The big news is the shock off-season release of long-serving halfback Shaun Johnson, which will heap plenty of responsibility on 2018 recruit Blake Green.

The departures of not only Johnson but also Mason Lino will test the squad's halves depth, with Junior Kiwi Chanel Harris-Tavita a chance of starting round one.

Underrated prop Leeson Ah Mau bolsters the pack following Simon Mannering's retirement.

Resident NRL.com expert Jamie Soward says:

"Chanel Harris-Tavita played in the ISP last year, been in all the rep sides but you don't hand the keys straight away to a guy that's still learning, I think it will be Blake Green's side. I wouldn't be surprised if at some stage they play Blake Green at seven with someone like Peta Hiku at six until they find their feet.

"It will be a weird transition because Shaun Johnson was such a big part of their side for so long. They really disappointed last year, they really fell away. You think they turn a corner then they have one of those games where they can't hang onto the ball. Their form at home against the top four or six sides was diabolical, they really need to concentrate on getting themselves right when they travel again but also handling those big games at home."

NRL.com's predicted Round 1 team:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck David Fusitu'a Peta Hiku Solomone Kata Ken Maumalo Blake Green Chanel Harris-Tavita Bunty Afoa Issac Luke Agnatius Paasi Tohu Harris Isaiah Papali'i Adam Blair Jazz Tevaga Leeson Ah Mau Sam Lisone Leivaha Pulu

Other squad members: Blake Ayshford, Gerard Beale, Adam Keighran, Karl Lawton, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Hayze Perham, Nat Roache, Ligi Sao, Tevita Satae