NRL 2024: Every club's predicted team list, news and changes

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Pre-season is officially underway across the NRL, with all 17 clubs returning to the paddock in preparation for 2024.

For the likes of the Dragons and Tigers, a clean slate and fresh outlook under new head coaches should hopefully lead to exciting times at their respective clubs, while the Panthers and Broncos will look to keep on rolling forward. 

With some bumper trades across the NRL headlined by the likes of Jack Wighton and Herbie Farnworth, as well as a new class of rookie stars, there will be plenty of competition for spots in every lineup heading into Round 1.

The Sporting News takes a look at every club's predicted team lists, news and changes below. 

Brisbane Broncos predicted lineup and team news

1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Deine Mariner
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Jordan Riki
12. Brendan Piakura
13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Fletcher Baker
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Xavier Willison

Brisbane Broncos team news:

Herbie Farnworth is the big loss from Brisbane's grand final lineup, with young gun Deine Mariner likely to fill the void in the centres.

Fletcher Baker will come into the 17 after moving from the Roosters, while Corey Jensen is expected to move into a starting role following the exits of Tom Flegler and Keenan Palasia.

The Broncos have lost a heap of experience as they seek to balance their salary cap with Kurt Capewell granted an early release to join the Warriors. This will likely see Brendan Piakura move into the starting lineup and Xavier Willison join the bench more regularly. 

Canberra Raiders predicted lineup and team news

1. Xavier Savage 
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Matt Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Elliott Whitehead
12. Hudson Young
13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Morgan Smithies

Canberra Raiders team news:

There will be some interesting selections for the Green Machine heading into next season, with new recruit Kaeo Weekes the front-runner to replace Jack Wighton in the halves ahead of fellow fresh face, Simi Sasagi, who has joined from the Knights.

Rookie fullback Chevy Stewart looks like a potential No.1 for the club long-term but will likely be behind Xavier Savage to start the season. 

Stewart is just one of many Raiders youngsters who could make the jump into first grade following the retirement of Jarrod Croker, with Ethan Strange a chance to feature in the centres after making his debut there in 2023. 

The latest Englishman to join the club's roster, Morgan Smithies, will likely earn a spot on the bench. The recruit from Wigan has voiced his preference for starting at lock in the future, although it's difficult to see him remove Corey Horsburgh from the position, unless he is shifted to prop in place of veteran Josh Papalii

Corey Harawira-Naera's playing future remains in doubt after the forward collapsed during a game last year and didn't return for the rest of the season. 

Canterbury Bulldogs predicted lineup and team news

1. Stephen Crichton
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Connor Tracey
5. Jacob Kiraz
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Liam Knight
11. Jacob Preston
12. Viliame Kikau
13. Josh Curran

14. Blake Taaffe
15. Chris Patolo
16. Ryan Sutton
17. Kurt Mann

Canterbury Bulldogs team news

Plenty of fresh faces in the Canterbury lineup heading into next year, with three-time premiership winner Stephen Crichton expected to get first crack at the No.1 jumper over fellow recruit Blake Taaffe. 

Bronson Xerri looms as the front-runner for one of the centre spots after finishing his four-year doping suspension. New signing Connor Tracey is a strong chance at filling the other centre spot.

In the forward pack, Josh Curran will likely take the vacant lock position, while Kurt Mann looms as a bench option after signing a two-year deal from the Knights. 

Cronulla Sharks predicted lineup and team news

1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Nicho Hynes
7. Braydon Trindall
8. Braden Hamlin-Uele
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Dale Finucane

14. Cameron McInnes
15. Royce Hunt
16. Tom Hazelton 
17. Sifa Talakai

Cronulla Sharks team news:

No real changes to the roster for the Sharks heading into next season.

However, the one man who everyone is expecting to see make the jump to the NRL full-time is outside back Kayal Iro, who has been a standout in reserve grade and will likely push Sifa Talakai to the bench in 2024. 

Dolphins predicted lineup and team news

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Tesi Niu
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jake Averillo
5. Jamayne Isaako
6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Tom Flegler
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Jesse Bromwich
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert

14. Ray Stone
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Jarrod Wallace
17. Mark Nicholls 

Dolphins team news:

A few massive changes to the Dolphins squad for next season, with speedsters Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo expected to make up a new-look centre pairing.

