The NRL’s Las Vegas double-header has kicked off the season, now the main focus turns to the opposite six matches to finish a singular opening spherical.

Cameron Munster might be a late scratching for the Storm’s showdown with Penrith after slipping within the bathe and aggravating a calf damage.

The five-eighth is contact and go for Friday with Jonah Pezet on standby.

Mitch Kenny shall be suspended for the primary recreation of Penrith’s premiership defence after the NRL finalised its investigation into his Boxing Day social media publish.

Kenny was handed a breach discover by the NRL earlier this month after posting to his Instagram story on December 27 {that a} “couple of Boxing Day traces have gotten me in troubleeee (sic)”.

(Picture by Robert Cianflone/Getty Pictures)

The twin premiership-winning hooker promptly deleted the publish and uploaded a second picture that learn “Blissful New 12 months guys. Take pleasure in and ignore trolls who grabbed my telephone.”

Soni Luke, Penrith’s back-up hooker final season, is the likeliest candidate to begin in opposition to the Storm, with rookie Luke Sommerton an alternative choice.

Knights hooker Jayden Brailey missed the trials with a minor hamstring criticism as he makes a comeback from one other severe knee damage and is unlikely to swimsuit up in opposition to the Raiders on Thursday with Phoenix Crossland to take over within the No.9 jersey.

Parramatta shall be with out Maika Sivo to begin the NRL season, with the Eels winger dealing with a four-game ban.

The Fijian flyer was hit with a grade-two careless high-tackle cost following their trial win over the Gold Coast.

Owing to his prior misdemeanours, the problem on AJ Brimson means Sivo will be sidelined for 3 matches along with his early responsible plea.

If he had opted to struggle it on the judiciary, he would have risked being handed a further one-game suspension.

Star Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth limped off the coaching subject final Tuesday with a knee damage however is anticipated to be OK for Spherical 1 in opposition to the Cowboys on Sunday.

The Dolphins have been holding their breath after the incident within the wake of dropping Queensland ahead Tom Gilbert to a season-ending knee damage.

Cowboys ahead Coen Hess can be out for the 12 months after tearing his ACL of their trial win over Canberra in Queanbeyan.

Canberra teenager Ethan Unusual shall be clear to play in spherical one, escaping with a $1000 high-quality for a harmful throw on North Queensland prop Tom Mikaele.

Sharks half Nicho Hynes (thigh) ought to be high-quality for Spherical 1 whereas St George Illawarra obtained excellent news on forwards Jacob Liddle and Blake Lawrie, who failed to complete their trial win over Wests Tigers. Each are aiming to play spherical one in opposition to Gold Coast after Lawrie suffered rib cartilage injury and Liddle picked up a low-grade hamstring damage.

Newcastle Knights

v

Canberra Raiders

NRL : Head To Head

Thu, 7 Mar 2024, 20:00

New Zealand Warriors

v

Cronulla Sharks

NRL : Head To Head

Fri, 8 Mar 2024, 18:00

Melbourne Storm

v

Penrith Panthers

NRL : Head To Head

Fri, 8 Mar 2024, 20:05

Parramatta Eels

v

Canterbury Bulldogs

NRL : Head To Head

Sat, 9 Mar 2024, 17:30

Gold Coast Titans

v

St. George Illawarra Dragons

NRL : Head To Head

Sat, 9 Mar 2024, 19:35

Dolphins

v

North Queensland Cowboys

NRL : Head To Head

Sun, 10 Mar 2024, 16:05

* Odds Appropriate At Time Of Posting. Verify PlayUp Web site For Newest Odds

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Newcastle vs Canberra at McDonald Jones Stadium: 8pm, Thursday March 7

Odds: Knights $1.44, Raiders $2.80 – odds by way of PlayUp

Knights: Jayden Brailey missed the trials with a minor hamstring criticism as he makes a comeback from one other severe knee damage and is unlikely to swimsuit up in opposition to the Raiders.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Kalyn Ponga
2 Enari Tuala
3 Dane Gagai
4 Bradman Greatest
5 Greg Marzhew
6 Tyson Gamble
7 Jackson Hastings
8 Daniel Saifiti
9 Phoenix Crossland
10 Jacob Saifiti
11 Tyson Frizell
12 Kai Pearce-Paul
13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
14 Jack Cogger
15 Jed Cartwright
16 Jack Hetherington
17 Leo Thompson

Different squad members: Jayden Brailey (injured), David Armstrong, Dylan Lucas, Riley Jones, Paul Bryan, Myles Martin, Mathew Croker, Will Pryce, Thomas Jenkins, Ryan Rivett, Krystian Mapapalangi, Brodie Jones. 

