THE Dragons have emerged as the most exciting team in NRL SuperCoach, with Mary McGregor’s men set to blood three debutants in round one – by far the most of any team.

Uncapped prop Rory O’Brien, freakish winger Eto Nabuli and Junior Kangaroos centre Euan Aitken were all named to start in St George Illawarra’s World Club Series clash against Warrington on 21 February - and they can consolidate their spots for round one with strong showings.

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NSW Cup star O’Brien has been named in the No. 8 jersey for the UK clash after playing a starring role in the Charity Shield.

Nabuli has made a stunning rise up the backline pecking order, leapfrogging Dylan Farrell and Dane Nielsen following freakish performances in both the Nines and Charity Shield.

And barring injury, Euan Aitken will start the year at right centre following Josh Dugan’s move to fullback.

All up, only six debutants are set to take the field in round one, meaning the St George Illawarra trio make up half of the rookies to be blooded.

The other three debutants are set to be Penrith’s Waqa Blake (who is in line for the centre spot of Jamal Idris, who has a spine injury), Brisbane’s Kodi Nikorima (who is expected to grab the bench utility slot) and Super League recruit Josh Hodgson (who is likely to start at hooker for the Raiders).

media_camera Anthony Minichiello and Terry Biviano are on board as the faces of SuperCoach.

BRONCOS

Jordan Kahu, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Daniel Vidot, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Adam Blair, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: James Gavet, Alex Glenn, Corey Oates, Kodi Nikorima

Notable absentees: Darius Boyd (Achilles, mid-season), Greg Eden, Mitch Garbutt, Jarrod Wallace, Mitchell Dodds, Travis Waddell, Jo Ofahengaue, Todd Lowrie, David Stagg, Lachlan Maranta, Tom Opacic, Aaron Whitchurch, Jayden Nikorima

Comment: The fullback spot is Jordan Kahu’s to lose following the injury to Darius Boyd (Achilles). Kahu produced a shaky performance in last weekend’s trial, but coach Wayne Bennett has signalled his intention to persist with the injury-prone youngster. Bennett has locked in Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt as his halves. However, the make-up of the rest of the backline could depend on the fitness of Dale Copley and Jack Reed, who are yet to get any pre-season game time following shoulder reconstructions (although they are expected to play the final trial). With Bennett recruiting Adam Blair and James Gavet at prop, expect Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker to play mostly in the back row this year. This creates a back row log-jam, with Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn battling for one starting spot. Expect Gillett to win out, however, don’t be surprised if Glenn gets the nod given Gillett is also returning from a shoulder reconstruction (he aims to make a comeback in the final trial). Bennett has signalled his desire to play a utility off the interchange. Judging on trial teams, Kodi Nikorima is leading the race ahead of brother Jayden and former Knight Travis Waddell.

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BULLDOGS

Brett Morris, Corey Thompson, Josh Morris, Tim Lafai, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Lichaa, James Graham, Tony Williams, Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: David Klemmer, Frank Pritchard, Sam Kasiano, Moses Mbye

Notable absentees: Tim Browne, Lloyd Perrett, Jacob Loko, Damien Cook, Curtis Rona, Chase Stanley, Antonio Kaufusi, Pat O’Hanlon

Comment: Most positions fill themselves, but there are still question marks over fullback and the final bench spot. We have Brett Morris pencilled in at No. 1, but don’t rule out Sam Perrett, or even Corey Thompson, who has starred at the back in recent trials. Michael Lichaa starts at hooker, although unlike his predecessor Michael Ennis, he’s unlikely to play 80 minutes. Moses Mbye is therefore the bench utility, meaning Tim Browne misses out. Trent Hodkinson (knee) is expected to be fit for the opening round, while Brett Morris (shoulder) will return in the final trial.

