The Rabbitohs have welcomed the return of one star, but another gun hasn’t been named.
The Broncos, meanwhile, welcome back a superstar prop and have unveiled a reshuffled backline.
Read below for the full Round 5 NRL Team Lists!
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THURSDAY APRIL 2
Dolphins vs Manly Sea Eagles at Kayo Stadium, 8pm AEDT
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 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Ray Stone 17. Francis Molo 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Trai Fuller 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu
Analysis: No major changes for the Dolphins, with Kurt Donoghoe named on the six-man bench in what could be his return game from a hamstring injury. With the hardy lock potentially returning, the spotlight has been placed on English recruit Morgan Knowles. The 29-year-old has been impressive since making the move from the Super League, proving himself as a hard-edged middle forward. However, Donoghoe was arguably one of the Dolphins’ best players last season and it remains to be seen if he will be resigned to a bench role for the remainder of the year. Adding to the equation is the impending return of Jeremy Marshall-King, with the Test hooker due back in Round 7. He will start in the No.9 jersey, and therefore Max Plath will need to be reshuffled too. It’s a testament to how strong Kristian Woolf’s forward pack is, but all of Plath, Knowles and Donoghoe are deserving of being in the run-on side.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Clayton Faulalo 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Paul Bryan 19. Josh Feledy 20. Joey Walsh 21. Jackson Shereb 22. Blake Wilson
Analysis: Kieran Foran has named his first team as interim coach of the sea Eagles, being forced into one change after Jason Saab earned a suspension. He has called on Clayton Faulalo to take his place, while Ethan Bullemor has also been named on the six-man bench despite pulling out of Manly’s Round 4 clash due to an Achilles injury. Arguably the biggest aspect of this side Sea Eagles fans will be looking at here is where young gun Joey Walsh has been named. For now, he is outside the six-man bench with Foran sticking solid with Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty as his halves pairing and Brandon Wakeham at hooker, with Jake Simpkin in the utility role. True to his word, Foran made it clear he wouldn’t be making sweeping changes when speaking to Fox League on Sunday. It remains to be seen if Walsh is in his plans moving forward, but he will almost undoubtedly get a chance to showcase his skills at some point, even if it’s in small doses off the bench at hooker.
FRIDAY APRIL 3
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Souths team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Latrell Siegwalt
Analysis: Moala Graham-Taufa has dropped to the six-man bench, with Campbell Graham returning on the wing from a shoulder injury. Liam Le Blanc and Lachlan Hubner have both also been named on the pine. But the big name missing from this team is Brandon Smith, who was tipped to return from a calf injury this round. He has not been named, meaning Bronson Garlick and Peter Mamouzelos have one more week to further their case for selection when Smith inevitably reclaims the No.9 jersey. There’s arguably only room for one on their bench, even though Garlick has the capability to play as a middle forward, meaning one will likely drop back to reserve grade in Round 6. As it stands, Garlick clearly is the frontrunner to remain on the bench, but some impressive contributions from Mamouzelous on the pine could see him leapfrog his teammate and remain in first grade.
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. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Jake Turpin 22. Logan Spinks 23. Jonathan Sua
Analysis: Josh Curran has been sidelined due to a rib injury, with both Sam Hughes (suspension) and Harry Hayes (concussion) returning to this side. Interestingly Bronson Xerri has been named on the six-man bench, but even more interesting is Cameron Ciraldo sticking solid with his halves. During Canterbury’s clash with the Knights, a spine switch was made which saw Matt Burton shuffle to the centres and Stephen Crichton join Lachlan Galvin in the halves. Sean O’Sullivan also came on the field and assumed chief kicking duties, with many tipping him to line-up alongside Galvin as a halves duo. However, Ciraldo has resisted the urge to make wholesale changes to his backline. Enari Tuala would be the man to drop out if Burton was shuffled to the centres, and he is considered one of the club’s best trainers and is held in high regard by the club’s coaching staff. That doesn’t mean he will keep his spot for good, it only makes it all the more hard for Ciraldo to make the tough call and reshuffle his spine. If the Bulldogs once again struggle in attack, having scored only 45 points in their three games, Ciraldo’s hand could be forced ahead of Round 6.