Kodi Nikorima was an ever-present during the club's first season and may be unlucky to miss out on a place in the 17 with the return to full fitness of Sean O'Sullivan

Representative enforcer Tom Flegler will bolster the forward pack, while Tom Gilbert will likely return in the No.13 jumper after his brilliant first season in a Dolphins jersey was cut short through injury. 

Gold Coast Titans

1. Jayden Campbell
2. Alofi Khan-Pereira
3. AJ Brimson
4. Brian Kelly
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamalaeaui
11. Beau Fermor
12. David Fifita
13. Isaac Liu 

14. Erin Clark
15. Jaimin Jolliffe
16. Keenan Palasia
17. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui 

Gold Coast Titans team news:

The big decision for incoming coach Des Hasler will come at fullback, with both Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson in contention, as well as fleet-footed rookie Keano Kini

Tanah Boyd is likely to get the first shot in the halves alongside Kieran Foran, with Tom Weaver waiting in the wings after making his NRL debut late last season. 

In a major boost, Beau Fermor will return to the backrow after missing the entirety of 2023 with an ACL injury. David Fifita, who has undergone off-season surgery, is expected to be fine for a Round 1 start. 

The only signing at this stage for the Titans is versatile forward Keenan Palasia, who could potentially slot into the starting lineup or on the bench.

Manly Sea Eagles predicted lineup and team news

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Christian Tuipolotu
3. Reuben Garrick
4. Tolu Koula
5. Jason Saab
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Taniela Paseka
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Josh Schuster
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
15. Toafofoa Sipley
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Ben Trbojevic

Manly Sea Eagles team news:

It's no secret the success or failure of Manly hinges on the fitness of Tom Trbojevic, who is expected to take up the fullback spot in Round 1 as he returns from injury.

Reuben Garrick will return to the backline after missing the end of last season with a back injury and could feature in the centres from here on out ahead of Brad Parker

Luke Brooks will partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, which will see Josh Schuster revert to the backrow after his failed experiment at five-eighth. 

Young gun Gordon Chan Kum Tong should be included on the bench permanently in 2024.

Melbourne Storm predicted lineup and team news

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Xavier Coates
3. Nick Meaney
4. Reimis Smith
5. Will Warbrick
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Christian Welch
9. Harry Grant
10. Tui Kamikamica
11. Trent Loiero
12. Eli Katoa
13. Josh King

14. Bronson Garlick
15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16. Tepai Moeroa
17. Sua Fa'alogo

Melbourne Storm team news:

No major changes for the Storm heading into next year, with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen hopeful of returning from an ankle injury, which will likely see Nick Meaney shift to the centres.

Sua Fa'alogo alerted everyone to his vast potential at the end of last season and may be able to find a spot on the bench to start 2024.  

Newcastle Knights predicted lineup and team news

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Bradman Best
4. Dane Gagai
5. Enari Tuala
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Jacob Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Jed Cartwright
13. Adam Elliott

14. Phoenix Crossland
15. Leo Thompson
16. Mat Croker
17. Jack Hetherington

Newcastle Knights team news:

The major blow for Newcastle in the off-season will be the departure of Dom Young, who has moved to the Roosters on a long-term deal.

In the spine, Jayden Brailey will be back on deck following an injury layoff in 2023, pushing Phoenix Crossland back to the utility role.  

The only fresh face in the team will be Jed Cartwright, who could slot into the backrow following Lachlan Fitzgibbon's exit. 

New Zealand Warriors predicted lineup and team news

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
4. Rocco Berry
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Marata Niukore
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Tohu Harris

14. Dylan Walker
15. Jackson Ford
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Tom Ale

New Zealand Warriors team news:

A couple of prodigal sons will return home next year in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Chanel Harris-Tavita with both expected to feature prominently for the Warriors.

Luke Metcalf will be back from injury and should earn first crack at the five-eighth role, ahead of Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin

Kurt Capewell has joined the club and will likely move into the starting back-row spot, with Jackson Ford dropping to the bench. 

The departure of Josh Curran will likely open the door for young gun Tom Ale to earn a more consistent spot on the bench. 

