2019 NRL rosters: Official squads announced for all teams
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All 16 NRL clubs have officially lodged their rosters for the 2019 season with several changes causing a dramatic shift in the Telstra Premiership landscape.
There are still dozens of players from last season's 30-man squads who have not signed a deal for next year - some players, like Melbourne's Cameron Smith and Broncos trio Tevita Pangai jnr, Matthew Lodge and Corey Oates, are expected to re-sign, but the future is less certain for others like Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne.
Under the terms of the CBA between the NRL and RLPA, each club is required to have the contracts of a minimum of 24 players registered by November 1. Clubs then have until March 1 to register 29 players and June 30 to finalise their top 30 squad.
Here is the full official list of squads for 2019 for all 16 Telstra Premiership clubs.
Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane have four empty spots but expect three of those will be filled by Corey Oates, Tevita Pangai jnr and Matthew Lodge. Some big-name departures like Sam Thaiday (retired), Korbin Sims (Dragons) and Sam Tagataese (released) have been largely replaced in the 30 by up-and-comers plus Roosters playmaker Sean O'Sullivan.
2019 squad
New faces
(Players who were not in 30-man squad from 2018) Sean O'Sullivan (Roosters), Kotoni Staggs, Myles Taueli, Patrick Carrigan, Thomas Flegler.
Unsigned/Losses
(Players who have dropped out of 30-man squad from 2018) Corey Allan (Rabbitohs), Sam Thaiday (retired), Thomas Opacic (Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Dragons), Jonus Pearson (Dragons), Mosese Pangai, Sam Tagataese, Corey Oates, Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai jnr.
Canberra Raiders
The Raiders have lost a ton of grunt from the engine room with Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd both gone. Playmaker Blake Austin has gone to the UK while hooker Craig Garvey is released. England Test back-rower Josh Bateman is the big signing, along with his Wigan teammate, prop Ryan Sutton. The club does still have five spots open in the top 30. Kurt Baptiste and Clay Priest also drop off the books in 2019. Corey Horsburgh and Hudson Young are set to be added to the senior squad.
2019 squad
New faces
John Bateman (Wigan), Ryan Sutton (Wigan), Sebastian Kris.
Unsigned/Losses
Shannon Boyd (Titans), Junior Paulo (Eels), Blake Austin (Warrington), Craig Garvey, Makahesi Makatoa, Mikaele Ravalawa.
Canterbury Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have 29 of 30 spots filled (though could yet free up a spot and some cash if David Klemmer is granted a release) and the club believes they have a good mixture of experience and youth. Three of last season's top 30 spots were filled by already departed players James Graham, Lloyd Perrett and Sam Kasiano, but the club will no longer be paying those players for 2019. There has been a significant overhaul otherwise with six up-and-coming players signed from other clubs - such as Nick Meaney, Jack Cogger, Sauaso Sue, Corey Harawira-Naera and Christian Crichton - and some senior players – headed by the Morris twins and Greg Eastwood – departing. The Dogs are confident Kieran Foran is fit again and will help mentor talented halves partner Lachlan Lewis, while Josh Jackson will again captain the side as he looks to push his claims for a return to the NSW side.
2019 squad
New faces
Jack Cogger (Knights), Nick Meaney (Knights), Christian Crichton (Panthers), Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers), Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers), Chris Smith (Roosters), Brandon Wakeham, Jayden Okunbor.
Unsigned/Losses
Brett Morris (Roosters), Josh Morris (Sharks), Matt Frawley (Huddersfield), Asipeli Fine, Clay Priest, Greg Eastwood.
Cronulla Sharks
The off-contract James Segeyaro's future hasn't been sorted but it appears not to be at the Sharks with Blayke Brailey's promotion to the NRL squad. Josh Morris is effectively a straight swap for Jesse Ramien – Morris is the only one of the five new names not to be a promotion from the Sharks juniors. Edrick Lee, Joe Paulo, Ricky Leutele, Kurt Dillon and the retired Luke Lewis are the other major outs. Cronulla have 28 of their top 30 spots sealed for 2019.
2019 squad
Gains
Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Blayke Brailey, Briton Nikora, Bronson Xerri, Isaac Lumelume.
Unsigned/Losses
Jesse Ramien (Knights), Edrick Lee (Knights), Ricky Leutele (Toronto Wolfpack), Kurt Dillon (Rabbitohs), Luke Lewis (retirement), Joseph Paulo (St Helens), James Segeyaro.
Gold Coast Titans
It looks like a net gain for the Titans in 2019 as they welcome established first graders Tyrone Peachey, Shannon Boyd, Ryley Jacks and Tyrone Roberts. Brendan Elliott, Konrad Hurrell, Kane Elgey, Joe Greenwood and Ryan Simpkins are the notable outs. The club has three spots still empty for next season.
2019 squad
New faces
Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Shannon Boyd (Raiders), Tyrone Roberts (Warrington), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Jesse Arthars (Rabbitohs).
Unsigned/Losses
Kane Elgey (Sea Eagles), Brendan Elliott (Sea Eagles), Konrad Hurrell (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Greenwood, Kiah Cooper, Ryan Simpkins, Tony Matautia, Tyronne Roberts Davis.
