There are serious concerns over Jake Trbojevic’s playing future after the Sea Eagles veteran suffered another concussion.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have indicated what their new-look halves pairing will be after losing star duo Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds to hamstring injuries.
And the Bulldogs could be set for a surprise boost.
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 24.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
Molo cops one-game ban, Nikora gets 3 | 00:38
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm, 7.50pm AEST at CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen
Team Tips: No changes expected to this winning line-up for the 2024 Grand Final rematch with co-captain Isaah Yeo facing an uncertain stint on the sideline with a shoulder injury.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 17. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Tui Kamikamica 21. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: Jack Howarth was a late scratching last week due to a groin injury and coach Craig Bellamy confirmed he’ll spend another couple of weeks on the sideline. Joe Chan is likely to retain his spot in the centres, otherwise Bellamy could shift Grant Anderson into the centres and bring Kane Bradley onto the wing. Nelson Asofa-Solomona returned from a two-game suspension via Queensland Cup and could force his way back into the 17 after an impressive performance that included a try, a linebreak, 10 tackle busts and 173 metres.
FRIDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 6pm AEST at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 14. Te Maire Martin 23. James Fisher-Harris 18. Freddy Lussick 10. Jackson Ford 8. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 9. Samuel Healey 11. Leka Halasima 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 15. Eddie Ieremia
Team Tips: Coach Andrew Webster made a late change to his halves with Te Maire Martin swapping with Tanah Boyd. But Webster confirmed it will be a “straight swap” again after Martin suffered a head knock. Boyd will come into the halves off a NSW Cup performance that Webster called “awesome” — two try assists, two linebreaks and 144 running metres. Webster said star hooker Wayde Egan “is getting better” but couldn’t confirm whether he’d be in the mix for a return.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 18. Hayden Buchanan 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 15. Hamish Stewart 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 16. Hame Sele 17. Blake Lawrie 21. Jacob Halangahu 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila
Team Tips: The Dragons’ injury woes have gotten even worse with Moses Suli suffering a knee injury in last week’s win. Their outside back stocks are already low, so much so coach Shane Flanagan turned to 19-year-old debutant Hayden Buchanan. The local junior held his own though and is expected to retain his spot. Christian Tuipulotu made a timely return from a hamstring injury in NSW Cup and should slot onto the wing with Corey Allan shifting to centre.
Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 8pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 17. Spencer Leniu 14. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 13. Victor Radley 15. Egan Butcher 16. Salesi Foketi
Team Tips: No changes expected after a stunning 64-12 win over the Dolphins. Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte escaped a ban for their involvement in a melee last week so are cleared to play.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 17. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney
Team Tips: Connor Tracey is a chance of returning from an abdomen injury and if so he’ll slot straight in at fullback with Jacob Kiraz moving to the wing and rookie Jethro Rinakama likely to drop out. There were fears that Tracey could miss the rest of the regular season, however coach Cameron Ciraldo revealed that he could be right to go for this clash. Ciraldo has also indicated that Bailey Hayward will retain the starting hooker role going forward after a late switch with Reed Mahoney before kick-off last week. Star forward Sitili Tupouniua is eyeing a return from a hamstring injury, which would force a reshuffle in the pack with Sam Hughes the likely player to drop out of the 17.
Bulldogs knock Wahs out of top 4 | 02:13
SATURDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans, 3pm AEST at Sharks Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Thomas Hazelton 18. Billy Burns 20. Hohepa Puru
Team Tips: The Sharks have lost star second-rower Briton Nikora for the rest of the regular season after he was hit with a big ban for a careless tackle. If Nikora enters an early guilty plea he’ll miss three games and given the Sharks have a bye in Round 25 he’ll won’t be available to play until week one of finals. If he chooses to challenge the ban at the judiciary and fails, he’ll miss four games, which will include the first week of finals. Billy Burns will likely be promoted to start in Nikora’s place with Jesse Colquhoun, who is due back from a head knock, to join the bench.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston 20. Tukimihia Simpkins
Team Tips: The Titans have copped a double blow to their backline with Brian Kelly suffering a head knock and Alofiana Khan-Pereira picking up a hamstring injury.The versatile Phillip Sami is due to return from a head knock and can slot into either the vacant wing or centre positions. Keano Kini returned from a neck injury in Queensland Cup and could come into the mix too. If so, Kini would line up at fullback with AJ Brimson moving to centre. Moe Fotuaika was a late scratching from last week’s loss due to illness, but is expected to return with Reagan Campbell-Gillard to move back to the bench and Tuki Simpkins dropping out of the 17.
