Wade Graham has answered Craig Fitzgibbon’s SOS to start in the halves for Cronulla on Friday night, while the Sydney Roosters will trot out a host of stars, including Brandon Smith, for the opening weekend of the trials.

Graham will team up with Panthers youngster Niwhai Puru for their first-up blowout against Newcastle on Friday night, with Matt Moylan rested and regular halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall on Indigenous All Stars duty.

A powerful No.6 when he first burst on to the scene with Penrith, Graham – who is entering his 16th season in the top flight – has only started in the halves twice in the past eight seasons, but happy to do what Fitzgibbon needs.

“We’re a bit skinny in the halves, I’m almost the last man standing, so ‘Fitzy’ has asked me to jump in there, and I’m more than happy to – I’m there to play footy and I’m keen,” Graham told the Herald.

“Niwhai is a good kid, he’s talented, a good ball-player, he’s put his head down and is learning off ‘Moyza’ [Moylan] and Nicho. He’s not overly big, but he’s from the west, so I bet you he’s willing. He gets an opportunity on Friday night, and I’ll be there to help him out the best I can.”

Graham remains unsure what he does beyond this year and will make the call in July. He said family would have a big say on what happens beyond 2023, with a move to the south of France already mooted.

Cronulla will roll out some established forwards including Cameron McInnes, Toby Rudolf, Jack Williams and Braden Hamlin-Uele.

Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble will team up in the halves for the Knights, who will also start the Saifiti brothers, Jacob and Daniel, up front.