(Picture by Mark Nolan/Getty Pictures)

Raiders: Jack Wighton has departed after holding a mortgage on this staff’s No.6 jersey for a very long time. Jarrod Croker has retired and Corey Harawira-Naera’s unlikely to swimsuit up at NRL stage this season after his on-field seizure final 12 months.

Rising star Ethan Unusual and Manly recruit Kaeo Weekes are set to struggle out Wighton’s outdated five-eighth spot. Each had their moments in Sunday’s trial loss to the Cowboys.

Zac Woolford (concussion) ought to be proper for Spherical 1.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Jordan Rapana
2 Xavier Savage
3 James Schiller
4 Matt Timoko
5 Albert Hopoate
6 Ethan Unusual
7 Jamal Fogarty
8 Josh Papalii
9 Zac Woolford
10 Joseph Tapine
11 Hudson Younger
12 Elliott Whitehead
13 Emre Guler
Interchange
14 Tom Starling
15 Morgan Smithies
16 Pasami Saulo
17 Ata Mariota

Different squad members: Seb Kris, Corey Horsburgh (suspended), Nick Cotric, Trey Mooney, Danny Levi, Kaeo Weekes, Chevy Stewart, Peter Hola, Hohepa Puru, Simi Sasagi, Corey Harawira-Naera

NZ Warriors vs Cronulla at Go Media Stadium: 6pm, Friday March 8

Odds: Warriors $1.55, Sharks $2.45 – odds by way of PlayUp

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has slotted in nicely at centre within the pre-season and halfback Shaun Johnson made a return from a calf damage.

Kurt Capewell has crossed the ditch so as to add starch to the pack whereas utility again Chanel Harris-Tavita is an actual Swiss Military knife of a participant who received’t stroll into the primary 13 however provides expertise and depth to a number of positions.

Uncapped Warriors rookie Zyon Maiu’u was despatched off for his excessive deal with that floored Wests Tigers centre Declan Casey within the trials and copped a four-game ban with a responsible plea.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2 Marcelo Montoya
3 Roger Tuisvasa-Sheck
4 Rocco Berry
5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
6 Luke Metcalf
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Addin Fonua-Blake
9 Wayde Egan
10 Bunty Afoa
11 Kurt Capewell
12 Marata Niukore
13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
14 Chanel Harris-Tavita
15 Jackson Ford
16 Dylan Walker
17 Tom Ale

Different squad members: Adam Pompey, Jazz Tevaga, Ali Leiataua, Demetric Sifakula, Edward Kosi, Freddy Lussick, Jacob Laban, Te Maire Martin, Mitch Barnett, Zyon Maiu’u, Taine Tuaupiki

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Picture by Tony Feder/Getty Pictures)

Sharks: Braydon Trindall confirmed the advantages from having a full summer season to work on his playmaking mixture with Hynes in his participant of the match efficiency for the Indigenous All Stars.

Hynes was rested for the trial win over Canterbury with a thigh downside however shall be proper for Spherical 1 whereas Dale Finucane (calf) can be assured of tackling the Warriors.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Will Kennedy
2 Sione Katoa
3 Jesse Ramien
4 Siosifa Talakai
5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
6 Braydon Trindall
7 Nicho Hynes
8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
9 Blayke Brailey
10 Toby Rudolf
11 Briton Nikora
12 Teig Wilton
13 Dale Finucane
Interchange
14 Cameron McInnes
15 Royce Hunt
16 Jack Williams
17 Oregon Kaufusi

Different squad members: Daniel Atkinson, Jayden Berrell, Kade Dykes, Tom Hazelton, Siteni Taukamo, Sam Stonestreet, Niwhai Puru, Michael Gabrael, Kayal Iro, Jesse Colquhoun, Billy Burns.

