Injuries have thrown more than a few spanners into the works for coaches heading into the start of the NRL season.

The four teams who are playing in Las Vegas this weekend have been named but for the rest of the competition, they have a few more days to get their teams in order.

Brisbane are the latest team to be struck down by pre-season injuries with centre Kotoni Staggs ruled out for a month with a thigh strain.

Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs, who has had calf and hamstring issues in the pre-season, left the field in the 13th minute with a quad complaint and is in doubt for their trip to Sydney to face the Roosters.

Back-up half Jock Madden (hamstring) is also out of action while forwards Payne Haas (ankle) and Jack Gosiewski (concussion) are no certainties for the Allianz Stadium showdown.

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Spencer Leniu will be missing for the Roosters in the opening two rounds after being charged for a high shot on Phoenix Crossland. He chose not to risk the three matches by taking on the judiciary.

Lewis Dodd. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

South Sydney have been the hardest hit with captain Cameron Murray unlikely to play at all in 2025 after tearing his Achilles tendon at training while star fullback Latrell Mitchell won’t be seen until April after suffering a torn hamstring at the same session.

Veteran five-eighth Cody Walker (calf) is in doubt for their season opener against the Dolphins in Brisbane while representative centre Campbell Graham has already had his comeback from a serious sternum injury delayed by a fractured hand and winger Alex Johnston (Achilles) and second-rower Euan Aitken (pectoral) not ready to return.

It gets worse for Souths as English half Lewis Dodd will miss the first game after taking the one-week guilty plea for a high tackle on Dragons winger Sione Finau with Jamie Humphreys making a strong claim to take the No.7 jersey in the Charity Shield.

Finau was concussed and is in doubt for St George Illawarra’s Round 1 home duel with the Dogs.

The Dolphins had mixed news after scans on injuries suffered by Jack Bostock (knee) and prop Daniel Saifiti (hamstring) in the Titans trial. Saifiti is on track to play against South Sydney on March 7 but Bostock, last year’s Dally M rookie of the year, will miss the opening two rounds.

Bulldogs forward Josh Curran pleaded guilty and will miss one match after being charged with a careless high tackle on Gosiewski in the 30-14 trial loss to Brisbane on Saturday.

Wests Tigers veteran Brent Naden is out for at least two months after dislocating his kneecap in Friday’s trial win over the Eels. Tigers fullback Jahream Bula is in doubt for their season opener against Newcastle due to a slower-than-expected recovery from shoulder surgery.

Parramatta playmaker Mitchell Moses is under an injury cloud due to foot surgery from last year but coach Jason Ryles is confident he will be good to go for their clash with the Storm, who will be without Ryan Papenhuyzen until Round 3 due to knee and ankle complaints with back-up Su’a Fa’alogo also in doubt with a hamstring problem.

Gold Coast’s Kieran Foran suffered a biceps muscle injury in the Titans’ trial win over the Dolphins in Redcliffe, but the veteran playmaker has vowed he will bounce back even from a worst-case prognosis. He is out for 2-3 months after scans revealed a partial tear.

The Dolphins also have concerns, with new recruit prop Daniel Saifiti suffering a hamstring injury in the seventh minute. Winger Jack Bostock will also go for scans on a knee injury sustained in the second half.

Here’s how the 13 remaining teams are shaping up for Round 1.

Thursday, March 6 at 8pm AEDT: Roosters vs Broncos at Allianz Stadium

Roosters: It’s a new-look line-up in Sydney’s east with former Cowboys veteran Chad Townsend linking with Sandon Smith in the halves.

Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to start the season at centre with Billy Smith yet again bothered by injury. Uncapped rising star Robert Toia is set to snare the other spot vacated by Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii switching codes.

The starting pack is still full of stars but the Roosters will roll out an inexperienced bench in 2025 and their depth is looking skinny with Sam Walker not expected back until midway through the season and Brandon Smith unlikely to suit up at all due to their serious knee injuries.

NSW Origin prop Spencer Leniu has been banned for the first two rounds for a high shot on Phoenix Crossland in the second minute of the trial loss to Newcastle.

