DON’T fret, rugby league fans.

Another off-season is about to come to a close, and we’re less than a week away from the new NRL season kicking off.

So foxsports.com.au has jumped the gun and predicted all 16 clubs’ round one line-ups, complete with injuries and unavailabilities.

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Round 20

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos at Jubilee Oval, 7:50pm (AEDT)

Dragons

1. Matt Dufty

2. Jason Nightingale

3. Euan Aitken

4. Tim Lafai

5. Nene Macdonald

6. Gareth Widdop (c)

7. Ben Hunt

8. Paul Vaughan

9. Cameron McInnes

10. James Graham

11. Tyson Frizell

12. Tariq Sims

13. Jack De Belin

14. Kurt Mann

15. Leeson Ah Mau

16. Jeremy Latimore

17. Luciano Leilua

Tariq Sims is in line for a starting jersey for the Dragons. Source: AAP

Unavailable: Nil

Dragons notes: The Dragons should have a fully fit squad for their blockbuster season opener with Matt Dufty set to win the No.1 jumper. Luciano Leilua started in the second row for the Charity Shield but may not have done enough to convince Paul McGregor he’s ready to take the jersey vacated by Joel Thompson. Tariq Sims is the other option there, with Leilua set to pip Jacob Host for a bench role.

Broncos

1. Darius Boyd (c)

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. James Roberts

4. Jordan Kahu

5. Jonus Pearson

6. Anthony Milford

7. Kodi Nikorima

8. Korbin Sims

9. Sam Thaiday

10. Matthew Lodge

11. Matt Gillett

12. Alex Glenn

13. Josh McGuire

14. Andrew McCullough

15. Joe Ofahengaue

16. Corey Oates

17. Tevita Pangai Jnr

Andrew McCullough may not prove his fitness in time for Round 1. Source: AAP

Unavailable: Jack Bird (shoulder)

Broncos notes: The make-up of Wayne Bennett’s round one team will likely hinge on the fitness of veteran hooker Andrew McCullough and even if he’s fit to play it’s looking like that will be from the bench. Wayne Bennett gave a strong clue about Plan B in the Broncos’ last trial game, with Sam Thaiday starting at hooker. Star recruit Jack Bird is unavailable as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Another big change will be Corey Oates playing in the back-row and at least to start the season it’s likely he’ll do so from the bench. Meanwhile, young Jamayne Isaako looks poised to grab a spot on the wing.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9

Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium, 6pm (AEDT)

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Nathan Ross

3. Sione Mata’utia

4. Tautau Moga

5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall

6. Connor Watson

7. Mitchell Pearce

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Slade Griffin

10. Jacob Lillyman

11. Aidan Guerra

12. Jamie Buhrer

13. Mitchell Barnett

14. Danny Levi

15. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

16. Chris Heighington

17. Herman Ese’ese

Mitchell Pearce is ready to take charge of the Knights’ attack. Source: Getty Images

Unavailable: Dylan Phythian (knee)

Knights notes: Eight of the 17 men expected to take the field in round one have moved to Newcastle since the end of last season. Mail is Slade Griffin will get the starting hooker role ahead of incumbent Danny Levi, while Mitchell Barnett should be ready to roll after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Akuila Uate

3. Brian Kelly

4. Matthew Wright

5. Jorge Taufua

6. Lachlan Croker

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Marty Taupau

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. Addin Fonua-Blake

11. Curtis Sironen

12. Joel Thompson

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jack Gosiewski

15. Kelepi Tanginoa

16. Lloyd Perrett

17. Frank Winterstein

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Unavailable: Dylan Walker (ankle), Darcy Lussick (ankle)

Sea Eagles notes: Lachlan Croker will get first shot in the all-important No.6 jersey after combining well with Daly Cherry-Evans in their trial loss to the Roosters. Matthew Wright is favoured to get the nod ahead of Brad Parker as Dylan Walker’s replacement at centre. Recruit Joel Thompson slots straight in on the left edge, with Jack Gosiewski and Frank Winterstein competing with Shaun Lane for two bench spots.



