NRL trial team lists 2023

The Dolphins named Tongan playmaker Isaiya Katoa and wrecking ball Valynce Te Whare in their first team to play CQ Capras in a trial in Gladstone.

18-year-old Katoa, formerly in Penrith’s system, is regarded as the most promising young player on the new NRL club’s roster.

Katoa also has a strong work ethic to match his abilities, staying back on Monday after training for an hour to do extras with main playmaker Sean O’Sullivan.

22-year-old Te Whare is a rugby union convert who enjoyed a breakout season in the Queensland Cup for the Redcliffe Dolphins last year where he was the competition’s center of the year in his first season of rugby league.

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Te Whare continues like a runaway train, leaving a trail of carnage in its wake, earning itself the nickname ‘Val Meninga’. In 14 games he scored 12 tries and averaged 147m per game while making 17 line breaks and 85 tackles.

He is still officially listed at 108kg, but an NRL pre-season under Dolphins head of performance Jeremy Hickmans has seen him flaunt a more streamlined frame.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett talks to his players during practice. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

All eyes will be on Katoa on Saturday in a side full of edge-first and Queensland Cup players after he impressed in three Tests at the World Cup while playing five-eighth for Tonga.

“Isaiya tears in when he comes to training and he tries to learn as much as he can and soak it all up,” O’Sullivan told AAP.

“He is very eager and even pushes me along. It’s only going to benefit both of us.

“I think he can be whatever he wants to be as a halfback or a five-eighth. For him, it’s all about putting the building blocks in place early in his career and getting all the basics right.

“His natural talent will take over just because of how hard he works.

“Isaiya is someone that all the boys here are really rooting for, because he is going to be a special player. Best of all, he is a quality person.”

Dolphins: 1. Trai Fuller, 2. Setu Tu, 3. Valynce Te Whare, 4. Jack Bockstock, 5. Brenton Baira, 6. Kurt Donoghoe, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. JJ Collins, 9. Harrison Graham, 10. Poasa Faamausili, 11. Jeremiah Simbiken, 12, Jackson Frei, 13. Mason Teague, 14. Brayden McGrady, 15. Cody Hunter, 16. Tyler Szepanowski, 17. Lachlan Hubner, 18. Judah Rimbu, 19. Rodrick Tai, 19. Rodrick0 Tai. Sherwin Tanabi, 21. Taniela Otukolo, 22. George Fai.

THE 2023 NRL PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE

When: February 9-12 and February 17-19
Prize money: $100,000 winner takes all
Teams: All 17 NRL clubs, plus Super League champions St Helens
TV: All games live and exclusively on Fox League

The rules

– 80 minute games
– No extra time or golden point. A draw will be declared if scores are equal
– Squad sizes: As many as 28 players for week one matches and 26 for week two matches
– Unlimited exchange
*World Club Challenge will have 17-man squads with an 18th player for concussion protocols, and 10 substitutions
– One referee
– Bunker in use

The learning

Competition points
– 12 for a win
– Six for a tie
– None for a loss

Bonus points

A bonus point is available for each of the following:

– Score five or more tries
– Make five or more line breaks
– Make 10 or more downloads

Teams can earn a maximum of 15 points for a win, nine for a tie and three for a loss.

The winner

The overall winner will be determined by the most competition points.

– For and against (points differential), then if it is still equal;
– The greater percentage of points scored in for and against, then if still tied;
– Most tries scored, then if still tied;
– Most goals kicked, then if it is still tied;
– Most set goals kicked, then if it is still equal;
– Least number of penalty kicks conceded over both matches, then if still tied;
– Tossing a coin

2023 NRL Pre-Season

All times in AEDT

WEEK ONE Thursday, Feb. 9

Warriors vs Tigers, Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm

Friday, Feb. 10

Knights v Sharks, Central Coast Stadium, 5.55pm
Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium, 8pm

Saturday, Feb. 11

Maori vs Indigenous All Stars – Women, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, 1.30pm
Maori vs Indigenous All Stars – Men, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, 3.45pm
Eels vs Panthers, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm
Dragons v St Helens, WIN Stadium, 8.05pm

Sunday, Feb. 12

Storm vs Roosters, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, 1.50pm
Raiders v Bulldogs, Ack Weyman Oval, Moruya, 3.55pm
Cowboys v Dolphins, Barlow Park, Cairns, 6pm
Broncos vs Titans, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.05pm

WEEK TWO Friday, 17 Feb

Knights vs Eels, Central Coast Stadium. 17:55
Roosters vs Sea Eagles, Central Coast Stadium. 20:00

Saturday, Feb. 18

Dragons v Rabbitohs, Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee, 3.30pm (Charity Shield)
Panthers v St Helens, BlueBet Stadium, 6pm (World Club Challenge)
Broncos vs Cowboys, Sunshine Coast Stadium, 8.10pm

Sunday, Feb. 19

Warriors vs Storm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 12.50pm
Tigers vs Raiders, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney, 2.55pm
Bulldogs vs Sharks, Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney, 5pm
Dolphins v Titans, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 7.05pm

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