Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan. Their emergence, and potential to fill what is a promising forward pack built for the future, could squeeze out a handful of veterans including new recruit Josh Kerr. He could find a spot on the bench, but it remains to be seen if he will be given a role in the starting 17, or if Flanagan will invest in his band of young guns. Joey Leilua also could be on the chopping block, with Emre Guler also set to join the bench and play a role in the middle rotation after David Klemmer had a strong back-end to the 2025 season, although he is unsigned for 2026 at this stage so he could be an omission. Loko Pasifika Tonga and Jacob Halangahu are the remaining contenders, and were solid to close out the year and will be very much in contention.
EELS
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Joash Papalii
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Junior Paulo
9. Ryley Smith
10. J’maine Hopgood
11. Jack Williams
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. Jack de Belin
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Dylan Walker
16. Sam Tuivaiti
17. Charlie Guymer
Analysis: It remains to be seen if Zac Lomax will be an Eels player in 2026, but if he remains at the club he will start on the wing as usual. No major changes are expected in Jason Ryles’ side, who were very strong to close out the season. Marquee recruit Jack de Belin could start at lock, meaning Dylan Walker comes on in the middle against tired defenders to wreak havoc, being one of Parramatta’s best players last season. Sam Tuivaiti is also due back from a knee injury, having stamped his mark as an up-and-coming star during his debut campaign. Joash Papalii is the likely man to win the No.6 jersey, with Dylan Brown departing for the Knights. A promising side that will be hopeful of building on a strong end of their 2025 campaign. Kitione Kautoga, Luca Moertti, Matt Doorey and Jordan Samrani will undoubtedly also be in contention and find spots in the forward pack throughout the year.
Loiero facing two-match suspension | 00:44
KNIGHTS
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Bradman Best
4. Dane Gagai
5. Dom Young
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Dylan Brown
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Tyson Gamvble
15. Pasami Saulo
16. Matthew Croker
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
Analysis: New coach Justin Holbrook has a big job to rebuild the Knights and will no doubt have his own ideas after his first pre-season with the team. Kalyn Ponga will be the fullback but there is plenty of competition for outside back spots with with Greg Marzhew, Dom Young and Fletcher Hunt all fighting for wing spots. Bradman Best and Dane Gagai should again be the centres, with Fletcher Sharpe returning from injury at five-eighth and $13 million man Dylan Brown starting the season at halfback ahead of Jack Cogger, who could also reportedly be on the move to the Panthers or find a spot on the bench as a utility. Jacob Saifiti and new recruit Trey Mooney may start in the front row after Leo Thompson’s move to the Bulldogs, which has put a big dent into Newcastle’s middle forwards depth. Phoenix Crossland starts at hooker after Jayden Brailey’s switch to the Raiders. Jermaine McEwen and Dylan Lucas will likely start in the second row and forge a strong pairing, with Kai Pearce-Paul moving to the Tigers, with veteran Tyson Frizell at lock. On the bench, Pasami Saulo will likely get a run, alongside Matt Croker and rising star Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana who the club have big wraps on, having played seven games, with four off the bench to close out the year.
Dylan Brown is tipped to play halfback for the Knights.Source: News Corp Australia
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
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. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Jack Cole
15. Liam Henry
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Luke Garner
Analysis: The Panthers are one of the most settled teams in the NRL, with no recruits for next season as of yet. Dylan Edwards will be the fullback, with Paul Alamoti and Brian To’o on the wings ahead of Thomas Jenkins. Izack Tago and Casey McLean will be the centres, with Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary in the halves. Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith start up front, with Mitch Kenny at hooker as per usual. Isaiah Papali’i might get a start next year with Scott Sorensen shifting to the bench due to his consistent injury concerns, while Isaah Yeo is of course at lock. Jack Cole is in line to be the new utility, with Brad Schneider moving to the Dolphins but Billy Scott will be hot on his tail, being the next cab off the rank in the hooker rankings after the departures of Luke Sommerton and Soni Luke. Liam Henry, Luke Garner and Sorensen round out the predicted bench.
RABBITOHS
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Tallis Duncan
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray
14. Brandon Smith
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Euan Aitken
17. Sean Keppie
Analysis: Wayne Bennett has some big decisions to make next season after the Rabbitohs’ disappointing campaign in 2025, albeit with a horror casualty ward. Jye Gray should be the fullback with Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham returning from a back injury on the wings. Graham’s positional switch is to get Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton in the centres, and that duo could be a scary proposition in 2026. Cody Walker and Jamie Humprheys will start in the halves, but Humphreys could also be used at hooker with new recruit Jonah Glover a chance to play halfback, while Ashton Ward will put pressure on the ageing Walker for a starting berth. Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi start in the front row, with new recruit Bronson Garlick at hooker. Tallis Duncan and Jai Arrow will be the second row, with skipper Cameon Murray back at lock, pushing Lachlan Hubner to the bench. Brandon Smith will be the bench utility, unless he is suspended over his drug and betting scandal, which is still to play out in the courts. Euan Aitken and Sean Keppie round out the bench. Souths have brought wingers Edward Kosi and Moala Graham-Taufa from the Warriors and Latrell Siegwalt from the Broncos, but they will have to bide their time to force their way into the 17. David Fifita could make their pack even more formidible, but he is yet to be given a release form the Titans to join Souths in 2026.
