For week two of the Pre-season Challenge, the Eels, Storm, and Dolphins are pulling out the big guns, with their respective coaches choosing nearly full-strength squads.
For the Rabbitohs, Broncos, Roosters, and Sea Eagles, however, it’s a whole other story. The four clubs have to select reserve grade and under 21 players for their final trial before they travel to Vegas this week for the Round 1 doubleheader.
A call has been made regarding high-profile recruit Stephen Crichton by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, and AJ Brimson’s move to the centers has been confirmed.
Team Rabbitohs: 1. Adam Christensen, 2. Leon Te Hau, and 3. Braidon Burns 4. Skelton Leonard 5. Jude Saldanha 6. Bentley-Hape, Bayleigh 7. Subloo Jarrett 8. Brock Gray 9. Ryan Gray 10. Gordon Yileen 11. Aluni-Chanfoon Maila 12. Nicholas Halalilo 13. Matthew French 14. CJ Mundine 15. Tyson Hodge 16. Chase Chapman 17. Cade Maloney Kaylen Miller 18. Aiden Doolan 21. Noah Reed 20. Louis Grossemy 21. Noah Reed
Analysis: The Rabbitohs gave some experience and some opportunities to the younger players after their big guns left on Monday for a trip to Vegas. Notably, Yileen Gordon, 36, has been picked at prop, and Braidon Burns, who had an outstanding performance last week, has been named at fullback. When was Gordon’s last NRL game?
Alexander Young and Callum Gromek lead the Roosters squad. 3. Fekitoa Kyron 4. Wood Ethan Clark 5. Joseph Whitikama; 6. Coby Thomas; 7. Turoa Williams 8. Tyler Moriarty 9. Xavier Va’a 10. Temara Taipari 10. Napa Dylan 11. Tayson Fakaosi 16. Zac Saddler 17. Taylor Losalu 18. Harrison McKeon 12. Corey Ross 13. Meli Nasau 14. Salesi Foketi 15. Benaiah Ioelu 16. Tayson Fakaosi 17. 19. Vaenuku Sione Alan Holten (20) and Emery Jolliffe (21), 22. Michael Coleman.
Analysis: As the normal first-graders go for Vegas, the Roosters, like their rivals, are bringing the kids out for the championship trial. Alex, the brother of Dom Young, has been picked on the wing, while Tyler Moriarty, a promising hooker, will also start. Former Origin player Dylan Napa offers a wealth of experience up front, while former Bulldog and Sea Eagle Zac Saddler sits on the bench.