COWBOYS

Lachlan Coote, Antonio Winterstein, Tautau Moga, Kane Linnett, Justin O’Neill, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Ray Thompson, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: Ben Hannant, Scott Bolton, Ethan Lowe, Jake Granville

Notable absentees: Robert Lui, Matthew Wright, Rory Kostjasyn, Cameron King, Kyle Feldt, Zac Santo, Kelepi Tanginoa, Patrick Kaufusi, Javid Bowen, John Asiata, Ben Spina, Sam Hoare, Hezron Murgha, Tom Humble

Comment: The Cowboys will make significant changes to their spine in 2015. Lachlan Coote is expected to play fullback (where he has trialled), with Michael Morgan to move into the halves to partner Johnathan Thurston. At hooker, the strong form of recruit Jake Granville in the Nines and weekend trial have him set for a bench spot, with Ray Thompson to start. This relegates Rory Kostjasyn to Queensland Cup. Former Storm star Justin O’Neill, who produced a scintillating Nines, walks straight into the starting backline on the wing, with Matthew Wright the man to make way. Matt Scott (shoulder, final trial) and James Tamou (neck, round one) are set to continue their front row combination despite off-season injuries, with recruit Ben Hannant also in the rotation.

media_camera Lachlan Coote is set play fullback. Picture: Zak Simmonds

DRAGONS

Josh Dugan, Eto Nabuli, Euan Aitken, Peter Mata’utia, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Rory O’Brien, Mitch Rein, Leeson Ah Mau, Tyson Frizell, Joel Thompson, Ben Creagh. Interchange: Trent Merrin, Jack de Belin, Heath L’Estrange, George Rose

Notable absentees: Will Matthews (hand, indefinite), Dylan Farrell, Dane Nielsen, Charly Runciman, Mike Cooper, Dan Hunt, Rulon Nutira, Beau Henry, Nathan Green, Craig Garvey, Kris Keating, Jake Marketo, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Yaw Kiti Glymin

Comment: The Dragons are set to blood three rookies in round one - Eto Nabuli, Euan Aitken and Rory O’Brien. Note, as per the World Club Series team, Origin forward Trent Merrin is set to play from the bench - as he did on many occasions last year. Recruit Heath L’Estrange will provide hooking relief from the bench following strong showings in the Nines and Charity Shield.

EELS

Will Hopoate, Semi Radradra, Brad Takairangi, Beau Champion, Reece Robinson, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah, Nathan Peats, Junior Paulo, Tepai Moeroa, Manu Ma’u, Anthony Watmough. Interchange: Darcy Lussick, Joseph Paulo, David Gower, Pauli Pauli

Notable absentees: Kenny Edwards (ACL, season), Kaysa Pritchard (pectoral, season), Peni Terepo, Richie Fa’aoso, Danny Wicks, Bureta Faraimo, Ryan Morgan, Vai Toutai, John Folau, Isaac De Gois, Ben Crooks, Cody Nelson, Adam Quinlan, Luke Kelly

Comment: Centre spots are up for grabs, with Will Hopoate to play fullback in place of Jarryd Hayne and Willie Tonga off to the Super League. We’ve pencilled in experienced duo Brad Takairangi and Beau Champion. However, Ryan Morgan, Vai Toutai, Bureta Faraimo and John Folau are all contenders. Big-money recruit Anthony Watmough slots straight into lock, with Tepai Moeroa also scoring a starting spot following a standout Nines, plus the season ending injury to Kenny Edwards (ACL). Chris Sandow (ankle), Hopoate (groin) and Takairangi (ankle) are currently on the injured list, but expected to be fit for round one.

KNIGHTS

Kurt Gidley, Akuila Uate, Joseph Leilua, Dane Gagai, Sione Mata’utia, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Adam Clydsdale, Jack Stockwell, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Chris Houston, Korbin Sims, David Fa’alogo, Tyler Randell

Notable absentees: Tariq Sims (suspension, round five), James McManus, Jake Mamo, Clint Newton, Chanel Mata’utia, Pat Mata’utia, Carlos Tuimavave, Paterika Vaivai, James Taylor, Joseph Tapine, Sam Mataora, Danny Levi, Clint Newton, Chad Redman

Comment: The Knights have serious depth in the outside backs, with James McManus, Jake Mamo, Pat Mata’utia and Chanel Pat Mata’utia set to miss out, while Test star Sione Mata’utia is likely to be relegated to the wing. Sione (ankle) is expected to be fit for round one despite picking up an injury at the Nines. Coach Rick Stone has confirmed Kurt Gidley is his preferred fullback following the exit of Darius Boyd. Adam Clydesdale therefore becomes the club’s frontline hooker. Stone has stated Clydesdale will play 60 minutes, with a utility to fill the other 20 minutes. Contenders for the bench spot include Danny Levi and Chad Redman. However, we’ve gone for Tyler Randell, who has played NRL before, produced a great Nines and can also play halves and back row. Former Dragon Jack Stockwell slots straight into a starting forward pack missing Adam Cuthbertson and Willie Mason, although star recruit Tariq Sims (suspension) will miss the opening month.

