Tigers gun Lachlan Galvin’s NRL exile has been confirmed, while Ivan Cleary has made some huge selection decisions after a disappointing start to his side’s 2025 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs’ English import finally gets his debut in an unfamiliar role while the Eels received a much-needed boost.
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Read on for the NRL Teams for Round 7.
THURSDAY APRIL 17
Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons at 4 Pines Park, 7.50pm AEST
Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Caleb Navale 22. Michael Chee Kam
Analysis: Only a single change for the Sea Eagles, with Jason Saab returning from an ankle injury. He replaces Clayton Faulalo who drops out of the 17 and has been named 18th man.
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan 18. Sione Finau 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Finau Latu 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Analysis: Mat Feagai has won the vacant wing spot left by Christian Tuipulotu. The winger who has made the infamous ‘money man’ try celebration his own suffered a hamstring injury, but that didn’t stop him from doing the celebration off the bench with ice on his leg. Sione Finau comes into the side as 18th man.
FRIDAY APRIL 18
Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium, 4.05pm AEST
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Jack Todd 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Blake Wilson 21. Jake Turpin 22. Lipoi Hopoi 23. Viliame Kikau
Analysis: In a huge boost gun five-eighth Matt Burton has been named to return from a knee injury. In a further boost, Viliame Kikau has been named in the extended squad and will have to prove his fitness this week as he also eyes a return from a knee injury. After deputising in the No.6 jersey, Bailey Hayward drops back to the bench despite his impressive showings. Blake Taaffe also drops out of the 17 as Sitili Tupouniua has served his ban.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Campbell Graham 3. Euan Aitken 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Cody Walker 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Lewis Dodd 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Salesi Ataata 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Declan Casey 22. Joshua Schuster
Analysis: It has come as somewhat of a shock, but Cody Walker has been given the green light to return from a hamstring injury and has been named in the No.7 jersey alongside Latrell Mitchell in the halves. That doesn’t mean English recruit Lewis Dodd doesn’t get to make his NRL debut, being named in the utility role off the bench. Campbell Graham slots on to the wing on return from a calf injury, with Euan Aitken remaining in the centres. Sean Keppie has been named but will have to wait until the judiciary decides if his careless high tackle charge is downgraded to see if he takes the field. Jayden Sullivan is also sidelined after being handed a one-game ban while Josh Schuster is a welcome addition to the overall squad. Dodd joined the Rabbitohs ahead of the 2025 season from the Super League, and his position in their squad was quickly thrust into the spotlight. He initially lost the halfback battle to rising star Jamie Humphreys, after copping a one-game ban for a careless high tackle in the Charity Shield, and missing round one. That gave Humphreys the jump on Dodd, and he took the opportunity with both hands. Then with Humphreys suffering a hamstring injury against the Roosters in Round 5, it seemed Dodd was in line to play his first NRL game for the Rabbitohs against the Cowboys last week. But Dodd missed the game through another suspension, a one-game ban for a crusher tackle while playing in the NSW Cup. Now he finally gets his chance to showcase his skills in the NRL, named on the bench for South Sydney to take on the table-topping Bulldogs. There have even been calls already for the Rabbitohs to release Dodd, given he was out of the team and on a huge $650,000 salary. “It’s early doors, but they might have to make a hard call on Lewis Dodd,” James Hooper said earlier in the season. “It sounds brutal, he hasn’t even laced a boot and run out in an NRL game but they’ve signed him on a three-year deal.” Another journalist, David Riccio said of Dodd: “You can’t have a $600,000 reserve grader on your books.” But Dodd will get his chance to prove his value to the Rabbitohs in the blockbuster traditional Good Friday showdown against the Dogs, with 70,000 fans expected at Accor Stadium. With Humphreys not due back until round 10, Dodd has an opportunity to move above him in the pecking order, which would start with a good performance against Canterbury. Cooper Cronk says Dodd might be best used as a game manager for Souths. “We have only seen snippets of Dodd in the World Club Challenge and pre-season, but he looks more of an organising half with a decent kicking game and a left foot,” Cronk said. “He might come in and do that managerial role for Souths.”
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm AEST
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Ray Stone 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Francis Molo 22. Junior Tupou
Analysis: The Dolphins have named the same 17 that beat the reigning premiers in Round 6. Ray Stone slots back into the squad, named as 18th man after serving a one-game ban.
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Joe Chan 19. Kane Bradley 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Stanley Huen 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Analysis: Superstar halfback Jahrome Hughes has been named in a huge boost for the Storm, having suffered a shoulder injury against the Warriors. Sua Fa’alogo has been named on the wing for his first NRL appearance of the season with Moses Leo the man to drop out of the backline. Grant Anderson retains his spot in the backline, but shifts to centre in a huge reward for his impressive form. Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona both remain out of the squad, having spent weeks sidelined due to respective head knocks.