Brisbane Broncos vs Dolphins, 5.30pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt
Team Tips: The Broncos are in all sorts after losing their star halves, Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds, as well as Selwyn Cobbo to hamstring injuries. Ben Hunt is the obvious option to replace Reynolds at halfback given he has played 235 of his 348 NRL games there, while Billy Walters has reportedly been training at five-eighth. That opens up spots at hooker and on the bench. Cory Paix is expected to start at hooker and Tyson Smoothy to join the bench. Meanwhile, Jesse Arthars will be a straight swap for Cobbo on the wing.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Tevita Naufahu 5. Jake Averillo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 15. Aublix Tawha 12. Oryn Keeley 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Connelly Lemuelu 14. Ray Stone 17. Josh Kerr
Team Tips: Kurt Donoghue was charged with a careless high tackle and shoulder charge but can escape with fines if he enters an early guilty plea. Meanwhile, Aublix Tawha and Francis Molo escaped bans for their part in the melee with Roosters players, however the latter will be sidelined this week after copping a ban for a high tackle. After conceding 64 points, coach Kristian Woolf could swing the axe, but Felise Kaufusi won’t be an option with the veteran forward not due back from suspension until Round 25.
Latrell produces unbelievable try saver! | 00:35
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels, 7.35pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 22. Latrell Mitchell 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Ashton Ward 7. Jamie Humphreys 9. Siliva Havili 14. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Sean Keppie 4. Tallis Duncan 12. Jacob Host 8. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Brandon Smith 17. Thomas Fletcher
Team Tips: After a much-needed win, it’s unlikely coach Wayne Bennett will make any changes — and he doesn’t really have the option to anyway given the club’s injury crisis. Latrell Mitchell made an impact in the centres in his return game and is expected to stay there with Jye Gray to hold down the No.1 jersey.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Joash Papalii 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 22. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 15. Luca Moretti 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 16. Matt Doorey 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Team Tips: Dylan Brown was a surprise addition to the Eels’ backline and coach Jason Ryles has indicated that he did enough to retain his spot in the centres. Tallyn Da Silva had some questionable moments at hooker but given Ryles is building for the future it’s unlikely he’ll make the youngster pay. Meanwhile, Joash Papalii will retain the No.1 jersey for another week with Isaiah Iongi not due back from injury until Round 25.
Moses sprays Da Silva THREE times! | 00:34
SUNDAY
Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles, 2pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Round 22 Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 19. Brent Naden 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 13. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Alex Twal 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 14. Sione Fainu 7. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Fonua Pole 17. Tony Sukkar
Team Tips: The Wests Tigers are fresh off a bye and it’s unlikely coach Benji Marshall will make any changes to the side that upset the Bulldogs in Round 22. Taylan May suffered a head knock in that game but served his mandatory stand-down period over the bye.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 14. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Jake Trbojevic 9. Jazz Tevaga 15. Aaron Schoupp 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Team Tips: There are serious concerns over Jake Trbojevic’s playing future after the Sea Eagles veteran suffered another concussion last round. Trbojevic was reportedly still experiencing symptoms when he met with the club doctor on Monday. It leaves his contract extension with the Sea Eagles in doubt. “When you get three Category 1 in the season, it’s a major concern at 31-years of age,” Phil Rothfield said on NRL 360 on Monday. “There’s got to be question marks over whether he goes again next year,” Brent Read added. “I’m sure Jake would want to go on but sometimes you need to save blokes from themselves.”Jazz Tevaga the likely player to start at lock with Gordon Chan Kum Tong joininbg the bench to face the Tiger while Ben Trbojevic is due back from a head knock and will replace Michael Chee Kam in the second row. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed Lehi Hopoate is likely to return from a shoulder injury, but it remains to be seen whether that will push Tom Trbojevic back to the centres or if Hopoate will play on the wing.
“HE’S MILKING”: Cows denied match-winner | 00:39
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights, 4.05pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 19. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 17. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Marly Bitungane 16. Kai O’Donnell 20. Nicholas Lenaz 22. Kaiden Lahrs. 18th man: 18. Jaxson Paulo
Team Tips: Todd Payten was proud of the Cowboys’ effort in their loss to the Eels, so expect a similar team to be named against the Knights. One forced change will be Coen Hess, who has been suspended for the rest of the season for a dangerous tackle. Prop Tom Mikaele is a chance of returning from a knee injury which would be a huge boost given Hess’ suspension. Veteran prop Jordan McLean is also close to a return. Winger Murray Taulagi is at least one more week away.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Thomas Cant 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Tyson Gamble
Team Tips: It’s been a disappointing season for the Knights with several stars sidelined. Adam O’Brien was pleased with Jake Arthur’s performance in the halves in what was his club debut, seeming to indicate he’ll keep his spot in the starting line-up. Tyson Gamble, who was 18th man against Penrith, could come into the side for Jack Cogger.
Discussion about this post