The Dragons ahve suffered a huge blow with rookie halfback Kade Reed ruled out for three months with a hand injury.
A Cronulla Sharks star is closing in on playing his first match of the 2026 season, after rupturing his ACL last year as every team travels to Queensland for Magic Round.
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Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs are set to welcome back star players, as the Sea Eagles have been dealt a double blow.
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Read on for the Team Tips for Magic Round 11.
FRIDAY MAY 15
Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium, 6.00pm AEST
Last week’s 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. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jesse Colquhoun 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 20. Riley Jones
Team Tips: After a disappointing performance against the Rabbitohs, the Sharks could receive a double boost for Magic Round. Speaking last week, coach Craig Fitzgibbon revealed that Ronaldo Mulitalo (ACL) is a chance to make his long-awaited return to the field, while centre Jesse Ramien (knee) is also pushing to make his return. This would see Mawene Hiroti drop out of the back-line and Siosifa Talakai return to the interchange bench. Meanwhile, skipper Blayke Brailey (concussion) is likely to be unavailable. His head knock was deemed a Category 1, but he could claim a clearance. “Feeling good, I know the club will look at it, and I feel fine,” Brailey said. “I feel good, I feel normal, so hopefully I can play next week.”
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jonathan Sua 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Enari Tuala 15. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Samuel Hughes 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Alekolasimi Jones 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Jethro Rinakama 23. Logan Spinks
Team Tips: Cameron Ciraldo could make more changes as the Bulldogs’ miserable start to the season continues. Matt Burton missed the loss to the Dolphins due to illness and is expected to return. But whether he slots into the No.6 jersey alongside Lachlan Galvin is a big watch. It comes as Code Sports revealed Ciraldo has made 20 positional changes to his side since Toby Sexton was dumped in Round 20 in a desperate bid to find the right formula.The publication also reports that rookie Mitchell Woods has sustained another hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Marcelo Montoya could return to the starting back-line after being named among the reserves, with Ciraldo suggesting changes could be made. Jethro Rinakama is another option. Elsewhere, Max King (jaw) is back at training as he inches closer to a return. “He’s big for our forward pack. He starts the game really well for us. We’ve missed him…Max is a great leader to the forward pack,” Harry Hayes said on Monday.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm AEST
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 23. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Campbell Graham 5. Edward Kosi 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Sean Keppie 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Matthew Dufty 15. Lachlan Hubner 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Adam Elliott 21. Moala Graham-Taufa
Team Tips: All eyes will be on Latrell Mitchell this week as the Rabbitohs superstar recovers from a back injury — and he just missed an opposed session on Tuesday, per CODE Sports. Mitchell was a late omission against the Sharks with a bulging disc; he is expected to be named to play the Dolphins but is racing the clock. South Sydney had confirmed Mitchell would miss 1-2 weeks, leaving him fighting to suit up one more time before the NSW Blues team is selected. Should he return it would create a dilemma for Wayne Bennett, with either Edward Kosi or Latrell Siegwalt to drop out of the side. After a standout showing, don’t be surprised to see Siegwalt keep his spot with Campbell Graham shifting back to the wing. Unfortunately for Souths fans, they will have to wait another week for David Fifita (hamstring) and Jamie Humphreys (knee) to be available for selection.
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 18. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 6. Brad Schneider 14. Ray Stone 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Felise Kaufusi 19. Jeremy Marshall-King 21. Tevita Naufahu
Team Tips: Thomas Flegler escaped with a fine after being charged by the match review committee and will be available to play, but the same can’t be said for teammate Francis Molo (ankle). The front rower departed the field at around the 25th minute mark and did not return. However, the club has not yet confirmed the return timeline or the severity of the injury. Utility Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) is set to make his highly-anticipated return and Jeremy Marshall-King could start after making his return to the field last week via the interchange bench.
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SATURDAY MAY 16
Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium, 3.00pm AEST
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Heath Mason 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Patrick Herbert 4. Taylan May 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 15. Bunty Afoa 9. Tristan Hope 10. Fonua Pole 11. Sione Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Royce Hunt 18. Mavrik Geyer 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Charlie Murray
Team Tips: After a second-straight loss, Benji Marshall could look to make some changes as he attempts to get the Tigers back into winning form. Heath Mason and Tristan Hope both struggled over the weekend and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them overlooked in favour of other options. However, injuries may limit the club’s options at the moment. Meanwhile, Marshall confirmed that Terrell May (personal reasons) will return for Magic Round after being a late omission against the Storm due to his partner going into labour.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Jason Saab 3. Clayton Faulalo 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 19. Joey Walsh 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Ethan Bullemor 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Jackson Shereb 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Blake Wilson 21. Zach Dockar-Clay
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles have been forced into making two changes for this Saturday’s match with Brandon Wakeham (suspension) and Siosiua Taukeiaho (leg) unavailable for selection this week. Taukeiaho will be replaced by Kobe Hetherington (concussion), who makes his return, while Jake Simpkin is likely to be promoted into the starting No.9 jumper. Halfback Jamal Fogarty (groin) is also set to be available after being a late withdrawal and despite JoeyWalsh’s stellar showing against the Broncos, the youngster will return to the interchange bench in favour of the former Raider.
