Dean Young has swung the axe, making sweeping changes in his first team list since taking over as Dragons interim head coach.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have named a side littered with new faces after a staggering injury toll struck Michael Maguire’s squad.
Read below for the Team Lists ahead of Round 8!
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.
THURSDAY 23RD APRIL
Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders @ Leichhardt Oval, 7.50pm
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 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. Patrick Herbert 19. Tristan Hope 20. Latu Fainu 21. Jeral Skelton 22. Tony Sukkar
Teams analysis: Benji Marshall has swung the axe. Rising star Heamasi Makasini has been dropped, alongside Patrick Herbert with that pair being replaced by Starford To’a and Luke Laulilii. To’a’s return marks his first appearance of the season due to a foot injury, while Latu Fainu also shifts out of the 19-man squad and into the extended reserves list.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Ata Mariota 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Daine Laurie 16. Joseph Roddy 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Savelio Tamale 20. Owen Pattie 21. Jordan Uta 22. Jake Clydsdale
Teams analysis: The Raiders will be without Josh Papalii for six to eight weeks in a brutal blow after he suffered a calf injury. Joining the bench in his place is rising star Joe Roddy, while Hudson Young is also sidelined after earning himself a two-game ban for a high shot on Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo. Noah Martin takes his place, having been named in the starting side before reverting to the bench in recent weeks. Interestingly, the trio of Daine Laurie, Chevy Stewart and Savelio Tamale have all been named on a peculiar bench, so expect some changes to be made between now and kick-off.
FRIDAY 24TH APRIL
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla Sharks @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 6.00pm
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. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Griffin Neame 18. Matthew Lodge 19. Kai O’Donnell 20. Zac Laybutt 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby
Teams analysis: The Cowboys have received a big triple boost with Murray Taulagi, Reed Mahoney and Jeremiah Nanai all slotting into the starting side. They displace Zac Laybutt, who drops out of the backline and into the reserves, Soni Luki who wears the No.4 jersey and Kai O’Donnell who has been named on the bench. This clash marks Nanai’s first appearance of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, giving him a prime opportunity to push his case for Origin selection in the coming weeks. Both Mahoney and Taulagi, meanwhile, return from their own respective head knocks.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Siosifa Talakai 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. Briton Nikora 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Riley Jones 21. Riley Pollard 22. Sione Katoa
Teams analysis: Cameron McInnes makes his long-awaited return from an ACL injury, having last featured in Round 24 of the 2025 season. His return comes ahead of schedule and shapes as a huge boost. Sione Katoa meanwhile, has been shifted to the reserves in a shock move with Siosifa Talakai in the centres and Mawene Hiroti named on the wing. Hohepa Puru and Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha have also been included on the six-man bench.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm
Broncos team: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Ben Talty 9. Cory Paix 10. Jack Gosiewski 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Xavier Willison 14. Josh Rogers 15. Jaiyden Hunt 16. Preston Riki 17. Va’a Semu 18. Hayze Perham 19. Antonio Verhoeven 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Cameron Bukowski
Teams analysis: The Broncos will be sweating on the availability of Deine Mariner after AAP reporter Joel Gould revealed that he went down with a knee injury at training. Payne Haas (knee) and Corey Jensen (pulmonary embolism) have both been sidelined following their win over the Tigers, forcing Michael Maguire to name a new-look front row. Ben Talty and Jack Gosiewski have been named to start, while Cory Paix returns from a head knock at hooker. Josh Rogers has been named as the utility, while Cameron Bukowski has dropped off the bench. Preston Riki and Jaiyden Hunt have been named on the pine, while Maguire will unleash a debutant in VJ Semu, who has reportedly been on the verge of featuring in first grade for several years and has been touted as a clone of Haas. Semu stands at 194cm and weighs in at 110 kilograms and he will desperate to make a good impression in a bid to retain his spot for the remainder of the season.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Samuel Hughes 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jake Turpin 19. Josh Curran 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Jethro Rinakama 22. Alekolasimi Jones 23. Alex Conti
Teams analysis: Skipper Stephen Crichton returns after battling a shoulder injury, which sees Josh Curran revert back to his usual bench role after filling in at centre last week. Jacob Kiraz has been sidelined due to a knee injury, with the man who replaced him last week, Jonathan Sua, slotting in on the wing. He was impressive in his 35 minute stint and will only improve with further minutes in first grade, while Jake Turpin has been named on the bench.