MORE NRL NEWS
EXTRA TIME: How Bulldogs have courted Galvin for more than a year… in plain sight
RESERVES WRAP: Twist in Schuster’s Souths debut; Dragons’ recruit turns heads
GALVIN AGENT: Responsible for ‘worst act ever’ as early exit call sparks fiery debate
Dogs & Eels all set to chase Galvin? | 01:35
SATURDAY APRIL 19
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos at Go Media Stadium, 5.30pm AEST
Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Edward Kosi 3. Kurt Capewell 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Jackson Ford 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Bunty Afoa 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Te Maire Martin 18. Tanah Boyd 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith 21. Samuel Healey 22. Freddy Lussick 23. Morgan Harper
Analysis: Jackson Ford is the man who is set to fill the shoes left by marquee signing James Fisher-Harris. The former Panther is set to be sidelined for six weeks after suffering a pectoral injury in Round 6 in a huge blow for the team across the Tasman. Jacob Laban gets a call-up on the bench, while Taine Tuaupiki slots into the No.1 jersey in place of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad who has been sidelined due to a head knock. Edward Kosi then comes onto the wing and Kurt Capewell slots into the centres with Rocco Berry being handed a one-game ban. Leka Halasima wins a spot on the edge after Capewell’s shift one wider, with Te Maire Martin making his first NRL appearance off the bench.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Tyson Smoothy 18. Deine Mariner 19. Martin Taupau 20. Jock Madden 21. Benjamin Te Kura 22. Blake Mozer
Analysis: One in, one out. Jack Gosiewski has been handed a one-game ban and Jordan Riki takes his place in the back row after serving his own two-game suspension. In a further blow Gosiewski also fractured his arm at training and will miss eight weeks. Tyson Smoothy makes his first appearance of the season off the bench, with Martin Taupau dropping off the pine. Smoothy’s inclusion is a peculiar one, meaning Michael Maguire has named three hookers in his 17. Admittedly, both Walters and Smoothy are very versatile players. Walters can play in the halves and in the middle at a push, while Smoothy can easily slot into the middle of the park. Regardless, Maguire’s triple threat is an interesting tactic, with Corey Jensen and Xavier Willison the other two forwards on the pine. Cory Paix still assumes key hooker duties, but Maguire’s decision marks a shift from having bigger bodies on the pine and instead looking for a more mobile forward pack. Martin Taupau is the man to make way, having struggled at times to keep up with the mobile Roosters who were able to best the Broncos in Round 6. “We weren’t physical enough last week, so we need to be better there against the Warriors,” Maguire said to Code Sports. “We need to improve in the forwards and that’s what I’m expecting this week. “We put too much pressure on ourselves and we’re still finding our style of playing. “We’ve addressed a few things this week and it’s important we get it right.” Smoothy’s inclusion could be seen as a hammer blow for young gun Blake Mozer, however it is important to note the four-time Storm player has the build of a smaller middle forward. Mozer, meanwhile, is a leander build and is unlikely to be able to handle the demands required of playing his trade as a ballrunner. Regardless, the decision to play three players whose first choice position is hooker is a selection gamble and it remains to be seen if it will pay off against the powerful pack the Warriors possess, albeit without James Fisher-Harris.
Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium, 7.35pm AEST
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Nat Butcher 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Chad Townsend 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu
Analysis: Mark Nawaqanitawase returns from a calf injury to replace Billy Smith, who has been suspended. Victor Radley is named in the starting side at lock forward. He came off the interchange last week when he returned from a cheekbone injury. Roosters winger Dom Young is lucky that Billy Smith is suspended for the game against the Panthers. Smith has been in fine form for the Chooks in recent times, scoring a double in their win over the Broncos last week. If Smith had been available, Young likely would have found himself dropped for this game. Mark Nawaqanitawase is back from a calf injury and will play in the centres in place of Smith. But when Smith returns from suspension next week, and all three of those players are available, we’re tipping it’s Young who will have to make way. According to Phil Rothfield, Young “probably misread the Latrell pass” that led to the Rabbitohs’ match-winning try against the Roosters in round five. NRL 360 host Braith Anasta believes Young needs time out of first grade. “He probably needs to have a breather and freshen up. A few poor reads and under the high ball he’s been a little bit suss,” Anasta said. “I think he’s got some work to do Dom to get himself back to his best. He’s great in open space and he’s a great finisher, but he got a few things wrong on the weekend and he has the past month.”
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Luke Garner 4. Casey McLean 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Izack Tago 18. Daine Laurie 19. Luron Patea 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Jack Cole
Analysis: Ivan Cleary had a huge decision to make with Jack Cole set to return from a head knock, but the Panthers coach has instead opted to keep young gun Blaize Talagi in the No.6 jersey. That decision sees Brad Schneider retain his spot on the pine, while Mitch Kenny also returns from a shoulder injury with Luke Sommerton dropping out of the 17. In a shock move, Izack Tago has been named on the bench with a new centre pairing of Casey McLean and Luke Garner named. That decision could mark a shift in roles for Tago, who hasn’t been up to his usual standards to start the 2025 season. The 23-year-old came through Penrith’s ranks as a back rower and began his NRL career on the bench. The last time he started on the pine was in Round 22 of the 2021 season, before he then started the 2022 season as a centre and has since not featured elsewhere. Tago is a powerful ballrunner and the Panthers have been desperate for some spark off the pine, with Spencer Leniu previously the man to provide electric runs off the bench. While he didn’t play for Penrith during their 2024 premiership, having made a move to the Roosters, Cleary could look to Tago to play a similar role. What’s more is his defence has let him down so far this season and a move to the middle would mean Tago would have to make less defensive decisions than on an edge.