1 James Tedesco
2 Dominic Young
3 Robert Toia
4 Mark Nawaqanitawase
5 Daniel Tupou
6 Sandon Smith
7 Chad Townsend
8 Lindsay Collins
9 Connor Watson
10 Naufahu Whyte
11 Angus Crichton
12 Nat Butcher
13 Victor Radley
Interchange
14 Junior Pauga
15 Egan Butcher
16 Blake Steep
17 Siua Wong

Other squad members: Spencer Leniu (suspended), Brandon Smith, Sam Walker (injured), De La Salle Va’a, Toby Rodwell, Tyler Moriarty, Xavier Va’a, Reece Foley, Toby Rodwell, Ethan Roberts, Billy Smith

Kobe Hetherington takes on the defence. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Broncos: Kotoni Staggs (quad) and back-up half Jock Madden (hamstring) are out but Adam Reynolds (neck) and Payne Haas (ankle) are on track to play.

Back-up fullback Hayze Perham tore his ACL in his club debut in the trials and won’t play again this season while young forward VJ Semu injured his shoulder and will be out for a month.

With Ezra Mam serving a nine-game ban for his off-season drug-driving offences, ex-Dragons skipper Ben Hunt returns to his old club at five-eighth. 

Blake Mozer is out of the race for the No.9 jersey due to a shoulder injury with Tyson Smooth, Billy Walters and Cory Paix in contention for the starting hooker’s role.

Gehamat Shibasaki is a chance to start at centre with Deine Mariner following Staggs’ injury with Selwyn Cobbo joining Jesse Arthars on the wings.

1 Reece Walsh
2 Jesse Arthars
3 Gehamat Shibasaki
4 Deine Mariner
5 Selwyn Cobbo
6 Ben Hunt
7 Adam Reynolds
8 Payne Haas
9 Billy Walters
10 Patrick Carrigan
11 Jordan Riki
12 Jack Gosiewski
13 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
14 Tyson Smoothy
15 Corey Jensen
16 Brendan Piakura
17 Xavier Willison 

Other squad members: Ezra Mam (suspended), Blake Mozer, Kotoni Staggs, Jock Madden, Hayze Perham (injured), Ben Te Kura, Coby Black, Cory Paix, Delouise Hoeter, Fletcher Baker, Jaiyden Hunt, Josh Rogers, Martin Taupau

Friday, March 7 at 6pm AEDT: Tigers vs Knights at Campbelltown Stadium

Tigers: Star recruit Jarome Luai has been rested from the trials due to a minor leg injury but will be right to suit up at halfback for Round 1.

Adam Doueihi and Starford To’a are set to get the nod at centre ahead of Justin Olam, who has been battling a chronic knee injury, and Brent Naden, who has been sidelined for two months with a dislocated kneecap. Veteran prop David Klemmer looks like he will be at the Dragons by the start of the season with new recruits Terrell May, Royce Hunt and Jack Bird to form the middle-forward trio in the run-on side.

Tallyn da Silva was a bright spot for the club late last season and the young hooker will likely start in round 1 after Api Koroisau failed in his bid to have the entirety of his ban from the final round used up in the Pacific Championships.

Young fullback Jahream Bula is in doubt for their season opener against Newcastle due to a slower-than-expected recovery from shoulder surgery.

1 Jahream Bula/Heath Mason
2 Sunia Turuva
3 Adam Doueihi
4 Starford To’a
5 Charlie Staines
6 Lachlan Galvin
7 Jarome Luai
8 Terrell May
9 Tallyn Da Silva
10 Fonua Pole
11 Alex Seyfarth
12 Samuela Fainu
13 Alex Twal
Interchange
14 Latu Fainu
15 Royce Hunt
16 Sione Fainu
17 Jack Bird

Other squad members: Api Koroisau (suspended), Justin Olam, Brent Naden (injured), David Klemmer, Brandon Tumeth, Jeral Skelton, Jordan Miller, Josh Feledy, Justin Matamua, Kit Lauililii, Luke Laulilii, Solomone Saukuru, Tony Sukkar, Solomona Faataape

Knights: Fletcher Sharpe is Adam O’Brien’s latest experiment in the halves with the outside back starting in the spot for both trials. 

Tyson Gamble appears to have his nose in front to be the starting halfback ahead of Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings and Will Pryce.

Phoenix Crossland will move from the No.7 jersey to hooker with Jayden Brailey relegated to a back-up role off the bench.

Tyson Frizell is moving from the second row to lock with Dylan Lucas to settle on one edge with Kai Pearce-Paul on the other.

