Friday, February 7

Dragons v Mudgee/Illawarra Cutters

Dragons (squad): Leeson Ah Mau, Josh Ailaomai, Gerard Beale, Jack Bird, Mike Cooper, Jack de Belin, Josh Drinkwater, Josh Dugan, Dylan Farrell, Tyson Frizell, Craig Garvey, Kiti Glyman, Matt Groat, Nathan Green, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka, Peter Mata’utia, Will Matthews, Trent Merrin, Adam Quinlan, Mitch Rein, Charly Runciman, Kyle Stanley, Jack Stockwell, Joel Thompson, Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams.

Verdict

A squad which will make many Dragons fans excited about not so much this season but for years to come. Plenty of young, exciting talent in halves Josh Drinkwater and Adam Quinlan as well as Charly Runciman and Peter Mata'utia in the backline. For me this squad shows that the Dragons have a group of young guys who all have reasonable experience at NRL level and this match will give the likes of Gerard Beale, Dylan Farrell and Gareth Widdop an opportunity to build some chemistry.

Sharks v Sea Eagles 

Sharks (squad): Nathan Stapleton, Sosaia Feki, Jonathan Wright, Blake Ayshford, Eric Grothe Jr, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Bryce Gibbs, Isaac De Gois, Tim Robinson, Wade Graham, Matt Prior, Sam Tagataese. Interchange: Daniel Holdsworth, Michael Lichaa, Tupou Sopoaga, Ricky Leutele, Siosaia Vave, Jacob Gagan, Junior Roqica, Sione Masima, Pat Politoni, Michael Morris, Scott Sorenson, Valentine Holmes, Fa'amanu Brown.

Verdict

A very strong line up with a near full strength back line which will be important as the Sharks need to work on their potency. It will be very interesting to see what role Michael Lichaa will fulfill. A extremely talented dummy half, Lichaa should get a run behind Isaac De Gois and he will be pushing both De Gois and John Morris for a spot on the bench. The Sharks have named a young/B grade pack which is fair enough and this forward pack has plenty to play for especially as spots will be up for grabs during the season especially at Origin time. Keep an eye out for Tupou Sopoaga, a back rower who has risen through the ranks nicely.

Sea Eagles:Brett Stewart, Peta Hiku, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Starling, Matt Ballin, Brenton Lawrence, Anthony Watmough, Jamie Buhrer, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: James Hasson, Dunamis Lui, Tom Symonds, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Manaia Rudolph, Kayne Lawton, Clinton Gutherson, Cheyse Blair, Jake Trbojevic, Mitch Manson, Ligi Sao, Tony Satini, Tyson Andrews, Santana Palmer, Michael Chee Kam, Jack Littlejohn, Delroy Berryman, Mark O'Dare, Domenic Reardon, Matt Ikuvalu.

Verdict

A very strong line up for the Sea Eagles with a near full strength starting 13 named. New signing Josh Starling starts at prop which a great move and I'm picking the former Rabbitoh to fit right in at Manly. Also named in the starting 13 is Peta Hiku on the wing and it'll be interesting to see where he fits in for Manly as he could become too good to leave out. The bench is full of young players who will be given a shot - Clinton Gutherson and Jake Trbojevic were both very good last season making their debuts late in the piece. Keep an eye on the youngsters on the bench who are competing for first grade spots - Jesse Sene-Lefao, Cheyse Blair, Ligi Sao and Michael Chee Kam are all capable of doing so but have plenty of competition.

Saturday, February 8

Storm v Raiders (AAMI Park, Melbourne, 5.30pm)

Storm (squad): Cameron Munster, Young Tonumaipea, Justin O’Neill, Mahe Fonua, Matt Duffie, Ben Hampton, Cody Walker, Jordan McLean, Joel Romelo, George Rose, Tohu Harris, Kevin Proctor, Mitch Garbutt, Dayne Weston, Slade Griffin, Ben Roberts, Kurt Mann, Matt Lodge, Felise Kaufusi, Richie Kennar, Hymel Hunt, Christian Welch, Rhys Kennedy, Niua Finua Puaka, Tremaine Jensen.