Latrell Mitchell could be set for a permanent move to centre.Source: Supplied
RAIDERS
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savielo Tamale
3. Matt Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Matty Nicholson
17. Ata Mariota
Analysis: The only change for the Raiders in the off-season will be the loss of halfback Jamal Fogarty, who will now call Manly home. Perhaps envisioning Fogarty’s potential departure, 18 months ago, the Raiders signed exciting Eels playmaker Ethan Sanders. Sanders was barely tested in first grade this year, but when he did hit the field, he didn’t let the team down. He’ll be given first crack in the Green Machine’s No.7 jersey to form an exciting playmaker partnership with Ethan Strange. In the forwards, Zac Hosking did enough this past season to earn the right to start at second row to kick off next season with Matty Nicholson and the versatile Simi Sasagi to come off the bench. In the hooker ranks, Jayden Brailey joins the club and could put pressure on Owen Pattie, however he likely did enough this season to retain his spot for the time being. All the other positions are pretty straight forward for Ricky Stuart with very little change required. After all, they were the best team all season in 2025.
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
7. Sam Walker
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Naufahu Whyte
14. Connor Watson
15. Nat Butcher
16. Egan Butcher
17. Blake Steep
Analysis: The Roosters have a few unknowns heading into 2025, but let’s assume Daly Cherry-Evans is joining the club and will partner Sam Walker in the halves, with Hugo Savala waiting in the wings to take over when he retires. There’s a world where Cherry-Evans plays utility, but it’s not this one and Savala might be forced out of this 17 for the time being. James Tedesco will be the fullback, with Daniel Tupou and Mark Nawaqanitawase on the wings, while Billy Smith and Robert Toia will be the centres. Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins are the props, with new recruit Reece Robson at hooker. Siua Wong will partner Angus Crichton in the back row, with Naufahu Whyte at lock, while Victor Radley is suspended. Connor Watson shifts to the bench, but he could also feature at lock, with Benaiah Ioelu also a bench option after a breakout year at hooker. The returning Nat Butcher, Egan Butcher and Blake Steep will get first crack at the final bench spots, but there is plenty of competition in this Roosters pack, with Taylor Losalu and Salesi Foketi pushing hard for inclusion.
Daly Cherry-Evans is widely tipped to play five-eighth for the Roosters in 2026.Source: Getty Images
SEA EAGLES
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Jake Trbojevic
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Ethan Bullemor
16. Nathan Brown
17. Caleb Navale
Analysis: For the first time in 16 years, the Sea Eagles will enter a new season without Daly Cherry-Evans. While it hasn’t been made official, DCE is set to join the Roosters from next season. He will be replaced in the starting side by former Raiders half Jamal Fogarty, who joins Manly on a three-year deal. Several players ended the year on the injury list, including a couple of star forwards in Taniela Paseka (Achilles) and Haumole Olakau’atu (shoulder). The club released a statement when Manly’s season ended that both will be right for Round 1 with Olakau’atu to return to full contact in January. One forward who could be missing is Josh Aloiai, who is awaiting final confirmation from the NRL about potentially being medically retired. Reuben Garrick hurt his shoulder late in the year but will be fit for the pre-season. The Sea Eagles signed Kobe Hetherigton on a four-year deal. He’ll be pushing hard for a starting spot which could see Jake Trbojevic start in the front row. While there are plenty of raps on emerging prop Simione Laiafi, Fijian middle forward Caleb Navale had an excellent start to the season and will remain on the bench alongside Nathan Brown and Ethan Bullemor.
SHARKS
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Siosifa Talakai
15. Billy Burns
16. Braden Hamlin-Uele
17. Tom Hazelton
Analysis: The Sharks are another of the most settled teams in the NRL with William Kennedy at fullback and Sione Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo on the wings, while Liam Ison will push for inclusion when he return from an ACL injury. Jesse Ramien and KL Iro will be the centres, while Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes will again be the halves. Addin Fonua-Blake and Toby Rudolf will start up front after the latter’s impressive end to their 2025 season, with skipper Blayke Brailey at hooker. Briton Nikora should reclaim a starting spot with Teig Wilton in the back row, although Billy Burns’ outstanding finish to the year will have given Craig Fitzgibbon food for thought. Regardless, it’s a clean slate next year and as such, Nikora’s quality could earn him selection. Tom Hazelton will also be pushing for a bench spot, having returned to close out the year. Oregon Kaufusi and Tuku Hau Tapuha are the odd men out in the forward pack, while Cameron McInnes will also be sidelined to start the season after an ACL blow.
