Waite is set to return for his first game since injuring his knee in round nine last year while Murphy has fully recovered from a minor hip operation in January.
They both played part of the game in the Northern Bullants practice match at Casey Fields on Friday night to complete their preparation for the season.
“They both played around half a game on Friday night and Murphy was running on top of the ground and Waite’s second and third efforts were fantastic; they will both play,” Ratten told carltonfc.com.au after Saturday morning’s training session at Visy Park.
Dennis Armfield, who has had a slightly interrupted pre-season, also played in the Northern Bullants practice match and his form confirmed he is also ready for selection in round one.
Ratten also confirmed that Lachie Henderson will make his Carlton debut against Richmond, after playing 15 games for the Brisbane Lions during the last two seasons.
Also expected to play their first games for the Blues on Thursday night are former Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean and ruckman Robbie Warnock, who had an injury-interrupted first season at Carlton in 2009.
The Blues' first choice in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Kane Lucas, may also make his AFL debut in the season opener.
Ratten said the Perth native would be close to selection after a polished display for the Northern Bullants on Friday night.
The Carlton coach also said the club was yet to decide who would lead the Blues during suspended skipper Chris Judd's three-game absence, suggesting that a different player might take the role each week.
Marc Murphy is a $450,200 midfielder in this year's Toyota AFL Dream Team.
Jarrad Waite is a $343,600 defender/forward.