“Some players gave up on the weekend” | 01:12
SUNDAY APRIL 20
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium, 2.00pm AEST
Titans team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. Klese Haas 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 18. Arama Hau 19. Allan Fitzgibbon 20. Josiah Pahulu 21. Tom Weaver 22. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
Analysis: A boost for the Titans, with captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui making his return from suspension, having missed Friday night’s win over the Dragons. Winger Jojo Fifita is back from a thigh injury, while interchange forward Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui makes a return from an ankle injury. Beau Fermor will shift into the forwards, after playing in the centres against the Dragons, with Phil Sami moving into the centres. Chris Randall and Klese Haas are on the interchange. Allan Fitzgibbon has been moved back to the reserves after making his NRL debut last week. Arama Hau will be the 18th man and Brock Gray is out with suspension.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Zac Hosking 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Pasami Saulo 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Jed Stuart 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi
Analysis: Zac Hosking has been named on the pine for the Raiders, making his return after being sidelined for four games due to a hand injury. With Hosking back in the side, Simi Sasagi is relegated to the reserves list. Canberra are otherwise unchanged after their win over Parramatta in Darwin.
Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4.05pm AEST
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Mathew Croker 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Tyrone Thompson 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Brodie Jones 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Paul Bryan 20. Jack Cogger 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Jackson Hastings
Analysis: : There are key inclusions in the backs for the Knights, with Tyson Gamble returning from a back injury at halfback, and also winger James Schiller after sitting out last week with concussion. With Gamble back on deck, Phoenix Crossland switches from halfback to hooker, while Jayden Brailey shuffles back to the interchange. In the forwards, Tyson Frizell is in the front-row, with Tyrone Thompson dropping back to the interchange. Mat Croker moves from the bench into the starting side at lock, while Matt Arthur is out of the side and in the reserves, as is Jack Cogger, as he edges closer to a return after suffering an injury to his finger.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Jayden Berrell 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Billy Burns 22. Chris Veaila
Analysis: In a huge boost, marquee recruit Addin Fonua-Blake has been named to take the field despite suffering a groin injury in Round 6. He left the field in the closing stages of the clash but has been cleared to play. Otherwise, no changes for the Sharks.
“They’re both in the wrong!” | 02:31
MONDAY APRIL 21
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium, 4.00pm AEST
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Brent Naden 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. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tony Sukkar 19. Heath Mason 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Solomona Faataape 22. Tristan Hope
Analysis: Benji Marshall’s decision has been made — Lachlan Galvin has been dropped. Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi make up the halves pairing, marking what could be the start of a long exile for the rising star. Brent Naden returns from a knee injury in the centres, having played NSW Cup last week. Jeral Skelton is out with a hamstring injury, which sees young gun Luke Laulilii slot onto the wing. Galvin’s contract situation has dominated the news since it emerged on Monday morning he was set to hit the open market come November 1. What followed was a statement from the Tigers that confirmed they wouldn’t be allowing him to depart from his contract early, which runs until the end of the 2026 season. However, after senior players reportedly approached Marshall claiming they want the rising star exiled, he took their opinion in his stride and axed the five-eighth. So where to now? Galvin has been named in NSW Cup, but a player of his talents simply cannot spend 18 months in reserve grade. It’s almost inevitable that Galvin’s management will be angling for a release before his contract ends, especially if his exile continues. However, the Tigers made it clear almost instantly they have no intentions of allowing him to depart. He’s also earning only a reported $250k this season, meaning holding him in the squad is taking up a significant chunk of salary cap space. Galvin released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, explaining his decision came down to his development. “The biggest reason why I made this call now is so that the Wests Tigers have enough time to plan their roster without me in the future. That’s the absolute truth of it,” he said to Code Sports. “I just feel that as I move into an important period of my development as a half, that I continue to build my game at a different club. “Again, I know this might be hard for some people to understand, but I make this decision in the best interests of my career.” However, for the next 18 months, his development could now be put on hold should Marshall take a tough stance. On the flip side, the Tigers could be pushing for a spot in the finals and the rookie coach will want his best team on the park. Galvin is immensely talented and is almost certainly in the club’s best 17, giving Marshall potentially the biggest decision of his career when it comes time for a potential recall.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Brendan Hands 22. Jordan Samrani
Analysis: The return of the Eels’ favourite son. Mitchell Moses has been named to play his first game of the 2025 season after succumbing to a stress reaction in his foot. He replaced Dean Hawkins at halfback. Jack Williams also makes a timely return at prop from a knee injury, while Kelma Tuilagi has been named in the back row, with Shaun Lane dropping out. In further big changes, Matt Doorey and Luca Moretti have been added to the bench while Joe Ofahengaue, Ryan Matterson and Charlie Guymer have dropped out.
Bye: North Queensland Cowboys
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