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Cody Ramsey 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 20. Fetalaiga Pauga 21. Reece Foley
Team Tips: After getting away with a fine in the previous week, VictorRadley (suspension) has been hit with a one-game ban. Meanwhile, LindsayCollins (concussion) will return to the side after missing the match against the Titans due to the mandatory stand-down policy. Centre Billy Smith (knee) is likely to be available for selection, but it’s hard to see Trent Robinson dropping Hugo Savala and messing with the club’s winning formula.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 16. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 8. Coen Hess 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 17. Matthew Lodge 20. Kai O’Donnell 22. Robert Derby
Team Tips: The Cowboys will have a massive hole to fill in the halves after Tom Dearden (ankle) sustained an injury and it was revealed that he is set to spend the next six to eight weeks on the sidelines. Dummy-half Soni Luke (knee) has also been ruled out for up to a month after suffering a high-grade MCL tear. Dearden is set to be replaced in the halves by Jaxon Purdue with either Robert Derby, Ethan King and Jaxson Paulo coming into the centres – the latter two were rested from QLD Cup on Sunday. Meanwhile, youngster Xavier Kerrisk was also rested from reserve-grade duties and is set to be a direct swap on the interchange bench for Luke.
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm AEST
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 17. Charlie Guymer 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Jack de Belin 10. Junior Paulo 14. Dylan Walker 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Toni Mataele 18. Apa Twidle 19. Teancum Brown
Team Tips: Jonah Pezet (suspension) is available for selection and is set to force a perplexing dilemma for coach Jason Ryles. Does Ryles bring in Pezet, or does he keep Ronald Volkman in the halves, who arguably had one of the best showings of his career last round? Confirmed to be making the move from the Cowboys to the Eels last week, forward Harrison Edwards is another player who could come into contention and may even be named on the interchange bench. Ryley Smith (sternum) is expected to be available for this week’s match, but he could very well be rested for an extra week to make sure he gets back to full fitness.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Hugo Peel 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Joe Chan 16. Davvy Moale 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Stanley Huen 20. Jack Hetherington
Team Tips: The Storm have received a significant boost with fullback Sua Fa’alogo set to play against the Eels. Scans confirmed Faalogo had been cleared of any facial fracture or serious damage, with the injury limited to the soft tissue. The Storm said he is “expected to be available for selection”. Meanwhile, star winger Xavier Coates (Achilles) is slowly closing in on a return to the field but is expected to return the following week in Round 12.
SUNDAY MAY 17
Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium, 2.00pm AEST
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jenson Taumoepeau 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Zane Harrison 8. Klese Haas 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Cooper Bai 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Josh Patston 17. Arama Hau 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Sam Verrills
Team Tips: The Gold Coast Titans may have been easily defeated by the Roosters in Round 10 but it’s hard to see coach Josh Hannay making any changes to the side. An injury to Sialetilli Faemani (knee) means Jenson Taumoepeau will keep his place in the side, but Jaylan De Groot and Tony Francis are hot on his heels. Meanwhile, Hannay was impressed by rookie halfback Zane Harrison in his NRL debut and he will remain in the halves alongside Jayden Campbell as they look towards building for their long-term future.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Sandon Smith 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Francis Manuleleua 19. Fletcher Hunt 20. Cody Hopwood
Team Tips: No changes are expected to be made by coach Justin Holbrook after the club escaped with no injuries or suspension in their victory against the Dragons over the weekend. Despite this, multiple players in their NSW Cup reserve-grade side are pushing for a spot in first-grade, such as Harrison Graham and Elijah Salesa–Leaumoana, creating healthy competition across the squad.
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEST
Round 9 Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 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 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Kayliss Fatialofa
Team Tips: The Warriors will need to shake up their back-line with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (shoulder) facing multiple weeks on the sidelines. However, the big question is whether coach Andrew Webster decides to keep Luke Metcalf on the bench or promote him to the starting team to play alongside Tanah Boyd in the halves. If Metcalf starts, this will see Chanel Harris-Tavita shift to the interchange bench. Meanwhile, Wayde Egan (concussion) will be available for the clash after suffering a head knock in Round 9.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Antonio Verhoeven 6. Ezra Mam 21. Ben Hunt 15. Preston Riki 9. Cory Paix 10. Jack Gosiewski 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Ben Talty 16. Va’a Semu 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Hayze Perham 19. Phillip Coates
Team Tips: The Broncos will welcome back captain Adam Reynolds (concussion) for Magic Round but will be forced to make a change to their forward pack with Jack Gosiewski (concussion) ruled out of the contest. His absence will likely see Ben Talty slot into the starting line-up, while Jaiyden Hunt could be promoted to the six-man bench after being named on the extended reserves last week.
Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, 6:25pm AEST
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. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cole 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Izack Tago 18. Billy Phillips 19. Billy Scott
Team Tips: Sitting on top of the NRL ladder, no changes are expected to be made by coach Ivan Cleary. Hooker Mitch Kenny (leg) will be sidelined until at least Round 17, while back-rower Liam Martin (knee) remains out indefinitely but will definitely be unavailable for selection for Magic Round.
Last week’s Dragons team: 19. Tyrell Sloan 2. Setu Tu 1. Clinton Gutherson 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 20. Lykhan King-Togia 7. Kade Reed 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Ryan Couchman 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Josh Kerr 15. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Jacob Halangahu 18. Kyle Flanagan 22. Christian Tuipulotu
Team Tips: Rookie halfback Kade Reed is set to be sidelined for three months with a hand injury, according to The Daily Telegraph. Reed suffered the injury in the lost to the Knights in just his second game in the NRL. Officially getting off to the worst start in NRL history, expect some big changes from interim coach Dean Young. Outside backs Mathew Feagai (back) and Valentine Holmes (shoulder) were forced from the field in last week’s match and will undergo scans to determine the severity of their injuries. Meanwhile, the club will receive trio Daniel Atkinson (hand), LucianoLeilua (suspension) and Moses Suli (back) in an added boost for Magic Round. All three are set to take their respective spots in the starting team. However, DavidFale (hamstring) and Jacob Liddle (hamstring) remain on the sidelines with their return timeline unknown at this stage.
Bye: Canberra Raiders
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