Ryan Papenhuyzen. (Picture by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Pictures)

Melbourne vs Penrith at AAMI Park: 8.05pm, Friday March 8

Odds: Storm $2.15, Panthers $1.71 – odds by way of PlayUp

Storm: Cameron Munster might be a late scratching for the Storm’s showdown with Penrith after slipping within the bathe and aggravating a calf damage. The five-eighth is contact and go for Friday with Jonah Pezet on standby.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is pushing arduous to play in Spherical 1 with spectacular trial type however coach Craig Bellamy could also be extra cautious with the fullback in his try and return from a damaged leg. When Papi’s match, Nick Meaney is about to modify to centre to interchange Justin Olam. 

Ex-Tigers ahead Shawn Blore has bolstered the pack as a part of the swap deal which despatched Olam to Wests.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
2 Xavier Coates
3 Reimis Smith
4 Nick Meaney
5 Will Warbrick
6 Cameron Munster
7 Jahrome Hughes
8 Tui Kamikamica
9 Harry Grant
10 Christian Welch
11 Trent Loiero
12 Eliesa Katoa
13 Josh King
Interchange
14 Tyran Wishart
15 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16 Tepai Moeroa
17 Aaron Pene

Different squad members: Bronson Garlick, Chris Lewis, Alec MacDonald, Marion Seve, Shawn Blore, Jonah Pezet, Joe Chan, Jack Howarth, Dean Ieremia, Younger Tonumaipea.

Panthers: Jarome Luai isn’t any certainty to be proper for the beginning of the season because of the shoulder damage he carried into final 12 months’s Grand Last which dominated him out of the World Membership Problem remaining loss to Wigan.

Native junior Jack Cole will once more assume the five-eighth position if Luai is out in opposition to the Storm.

Mitch Kenny shall be suspended for the primary recreation of Penrith’s premiership defence after the NRL finalised its investigation into his Boxing Day social media publish.

Kenny was handed a breach discover by the NRL final month after posting to his Instagram story on December 27 {that a} “couple of Boxing Day traces have gotten me in troubleeee (sic)”.

Soni Luke, Penrith’s back-up hooker final season, is the likeliest candidate to begin in opposition to the Storm, with rookie Luke Sommerton an alternative choice.

Taylan Could has received the race to interchange Stephen Crichton at centre whereas winger Sunia Turuva suffered a knee damage in opposition to Wigan however is assured of being match for Spherical 1.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Dylan Edwards
2 Sunia Turuva
3 Izack Tago
4 Taylan Could
5 Brian To’o
6 Jarome Luai
7 Nathan Cleary
8 James Fisher-Harris
9 Soni Luke
10 Moses Leota
11 Scott Sorensen
12 Liam Martin
13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
14 Tyrone Peachey
15 Lindsay Smith
16 Matt Eisenhuth
17 Luke Garner

Different squad members: Mitch Kenny (suspended), Brad Schneider, Daine Laurie, Harrison Hassett, Paul Alamoti, Mavrik Geyer, Liam Henry, Jesse McLean, Jack Cole, Ativalu Lisati. 

Parramatta vs Canterbury at CommBank Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday March 9

Odds: Eels $1.44, Bulldogs $2.80 – odds by way of PlayUp

Eels: Ryan Matterson (again) and Bailey Simonsson (hamstring) failed to complete the trial win over the Titans. Matterson was extra of a precaution however Simonsson is beneath a cloud for Spherical 1.

Fijian winger Maika Sivo has copped a three-game ban for a success on AJ Brimson within the second trial. Haze Dunster and Manly recruit Morgan Harper are possible replacements out broad.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Clint Gutherson
2 Haze Dunster
3 Will Penisini
4 Bailey Simonsson
5 Sean Russell
6 Dylan Brown
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Junior Paulo
9 Joey Lussick
10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11 Shaun Lane
12 Bryce Cartwright
13 J’maine Hopgood
Interchange
14 Brendan Palms
15 Kelma Tuilagi
16 Ryan Matterson
17 Joe Ofahengaue

Different squad members: Maika Sivo (suspended), Daejarn Asi, Makahesi Makatoa, Zac Cini, Wiremu Greig, Toni Mataele, Tevita Taumoepenu, Ofahiki Ogden, Matt Doorey, Morgan Harper, Ky Rodwell, Jirah Momoisea.

