3 minute read
The NRL's first major weekend of trials will begin this weekend with a number of players getting their first on-field chance to push for positions.
KEY POINTS FROM NRL TRIAL SIDES
* MELBOURNE (vs Warriors)
Scott Drinkwater gets the retired Billy Slater's fullback spot ahead of Jahrome Hughes, who is named on the bench. Brodie Croft gets first crack at the No.7 jersey, while Sandor Earl plays on the wing with Josh Addo-Carr rested. Big names in the form of Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster won't play.
* WARRIORS
Adam Keighran will get a shot at replacing Shaun Johnson in the halves with teenage playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita and natural five-eighth Api Pewhairangi also in the 23-man squad. Most of their big guns won't play.
* SOUTH SYDNEY (vs Penrith)
Greg Inglis' knee remains on ice with Alex Johnston named at fullback and rookie hopeful Corey Allen on the wing. Sam Burgess, Dane Gagai and Cody Walker will all play in John Sutton's testimonial, but Adam Reynolds has not been named.
* PENRITH
Dylan Edwards gets the fullback role while Sione Katoa gets the first crack at hooker. Jarome Luai will also get a chance in the halves alongside James Maloney, with Nathan Cleary rested on return from ankle surgery.
* CANBERRA (vs Canterbury)
Ricky Stuart has named his 27-man squad in alphabetical order but it's expected Jack Wighton will play five-eighth alongside Aidan Sezer. Nick Cotric and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could have a chance to fight for the No.1 jersey, with Jordan Rapana's wing spot still available as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
* CANTERBURY
Kieran Foran has been named for his first game for Canterbury since round 10 last year after having toe surgery. Lachlan Lewis and Jack Cogger will likely get time beside him at five-eighth, while Nick Meaney should spend minutes at fullback. Dylan Napa is named to play his first game for the club.
* ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA (vs Newcastle)
Corey Norman is named to play his first game for the Dragons and will likely line up at five-eighth with Gareth Widdop at fullback and Ben Hunt halfback. Matt Dufty is also in the 28-man squad and is expected to get a chance to push his claims for a 2018 spot. Jack de Belin (virus), Jonus Pearson (personal) James Graham and Tyson Frizell (both rested) are the only players missing from their top squad.
* NEWCASTLE
Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce's combination in the halves begins with the pair to play side-by-side at Kogarah on Saturday night. Connor Watson will also play his first game at fullback while Danny Levi gets a chance to nail down the hooking role. New recruits David Klemmer, Tim Glasby, James Gavet, Kurt Mann and Jesse Ramien are all in the 28-man squad.
* Gold Coast, North Queensland, Manly and Cronulla were yet to name their squads on Tuesday evening.