PANTHERS

Matt Moylan, David Simmons, Dean Whare, Waqa Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, James Segeyaro, Sam McKendry, Bryce Cartwright, Tyrone Peachey, Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Sika Manu, Jeremy Latimore, Nigel Plum, Lewis Brown

Notable absentees: Josh Mansour (shoulder, early rounds), Jamal Idris (spine, early rounds), Adam Docker (knee, early rounds), Isaac John, Isaah Yeo, Will Smith, George Jennings, Sam Anderson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Apisai Koroisau, Kieran Moss, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Tupou Sopoaga, Andy Saunders

Comment: With Josh Mansour (shoulder) and Jamal Idris (spine) unlikely to be fit, veteran winger David Simmons and the “next Greg Inglis” Waqa Blake are set to score round one spots. Their competition includes Isaah Yeo and George Jennings, while Lewis Brown is also capable of playing wider. Bryce Cartwright (ankle) and Tyrone Peachey (pectoral) are set for starting back row spots following brilliant seasons, although both are returning from serious injuries. We’ve named James Segeyaro as an 80-minute hooker (as per his great end to 2015), but grand final-winning recruit Apisai Koroisau may push for a bench spot.

UPDATE Feb 12th: Coach Ivan Cleary now says Adam Docker (knee) is unlikely for round one. Sika Manu takes his place on the bench.

RABBITOHS

Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Dylan Walker, Bryson Goodwin, Joel Reddy, Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Issac Luke, David Tyrrell, Chris McQueen, John Sutton, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Jason Clark, Kyle Turner, Tim Grant, Tom Burgess

Notable absentees: Kirisome Auva’a (suspended until at least round 22 due to domestic violence convictions), Daryl Millard, Aaron Gray, Chris Grevsmuhl, Angus Crichton, Cameron McInnes, Ben Lowe, Sione Masima, Ed Murphy, Setefano Taukafa, Sam Manulelua, Scott Sorensen, Cody Walker

Comment: The most contentious decisions will come in the outside backs following the exits of Lote Tuqiri, Beau Champion and Nathan Merritt, plus the indefinite suspension of Kirisome Auva’a. Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston and Dylan Walker are locked in, but the final two slots are far from confirmed. We’ve pencilled in veterans Bryson Goodwin and Joel Reddy. However, they may face completion from fellow veteran Daryl Millard and exciting speedster Aaron Gray, who starred in the Nines but missed the Charity Shield due to a groin injury. Issac Luke is certain to start at hooker, but the stunning pre-season form of Cameron McInnes could elevate him into a bench spot. Further, boom forward Chris Grevsmuhl may yet make his way into the 17 following a brilliant Nines and even better Charity Shield.

RAIDERS

Jack Wighton, Sisa Waqa, Jarrod Croker, Jeremy Hawkins, Edrick Lee, Blake Austin, Mitch Cornish, Dane Tilse, Josh Hodgson, David Shillington, Josh Papalii, Frank-Paul Nu’uausala, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Josh McCrone, Paul Vaughan, Joel Edwards, Shannon Boyd

Notable absentees: Luke Page, Tevita Pangai, Sam Williams, Jordan Rapana, Kyle O’Donnell, Iosia Soliola, Brenko Lee, Glen Buttriss, Bill Tupou, Jarrad Kennedy, Kurt Baptiste, Rhys Kennedy, Jack Ahearn, Mitchell Barnett, Luke Bateman, Mitchell Cronin, Jeff Lynch, Patrick Mago, Mark Nicholls

Comment: Jack Wighton has been earmarked for a permanent switch to fullback following the exit of Anthony Milford. Wighton is part of a new-look outside backline that also includes recruit Sisa Waqa and young guns Jeremy Hawkins and Edrick Lee. Recruit Blake Austin and local junior Mitch Cornish are set to form an inexperienced halves combo following the exit of Terry Campese, plus Josh McCrone’s demotion to bench utility. McCrone will share the hooking role with Super League recruit Josh Hodgson. Former Rooster Frank-Paul Nu’uausala is a new face in the pack, although young guns Luke Page and Tevita Pangai are pushing for inclusion following strong Nines and trial form. Shaun Fensom (ACL) has made a miraculous recovery from a knee reconstruction and is a genuine chance to play round one, while David Shillington (pectoral) is also aiming for the season opener.