North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks at 1300SMILES Stadium, 7:50pm (AEDT)

Cowboys

1. Lachlan Coote

2. Kyle Feldt

3. Justin O’Neill

4. Javid Bowen

5. Antonio Winterstein

6. Michael Morgan

7. Johnathan Thurston (c)

8. Matt Scott (c)

9. Jake Granville

10. Jordan McLean

11. Gavin Cooper

12. Ethan Lowe

13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Ben Hampton

15. Scott Bolton

16. Coen Hess

17. John Asiata

Johnathan Thurston is ready to return for the Cowboys. Source: AAP

Unavailable: Shaun Fensom (broken leg), Kane Linnett (pectoral)

Cowboys notes: Ben Hampton is likely to be the preferred utility ahead of Te Maire Martin while Shaun Fensom continues to work his way back from that sickening broken leg suffered in the 2017 decider. Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott return to the starting line-up, and recruit Jordan McLean is the new starting prop. Kane Linnett’s pectoral injury will keep him out of action for up to half the season, with Javid Bowen set to replace him.

Sharks

1. Valentine Holmes

2. Sosaia Feki

3. Josh Dugan

4. Ricky Leutele

5. Sione Katoa

6. Matt Moylan

7. Chad Townsend

8. Andrew Fifita

9. Jayden Brailey

10. Matt Prior

11. Wade Graham

12. Luke Lewis

13. Paul Gallen

14. James Segeyaro

15. Jayson Bukuya

16. Ava Seumanufagai

17. Kurt Capewell

Unavailable: Kyle Flanagan (hand).

Sharks notes: It’s a new-look backline for the Sharks following the arrivals of Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan and boom winger Sione Katoa. The forward pack remains relatively the same, with ex-Wests Tigers prop Ava Seumanufagai, who needs to overcome a hamstring injury to take his place in Round 1, to beef-up the bench.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium, 4:30pm (AEDT)

Tigers

1. Corey Thompson

2. Malakai Watene-Zalezniak

3. Esan Marsters

4. Kevin Naiqama

5. David Nofoaluma

6. Josh Reynolds

7. Luke Brooks

8. Russell Packer

9. Matt McIlwrick

10. Ben Matulino

11. Chris Lawrence

12. Robbie Rochow

13. Matt Eisenhuth

14. Elijah Taylor

15. Alex Twal

16. Tim Grant

17. Chris McQueen

Corey Thompson and Josh Reynolds celebrate a try in their trial loss against the Sharks. Source: AAP

Unavailable: Jacob Liddle (shoulders)

Tigers notes: The Tigers’ Round 1 side is arguably the hardest in the competition to pick, with Ivan Cleary doing plenty of pre-season experimentation to find the formula he’s comfortable with. Corey Thompson has been a clear standout and is set to win the No.1 jersey from Tui Lolohea. Taane Milne also looks to be under pressure, with Kevin Naiqama trialling at centre and Malakai Watene-Zalezniak pressing his claims for a wing spot. Elijah Taylor and Chris McQueen have both battled injuries leading into Round 1 and that might cost them starting jerseys, with Matt Eisenhuth looking to grab the lock jersey and Taylor a good option to play some hooker minutes in the opening rounds while Jacob Liddle is sidelined.

Roosters

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Joseph Manu

5. Blake Ferguson

6. Luke Keary

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Jake Friend

10. Dylan Napa

11. Boyd Cordner

12. Mitchell Aubusson

13. Isaac Liu

14. Ryan Matterson

15. Zane Tetevano

16. Sio Siua Taukeiaho

17. Nat Butcher

James Tedesco dives over for a Roosters try. Source: AAP

Unavailable: Nil

Roosters notes: The new recruits slot straight into the side as replacements for Mitchell Pearce and Michael Gordon, while the injured Luke Keary looks set to prove his fitness in time to start Round 1 next to Cooper Cronk. Joseph Manu is expected to grab a spot in the backline, although that could be at centre, with Blake Ferguson preferred on a wing in the Roosters’ final trial. Isaac Liu is set to get first shot at replacing Aidan Guerra at lock. With Mitch Aubusson back on an edge, a spot on the bench has opened up with Nat Butcher, Chris Smith and Lindsey Collins the options to take jersey 17.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Warriors at Perth Stadium, 7pm (AEDT)

