team lists, pre-season trials, Dom Young Roosters debut, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Warriors return, Blake Taaffe, Bulldogs fullback

The first ‘Team List Tuesday’ of 2024 is officially here with clubs unleashing new recruits and naming some of their biggest stars for week one of the Pre-season Challenge.

Returning Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been named in the centres, while Chanel Harris-Tavita will play his first game after a one-year hiatus.

Blake Taaffe will get first shot at the Bulldogs’ No.1 jersey and new recruit Drew Hutchison has beat Toby Sexton to the No.7, while Jaeman Salmon will line up at lock.

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Elsewhere, Knights coach Adam O’Brien has stuck with last season’s halves pairing, meaning Jack Cogger will start on the bench and Sharks young gun Kade Dykes is back on deck after an ACL injury wiped him out of last season.

The Roosters are wheeling out their big guns with James Tedesco and Luke Keary named to start, while Dom Young will play his first game for the club.

Tyrell Sloan has gotten the nod at fullback for Dragons and Josh Schuster has been named on the bench as he fights to prove his fitness ahead of Round 1.

Read on for the official team lists for week one of the Pre-season Challenge.

THURSDAY

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm, 7pm AEDT at Belmore Sports Ground

Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Eli Clark 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Toby Sexton 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Liam Knight 17. Jordan Samrani 19. Harry Hayes 20. Bailey Hayward 21. Joash Papali’i 22. Reece Hoffman 23. Jack Todd 24. Joseph O’Neill 25. Luke Smith 26. Lipoi Hopoi 27. Kurtis Morrin 28. William Afualo 29. Khaled Rajab

Analysis: Cameron Ciraldo has handed Drew Hutchison first crack at the No.7 jersey, with Toby Sexton named on the bench and Matt Burton at five-eighth. Bronson Xerri is also set to make his first appearance for his new club after serving his four-year suspension. Kitione Kautoga has been named in the backrow after a solid Pacific Champs campaign for Fiji while Blake Taaffe has been named at fullback. Marquee recruit Stephen Crichton hasn’t been named.

Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Marion Seve 5. Tuipulotu Katoa 6. Keagan Russell-Smith 7. Jonah Pezet 8. Tristan Powell 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Aaron Pene 11. Kane Bradley 12. Chris Lewis 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Caius Faatili 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Coby Williamson 18. Treigh Stewart 19. Cole Geyer 20. Sheldon Diaz 21. Thomas Rafter 22. Karauria Stokes-Mahara 23. Stanley Huen 24. Mitchell Jennings 25. Angus Hinchey 26. Jontay-Junior Betham-Misa 27. Regan Hughes 28. Jake Toby

Analysis: He’s back. Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named at fullback for the Storm’s first trial of the season. After suffering a horror ankle injury that ended his 2023 campaign, the speedster has been able to recover in the off-season and is set to be unleashed against the Bulldogs. Keagan Russell-Smith, a former Penrith junior who impressed in his first season in Melbourne in 2023, has been named at five-eighth alongside promising talent Jonah Pezet. Sualauvi Fa’alogo hasn’t been named, while former Dragons fullback Treigh Stewart is on the extended bench.

SATURDAY

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks, 1.45pm AEDT at Industree Group Stadium

Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Enari Tuala 4. Krystian Mapapalangi 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Jed Cartwright 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Mathew Croker 14. Jack Cogger 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Brodie Jones 17. Thomas Cant 18. David Armstrong 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Will Pryce 22. Laitia Moceidreke 23. Riley Jones 24. Paul Bryan 25. Zach Herring 26. Clay Webb 27. Ryan Rivett 28. Sebastian Su’a

Analysis: Adam O’Brien has set up a halves shootout against the Sharks. New recruit Jack Cogger has been named on the bench, with Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble starting. Krystian Mapapalangi has been named in the centres after battling shoulder injuries in 2023, while rising fullback David Armstrong has been named on the extended bench. English signing Will Pryce has been named in the No.21 while former Rabbitohs forward Jed Cartwright gets first crack at Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s vacant backrow spot.

Sharks team: 1. Kade Dykes 2. Sione Katoa 3. Kayal Iro 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Niwhai Puru 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Jesse Colquhoun 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Billy Burns 15. Jack Williams 16. Tuku Hau Tapuha 17. Lachlan Jake Crouch 18. Christopher Veaila 19. Samuel Healey 20 Salesi Ataata 21. Blake Hosking 22. Siosifa Talakai 23. Liam Ison 24. Max Bradbury 25. Tom Rodwell

Analysis: Kade Dykes returns after spending a full season sidelined due to an ACL rupture. He will wear the No.1, with Daniel Atkinson and Niwhai Puru named as the halves pairing. Craig Fitzgibbon has wheeled out a strong forward pack that includes Tom Hazelton and Cameron McInnes. Meanwhile, development player and former Panthers junior Liam Ison could get his first minutes in Sharks colours, while Siosifa Talakai has been named alongside him on the extended bench as well as former Knights middle Max Bradbury.

Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles, 3.45pm AEDT at Industree Group Stadium

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Terrell May 16. Egan Butcher 17. Angus Crichton 18. Joseph Manu 19. Siua Wong 20. Fetalaiga Pauga 21. Connor Watson

Analysis: Trent Robinson is clearly gearing up for Vegas and has named a strong backline. Dom Young earns a spot on the wing, but interestingly the odd man out this time is Joey Manu who has been named on the extended bench. Zach Dockar-Clay plays hooker in Brandon Smith’s All Stars absence, while recruit Spencer Leniu hasn’t been named to feature. Luke Keary and Sam Walker will partner in the halves.

Sea Eagles team: 1. Bailey Hodgson 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Tommy Talau 4. Clayton Faulalo 5. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Karl Lawton 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Ben Condon 13. Nathan Brown 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Joshua Schuster 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Aaron Woods 18. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 19. Brad Parker 20. Aitasi James 21. Dean Matterson 22. Max Lehmann 23. Lehi Hopoate 24. Cameron Brown 25. Jacob Sykes 26. Austin Dias

Analysis: As expected Trbojevic brothers Tom and Jake, as well as Daly Cherry-Evans, have been put on ice ahead of Round 1. Former Knight Bailey Hodgson is set to wear the No.1 jersey, with recruits Jaxson Paulo and Tommy Talau manning one outside edge. Jake Arthur and Brandon Wakeham, previously a Tigers halfback, will play in the halves under Anthony Seibold. Josh Schuster has also been named on the bench, with Jamie Humphreys getting the nod at No.14 over Gordon Cham Kum Tong.

Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders, 5.55pm AEDT at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Eels team: 1. Blaize Talagi 2. Haze Dunster 3. Morgan Harper 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Ky Rodwell 9. Brendan Hands 10. Ofahiki Ogden 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Luca Moretti 15. Wiremu Greig 16. Matt Doorey 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Matthew Arthur 19. Toni Mataele 20. Joshua Lynn 21. Charlie Guymer 22. Dan Keir 23. Saxon Pryke 24. Zac Cini 25. Isaac Lumelume 26. Ethyn Martin

Analysis: Highly-touted youngster Blaize Talagi is set to be unleashed at fullback by Brad Arthur. The dangerous outside back is one of the club’s best juniors so make sure to watch out for his skills in pre-season. Fellow rising star Ethan Sanders is also playing at halfback, with recruits Morgan Harper and Kelma Tuilagi named to feature in the run on side. Another Arthur, Matt, could also wear the blue and gold with the Parramatta coach unleashing his second son in the No.18 jersey. A hooker by trade, Arthur has been earmarked as the club’s future No.9.

Raiders team: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. Nick Cotric 3. James Schiller 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Ethan Strange 8. Emre Guler 9. Zac Woolford 10. Pasami Saulo 11. Mitchell Spencer 12. Simi Sasagi 13. Ata Mariota 14. Tom Starling 15. Prinston Esera 16. Utuloa Asouma 17. Jed Stuart 18. Danny Levi 19. Adam Cook 20. Peter Hola 21. Mitch Henderson 22. Peter Taateo 23. Noah Martin 24. Loghan Lewis

Analysis: Ricky Stuart is unleashing the young guns. Rising star Chevy Stewart has been named at fullback for the Raiders, with Xavier Savage wearing the No.5. Former Sea Eagles playmaker Kaeo Weekes will also make his first appearance for the Canberra club alongside another promising youngster in Ethan Strange who has been named at halfback. Stuart’s son, Jed, has also been named on the bench. having spent the 2023 season in the backrow in NSW Cup. Albert Hopoate and James Schiller partner in the centres.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 8.05pm AEDT at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Rabbitohs team: 1. Jacob Gagai 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Richard Kennar 5. Taane Milne 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Jacob Host 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Tallis Duncan 19. Michael Chee Kam 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Leon Te Hau 22. Braidon Burns 23. Dion Teaupa

Analysis: The Rabbitohs will be without superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell, while five-eighth Cody Walker is unavailable due to a calf strain. No sign of new recruit Jack Wighton yet, while Isaiah Tass and Richard Kennar have a chance to prove why they can replace injured centre Campbell Graham going forward. Jacob Gagai, brother of Knights veteran Dane, gets a chance at fullback and reigning NSW Cup Player of the Year Dean Hawkins will partner Lachlan Ilias in the halves.

Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Viliami Fifita 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Dylan Egan 18. Michael Molo 19. Jesse Marschke 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Savelio Tamale 22. Mathew Feagai 23. Max Feagai 24. Sione Finau 25. Dan Russell 26. Ryan Couchman 27. Toby Couchman 28. Alec Tuitavake

Analysis: New coach Shane Flanagan has given Tyrell Sloan the chance to retain the No.1 jersey, while Zac Lomax has moved out to the wing to accommodate Jack Bird’s shift to the centres. Red V fans will get their first look at the new halves pairing of Kyle Flanagan and Ben Hunt, while exciting youngsters Dylan Egan and Viliami Fifita have been included on the bench.