1 Kalyn Ponga
2 James Schiller
3 Dane Gagai
4 Bradman Best
5 Greg Marzhew
6 Fletcher Sharpe
7 Tyson Gamble
8 Jacob Saifiti
9 Phoenix Crossland
10 Leo Thompson
11 Kai Pearce-Paul
12 Dylan Lucas
13 Tyson Frizell
Interchange
14 Jayden Brailey
15 Adam Elliott
16 Brodie Jones
17 Mat Croker 

Other squad members: Jack Cogger, Will Pryce, Jackson Hastings, Cody Hopwood, Francis Manulelea, Jermaine McEwen, Paul Bryan, Matt Arthur, Riley Jones, Sebastian Su’a, Taj Annan, Thomas Cant, Jack Hetherington

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow pushes away the defence. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Friday, March 7 at 8.05pm AEDT: Dolphins vs Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins: Five-eighth is up for grabs at the Dolphins with veteran Kodi Nikorima likely to get first crack at the spot ahead of Sean O’Sullivan or Kurt Donoghoe. Jake Averillo is also an option after filling in as a half late last season and playing there in the first trial when Nikorima was on All-Stars duty.

Max Plath could be a surprise option at second row with Oryn Keeley out with a foot injury and Connelly Lemuelu on the comeback trail from shoulder surgery.

Tom Gilbert returns at lock after a year on the sidelines with an ACL rupture in a massive boost for the Dolphins.

New recruit prop Daniel Saifiti suffered a hamstring injury in the trial loss to Gold Coast but is OK while winger Jack Bostock’s scans on knee damage have ruled him out until Round 3.

1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2 Jamayne Isaako
3 Herbie Farnworth
4 Jake Averillo
5 Junior Tupou
6 Kodi Nikorima
7 Isaiya Katoa
8 Jacob Saifiti
9 Jeremy Marshall-King
10 Felise Kaufusi
11 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12 Max Plath
13 Tom Gilbert
Interchange
14 Ray Stone
15 Connelly Lemuelu
16 Kenny Bromwich
17 Mark Nicholls

Other squad members: Trai Fuller, Jack Bostock, Tom Flegler (injured), Harrison Graham, Max Feagai, Mason Teague, Michael Waqa, Oryn Keeley, Josh Kerr, Sean O’Sullivan, Kurt Donoghoe

Rabbitohs: Cameron Murray won’t play this year after tearing his Achilles, Latrell Mitchell is out eight weeks with a bung hamstring and Campbell Graham is also sitting out the first few rounds at least with a broken hand. Alex Johnston is a few weeks away from being ready to return from his torn Achilles.

Veteran five-eighth Cody Walker (calf) is in doubt for their season opener against the Dolphins in Brisbane but utility forward Siliva Havili is expected to be OK after being sidelined with a head knock in the trials. Former Manly prodigy Josh Schuster has not been sighted in the trials and is set to start his comeback season in the NSW Cup.

Euan Aitken’s debut with Souths after switching from the Dolphins will be delayed until at least Round 2 due to his pectoral problem.

English half Lewis Dodd is suspended for this game after a high shot on Dragons winger Sione Finau with Jamie Humphreys making a strong claim to take the No.7 jersey in the Charity Shield.

1 Jye Gray
2 Fletcher Myers
3 Isaiah Tass
4 Jack Wighton
5 Tyrone Munro
6 Cody Walker
7 Jamie Humphreys
8 Tevita Tatola
9 Peter Mamouzelos
10 Jai Arrow
11 Keaon Koloamatangi
12 Tallis Duncan
13 Siliva Havili
Interchange
14 Jayden Sullivan
15 Davvy Moale
16 Jacob Host
17 Sean Keppie

Other squad members: Cameron Murray, Euan Aitken, Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Campbell Graham (injured), Lewis Dodd (suspended), Ben Lovett, Haizyn Mellars, Shaq Mitchell, Lachlan Hubner, Haizyn Mellars, Josh Schuster, Thomas Fletcher

Clint Gutherson celebrates a tackle. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Saturday, March 8 at 5.30pm AEDT: Dragons vs Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Dragons: Shane Flanagan’s new-look side was impressive to start the pre-season with fullback Clint Gutherson, centre Valentine Holmes, halfback Lachlan Ilias and hooker Damien Cook fitting in like a glove.

Recent addition Emre Guler will start at prop with Francis Molo engaged in a contract dispute with the club which could lead to David Klemmer changing his stripes from Wests Tigers to St George Illawarra before Round 1.  

Tyrell Sloan faces a fight from Sione Finau for a wing spot after losing his No.1 jersey to Gutherson. Finau failed to finish the Charity Shield after copping a high shot following his four-try spree in the first half.