Braith: “Have some balls!” | 01:41
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
SATURDAY 25TH APRIL
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney Roosters @ Allianz Stadium, 4.00pm
Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kade Reed 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Ryan Couchman 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Josh Kerr 15. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Jacob Halangahu 18. Kyle Flanagan 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Hayden Buchanan 21. Hame Sele 22. Ryan Hutchinson
Teams analysis: All eyes were on this team list ahead of the Round 8 drop, and Dean Young made an instant impact by dropping Kyle Flanagan to the bench and blooding debutant Kade Reed. The young gun has played only five NSW Cup games but made an impression in the pre-season challenge, especially when he fronted up to Sandon Smith, showing he was ready for the contest. The 20-year-old only made his reserve grade debut in Round 26 of last season, but Young made a point of travelling to his family home to outline his plans for the promising playmaker. “I thought it was important that his parents understood the reason why I’m giving him the opportunity,” Young said. “People will probably judge my decision and say that we’re zero and seven and chucking in a kid on debut on Anzac Day is risky. “But I wouldn’t do it unless I believed in him and I wanted him to know that I believe in him and that his parents fully knew that I’m in there for the long haul with him and he’s a big part of the future.” It’s a signal of intent from Young, who has given Reed the keys and a clear indication of where he stands, which also provides a young talent with the best possible chance to succeed in the club’s current situation. Young also outlined Flanagan’s role, saying: “Kyle’s position this week will be to cover the halves if something happens to them or to cover the hooker position if something happens to Cookie. Kyle, I’ve got a really good relationship with him. I spoke to him about the reasons why which will stay between us and I’ll see him tomorrow but he’s on board for whatever the team needs”. Elsewhere, Moses Suli returns from an eye socket injury, which displaces David Fale while Mat Feagai will shift out to the wing. With Jaydn Su’A serving a ban, Ryan Couchman slots into his place after serving a lengthy suspension of his own after a hip drop tackle which ended J’maine Hopgood’s season. Winger Christian Tuipulotu has been named on bench, aiming to return from a knee injury and he could do so from the pine.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 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. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Billy Smith 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Egan Butcher 22. Tommy Talau
Teams analysis: Billy Smith joins this Roosters side in the only change, with Hugo Savala remaining in the centres for now. Tommy Talau drops out of the squad in the only change and it remains to be seen if Smith will take Savala’s spot if he’s cleared to take the field.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Dolphins @ Hnry Stadium, 6.05pm
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Marata Niukore 20. Luke Hanson 21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 22. Adam Pompey 23. Makaia Tafua
Teams analysis: A late inclusion into last week’s match, fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been omitted from this week’s team. At the time of publication, it is unknown if this is due to a lingering neck issue he recently sustained or if it’s for an entirely different reason. His exclusion means Taine Tuaupiki will shift into the fullback role. Centre Adam Pompey has been named among the reserves and could make a late push for selection. Meanwhile, Luke Hanson has been added to the extended bench to provide coverage to the playmakers.
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Brad Schneider 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Ray Stone 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Trai Fuller 18. Lewis Symonds 19. Tevita Naufahu 20. Brian Pouniu 21. Oryn Keeley 22. John Fineanganofo
Teams analysis: A suspension to Kodi Nikorima means Brad Schneider will accompany Isaiya Katoa in the halves for this week. Surprisingly, Oryn Keeley has been named on the reserves rather than extended bench and could potentially come into consideration later in the week. This comes as youngsters Lewis Symonds and Tevita Naufahu have been added to the six-man bench to provide coverage in the forwards and back-line, while Trai Fuller has been named in the No.17 jersey.