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SUNDAY

New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers, 2pm AEDT at Apollo Projects Stadium

Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Setu Tu 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Tom Ale 11. Jackson Ford 12. Jacob Laban 13. Kalani Going 14. Eddie Ieremia 15. Zyon Maiu’u 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Leka Halasima 18. Patrick Moimoi 20. Etuate Fukofuka 21. Toni Tupouniua 22. Ben Farr 23. Luke Hanson 24. Moala Graham-Taufa 25. Geronimo Doyle 26. Quinnlan Tupou 27. Paul Roache

Analysis: Get excited Warriors fans because Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is back. The cross-code superstar returns from rugby union to play in his new position of centre with Taine Tuaupiki getting a chance to don the No.1 jersey. Chanel Harris-Tavita is also back after a one-year break from the game and will partner Luke Metcalf, who is fresh off a visit to the US to work on his troublesome hamstring.

Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Declan Casey 5. Junior Tupou 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Asu Kepaoa 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Lachlan Galvin 15. Josh Feledy 16. Fonua Pole 17. Samuela Fainu 18. Kit Laulilii 19. Sione Fainu 20. Jake Simpkin 21. Tallyn Da Silva 22. Heath Mason 23. Alexander Lobb 24. Tony Sukkar 25. Navren Willett 26. Nick Lui Toso 27. Reuben Porter 28. Sione Latoa-Vaihu

Analysis: The Benji Marshall era is officially underway. The rookie coach has named a fairly strong side with his expected Round 1 spine to get a much-needed game together. New recruits Jayden Sullivan and Aidan Sezer will get a chance to gel, while fellow new recruits Solomona Faataape and Declan Casey have been named in the centres. Up-and-coming playmaker Lachlan Galvin has been included on the bench.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos, 4pm AEDT at BB Print Stadium

Cowboys team: 1. Tomas Chester 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jodeci Tiraha 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Robert Derby 6. Jake Clifford 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Sean Mullany 10. Marly Bitungane 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Kyle Schneider 15. Wil Sullivan 16. John Radel 17. Jamal Shibasaki 18. D’Jazirhae Pua’avase 19. Jaxon Purdue 20. Ewan Moore 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Henry Teutau

Analysis: Cowboys coach Todd Payten is holding his big guns back but there’ll be plenty of excitement around the return of Jake Clifford after a couple of years away from the club. He partners youngster Thomas Duffy while Tomas Chester is back after suffering an ACL injury early last season. Luciano Leilua has not been named after it was reported on Tuesday that he requested an immediate release from his contract.

Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Delouise Hoeter 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jaiyden Hunt 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Martin Taupau 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Kobe Hetherington 18. Jordan Pereira 19. Benjamin Te Kura 20. Joshua Patston 21. Tristan Sailor 22. Cory Paix 23. Blake Mozer

Analysis: Pat Carrigan and skipper Adam Reynolds have been named after being at the centre of some off-field drama. The duo fronted the media on Tuesday to take ownership of the push and shove they were involved in and aren’t expected to miss Round 1. Corey Oates has pushed his way back into the starting side after being dropped for finals last year and Selwyn Cobbo gets his first game in his new position.

Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans, 6.15pm AEDT at Sunshine Coast Stadium

Dolphin team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jack Bostock 3. Tesi Niu 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Euan Aitken 12. Felise Kaufusi 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Max Plath 15. Valynce Te Whare 16. Jake Averillo 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Gerome Burns 19. Ray Stone 20. Jeremiah Simbiken 21. Connelly Lemuelu 22. Lachlan Hubner 23. Harrison Graham 24. Jarrod Wallace 25. Mason Teague 26. Brenton Baira

Analysis: Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett will throw star recruits Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler straight into the action, while NRL regulars Isaiya Katoa, Sean O’Sullivan, Felise Kaufusi and Jamayne Isaako have also been named to start. Interestingly new recruit Jake Averillo will play off the bench with Tesi Niu retaining his No.3 jersey. Valynce Te Whare has been named after being ordered to strip weight and work on his fitness in the off-season and Jeremy Marshall-King and Tom Gilbert are back on deck from their respective injuries.

Titans team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Jack Garrod 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Tom Steadman 7. Kyle Foxwell 8. Luke Burton 9. Vaka Sikahele 10. Jordan Penquitt 11. Ryan Foran 12. Seth Nikotemo 13. Arama Hau 14. Thomas Weaver 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Joe Stimson 17. Klese Haas 18. Harley Smith-Shields 19. Kaleb Ngamanu 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Oskar Bryant 22. Caelys-paul Putoko

Analysis: New Titans coach Des Hasler has turned to the youth at the club for the first game of the pre-season trial with 17 players named that are yet to play in the NRL. Ken Maumalo and Joe Stimson are among those with the most experience, while new recruit Harley Smith-Shields has been included on the extended bench.