1 Clint Gutherson
2 Tyrell Sloan
3 Moses Suli
4 Valentine Holmes
5 Mat Feagai
6 Kyle Flanagan
7 Lachlan Ilias
8 Emre Guler
9 Damien Cook
10 Toby Couchman
11 Jaydn Su’A
12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
13 Jack de Belin
Interchange
14 Jacob Liddle
15 Luciano Leilua
16 Hame Sele
17 Tom Eisenhuth

Other squad members: Francis Molo (on leave), Ryan Couchman, Blake Lawrie, Christian Tuipolotu, Corey Allan, Dylan Egan, Finau Latu, Hamish Stewart, Loko Tonga, Michael Molo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Sione Finau, Viliami Fifita, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Lyhkan King-Togia

Bulldogs: Coach Cameron Ciraldo is likely to stick with the spine combination which worked so well late last season with Connor Tracey at fullback and Toby Sexton in the No.7 jersey alongside star playmaker Matt Burton with Reed Mahoney providing quality service from dummy-half and non-stop tackling.

Former Roosters forward Sitili Tupouniua’s club debut will not be until Round 2 due to a nagging injury while outside backs Jacob Kiraz (back) and Enari Tuala (foot) are also out of action.

Blake Wilson is likely to replace Kiraz on the right wing with Marcelo Montoya returning to the Dogs to fill the other flank after Josh Addo-Carr was sacked before signing with Parramatta.

Bulldogs forward Josh Curran will sit out this match after being suspended for one week after a careless high tackle on Jack Gosiewski in his team’s 30-14 trial loss to Brisbane on Saturday.

1 Connor Tracey
2 Marcelo Montoya
3 Stephen Crichton
4 Bronson Xerri
5 Blake Wilson
6 Matt Burton
7 Toby Sexton
8 Max King
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Sam Hughes
11 Viliame Kikau
12 Jacob Preston
13 Kurt Mann
Interchange
14 Bailey Hayward
15 Jaeman Salmon
16 Kurtis Morrin
17 Harry Hayes

Other squad members: Sitili Tupouniua, Enari Tuala, Jacob Kiraz (injured), Josh Curran (suspended), Blake Taaffe, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Drew Hutchison, Jake Turpin, Karl Oloapu, Mitchell Woods, Ryan Sutton 

Saturday, March 8 at 7.35pm AEDT: Sea Eagles vs Cowboys at 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles: Scans have cleared prop Taniela Paseka of serious damage after he hurt his shoulder in the trials and he will be right for kick-off.

Manly hooker Lachlan Croker will be out until Round 4 due to a knee injury so Jake Simpkin or Gordon Chan Kum Tong will be the starting rake.

Warriors recruit Jazz Tevaga gives them added depth on the bench while seasoned prop Matt Lodge is back in the mix after nearly joining the Rabbitohs and Dragons.

1 Tom Trbojevic
2 Jason Saab
3 Tolu Koula
4 Reuben Garrick
5 Lehi Hopoate
6 Luke Brooks
7 Daly Cherry-Evans
8 Taniela Paseka
9 Jake Simpkin
10 Josh Aloiai
11 Ben Trbojevic
12 Haumole Olakau’atu
13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
14 Jazz Tevaga
15 Ethan Bullemor
16 Tof Sipley
17 Nathan Brown

Other squad members: Lachlan Croker (injured), Aaron Schoupp, Aitasi James, Clayton Faulalo, Dean Matterson, Jake Arthur, Matthew Lodge, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Joey Walsh, Michael Chee Kam, Siua Taukei’aho, Raymond Vaega, Tommy Talau

Cowboys: Halfback is up for grabs with Townsville product Thomas Duffy a chance to get the nod alongside Kangaroos five-eighth Tom Dearden. 

Jake Clifford finished last season alongside Dearden in the halves but had a hernia operation last month and has only returned to full training with the squad this week.

Duffy was the Queensland Cup halfback of the year while playing for Northern Pride last season.

North Queensland lost Heilum Luki and Tom Chester for the season to torn ACLs in January with English forward John Bateman added to the roster late in the off-season to bolster their pack.

Centre Zac Laybutt, who missed the majority of last year with a torn ACL, was not fit for the trials so Jaxon Purdue has a chance to lock up a spot left vacant by Val Holmes joining the Dragons.

Kyle Feldt’s right wing position is up for grabs after he switched to the Super League with Braidon Burns ahead of Rob Derby and Jaxson Paulo. 

Veteran forward Jason Taumalolo (foot) was unavailable for the trials and is a chance for opening round.