Rabbitohs

1. Alex Johnston

2. Robert Jennings

3. Greg Inglis

4. Dane Gagai

5. Richard Kennar

6. Cody Walker

7. Adam Reynolds

8. Mark Nicholls

9. Damien Cook

10. Tom Burgess

11. Angus Crichton

12. Sam Burgess

13. Cameron Murray

14. Tyrell Fuimaono

15. George Burgess

16. Zane Musgrove

17. Kyle Turner

Unavailable: Campbell Graham (hand)

Rabbitohs notes: The Rabbitohs have had a disrupted end to their pre-season with several starters under injury clouds going into next week. A rib injury to Alex Johnston looks to have settled enough for him to take his place at fullback. A hand injury to Campbell Graham is a more serious concern, while Adam Reynolds is recovering from a foot injury and Cameron Murray is battling a quad complaint. However, in positive news Greg Inglis’ shock appearance in the Charity Shield makes him a certainty to start the season, almost certainly at left centre. New recruit Dane Gagai will line up at right centre, while ex-Storm flyer Richard Kennar is the frontrunner to claim a wing spot.

Warriors

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

2. Ken Maumalo

3. Peta Hiku

4. Solomone Kata

5. David Fusitua

6. Blake Green

7. Shaun Johnson

8. Adam Blair

9. Issac Luke

10. James Gavet

11. Tohu Harris

12. Leivaha Pulu

13. Simon Mannering

14. Sam Cook

15. Bunty Afoa

16. Sam Lisone

17. Ligi Sao

Blake Green will slot in alongside Shaun Johnson. Source: Getty Images

Unavailable: Gerard Beale (leg), Nathaniel Roache (Achilles)

Warriors notes: Gerard Beale has been joined by Nathaniel Roache as likely absentees from the round one side, with Beale recovering from a broken leg and Roache suffering an achilles injury. Blake Green will form a new halves pairing with Shaun Johnson who will be ready to go despite pre-season eye surgery.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm at Perth Stadium, 9pm (AEDT)

Bulldogs

1. Moses Mbye

2. Brett Morris

3. Josh Morris

4. Will Hopoate

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Frawley

7. Kieran Foran

8. Aaron Woods

9. Michael Lichaa

10. David Klemmer

11. Josh Jackson

12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

13. Adam Elliott

14. Fa’amanu Brown

15. Danny Fualalo

16. Greg Eastwood

17. Aiden Tolman

Moses Mbye is set to complete his transition to fullback. Source: Supplied

Unavailable: Moses Suli (back)

Bulldogs notes: Moses Mbye starts his new journey as a fullback with Dean Pay set to shake-up his attack. The move sees Will Hopoate shift to the centres. Based on reports from training, it appears Matt Frawley will get the nod to start the year alongside Kieran Foran. David Klemmer will be moved into the front row with Adam Elliott playing lock.

Storm

1. Billy Slater

2. Suliasi Vunivalu

3. Will Chambers

4. Curtis Scott

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Cameron Munster

7. Brodie Croft

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Cameron Smith

10. Tim Glasby

11. Felise Kaufusi

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Dale Finucane

14. Kenny Bromwich

15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

16. Sam Kasiano

17. Christian Welch

Billy Slater is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1. Source: The Cairns Post

Unavailable: Jahrome Hughes (shoulder), Sandor Earl (ACL)

Storm notes: The Storm are facing a potential fullback crisis after Billy Slater was forced from the field in the club’s final trial match with a shoulder injury. Scans have come back clear but Melbourne would be tempted to be conservative given Slater’s recent history of shoulder injuries. However, that may not be possible given that Jahrome Hughes subluxed his shoulder and is unlikely to be fit to replace the champion No.1. Brodie Croft will get first crack in the No.7 jersey left vacant by Cooper Cronk. With Jordan McLean in North Queensland, Sam Kasiano will get a bench spot, assuming he can prove his fitness after picking up an ankle injury. Christian Welch claims a bench spot after recovering from an ACL injury. Ryan Hoffman is a ready-made replacement for new Warrior Tohu Harris.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels at Panthers Stadium, 4:10pm (AEDT)