Bulldogs: Panthers star Stephen Crichton seems like he’ll begin within the centres despite the fact that he switched to Canterbury trying to nail down the fullback spot.

Former Sharks younger gun Bronson Xerri will resurrect his profession as the opposite centre. Blake Taaffe struggled at fullback within the trial loss to Cronulla whereas Drew Hutchison didn’t have a lot affect at halfback.

Lebanese winger Jacob Kiraz is unlikely to be accessible on account of a again damage.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Blake Taaffe
2 Blake Wilson
3 Bronson Xerri
4 Stephen Crichton
5 Josh Addo-Carr
6 Matt Burton
7 Drew Hutchison
8 Poasa Faamausili
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Max King
11 Viliame Kikau
12 Jacob Preston
13 Jaeman Salmon
Interchange
14 Connor Tracey
15 Sam Hughes
16 Kurt Mann
17 Josh Curran

Different squad members: Karl Oloapu (injured), Liam Knight, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Kitione Kautoga, Jordan Samrani, Jacob Kiraz, Jeral Skelton, Ryan Sutton, Jake Turpin, Hayze Perham, Chris Patolo, Kurtis Morrin, Zac Montgomery, Toby Sexton.

Gold Coast vs St George Illawarra at Cbus Tremendous Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday March 8

Odds: Titans $1.50, Dragons $2.60 – odds by way of PlayUp

Titans: David Fifita is out of the beginning of the season on account of surgical procedure for a pectoral tear suffered late final 12 months whereas Jayden Campbell (knee) may even not be again till Spherical 3.

Kieran Foran was rested from the trials and can companion Tanah Boyd within the halves. AJ Brimson will keep on with centre with Keano Kini at fullback for Campbell.

Klese Haas and Jacob Alick are pushing for a back-row place to companion Beau Fermor, who returned from an ACL tear within the trials that saved him out of the whole 2023 season.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Keano Kini
2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3 Brian Kelly
4 AJ Brimson
5 Phillip Sami
6 Kieran Foran
7 Tanah Boyd
8 Moeaki Fotuaika
9 Sam Verrills
10 Isaac Liu
11 Joe Stimson
12 Beau Fermor
13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Interchange
14 Chris Randall
15 Jaimin Jolliffe
16 Klese Haas
17 Keenan Palasia

Different squad members: David Fifita, Jayden Campbell (injured), Harley Smith-Shields, Jojo Fifita, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Erin Clark, Jacob Alick, Aaron Schoupp, Josiah Pahulu, Ken Maumolo, Ryan Foran, Tom Weaver, Tony Francis

Kyle Flanagan passes in Mudgee. (Picture by Mark Evans/Getty Pictures)

Dragons: Kyle Flanagan will begin at five-eighth following Junior Amone being stood down on account of being discovered responsible of assault. Rabbitohs ahead Hame Sele, Canterbury second-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Storm veteran Tom Eisenhuth will bolster the pack.

A late acquisition from the Cowboys within the pre-season, Luciano Leilua is about to overlook the opening spherical on account of a suspension for a drink-driving cost in Townsville.  

Jack Chicken returns to centre from the pack, pushing Zac Lomax to the wing.

St George Illawarra forwards Jacob Liddle and Blake Lawrie, failed to complete their trial win over Wests Tigers. Each are aiming to play spherical one in opposition to Gold Coast after Lawrie suffered rib cartilage injury and Liddle picked up a low-grade hamstring damage.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Tyrell Sloan
2 Zac Lomax
3 Moses Suli
4 Jack Chicken
5 Mikaele Ravalawa
6 Kyle Flanagan
7 Ben Hunt
8 Blake Lawrie
9 Jacob Liddle
10 Francis Molo
11 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
12 Jaydn Su’A
13 Jack de Belin
Interchange
14 Jesse Marschke
15 Luciano Leilua
16 Tom Eisenhuth
17 Hame Sele 

Different squad members: Corey Allan (injured – torn ACL), Cody Ramsey (unavailable on account of sickness), Toby Couchman, Dan Russell, Michael Molo, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Mat Feagai, Paul Turner, Ryan Couchman, Max Feagai, Viliami Fifita, Sione Finau, Savelio Tamale, Alec Tuitavake. 