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ AAMI Park, 8.10pm
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Manaia Waitere 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Shawn Blore 17. Davvy Moale 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Hugo Peel 20. Trent Toelau 21. Josiah Pahulu 22. Moses Leo
Teams analysis: Despite losing their last five matches, Craig Bellamy has opted to make no changes to his team for this week’s match. Manaia Waitere retains his spot on the wing ahead of Moses Leo who has been named on the reserves. Rookie Hugo Peel remains on the extended bench providing coverage to the back-line and back-rower Ativalu Lisati remains sidelined with injury.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 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. Sean Keppie 11. Brandon Smith 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Jayden Sullivan 17. Keaon Koloamatangi 18. Euan Aitken 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Latrell Siegwalt 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Edward Kosi
Teams analysis: Defeating the Dragons last round, the Rabbitohs have decided to keep the same starting team but have made two changes to their extended bench with the returning Euan Aitken and Liam Le Blanc replacing Ed Kosi and Thomas Fletcher. Brandon Smith has been shifted to the back-row with Bronson Garlick wearing the No.9 jersey. Origin bolter Keaon Koloamatangi remains on the interchange.
Kyle treatment caused players split? | 01:22
MORE NRL NEWS
BURNING Qs: Dominoes to fall after Flanno axing; ugly recruitment truth laid bare
TEAM TIPS: Dragons’ clean-out on the cards after Flanno sacking; Bulldogs’ huge boost
CONTENDERS: Why obvious choice isn’t a lock for the job
SUNDAY 26TH APRIL
Newcastle Knights vs. Penrith Panthers @ McDonald Jones Stadium, 2.00pm
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. James Schiller 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Francis Manuleleua 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Cody Hopwood 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Asu Kepaoa 19. Kyle McCarthy 20. Peter Hola 21. Lachlan Crouch 22. Wilson De Courcey
Teams analysis: The Knights have been forced into a change in their back-line after Greg Marzhew (concussion) has been ruled out. James Schiller takes his place on the wing. Other than that, coach Justin Holbrook has named the same side that he had against the Roosters last round.
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. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole 20. Luron Patea 21. Billy Scott 22. Sione Fonua
Teams analysis: Casey McLean returns to the starting back-line after serving his suspension. His inclusion means Izack Tago will drop out to the extended bench after playing his 100-match milestone last week. Freddy Lussick will start in the dummy-half role after Mitch Kenny suffered an injury last weekend and is facing several weeks on the sidelines. Jack Cole joins the bench.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels @ 4 Pines Park, 4.05pm
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Jason Saab 3. Clayton Faulalo 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. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Simione Laiafi 19. Josh Feledy 20. Nathan Brown 21. Joey Walsh 22. Jackson Shereb
Teams analysis: After a strong performance in the fullback role when Tom Trbojevic departed the field last Thursday, Tolutau Koula has made the permanent switch to the back of the field and will wear the No.1 jersey. His shift to fullback, allows Clayton Faulalo to join the back-line and will play in the centres. Young rookie sensation Joey Walsh remains off the extended bench as he looks to receive more game time in NSW Cup. This allows Simione Laiafi and Josh Feledy to be on the extended bench.
Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Toni Mataele 17. Jack de Belin 18. Kelma Tuilagi 19. Lorenzo Talataina 20. Araz Nanva 21. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 22. Teancum Brown
Teams analysis: Coming off a strong victory against the Bulldogs, the Parramatta Eels will welcome back Sean Russell and Kelma Tuilagi for this week’s match. The former replaces Araz Nanva in the centres, while the latter has joined the extended interchange bench. Hooker Ryley Smith has been named in the starting hooker role despite picking up a sternum injury and if unavailable later in the week, expect Tallyn Da Silva to start and rookie Lorenzo Talataina to provide back-up as he looks to make his NRL debut.
BYE: Gold Coast Titans
Discussion about this post