Verdict

Hard to hide my excitement here looking at this Melbourne squad. Many teams should be worried by the talent they have coming through and it will all be on display against the Raiders. There's a new big three in town - fullback Cameron Munster (Intrust Super Cup Rookie of the Year 2013) and halves Ben Hampton and Cody Walker (Intrust Super Cup leading point scorer + player of the year 2013). Besides these blokes, Matt Duffie makes a return from injury and Melbourne's new signings also get a decent crack. Keep an eye on the wide range of young talent coming off the bench.

Raiders (squad): Jack Ahearn, Matt Allwood, Luke Bateman, Shannon Boyd, Mitch Cornish, Mitch Cronin, Joel Edwards, Jake Foster, Jeremy Hawkins, Andrew Heffernan, Jarrad Kennedy, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Brenko Lee, Jeff Lynch, Patrick Mago, Sam Mataora, Josh McCrone, Matt McIlwrick, Mark Nicholls, Mosese Pangai, Tevita Pangai Jr, Jordan Rapana, Reece Robinson, Sami Sauiluma, Lagi Setu, David Shillington, Dane Tilse, Bill Tupou, Jack Wighton.

Verdict

The Raiders have had very strong Under 20's teams and this is evident in their first trial squad. Blokes like Jack Ahearn, Mitch Cornish and Mitch Cronin are all very talented while it's also a good chance for fringe players like Sam Mataora, Matt McIlwrick to push their case. Keep an eye on Mitch Cornish who could play himself in to a starting halves spot.

Knights v First Nation Goannas 

Knights: Sione Mata’utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Chanel Mata’utia, Josh Mantellato, Michael Dobson, Tyrone Roberts (c), Zane Tetevano, Travis Waddell, Korbin Sims, Alex McKinnon, Joseph Tapine, Clint Newton. Interchange: Chad Redman, Tyler Randell, Toka Likiliki, Paterika Vaivai, Pat Mata’utia, Brenton Horwood, Matt Minto.

Verdict

I like this Newcastle squad that introduces plenty of new faces including the likes of the Mata'utia bros and Josh Mantellato. This squad shows that there is plenty of young talent in Newcastle but they need to step up and make it impossible to ignore them. The forward pack includes plenty of blokes who'll be looking to impress - Zane Tetevano, Korbin Sims, Alex McKinnon etc are all possible first grade regulars. Keep an eye on former Junior Warrior Toka Likiliki, gotta love seeing these guys do well outside of the Warriors.

Goannas (squad): Joshua Benjamin, James Livock (Ngalpun); Malcolm Congoo (Argun Warriors); Davin Crampton (Mindaribba); Adrian Davis, Bobby Nona, Brenko Lee (Yowies); Phil Dennis, Reggie Saunders, Javarn White, Rex Johnson (Dingoes); Roy Smith, Kareel Phillips (Redfern All Blacks); Matthew Pittman (Narwan OBC); Noel Underwood (Yarrabah); Kieran Vale (Dhungutti), David Peachey, Nathan Blacklock, Rod Jensen (Cairns), Dennis Moran (Parkes).

Verdict 

Well my knowledge of Indigenous football is very limited but what a fantastic idea this is. Replacing the All Star game, this fixture gives fantastic Indigenous talent the opportunity to represent their communities as well as push for NRL exposure. You'll hear more about this next week.

Broncos v Cowboys (Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe, 7.15pm)

Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Lachlan Maranta, Dale Copley, Jharal Yow Yeh, Stewart Mills, Zach Strasser, Kodi Nikorima, Martin Kennedy, Jake Granville, Jon Green, Joe Ofahehgaue, David Stagg, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Cameron Cullen, Marmin Barba, Daniel Vidot, Jordan Drew, David Hala, Jarrod Wallace, Frank Molo, Sebastian Martins. 

