The Wests Tigers have been dealt a massive double injury blow to their halves, while a star Eels forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after an ACL injury
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Plus, an update on Fletcher Sharpe, injury concerns for the Bulldogs and Storm and the latest on Roosters halfback Hugo Savala.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Elsewhere, the return of a Broncos veteran sparks an awkward decision for Michael Maguire.
Read on for the NRL Team Tips for Round 4.
THURSDAY MARCH 26
Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters at 4 Pines Park, 8pm AEDT
Last Sea Eagles team (Rd 2): 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Paul Bryan 18. Brandon Wakeham 19. Josh Feledy 20. Corey Waddell
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles will receive a boost to their forward pack this week with Siosiua Taukeiaho (calf) set to return to the field. Rookie Simione Laiafi is another option, with many calling for him to make his debut due to the impact that he can make with his physicality and size. Other than those two, the line-up is set to remain the same, but another disappointing performance from veteran Jake Trbojevic could see coach Anthony Seibold make the tough choice to drop him in the coming weeks.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Egan Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 20. Toby Rodwell
Team Tips: Centre Billy Smith (concussion) is slated to make his return after being involved in an e-bike crash, which has ruled him out of action for the past two weeks. Smith will replace Fetalaiga Pauga in the back-line, while fellow outside back Tommy Talau is set to be available after suffering a minor knee injury but will return through the NSW Cup. Halfback Hugo Savala is a chance of being named after making his return through NSW Cup last weekend. Spencer Leniu (hamstring) and Victor Radley (suspension) remain unavailable for selection but will return in the coming weeks, which will deliver some much-needed X-factor in the forwards.
FRIDAY MARCH 27
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium, 6pm AEDT
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 11. Leka Halasima 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Hanson 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 17. Morgan Gannon 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Marata Niukore 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 23. Mitchell Barnett
Team Tips: The Warriors are set to welcome back Chanel Harris-Tavita after he sat out due to a head knock, which will see rookie Luke Hanson be demoted despite an impressive debut. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will also return from a head knock of his own, likely in a straight swap for fullback Taine Tuaupiki. Tuaupiki will retain a spot on the pine, while Hanson may drop out of the squad altogether given Andrew Webster has options to shift into the halves should they be handed Round 4 injuries. Elsewhere, Morgan Gannon suffered a head knock in his club debut and will be sidelined, but his omission is offset by the return of Adam Pompey who will slot into the centres with Leka Halasima shifting to the back row.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Jeral Skelton 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Patrick Herbert
Team Tips: The Tigers have a genuine halves headache on their hands. Code Sports reported that scans have confirmed Jarome Luai is expected to miss around four weeks due to a knee injury. Adam Doueihi, meanwhile, suffered a hamstring complaint and could also find himself on the sidelines with the results of his scans yet to be revealed. According to Code Sports, Latu Fainu has spent the last few weeks training with the first grade squad and he is expected to return from a shoulder reconstruction. “We will just make sure his ready before we make that decision,” Marshall said regarding Fainu’s return. Partnering him could be Jock Madden or Api Koroisau, who has previously made the move to the halves when the club’s depth has been tested. That move would see Tristan Hope slot in at hooker after he looked damaging against the Rabbitohs in Round 3. An outside chance could be young gun Javon Andrews, with the rising five-eighth impressing during the pre-season trials. The remainder of the backline and forward pack is expected to remain the same.
Cowboys claim first win of the season | 01:42
Brisbane Broncos vs Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm AEDT
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 14. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 15. Ben Talty 16. Aublix Tawha 17. Gehamat Shibasaki 18. Brendan Piakura 19. Jaiyden Hunt 20. Blake Mozer
Team Tips: Both Adam Reynolds and Jack Gosiewski are expected to return from their time sidelined due to a rib injury and a head knock respectively. However, Ben Hunt slotted into the halfback position admirably against the Storm, handing Michael Maguire a big headache. The Broncos coach is reportedly planning to adopt a rotation strategy between Hunt and Reynolds in a bid to keep both of his veteran stars fit. “If it’s required down the track, we’ll certainly look at it,” Maguire said to Code Sports. Reynolds will likely return against the Dolphins, but it remains to be seen where Hunt will play and he could revert to hooker, shifting Cory Paix to the bench. Gosiewski, meanwhile, could displace Xavier Willison and start in the back row or join the bench, with Brendan Piakura also a chance of being promoted to the starting edge spot, allowing Willison to rejoin the middle rotation.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 16. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Oryn Keeley 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 19. Sebastian Su’a 22. Brian Pouniu
Team Tips: The Dolphins are set to welcome back a trio of stars, with Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring), Thomas Flegler (ribs) and Francis Molo (suspension) all due to return. Flegler could slot straight into the front row, shifting Felise Kaufusi to the bench. Donoghoe, meanwhile, could replace Brad Schneider as the utility, given he has the ability to play in the halves, at hooker and is a tried and tested lock. Adding to the equation is Molo’s return, meaning two players have to drop off the pine in the forwards. Brian Pouniu and Sebastian Su’A look to be the forwards who will make way.