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Dean Whare

3. Tyrone Peachey

4. Waqa Blake

5. Josh Mansour

6. James Maloney

7. Nathan Cleary

8. James Tamou

9. Peter Wallace

10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

11. Corey Harawira-Naera

12. Isaah Yeo

13. Trent Merrin

14. Wayde Egan

15. James Fisher-Harris

16. Tim Browne

17. Viliame Kikau

James Maloney will start his partnership with Nathan Cleary in Round 1. Source: Getty Images

Unavailable: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (ankle), Tyrone May (knee), Tyrone Phillips (pectoral)

Panthers notes: The loss of Dallin Watene-Zeleniak means Dean Whare will push to the wing and Tyrone Peachey will be brought in at centre. Bryce Cartwright’s departure pushes Corey Harawira-Naera to the backrow and young gun Wayde Egan joins the bench.

Eels

1. Bevan French

2. Josh Hoffman

3. Michael Jennings

4. Jarryd Hayne

5. Kirisome Auva’a

6. Corey Norman

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Tim Mannah

9. Cameron King

10. Daniel Alvaro

11. Manu Ma’u

12. Brad Takairangi

13. Nathan Brown

14. Suaia Matagi

15. Kane Evans

16. Kenny Edwards

17. Beau Scott

Unavailable: Clint Gutherson (knee)

Eels notes: Clint Gutherson is at long odds to be fit for the Eels’ season opener as he recovers from an ACL injury. Bevan French will get the nod at fullback, while Jarryd Hayne will slot into the centres at the expense of Brad Takairangi who has been training in the backrow. Cameron Kinglooks to have grabbed first opportunity to nail down the 80-minute hooker role, while Brad Takairangu’s switch to the back row puts Tepai Moeroa’s position in the club’s best 17 in serious jeopardy..

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium, 6:30pm (AEDT)

Titans

1. Michael Gordon

2. Brendan Elliott

3. Konrad Hurrell

4. Dale Copley

5. Phillip Sami

6. Kane Elgey

7. Ashley Taylor

8. Leilani Latu

9. Nathan Peats

10. Max King

11. Ryan James

12. Kevin Proctor

13. Bryce Cartwright

14. Mitch Rein

15. Jai Arrow

16. Morgan Boyle

17. Will Matthews

Big things are expected of Ashley Taylor this season. Source: AAP

Unavailable: Jarrod Wallace (suspension), Anthony Don (shoulder), Keegan Hipgrave (suspension), Jack Stockwell (shoulder)

Titans notes: Star recruit Bryce Cartwright looks set to take the lock role in a strong back-row as Jai Arrow recovers from a rib injury. Michael Gordon will slot in at fullback and Brendan Elliott is likely to take a wing spot, unless Anthony Don can recover from his shoulder injury in time to take his place in the seasons opener. Phillip Sami will be on the other flank either way. Jarrod Wallace misses the start of the season through suspension, opening the door for either Max King or Morgan Boyle, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, to take a starting jersey.

Raiders

1. Jack Wighton

2. Jordan Rapana

3. Jarrod Croker

4. Joey Leilua

5. Nick Cotric

6. Blake Austin

7. Aidan Sezer

8. Junior Paulo

9. Siliva Havili

10. Shannon Boyd

11. Josh Papalii

12. Joseph Tapine

13. Elliott Whitehead

14. Sam Williams

15. Sia Soliola

16. Luke Bateman

17. Charlie Gubb

Siliva Havili will be an important part of the Raiders in 2018. Source: News Corp Australia

Unavailable: Josh Hodgson (knee)

Raiders notes: Siliva Havili will get first crack at the injured Josh Hodgson’s hooker role, with either Sam Williams or Craig Garvey likely to come off the bench.