1 Scott Drinkwater
2 Braidon Burns
3 Jaxon Purdue
4 Viliami Vailea
5 Murray Taulagi
6 Tom Dearden
7 Thomas Duffy
8 Jordan McLean
9 Reece Robson
10 Griffin Neame
11 Jeremiah Nanai
12 John Bateman
13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14 Karl Lawton
15 Thomas Mikaele
16 Sam McIntyre
17 Coen Hess

Other squad members: Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Tom Chester (injured), Jaxson Paulo, Semi Valemei, Harrison Edwards, Kai O’Donnell, Robert Derby, Jake Clifford, Zac Laybutt, Jamal Shibasaki, Kaiden Lahrs

Xavier Coates breaks a tackle to score a try. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Sunday, March 9 at 4.05pm AEDT: Storm vs Eels at AAMI Park

Storm: Maroons winger Xavier Coates is firming to be right for Round 1 despite injuring his ankle at training recently. 

Club stalwart Christian Welch has retired after a string of injuries, leaving a bench forward spot open for Lazarus Velepu with Nelson Asofa-Solomona still serving his ban from last year’s prelim final.

Cameron Munster needs to get through his first hit-out of 2025 in the trials to show he has recovered from hip surgery in the off-season.

Jahrome Hughes sat out the trials with a calf strain while rugby convert Moses Leo’s switch has been delayed by a thigh problem.

Ryan Papenhuyzen’s knee and ankle ailments open the door for Su’a Fa’alogo to have first crack at fullback.

1 Sua Fa’alogo
2 Will Warbrick
3 Nick Meaney
4 Jack Howarth
5 Xavier Coates
6 Cameron Munster
7 Jahrome Hughes
8 Stefano Utoikamanu
9 Harry Grant
10 Josh King
11 Shawn Blore
12 Eliesa Katoa
13 Trent Loeiro
Interchange
14 Tyran Wishart
15 Tui Kamikamica
16 Alec Macdonald
17 Lazarus Velepu

Other squad members: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspended), Moses Leo, Ryan Papenhuyzen (injured), Jonah Pezet, Grant Anderson, Joe Chan, Ativalu Lisati, Bronson Garlick

Eels: New coach Jason Ryles has to contend with starting the season without second-rower Shaun Lane and utility back Bailey Simonsson for the first month due to knee injuries while Josh Addo-Carr won’t make his club debut on the wing until Round 3 due to his suspension for a roadside positive drug test late last season.

Star half Mitchell Moses and prop Junior Paulo have been cleared despite not featuring in the trials. Moses is under a slight injury cloud due to foot surgery from last year but coach Jason Ryles is confident he will be good to go.

Jake Tago and Sean Russell look like they will start the year on the wings with Zac Lomax getting a crack at centre and young gun Isaiah Iongi replacing Clint Gutherson at fullback.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s switch to the Gold Coast means Wiremu Greig or Joe Ofahengaue will start at prop.

1 Isaiah Iongi
2 Jake Tago
3 Will Penisini
4 Zac Lomax
5 Sean Russell
6 Dylan Brown
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Junior Paulo
9 Joey Lussick
10 Joe Ofahengaue
11 Ryan Matterson
12 Bryce Cartwright
13 J’maine Hopgood
Interchange
14 Brendan Hands
15 Kelma Tuilagi
16 Jack Williams
17 Wiremu Greig

Other squad members: Bailey Simonsson, Shaun Lane (injured), Josh Addo-Carr (suspended), Dean Hawkins, Joash Papali’i, Jordan Samranii, Luca Moretti, Matt Doorey, Sam Tuivaiti, Toni Mataele, Haze Dunster, Ronald Volkman

Carter Gordon. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Bye

Titans: AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell have been chosen to get first crack at the halves after deciding to send Kieran Foran back to a bench utility role. Foran will miss the first couple of months of what will likely be his final season after suffering a biceps muscle tear in their trial win over the Dolphins.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui returning from a torn ACL is huge news for the Titans plus the addition of Reagan Campbell-Gillard alongside David Fifita gives them plenty of quality up front.

Former Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon is out for the first few rounds with a back problem.

1 Keano Kini
2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3 Phil Sami
4 Brian Kelly
5 Jojo Fifita
6 AJ Brimson
7 Jayden Campbell
8 Moeaki Fotuaika
9 Sam Verrills
10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11 David Fifita
12 Beau Fermor
13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Interchange
14 Chris Randall
15 Jaimin Jolliffe
16 Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
17 Josiah Pahulu

Other squad members: Kieran Foran, Carter Gordon (injured), Ben Liyou, Klese Haas, Jacob Alick-Weineke, Jaylan de Groot, Ken Maumalo, Ryan Foran, Ryder Williams, Tony Francis, Harley Smith-Shields