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm AEDT
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. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Kalani Going 20. Tom Ale 21. Billy Scott 22. Jack Cole
Analysis: The Panthers have a knack of finding value where other teams can’t and Freddy Lussick could be the next in an increasing line of savvy Ivan Cleary recruits. The former Warriors hooker replaces the suspended Mitch Kenny this week in the only major change for Penrith, while Jack Cogger returns to the bench after sitting out due to concussion. Cleary said he had been incredibly impressed by Lussick since his arrival ahead of the 2026 season. “He’s been unbelievable in pre-season,” Ivan Cleary said of Lussick. “He’s one of the fittest guys I’ve ever seen. He turned up with a great attitude. He just made every post a winner every day. He possibly couldn’t do any more. (He) competed really hard, so I’m looking forward to seeing him get a chance. I think he was trying to be one (a starter), so I guess that was the point (of him working so hard).” The 25-year-old is also without a contract for the 2026 season, so he will be desperate to make a good impression if his time at the foot of the mountain is to be extended.
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Alec MacDonald 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Davvy Moale 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Angus Hinchey 21. Trent Toelau 22. Preston Conn
Analysis: Moses Leo has been sidelined due to delayed concussion symptoms, with Nick Meaney taking his place after returning from a back injury. Jack Howarth has also been named, even though he left the field with a hip injury in Round 4. Tui Kamikamica suffered a stroke on Monday and as such won’t be available for the Storm, with Lazarus Vaalepu joining the bench. It’s an interesting match-up this week for the Storm, considering their current form slump. Penrith have been far and away the best team this season, but the records show the Storm have always taken it to Cleary’s men. Overall, Penrith have only a 33 per cent win record against the Storm, while their last five games have been decided by only eight points or less. It’s also the first time these two teams meet on Good Friday.
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Storm confirm Warbrick’s move to Wahs | 00:27
SATURDAY APRIL 4
St George Illawarra Dragons vs NQ Cowboys at Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. David Fale 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Hame Sele 18. Josh Kerr 19. Tyrell Sloan 20. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 21. Kade Reed 22. Setu Tu
Analysis: After suffering an ugly head knock, Lykhan King-Togia has been named to replace Kyle Flanagan in the No.6 jersey. Moses Suli is also on deck after missing his side’s Round 4 loss to the Titans due to the birth of his child. In a big boost, Toby Couchman returns to the pine after a head knock while Shane Flanagan has once again changed his wing pairing. Setu Tu, who made his NRL debut in Las Vegas, was dropped in favour of Tyrell Sloan last weekend. Sloan scored a try, but it wasn’t enough to retain his spot with former Panther David Fale named to make his Dragons debut. It’s an interesting call from Flanagan, especially considering it’s not the exact area the Red V seem to be being beat in. However, it’s the only change he has made in a bid to win the Dragons’ first game of the season, being one of only two teams without a win four rounds through the 2026 season. What could hand the Red V a big boost is their Easter record. In the NRL era, there has been no team more successful over the Easter weekend than the Dragons, having won over 70 per cent of their games, or to be exact 19 of 26. They have also won 11 of their last 12 on the Easter Weekend.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby
Analysis: Tom Chester returns from suspension, which means Zac Laybutt has dropped to the six-man bench while Harrison Edwards has also been named. Kai O’Donnell and Liam Sutton have made way. Todd Payten’s North Queensland outfit are riding on a high after a stellar win over the Storm, but will they back it up? History suggests so, with the Cowboys having won their last six games against the Dragons. North Queensland are also a team who deliver when their confidence is high, so Payten’s men could be preparing to pile on the points on a winless Dragons outfit.
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, 7:35pm AEDT
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Klese Haas 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Max Feagai 19. Jett Liu 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Adam Christensen 22. Jenson Taumoepeau
Analysis: As expected, no changes to the Titans’ side that broke through against the Dragons last weekend. Aj Brimson was shifted to the centres for the Dragons clash in a late change. He was solid in attack without being spectacular but did impress defensively as the Titans held the Dragons to just 14 points. Coach Josh Hannay’s decision to push Brimson out meant that recruit Lachlan Ilias and Jayden Campbell were able to build on their partnership. Campbell was the pick of the two, but it’s clear that the two are beginning to form a strong halves duo as they complement each other’s games well. Moe Fotuaika was pushed to the bench for the Dragons clash, meaning Klese Haas won the start. Fotuaika was a handful off the pine, averaging 10 metres a carry, so Hannay has decided to name Fotuaiki off the bench again for the QLD derby against the Broncos.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Antonio Verhoeven 20. Blake Mozer 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Va’a Semu
Analysis: A few noticeable changes for the Broncos, none more important than the return of prop Payne Haas. The Broncos forwards were strong against the Dolphins but Haas’ comeback only bolsters this pack that runs deep. The other is the omission of Josiah Karapani, who was dropped following a late-night incident in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley over the weekend. Maguire has proven in the past that he will discipline players for similar incidents hence, Karapani has paid the price. Another outside back missing is Grant Anderson, who suffered a knee injury against the Dolphins. It means that Gehamat Shibasaki is back in the starting side at centre while Jesse Arthars will make his first appearance of the season in first grade on the wing. Brisbane have a great chance to build on their recent little run of two straight wins following a poor 0-2 start.