Dolphins vs North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday March 10

Odds: Dolphins $2.70, Cowboys $1.47 – odds by way of PlayUp

Dolphins: The Dolphins’ weak level in 2023 was their centres, and so they have instantly upgraded each with the arrival of Broncos star Herbie Farnworth and Canterbury’s Jake Averillo.

Farnworth despatched a scare by the camp when he limped off at coaching with a knee damage final week.

Tom Flegler boosts the pack however the Dolphins have copped a significant blow with Tom Gilbert struggling an ACL tear.

Sean O’Sullivan was concussed within the trial in opposition to the Warriors.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2 Jamayne Isaako
3 Herbie Farnworth
4 Jake Averillo
5 Tesi Niu
6 Isaiya Katoa
7 Sean O’Sullivan
8 Jesse Bromwich
9 Jeremy Marshall-King
10 Tom Flegler
11 Felise Kaufusi
12 Connolly Lemuelu
13 Kenny Bromwich
Interchange
14 Kodi Nikorima
15 Josh Kerr
16 Mark Nicholls
17 Jarrod Wallace

Different squad members: Tom Gilbert (injured), Valynce Te Whare, Max Plath, Ray Stone, Jack Bostock, Edrick Lee, Euan Aitken, Harrison Graham, Mason Teague, Robert Jennings, Oryn Keeley, Anthony Milford

Cowboys: Luciano Leilua has departed for the Dragons and Coen Hess is out for the season with a knee damage however the Cowboys have loads of ahead depth.

Zac Laybutt seems set to get the centre berth left vacant by Peta Hiku’s change to the Tremendous League. Reuben Cotter sat out All-Stars due to a couple current concussions however is just not thought of doubtful for Spherical 1.

Spherical 1 predicted staff

1 Scott Drinkwater
2 Murray Taulagi
3 Zac Laybutt
4 Valentine Holmes
5 Kyle Feldt
6 Tom Dearden
7 Chad Townsend
8 Jordan McLean
9 Reece Robson
10 Jason Taumalolo
11 Jeremiah Nanai
12 Heilum Luki
13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14 Jake Granville
15 Thomas Mikaele
16 Griffin Neame
17 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Different squad members: Coen Hess (injured), Jake Clifford, Jack Gosiewski, Viliami Vailea, Tom Chester, Thomas Duffy, Sam McIntyre, Robert Derby, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, Semi Valemei. 

Benji Marshall. (Picture by Hannah Peters/Getty Pictures)

Bye – Wests Tigers

Tigers: Former Raiders playmaker Aiden Sezer was sensible in his first match on the membership and appears set to companion Jayden Sullivan within the halves.

Justin Olam offers the younger staff a much-needed jolt of expertise and affect out broad whereas David Nofoaluma is now not on the membership after his controversial abrupt exit halfway by the low season after a conflict with new coach Benji Marshall.

Spherical 2 predicted staff

1 Jahream Bula
2 Junior Tupou
3 Starford To’a
4 Justin Olam
5 Charlie Staines
6 Jayden Sullivan
7 Aidan Sezer
8 David Klemmer
9 Api Koroisau
10 Stefano Utoikamanu
11 Isaiah Papali’i
12 John Bateman
13 Fonua Pole
Interchange
14 Jake Simpkin
15 Asu Kepaoa
16 Alex Twal
17 Alex Seyfarth

Different squad members: Adam Doueihi (injured), Brent Naden, David Nofoaluma, Josh Feledy, Lachlan Galvin, Latu Fainu, Solomon Alaimalo, Brandon Tumeth, Justin Matamua, Package Laulili, Samuela Fainu, Tallyn Da Silva, Sione Fainu, Jordan Miller