Verdict

Welcome back Jharal Yow Yeh! The key thing for me about this Broncos squad is the young forwards who will need to make a big impact this season to ensure success for the Broncs. Joe Ofahehgaue and Frank Molo are two young beastlike men while Sebastian Martins is a French forward who will help bolster their pack. Keep an eye on Jordan Kahu who has a heap of promise as well as Marmin Barba coming off the bench.

Cowboys: Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt, Javid Bowen, Kane Linnett, Curtis Rona, Doug Hewitt, Robert Lui, Scott Bolton, Anthony Mitchell, Ashton Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Tariq Sims,  John Asiata. Interchange: Zac Santo, Rory Kostjasyn,  Ricky Thorby, Glenn Hall, Sam Hoare, Cameron King, Ethan Lowe, Matthew Wright, Patrick Kaufusi.

Verdict

I'm liking this squad from the Cowboys, plenty of exciting young talent who will benefit from playing alongside the more establish NRL players. Some younger players to keep watch of are Javid Bowen, Curtis Rona and John Asiata who has joined the Cowboys from the Roosters Under 20's thanks to the Paul Green connection. Asiata had the most metres gained for the Roosters U20's last season as well as being third in line breaks and being named in the Holden Cup team of the year. Keep an eye on how Mathew Wright fits in after only recently being signed, he could become a very solid player for the Cowboys.

Panthers v Wests Tigers (Kirkham Oval, Camden, 7.30pm)

Panthers: Matt Moylan, Kevin Naiqama, Wes Naiqama, Will Smith, Etonia Nabuli, Daniel Foster, Isaac John, Sam McKendry, James Segeyaro, Tim Grant, Matt Robinson, Tyrone Peachey, Ryan Simpkins. Interchange: Shaun Spence, Jeremy Latimore, Sam Anderson, Josh Mansour, Vaipuna Tia Kilifi.

Verdict

Not much to report about this Panthers squad. They're giving a few of their new guys a run but it resembles a possible regular season squad (give and take a few). The man to watch is James Segeyaro who will need to impress to jump ahead of Kevin Kingston while Vaipuna Tia Kilif is a big strong ball runner.

Tigers (squad): Braith Anasta, Blake Austin, Adam Blair, Robbie Farah, Asipeli Fine, James Gavet, Dene Halatau, Marika Koroibete, Chris Lawrence, Keith Lulia, Mitchell Moses, David Nofoaluma, Cory Paterson, Pat Richards, Kurtis Rowe, Curtis Sironen, Martin Taupau, James Tedesco, Bodene Thompson, Aaron Woods.

Verdict

The stronger of the two Tiger's squads, this squad features many first grade regulars as well as some players looking to impress. I'll be interested to see how Adam Blair is used as he looks to shake them haters off and live up to his large price tag. New signings Blake Austin and Martin Taupau have plenty to play for and could make an impact for the Tigers this season. Keep an eye on young half Mitchell Moses who is thought to be capable of partnering Luke Brooks.

Eels v Wests Tigers (ANZAC Oval, Alice Springs, 7.40pm)

Eels (squad): Daniel Alvaro, Mitch Allgood, Zach Dockar-Clay, Kenny Edwards, Toby Evans, Liam Foran, John Folau, David Gower, Ben Jones, Luke Kelly, Taniela Lasalo, Lorenzo Ma’afu, Manu Ma’u, Tim Mannah, Fuifui Moimoi, Ryan Morgan, Pauli Pauli, Semi Radradra, Chris Sandow, Brenden Santi, Ken Sio, Ben Smith, Peni Terepo, Vai Toutai.

Verdict

This Eels squad doesn't feature many of their new signings, in fact it more resembles their 2013 shambles squad. This will make things interesting as these guys have a good opportunity to put their case forward and present a 2014 version of themselves to the new coaching staff. Front and centre of that theory is Chris Sandow who it is rumoured will appear at fullback at some stage during the trial.The Eels boast some large young forwards so keep an eye on the likes of Manu Ma'u and Pauli Pauli as well as John Folau - younger bro of Israel.