Hannay dejected after 0-3 start to 2026 | 04:40
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
SATURDAY MARCH 28
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium, 3pm AEDT
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jake Turpin
Team Tips: There is a minor concern surrounding the shoulder of winger Jacob Kiraz but he will take to the field this weekend. Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould confirmed on X that Daniel Suluka-Fifita is available for selection this week, while he also revealed that Leo Thompson is two or three weeks from returning to the field. In other team news, Enari Tuala impressed the coaching staff after being recalled and will keep out-of-favour star centre Bronson Xerri out of the NRL side despite him scoring with his first touch of the football in reserve grade last weekend.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 18. Tyson Gamble 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 15. Mathew Croker 14. Tyson Frizell 14. Thomas Cant 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Francis Manuleleua 19. Harrison Graham 21. Cody Hopwood
Team Tips: The Knights will be forced into at least one change with front-rower Trey Mooney being hit with a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge on Tanah Boyd. Mooney faces a one-week ban if he accepts an early guilty plea, but this will be increased to two matches if he decides to contest the charge and is found guilty. The Newcastle Herald’s Barry Toohey took to X to reveal that Fletcher Sharpe is “doubtful” for this week, but the club will give him “every chance to play” and is likely to be named on Tuesday when the team list is announced.
Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium, 5:30pm AEDT
Last week’s Panthers team:
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 21. Jack Cole
Team Tips: One of three undefeated teams, the Penrith Panthers have completely torn their opponents to shreds to begin the season and will look to do the same against one of their main rivals, the Eels. Liam Henry remains sidelined for a few more weeks, but Jack Cogger (concussion) will be available for selection and take his spot on the extended bench. This will see Jack Cole drop out of the extended reserves.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 13. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 14. Dylan Walker 8. J’maine Hopgood 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Charlie Guymer
Team Tips: The Eels were dealt a massive injury blow last round with Jason Ryles confirming that J’maine Hopgood will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. Meanwhile, Jordan Samrani (knee) exited the field against the Dragons last week and is set to be unavailable this week. With Wil Penisini (groin) also out until Round 7, Brian Kelly will return to the outside backs, while Luca Moretti and Jack De Belin are the two options to replace Hopgood.
Payten talks Cowboys bounce back | 07:18
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm AEDT
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 10. Jason Taumalolo 9. Reed Mahoney 16. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 8. Coen Hess 14. Soni Luke 15. Kai O’Donnell 18. Zac Laybutt 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Matthew Lodge
Team Tips: Cowboys front-rower Thomas Mikaele (knee) is a chance to return this week after not playing since Las Vegas but Jeremiah Nanai still remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the club will be sweating on the availability of Thomas Chester after he was placed on report for a dangerous tackle. If unavailable, Zac Laybutt will slot into the centre. Viliami Vailea returned to the field through the QLD Cup last weekend, but Ethan King sustained a concussion and will be unavailable for selection.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 18. Alec MacDonald 13. Tui Kamikamica 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Trent Loiero 16. Davvy Moale 17. Cooper Clarke 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 20. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: Despite losing to the Broncos last week, don’t expect Craig Bellamy to hit the panic button. The Storm are set to run out with a similar squad, but back-rower Shawn Blore is a chance of returning after consecutive weeks in the NSW Cup, which saw him get plenty of minutes under his belt after an injury issue. However, the condition of Nick Meaney (hip) and Moses Leo (concussion) should be watched over the coming days and could very well be replaced if they aren’t fully fit. Ativalu Lisati (calf) remains sidelined to Round 7 after being a late withdrawal before their clash against the Broncos.
SUNDAY MARCH 29
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, 4:05pm AEDT
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Daine Laurie 22. Jed Stuart
Team Tips: Apart from Matty Nicholson, the Raiders currently have no one on their injury list. However, several players are pushing their case for selection in reserve-grade. Centre Matthew Timoko will return to the NRL side at some point but coach Ricky Stuart has made it clear that he wants him to get some game time before he returns and he won’t be rushed back to first-grade. If he is selected on Tuesday, this will move Simi Sasagi back to the forwards and push Noah Martin to the interchange bench.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Teig Wilton
Team Tips: After putting 50 points on the Titans in Round 1, the Sharks have lost back-to-back matches, but it is hard to see coach Craig Fitzgibbon making any major team changes. Don’t be surprised to see Teig Wilton take back his starting back-row spot from Billy Burns, but he could also very well start on the interchange bench and deliver an impact in limited minutes like he did last week. Playing hooker last week for the Newtown Jets, Hohepa Puru is a good option to be named on the reserves due to his versatility to play a number of different roles.
‘Pretty petty & small’: Matty on Broncos | 01:10
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium, 6:15pm AEDT
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 19. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 7. Lachlan Ilias 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 22. Josh Patston
Team Tips: Inching closer to their first win under Josh Hannay last week, the Titans are set to keep their same squad heading into this week’s match. Exiting the field for a HIA, it is unknown at this stage if hooker Sam Verrills passed the concussion test or not. Meanwhile, back-rower Josh Patson continues to push for a spot in the starting side and could very well move Arama Hau to the interchange bench if Hannay decides to go in a different direction.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 16. Blake Lawrie 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Josh Kerr 17. Ryan Couchman 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Lyhkan King-Togia
Team Tips: Yet to register a win this season, Shane Flanagan may decide to turn to his NSW Cup side to make changes as the reserve-grade outfit remains undefeated and have been in great form. Players that Flanagan may decide to select include Tyrell Sloan, David Fale, Hame Sele and rising star Jacob Halangahu, who is all but certain to return to the NRL sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, Ryan Couchman is set to attract the attention of the match review committee after a hip-drop tackle saw him end J’maine Hopgood’s season.
Bye – South Sydney Rabbitohs
Discussion about this post