Manly Sea Eagles
Manly have released all three Wrights (Jono, Matt and Tom) from their top squad along with Lewis Brown and Aku Uate. Lachlan Croker drops from the NRL to the development squad while the club will no longer be paying retired prop Nate Myles in 2019 after carrying a portion of his contract on the books last season. Shaun Lane has been poached by Parra. Inbound is Titans pair Kane Elgey and Brendan Elliott plus a few promotions from the lower grades. Trent Hodkinson and Semisi Kioa are not listed in their top squad as of November 1 but it is believed their contracts will be ratified by the NRL in the next few weeks.
2019 squad
New faces
Brendan Elliott (Titans), Kane Elgey (Titans), Corey Waddell (Panthers), Reuben Garrick (Dragons), Albert Hopoate, Cade Cust.
Unsigned/Losses
Akuila Uate (Huddersfield), Shaun Lane (Eels), Jonathan Wright (retired), Tom Wright (rugby union), Matt Wright, Lachlan Croker, Lewis Brown, Nate Myles, Trent Hodkinson.
Melbourne Storm
Other than retiring duo Billy Slater and Ryan Hoffman, there isn't much roster movement at Melbourne. The Storm have not yet officially lodged a contract for Cameron Smith as the skipper has been on an extended break after the grand final but talks are progressing and the club is hopeful of resolving his future in the coming weeks. Ryley Jacks and Tim Glasby have departed to Gold Coast and Newcastle respectively while there have been a few promotions, with the club still holding three empty slots for next season.
2019 squad
Gains
Marion Seve (Broncos), Billy Walters, Thomas Eisenhuth, Tino Faasuamaleaui.
Unsigned/Losses
Tim Glasby (Knights), Billy Slater (retirement), Ryan Hoffman (retirement), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Cameron Smith, Sandor Earl.
Newcastle Knights
The Knights are finally reaping some rewards from a few seasons in the doldrums, with a few front-loaded contracts given them a stack of wiggle-room for 2019 with just 24 players currently locked in and loads of room in the salary cap. Expect plenty more movement between now and round one for Newcastle but at this stage youngsters Nick Meaney, Jack Cogger, Brock Lamb, Cory Denniss, JJ Felise and Luke Yates are unsigned or departing, along with retiring veterans Chris Heighington and Jacob Lillyman. Pat Mata'utia and Ken Sio have also departed with Tim Glasby, Edrick Lee, Jesse Ramien, Zac Woolford and Mason Lino the new recruits. Tom Starling is also unsigned.
2019 squad
New faces
Tim Glasby (Storm), Jesse Remien (Sharks), Edrick Lee (Sharks), Mason Lino (Warriors), Zac Woolford (Bulldogs).
Unsigned/Losses
Brock Lamb (Roosters), Chris Heighington (retired), Jacob Lillyman (retired), Jack Cogger (Bulldogs), Nick Meaney (Bulldogs), Ken Sio (Salford), Cory Denniss, JJ Felise, Luke Yates, Pat Mata'utia.
New Zealand Warriors
No major overhauls for the Warriors heading into 2019, with Simon Mannering's retirement the major move. Mason Lino is off to the Knights. Leeson Ah Mau will be a welcome extra big body in his shift from the Dragons. The club still has four spots available in the top 30 for next season. Sam Cook is still at the club but is not included in the top-30 squad at this stage. Chanel Harris-Tavita has been upgraded into the main squad. Joe Vuna has left the club to complete a religious missionary.
2019 squad
New faces
Leeson Ah Mau (Dragons), Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Unsigned/Losses
Anthony Gelling (Widnes Vikings), Simon Mannering (retired), Mason Lino (Knights), Joseph Vuna.
North Queensland Cowboys
The retirement of Johnathan Thurston headlines a number of departures, with veterans Kane Linnett and Lachlan Coote also leaving the club. Ben Barba, Nene Macdonald and Tom Opacic add spark to the backline. The club has another two spots to fill for next season.
2019 squad
New faces
Ben Barba (St Helens), Nene Macdonald (Dragons), Tom Opacic (Broncos), Kurt Baptiste (Roosters), Emry Pere, Murray Taulagi.
Unsigned/Losses
Antonio Winterstein (retired), Johnathan Thurston (retired), Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Kane Linnett, Shaun Fensom, Sam Hoare, Josh Chudleigh, Kyle Laybutt.
Parramatta Eels
The absence of off-contract star Jarryd Hayne from the top-30 list headlines a number of absentees from last year. Beau Scott has retired, Tony Williams, Siosaia Vave, Nathan Davis, Kirisome Auva'a and Cam King have been released. Inbound are forward reinforcements Junior Paulo and Shaun Lane plus a much-needed boost on the wing in the shape of Blake Ferguson. Two of last season's debutants have earned an upgrade. Young hooker Reed Mahoney, who played first grade last season, has been retained as a development player.
2019 squad
New faces
Junior Paulo (Raiders), Blake Ferguson (Roosters), Shaun Lane (Sea Eagles), Andrew Davey (Townsville), Maika Sivo (Panthers), Oregon Kaufusi, Raymond Stone.