Tigers (squad): Sitaleki Akauola, Sonny Bristow, Corey Brown, Jack Buchanan, Michael Bullock, Jarred Farlow, Andy Fiagatusa, Jy Hitchcox, Sam Hollis, Inno Innosesio, Joel Luani, Allan McGrath, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Ava Seumanufagai, Setefano Taukafa, Nathan Waters, Luke Williams.

Verdict

The younger Tigers squad features many names that I've never heard of. Joel Luani is one to watch however as he'll be looking to put some pressure on Robbie Farah.

Sunday, February 9

Warriors v Titans (North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, 4pm)

Warriors: Jordan Baldwinson, Ray Faitala-Mariner, Glen Fisiiahi, David Fusitua, Charlie Gubb, Konrad Hurrell, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Mason Lino, Metia Lisati, Sam Lisone, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi, Agnatius Paasi, Abraham Papalii, Nathaniel Peteru, Dominique Peyroux, Michael Sio, Carlos Tuimavave, Albert Vete.

Verdict

Not a squad that sometime Warriors fans will get excited about, but this squad is why I've got a tingle about the future of the Warriors. Largely featuring younger players on the fringe, this squad also includes the likes of Sione Lousi who we didn't see enough of last season and will provide Charlie Gubb to continue his push for a regular first grade spot. Keep an eye on young English forwardJordan Baldwinson who has already made his Super League debut and captained England Under 18's last year

Titans: Anthony Don, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Siuatonga Likiliki, Brad Tighe, Steve Michaels, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Ryan James, Paul Carter, Luke Douglas, Ben Ridge, Mark Minichiello, Tom Kingston. Interchange: Matt White, Caleb Binge, Mark Ioane, Christian Hazard, Jamal Fogarty, Cody Nelson, Maurice Blair, Jamie Dowling, Matt Beddow.

Verdict

The Titans will bring an interesting squad which gives a few new faces an opportunity to impress coach John Cartwright. Centres Brad Tighe and Maurice Blair get a chance with Blair having a few issues off the pitch in recent times. Importantly Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly get a chance to build on their awesome work together last season. The more time these two spend together, the more dangerous the Titans become. Keep an eye on Siuatonga Likiliki who has moved to the GC from Newcastle and hopefully the former Junior Warrior can make an impact and secure a regular starting spot.

Bulldogs v Rabbitohs (Belmore Sports Ground, Bankstown, 5pm)

Bulldogs (squad): Harlan Alaalatoa, Kayne Brennan, Mitch Brown, Tim Browne, Lachlan Burr, Brad Clarke, Damien Cook, Greg Eastwood, Michael Ennis, Dale Finucane, Jaline Graham, James Graham, Trent Hodkinson, Krisnan Inu, Josh Jackson, Sam Kasiano, Tim Lafai, Drury Low, Moses Mbye, Josh Morris, Ed Murphy, Tom Murphy, Pat O’Hanlon, Lloyd Perrett, Sam Perrett, Tyrone Phillips, Frank Pritchard, John Sila, Chase Stanley, Corey Thompson, Patrick Templeman, Aiden Tolman, Tony Williams.

Verdict

Well you can't read much in to this Bulldogs squad as it looks like they've named everyone they could. There are a few young guns who'll be pushing for a NRL start with the likes of Moses Mbye and Patrick Templeman the most likely candidates. Keep an eye on who gets a run at fullback, I'm hearing that Krisnan Inu might get a go while Templeman is a very capable young fullback.

Rabbitohs: Nathan Merritt, Joel Reddy, Beau Champion, Dylan Walker,  Alex Johnston, Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds (c), Dave Tyrrell, Apisai Koroisau, Joe Picker, Chris McQueen, Ben Te’o, Ben Lowe. Interchange: Irae Simone, Kyle Turner, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Hyland, Nathaniel Neale, Tulsa Saumamao, Kirisome Auva’a, Cameron McInnes.

Verdict

Unlike the Bulldogs, the Bunnies have a trial squad that seems a bit more focused. Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds start in the halves which is a sign of things to come while the likes of Joel Reddy and Lote Tuqiri also get a run. Keep an eye on the youngsters coming off the bench especially Irae Simone who comes from MAGs and has plenty of talent.