media_camera Jack Wighton will wear the No. 1. Picture: Mark Evans

ROOSTERS

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Ferguson, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Daniel Tupou, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Matt McIlwrick, Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra, Dylan Napa. Interchange: Martin Kennedy, Mitch Aubusson, Isaac Liu, Jackson Hastings

Notable absentees: Jake Friend (shoulder, round eight), Nene Macdonald, Willis Meehan, Kane Evans, Samisoni Langi, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Jack Siejka, Lagi Setu, Brendan Elliot, Willis Meehan

Comment: Matt McIlwrick and Jackson Hastings are set to share the hooking role in the absence of Jake Friend (shoulder), who could miss up to 10 weeks. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck slots into the fullback spot of Anthony Minichiello (retired), with recruit Blake Ferguson coming in on the wing. The back row will look very different in 2015 following the exits of regular starters Sonny Bill Williams and Frank Paul Nu’uausala. We’ve pencilled in Boyd Cordner on the left fringe (although he can also play in the middle), with Aidan Guerra to take Sonny’s spot on the right and Dylan Napa to hold court in the middle, taking over from Nu’uausala.

SEA EAGLES

Brett Stewart, Peta Hiku, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Jorge Taufua, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Willie Mason, Matt Ballin, Brenton Lawrence, Justin Horo, Feleti Mateo, Jesse Sene-Lefao. Interchange: Josh Starling, Siosaia Vave, Tom Symonds, Luke Burgess

Notable absentees: Jamie Buhrer (ACL, early rounds), Clint Gutherson, Dunamis Lui, Cheyse Blair, James Hasson, David Williams, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Jayden Hodges, Tyson Andrews, Michael Chee Kam, Jack Littlejohn, Ligi Sao, Brayden Wiliame, Blake Leary, Jack Littlejohn, Tony Satini,

Comment: The Sea Eagles will field a new-look pack following the exits of Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart and Jason King, plus Jamie Buhrer’s ACL injury, which will see him miss the start of the year. Willie Mason will slot straight into King’s starting prop spot. Justin Horo is locked in on the left fringe, and we expect Feleti Mateo and Jesse Sene-Lefao to join him in the back row. Jorge Taufua (shoulder) is racing the clock for round one. If ruled out, the door will open for Clinton Gutherson.

SHARKS

Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Valentine Holmes, Ben Barba, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Michael Ennis, Sam Tagataese, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Tupou, Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya, Tinirau Arona

Notable absentees: Fa’amanu Brown (ACL, season), Jacob Gagan (hamstring), Matt Prior, Nathan Gardner, David Fifita, Jack Bird, Blake Ayshford, Kyle Stanley, Junior Roqica, Pat Politoni, Mitch Brown, Sami Sauiluma, Saulala Houma

Comment: Ben Barba and Jeff Robson are confirmed as the halves pairing. Michael Gordon and young gun Valentine Holmes are set to share the fullback duties - as they did at the back end of last year. We haven’t found a backline spot for Jack Bird, but he is in contention following a stunning showing at the Nines. New recruit Michael Ennis slots straight into hooker and is likely to play 80 minutes, with no bench utility named. Luke Lewis (knee) is battling an ongoing injury, but he is a certain starter for round one if fit.

STORM

Billy Slater, Marika Koroibete, Will Chambers, Mahe Fonua, Matt Duffie, Blake Green, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Jordan McLean, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Dale Finucane. Interchange: Tim Glasby, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Dayne Weston, Kenny Bromwich

Notable absentees: Cameron Smith (ankle, round five), Kurt Mann, Cameron Munster, Ben Hampton, Hymel Hunt, Felise Kaufusi, Travis Robinson, Slade Griffin, Young Tonumaipea, Cameron Munster, Richie Kennar, Shaun Nona

Comment: With Cameron Smith (ankle) to miss the opening month, Ryan Hinchcliffe will fill in at hooker. Recruit Dale Finucane is set to walk straight into Hinchcliffe’s No. 13 jersey, while Tohu Harris slots into the left fringe slot vacated by Ryan Hoffman. Blake Green is likely to beat rivals Ben Hampton and Shaun Nona to the five-eighth spot vacated by Ben Roberts. Prop depth will be tested following the departures of Bryan Norrie, Mitchell Garbutt, Junior Moors and George Rose. Test star Jesse Bromwich is certain to start, but the pecking order is murky from there. We have Jordan McLean starting, with Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (who currently has a knee injury but is expected to be fit for round one) and Dayne Weston to come off the bench. The exits of Justin O’Neill and Sisa Waqa will create a new-look backline. Marika Koroibete scores one spot given his strong finish to last year. Matt Duffie is on the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction and we’ve pencilled him in on the other wing, although Young Tonumaipea will provide strong competition.