Unsigned/Losses
Beau Scott (retired), Kirisome Auva'a (retired), Cam King, Jack Morris, Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Davis, Siosaia Vave, Tony Williams.
Penrith Panthers
There has been relatively little roster movement for Penrith compared to other clubs and the side already has 29 of its top 30 spots settled for next season. Tyrone Peachey is off to the Titans, retired veterans Peter Wallace, Tim Browne are both retired while Sam McKendry is unsigned and Titan Mitch Rein drops out of Penrith's list of paid players. Corey Harawira-Naera and Christian Crichton are both Belmore-bound. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak and Tim Grant both return to the club from the Tigers, Tyrell Fuimaono joins from Souths and there are promotions to the top squad for three players internally.
2019 squad
New faces
Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Wests Tigers), Tim Grant (Wests Tigers), Tyrell Fuimaono (Rabbitohs), Caleb Aekins, Liam Martin, Paea Pua.
Unsigned/Losses
Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Christian Crichton (Bulldogs), Tyrone Peachey (Titans), Peter Wallace (retired), Tim Browne (retired) Mitch Rein, Sam McKendry.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Paul McGregor has lost the services of Leeson Ah Mau, Nene Macdonald and Jason Nightingale plus a few promising up-and-comers, with Korbin Sims and Jonus Pearson the notable signings to go with some promotions, which tops the roster up to 28 names as of November 1. Kurt Mann is still on the books at this stage despite reports of interest from other clubs. Mitch Allgood has signed a one-year extension.
2019 squad
New faces
Korbin Sims (Broncos), Jonus Pearson (Broncos), Mikaele Ravalawa (Raiders), Lachlan Timm (Storm), Steven Marsters.
Unsigned/Losses
Leeson Ah Mau (Warriors), Jason Nightingale (retirement), Nene Macdonald (Cowboys), Reuben Garrick, Patrick Herbert, Hame Sele.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Angus Crichton is now officially an ex-Bunny, along with Jason Clark, Tyrell Fuimaono and Tim Grant. Robert Jennings and John Sutton are both currently unsigned, though Jennings at least seems a formality. The club only has two spots still free in the top 30 so if both re-sign that fills their quota. There isn't much NRL experience among the new recruits – Kurt Dillon and Bayley Sironen have a handful between them while Corey Allan is uncapped and Mawene Hiroti is promoted, along with Jacob Gagan and Billy Brittain. The Rabbitohs have agreed to release Richie Kennar from his contract so he can complete a Mormon mission but at this stage he is still technically part of the 2019 squad.
2019 squad
New faces
Kurt Dillon (Sharks), Bayley Sironen (Wests Tigers), Corey Allan (Broncos), Jacob Gagan, Mawene Hiroti, Rhys Kennedy, Billy Brittain.
Unsigned/Losses
Angus Crichton (Roosters), Jason Clark (Warrington), Tim Grant (Panthers), Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Hymel Hunt, Jesse Arthars, John Sutton, Robert Jennings, Vincent Leuluai.
Sydney Roosters
Most of the Roosters' roster refresh has happened at the depth level but the top level looks almost stronger than last season's premiership team. Blake Ferguson is the big loss but amply covered by Test flankers Brett Morris and Ryan Hall. The other big out is Ryan Matterson but Angus Crichton's recruitment certainly makes up for it. The rest of the departing or unsigned list – Billy Smith, Eloni Vunakece, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Kurt Baptiste, Matt Ikuvalu, Mitch Cornish, Paul Momirovski, Ryan Matterson and Sean O'Sullivan – contains some very good players but not ones who were being used in first grade anyway. The other new faces are four internal recruitments (including two siblings of current Roosters first-graders) plus Brock Lamb from the Knights.
2019 squad
New faces
Angus Crichton (Rabbitohs), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Brett Morris (Bulldogs), Brock Lamb (Knights), Bernard Lewis, Egan Butcher, Josh Curran, Shaquai Mitchell.
Unsigned/Losses
Blake Ferguson (Eels), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (retired), Paul Momirovski (Wests Tigers), Sean O'Sullivan (Broncos), Ryan Matterson (Wests Tigers), Kurt Baptiste (Cowboys), Billy Smith, Eloni Vunakece, Matt Ikuvalu, Mitch Cornish, Reece Robinson.
Wests Tigers
The Tigers have a fairly settled roster after a big upheaval over the previous 12 months. The departures of Tui Lolohea, Kevin Naiqama, Tim Grant and Jesse Sue have been known for some time while the club previously announced three rookies would be joining the top 30 alongside recruits Ryan Matterson and Paul Momirovski. There are two spots still open in the top 30.
2019 squad
New faces
Paul Momirovski (Roosters), Ryan Matterson (Roosters), Sam McIntyre, Thomas Mikaele, Dylan Smith.
Unsigned/Losses
Tuimoala Lolohea (Leeds Rhinos), Kevin Naiqama (St Helens), Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs), Tim Grant (Panthers), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers), Pita Godinet.
Top 10 tries of 2018
