First trial; Who are we excited to watch?

Our 2023 campaign starts somewhat on Saturday with a trial against Penrith. Considering this is the first trial it is believed majority of the team will be reserve graders bar some. I think players that will play round 1 or have a chance that will play Saturday are; Russell, Dunster, Ogden, Makatoa and JA. Matterson i think could get a game aswell to get some match preparation for round 4.

I am excited to see Russell as i believe he will play Centre on Saturday to prepare for Round 1. Dunster also to see how he has recovered from his ACL, PCL and MCL tears.

I think this will be the team as follows

1. Rankin

2. Dunster

3. Cini

4. Russell

5. Loizou

6. Asi (if injured perhap Jack A Williams)

7. Arthur

8. Ogden

9. Rein

10. Makatoa

11. Momoisea

12. Mataele

13. Rodwell

Bench just randomly

Greig, Matterson, Brown, Lumelume, Hands, Yates, Taumoepenu, plus more but heading into NSW contract territory.

I am also excited to see how Mataele plays as he is a kid that could be the future at 12 above Doorey and Momoisea.

I think there is a chance though we could see Doorey and Momoisea start in the back-row with the sole purpose of them two battling it out for no. 12 jersey in round 1.

"Both are extended til 2027. Fletcher seems to be really impressing in pre-season, similar to what Smith did last year. Not saying he gets near FG but he could play Cup earlier than expected maybe."

"They were getting too old for Flegg and we have much better for NSW Cup. I would've kept one of Lewis/De Straddis as they are versatile, but they would have started in Ron Massey so can't blame them going for a better offer. "

Replies

- - - The Badger > Poupou Escobar February 7, 2023 at 9:01am
      
      I find this interesting. (in a weird way)
      
      If that's the case, why would he be paraded around at the season launch as part of the 2023 NRL squad? I mean, what's the point of that?
      - Poupou Escobar > The Badger February 9, 2023 at 1:50am
        
        It's a fair point. He is contracted to the club (part-time NSW Cup contract, similar to the old second tier) so maybe the invitation is there for him to come along if his day job doesn't need him.
EA February 6, 2023 at 12:15pm

I doubt Makatoa and Matto are allowed to play in the first trial. Isnt their some rule about players allowed in the first trial game depending on how many NRL games they played in the previous year?
- ParraTrooper47 > EA February 6, 2023 at 1:43pm
  
  Makaslower won't play as way too slow and Matto won't play either as he will be at home counting his money
- LB > EA February 6, 2023 at 3:09pm
  
  Matterson, Mahoney and Lane played last year in the first trial. I do not think it is a rule.
This reply was deleted.
- Brett Allen February 6, 2023 at 5:14pm
  
  It is
  - Poppa > Brett Allen February 9, 2023 at 10:01am
    
    I think he is being fecitious Brett...Lol
Marty February 6, 2023 at 12:41pm

Keen as for Ogden and Wiremu

Mataele and Taumoepenu also

Hope Rankin is not FB, surely a young one to fill this spot?
- LB > Marty February 6, 2023 at 3:10pm
  
  Russell i think would've played there, but since he is set to play Centre for Blake, he will be given game time to get set for Round 1.
ParraTrooper47 February 6, 2023 at 1:41pm

I'm keen to see Jake play at number 7. I reckon he will be the surprise player this year. He will probably be the reason Mitch leaves. Tipping Jake to have a Stella season in 2023. Can see him putting pressure on Moses, Brown and the new number 9. Can't wait, very excited