New head coach Benji Marshall has wasted no time in making his mark, naming boom youngster Lachlan Galvin to make his debut at five-eighth as Wests Tigers get their NRL season under way.
The 18-year-old Australian Schoolboys standout will pair with Tigers recruit Jayden Sullivan in the halves against Canberra at GIO Stadium on Saturday.
It’s a massive vote of confidence in the prodigal teenager, who is named in front of the more seasoned Aidan Sezer, who is managing a hamstring niggle.
Sezer, 32, has been named on the bench for his club debut after joining from Super League side Leeds in the off-season.
Canberra get emerging centre Sebastian Kris back from suspension, pushing Albert Hopoate to a wing and Nick Cotric out of the team altogether. Jordan Rapana continues at fullback after scoring a try in the club’s 28-12 victory over Newcastle in round one.
Melbourne could be bracing for an extended period without star Cameron Munster, the five-eighth left off the team sheet against the Warriors as he battles a groin injury.
They will also be without prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona (hamstring).
Sydney Roosters welcome back forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from suspension.
He will take the place of prop Spencer Leniu, who begins an eight-game ban for his racial vilification of Brisbane’s Ezra Mam.
England winger Dominic Young has been cleared for his competitive debut for the Tricolours after a neck injury in trials.
The Roosters will face a Manly side with Tommy Talau on a wing in place of Jason Saab, who’s set to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Canterbury have picked off-season addition Connor Tracey for his club debut against his former side Cronulla on Friday.
Tracey has been named on a wing, although the man he’d be replacing – Josh Addo-Carr – is on the extended reserves list despite initially being ruled out for a fortnight after damaging his right shoulder against Parramatta on Saturday.
It’s an otherwise unchanged Bulldogs line-up from the side that was brushed aside 26-8 by the Eels.
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has swung the axe after his side’s uncompetitive 43-18 loss against North Queensland, dropping halfback Sean O’Sullivan and centre Tesi Niu.
Isaiah Katoa will play halfback, former Bulldog Jake Averillo will debut for the side in the centres while Euan Aitken and Max Plath will start in the forwards.
South Sydney have turned to Tallis Duncan in the back row for Thursday night’s clash with Brisbane, as Jai Arrow deals with a shoulder injury.
The Rabbitohs have added Shaquai Mitchell to their bench in place of Jacob Host.
By Alex Mitchell in Canberra