North Queensland Cowboys predicted lineup and team news

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Coen Hess
9. Reece Robson
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Jake Granville
15. Griffin Neame
16. Luciano Leilua
17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

North Queensland Cowboys team news: 

The roster in Townsville hasn't changed much heading into 2024, with the only likely change in the lineup being the arrival of Viliami Vailea in the centres, replacing departed veteran Peta Hiku

Parramatta Eels predicted lineup and team news

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Daejarn Asi
5. Bailey Simonsson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Junior Paulo
9. Brendan Hands
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’maine Hopgood

14. Joey Lussick
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Wiremu Greig

Parramatta Eels team news:

No major changes expected for the blue and gold heading into next season. Daejarn Asi looms as a potential candidate to play in the centres, while Wiremu Greig should further cement himself as a regular first grader. 

Penrith Panthers predicted lineup and team news

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Taylan May
4. Izack Tago
5. Sunia Turuva
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo

14. Soni Luke
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Paul Alamoti
17. Matt Eisenhuth

Penrith Panthers team news:

Taylan May will be back from a lengthy injury layoff and is expected to move into the centres to try and fill in the massive shoes of the departed Stephen Crichton

While the likes of Crichton and Spencer Leniu have signed with rival clubs, Penrith haven't made too many moves on the recruitment front.

Paul Alamoti comes into the squad and could find himself in the middle of the field via the bench, while Daine Laurie could be in a shootout with Soni Luke for the role of the utility. 

St George Illawarra Dragons predicted lineup and team news

1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Sione Finau
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Ben Hunt 
8. Hame Sele
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Jaydn Su’A
12. Jack Bird
13. Jack de Belin

14. Connor Muhleisen
15. Francis Molo
16. Michael Molo
17. Dan Russell

St George Illawarra Dragons team news:

A major blow for the Red V in the halves, with both Jayden Sullivan (Tigers) and Junior Amone (stood down) out of the lineup, which looks set to open the door for Kyle Flanagan to earn a career lifeline under his father, Shane.

Flanagan will face competition from fellow new recruit Ronald Volkman to start alongside captain Ben Hunt

The club have added depth in the front-row with the arrival of Hame Sele, while young flyer Sione Finau should be a regular first grader out wide after a strong NSW Cup season saw him earn a new deal.

Front-row duo Viliami Fifita and Alec Tuitavake could push for bench spots, after joining mid-way through last year from Manly. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs predicted lineup and team news

1. Latrell Mitchell 
2. Tyrone Munro
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Alex Johnston
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tom Burgess
9. Damien Cook
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray

14. Siliva Havili
15. Davvy Moale 
16. Tallis Duncan
17. Shaq Mitchell

South Sydney Rabbitohs team news: 

The bulk of the South Sydney lineup will remain the same next year, but the major addition coming in the form of Jack Wighton on a long-term deal, with the former Raiders star expected to play left centre. Isaiah Tass would be unlucky to miss out though. 

After impressing in limited opportunities, expect to see Tyrone Munro and Tallis Duncan earn permanent spots in the NRL team. 

Sydney Roosters predicted lineup and team news

1. James Tedesco
2. Joseph Suaalii
3. Joseph Manu
4. Billy Smith
5. Dom Young
6. Luke Keary 
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Nat Butcher
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley

14. Sandon Smith
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Terrell May

Sydney Roosters team news:

Two massive signings for the Tricolours heading into 2024, with premiership-winning prop Spencer Leniu and giant winger Dom Young both joining the club on multi-year agreements.

After spending a large portion of the past 18 months on the sidelines, the club are hopeful of having Sitili Tupouniua back on deck next season and potentially push Angus Crichton out of the side. 

Young guns Siua Wong and Sandon Smith appear to have locked themselves in as NRL regulars. 

Wests Tigers predicted lineup and team news

1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Asu Kepaoa
4. Brent Naden
5. Junior Tupou
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Aidan Sezer
8. David Klemmer
9. Api Koroisau
10. Stefano Utoikamanu
11. John Bateman
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Fonua Pole

14. Jake Simpkin
15. Justin Matamua
16. Alex Twal
17. Samuela Fainu

Wests Tigers team news:

After a tumultuous year, incoming coach Benji Marshall will bring together a completely new halves combination in the form of Jayden Sullivan and Aidan Sezer, with rookie five-eighth Latu Fainu waiting in the wings.

David Nofoaluma has endured a troubled pre-season and may miss out on selection with the rumoured arrival of Justin Olam from the Storm. 

His older brother, Samuela Fainu, also looks set to earn a spot on the bench at Concord heading into next year, while young guns Justin Matamua and Fonua Pole should be there on a permanent basis. 

Author(s)
Mark Molyneux Photo

Mark Molyneux is a content producer for Sporting News Australia.