Peters in search of ‘right’ PNG players | 01:01
SUNDAY APRIL 5
Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors at Ocean Protect Stadium, 2:00pm AEST
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. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Michael Gabrael 22. Briton Nikora
Analysis: Cronulla were able to stop their two-game slide and return to the winners circle with a hard-fought victory over Canberra.
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Marata Niukore 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita 20. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 21. Morgan Gannon 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 23. Ali Leiataua
Analysis: The Wahs will be without gun middle Mitch Barnett, who suffered a broken thumb in the upset loss to the undermanned Tigers. Barnett is set to miss anywhere between four to six weeks. It’s a big blow for a team hoping to recapture some momentum after a jarring defeat, however, given the form of Jackson Ford and James Fisher-Harris, it’s an absence that the Warriors are able to cover. Another middle forward in Morgan Knowles is set to return after missing a week with a head knock. That will give Andrew Webster some depth to turn to while Demitric Vaimauga is the new face on the bench. Vaimauga didn’t play against the Tigers but provided strong minutes in all three of the Warriors’ wins to start the season. In those games, he averaged 74 run metres and 18 tackles a game.
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Wilson De Courcey 20. Cody Hopwood 21. Francis Manuleleua 22. James Schiller
Analysis: Newcastle have been the surprise packets of 2026. After four games, new coach Justin Holbrook has led his side to three wins and one loss, and in two and a half of those games, Holbrook hasn’t had star duo of Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown at his disposal. Brown is due back in Round 7 or 8 and Ponga a couple of weeks later. New recruit Sandon Smith was excellent against the Dogs, while Fletcher Sharpe was typically dangerous all game. While it might not have been Holbrook’s first choice halves pairing, the duo’s performance against a usually stout Bulldogs defence should give the coach confidence while Brown and Ponga remain on the sidelines. The Knights have made just the one change to the starting side, with gun prop Trey Mooney back after serving a one-game suspension. Mooney is back on deck to face his former side as is Pasami Saulo, who drops to the bench to make way for Mooney.
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. Chevy Stewart 19. Matthew Timoko 20. Owen Pattie 21. Jed Stuart 22. Daine Laurie
Analysis: At 1-3, Canberra are under some early pressure. Despite this, the only change Ricky Stuart has made to his starting side is naming Josh Papali’i at front row. Papali’i returns from a one-game ban for a high tackle. That pushes Morgan Smithies to the bench, who is a solid performer, but doesn’t strike the fear into the opposition that Papali’i does. Smithies was a bit of a non-factor against the Sharks, running for just 34 metres. Canberra’s forward pack is one of the best in the NRL and while they have been sound, they can be much better. Hopefully for the Green Machine, Papali’i’s return means Canberra can win the battle in the middle. They certainly have a talent edge over the Knights in that department so there should be no excuses.
MONDAY APRIL 6
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Luca Moretti 18. Jack de Belin 19. Apa Twidle 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Teancum Brown 22. Araz Nanva
Analysis: In a massive blow, Eels star fullback Isaiah Iongi has been ruled out for two months after suffering an ankle injury against the Panthers. That opens up the door for the versatile Joash Papalii to be given a shot. Papalii’s future at the Eels is in the halves, with the young gun earmarked to partner Mitch Moses from next season when Jonah Pezet departs. Papalii started three games at fullback last year during the Eels’ late season run, and performed well, with Parra winning two of those. In an intriguing selection, coach Jason Ryles has named Apa Twidle to the extended six-man bench, with the rising star set to be used as spine cover. Twidle was super in the Eels’ successful Pre-Season Challenge campaign and is coming off a four-try performance in the NSW Cup. The 21-year-old Kiwi has also played in the halves and could be relied on if there is another injury at a key position..
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Faaletino Tavana 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Bunty Afoa 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Tristan Hope 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Patrick Herbert
Analysis: Benji Marshall has his team humming at the moment, with the Tigers 2-1. Last week, they took the daunting trip to New Zealand to take on the red-hot Warriors without star half Jarome Luai, but were able to shock the league with an upset win. As such, Marshall has elected to not make any changes to his run on side although prop Bunty Afoa could be in line for his first appearance in Tigers colours. Afoa was named last week but was a late out. With Luai still sidelined, Jock Madden will partner the in-form Adam Doueihi in the halves. In their first appearance together, Madden and Doueihi combined nicely, leading the Tigers to 32 points. Last week’s debutant Tino Tavana retains his spot on the flank, meaning Jeral Skelton is set to start on the six-man bench again as outside back cover..
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