Walsh among seven debutants for Ashes | 02:45
STORM
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cam Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Ativalu Lisati
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16. Alec MacDonald
17. Josiah Pahulu
Analysis: Barring any pre-season injuries, there aren’t expected to many changes from the side that lost to Brisbane in last Sunday’s decider. Lock forward Trent Loiero copped a two-match fine for a high tackle on Pat Carrigan and will miss Round 1. Melbourne have a couple of exciting middle forwards waiting in the wings though, including former Titan Josiah Pahulu. He’s a chance of making his Storm debut in next year’s opening round. Only one player, Tui Kamikamica, ran onto Accor Stadium without a deal for next year. It’s likely he has played his last game for the Storm due to the club’s salary cap pressures, unless he is happy to accept a minimum-wage deal. Ativalu Lisati is a player on the rise and got one start at lock in 2025, and he could start in the No.13 jersey next year after also filling into the edge forwards and on the pine. Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be back on deck for Round 1 after serving a three-game suspension. However, he has been linked with an exit from the club, even with a couple of years left on his deal. Given his lack of discipline has seen him miss the last two grand finals, perhaps the Storm’s patience is wearing thin and he could depart the club this off-season. But for now, he remains in their best forward pack.
TITANS
1. Keano Kini
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phil Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moe Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. David Fifita
12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall
14. Klese Haas
15. Jaimin Joliffe
16. Cooper Bai
17. Josh Patston
Analysis: A bit of player movement is likely given new coach Josh Hannay hasn’t been scared to make some big personnel calls. Veteran prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard is out the door (Super League), while winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been given permission to depart as well, with the Warriors the favourites at this stage to land the flyer. Kieran Foran has retired, opening up the No.6 jersey. AJ Brimson reportedly isn’t open to the idea of playing in the centres, only five-eighth or fullback. Keano Kini will wear the No.1 with the club putting faith in him with a long-term deal, so Brimson likely pairs up with Jayden Campbell in the halves. There’s uncertainty over David Fifita. The Rabbitohs are interested and the star forward is keen to leave, but he’s under contract for next year and if a deal doesn’t get done with another club, the Titans will obviously want him in the line up. Young gun Cooper Bai was super impressive in his NRL debut in Round 27. He should be in the best 17 to start the season, while Josh Patston also had a solid end of his campaign, likely winning a spot on the bench.
Broncos call for stadium upgrades | 02:04
WARRIORS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Rocco Berry
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Leka Halasima
13. Erin Clark
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Demitric Vaimauga
16. Morgan Gannon
17. Marata Niukore
Analysis: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will be the fullback, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wings, unless he is released to join R360 early, in which case Taine Tuaupiki could find himself on the flank. Adam Pompey and Rocco Berry will be the centres, with Chanel Harris-Tavita joined by Luke Metcalf in the halves after his return from an ACL injury, with Tanah Boyd dropping out. If Metcalf is not fit Boyd will likely be the No.7. Mitch Barnett returns form an ACL injury of his own to partner James Fisher-Harris in the front row, with Wayde Egan at hooker to forge a scary front three. Kurt Capwell and Leka Halasima could start in the back row, with Dally M lock of the year Erin Clark in the No.13. However, that move would force Marata Niukore to a bench role, forcing him into the middle of the park. Te Maire Martin looms as the utility ahead of Samuel Healey with Demitric Vaimauga joined by new recruit second-rower Morgan Gannon on the bench after his switch from Leeds on a three-year deal. Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban are the odd players out.
“Special moment!” Walters on trophy lift | 02:42
WESTS TIGERS
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To’a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Latu Fainu
15. Sione Fainu
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Tony Sukkar
Analysis: Jahream Bula will be the fullback, with Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton on the wings, while 18-year-old young gun Heamasi Makasini will likely have to bide his time. Taylan May and Starford To’a will start the season in the centres, but Makasini could force his way into the backline somewhere during the season. Jarome Luai will be the five-eighth, with Adam Doueihi at halfback, while Latu Fainu continues to learn his trade via the bench. Recruit Jock Madden adds depth to the halves, but is unlikely to make the 17, while young gun five-eighth Javon Andrews will have to bide his time for an opportunity after joining the club on a three-year deal. Terrell May and Fonua Pole will start up front, with skipper Api Koroisau at hooker. Kai Pearce-Paul joins the club from the Knights and is expected to start in the second row alongside Samuela Fainu, with Sione Fainu shifting to the bench. Alex Twal locks the scrum after a strong year. Alex Seyfarth and Tony Sukkar round out the bench with the Fainu brothers, but will face pressure from new recruit Mavrik Geyer and Royce Hunt, who fell out of favour last year.