TIGERS

James Tedesco, Kevin Naiqama, Chris Lawrence, Tim Simona, Pat Richards, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Curtis Sironen, Sitaleki Akauola, Sauaso Sue. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Martin Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, Matthew Lodge

Notable absentees: David Nofoaluma (hamstring, early rounds), Keith Lulia (broken neck, early rounds), Tim Moltzen (knee, early rounds), Josh Drinkwater, Brenden Santi, Tim Moltzen, Jack Buchanan, Kyle Lovett, Kurtis Rowe, Asipeli Fine, Nathan Brown, Manaia Cherrington, Lamar Liolevave, Salesi Funaki, Joel Luani

Comment: Spots are wide open following the exits of seven NRL forwards - Braith Anasta, Adam Blair, Liam Fulton, James Gavet, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Cory Paterson and Bodene Thompson. Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah and Keith Galloway are definites for the front row, while Curtis Sironen is expected to take up a position on the left fringe. But the pecking order becomes far more clouded from there. We have Sitaleki Akauola jotted down to run the right edge, with Sauaso Sue to hold up the middle. Young prop Matthew Lodge has taken the eye of coach Jason Taylor and appears almost certain for a spot on the bench, which also includes utility Dene Halatau, and big boppers Martin Taupau and Ava Seumanufagai. We are also hearing rookie Lamar Liolevave is a serious contender for a round one spot. And if he doesn’t make the cut, he’ll definitely play NRL at some stage this year. Star fullback James Tedesco (knee) is yet to play a match this pre-season, although he is expected to be right for round one. However, David Nofoaluma (hamstring) is likely to miss the early rounds, with recruit Kevin Naiqama to take his spot.

media_camera Kevin Naiqama has joined the Wests Tigers. Picture: Mark Evans

TITANS

Josh Hoffman, Kevin Gordon, William Zillman, James Roberts, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Daniel Mortimer, Luke Douglas, Beau Falloon, David Hala, Ryan James, Greg Bird, Nate Myles. Interchange: David Taylor, Matthew White, Kierran Moseley, Eddy Pettybourne

Notable absentees: Ben Ridge (pectoral, round eight), Ryan Simpkins, Brad Tighe, Matt Robinson, Anthony Don, Kane Elgey, Matt Srama, Caleb Binge, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Mark Ioane

Comment: Josh Hoffman and William Zillman are fighting it out for the fullback spot. The player who misses out is likely to play centre. Coach Neil Henry has revealed plans to unleash Ryan James as an edge backrower this year. The move would see David Hala play prop, Nate Myles drop to lock and David Taylor relegated to the pine. Kierran Moseley is placing serious pressure on Matt Srama and Beau Falloon for a hooking spot. We have him edging out Srama on the bench. Greg Bird (foot and knee) and Aidan Sezer (cheekbone) are both expected to play round one.

WARRIORS

Sam Tomkins, David Fusitua, Ngani Laumape, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering, Sebastine Ikahihifo. Interchange: Suaia Matagi, Sam Rapira, Ben Henry, Thomas Leuluai

Notable absentees: Glen Fisiiahi (shoulder, opening rounds), Bodene Thompson, Matt Allwood, Siliva Havili, Sione Lousi, Jonathan Wright, Tuimoala Lolohea, John Palavi, Dominique Peyroux, Sione Lousi, Solomone Kata

Comment: Konrad Hurrell (wrist) takes his spot at right centre. He is expected to be fit for round one following off-season surgery. However, coach Andrew McFadden says the left centre spot is up for grabs, with Ngani Laumape the favourite. However, McFadden will give Matt Allwood a chance to impress in the position in Saturday’s trial after the Canberra recruit put in a brilliant performance at both fullback and left centre last week. David Fusitua is also an option, but with Glen Fisiiahi injured, we have him locked in on the right wing. Nines revelation Solomone Kata is also an option here. Chad Townsend is set to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves, with Thomas Leuluai to play as a utility off the bench. Star recruit Ryan Hoffman slots straight into the starting back row.