Two rounds of the 2025 season in the books and a couple of surprising teams remain unbeaten.
One of those are Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney, who welcome back Jack Wighton from suspension but face a forward crisis with two back rowers set for sideline stints.
Bulldogs playmaker Matt Burton is set to miss a month of football (knee), which leaves coach Cameron Ciraldo with a huge call to make.
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A Panthers superstar has suffered a groin injury but Ivan Cleary has a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys and Roosters welcome back star middles.
Read on for all of the big teams news ahead of Round 3.
THURSDAY
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers, 8pm AEDT at AAMI Park
Round 1 Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 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. Lazarus Vaalepu
Team Tips: Nelson Asofa-Solomona was due to return for the Storm after a five-game suspension stemming from a high shot in last year’s finals, but he could face further scrutiny after being placed on report for a hip drop during a Queensland Cup game on Saturday. If cleared, NAS likely comes back into the Storm side for young gun Lazarus Vaalepu. Other than that, it’s hard to envisage any changes from Craig Bellamy to the side who put 56 on the Eels in Round 1.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Luke Garner 20. Liam Henry
Team Tips: Fullback Dylan Edwards suffered a groin strain against the Roosters and is set to miss two to four weeks according to the club. Daine Laurie played well at the back in Edwards’ absence last season and likely wears the No. 1 against the Storm and while Edwards is out. Liam Henry was strong off the bench in his first appearance of the season. He could come into the starting side with Scott Sorensen shifting to the bench.
FRIDAY
New Zealand Wariors v Sydney Roosters, 6pm AEDT at Go Media Stadium
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima
Team Tips: Ordinary in Las Vegas, the Warriors turned things around with a statement win over the Sea Eagles. There were some doubts over their outside backs heading into the season but they outplayed a red-hot Sea Eagles backline on Friday. Barring any injury setbacks during the week, expect Andrew Webster to name the same 17.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 17. Taylor Losalu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Salesi Foketi 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Blake Steep 18. Hugo Savala
Team Tips: Much like their opponents, the Roosters pulled off a massive upset in Round 2. Due to injury, suspension and player movement in the off-season, Trent Robinson has had to unveil four debutants so far in the young season, but they’ve all impressed. Some cavalry is back on deck for the Roosters, including enforcer Spencer Leniu (suspension). Fellow prop Lindsay Collins missed the Panthers clash with illness and but is expected to make the trip to New Zealand. If Collins is right, he’ll start with Taylor Losalu dropping out of the side after a solid debut outing. Naufahu Whyte was excellent in a starting role and could retain that spot, with Leniu to come off the bench where he’s proven to be extremely effective. Back rower Salesi Foketi will miss this weekend’s game after receiving a one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle. Victor Radley was stood down for the Panthers clash after an ugly head knock in Round 1. He may return but given his lengthy concussion history, the Roosters could err on the side of caution. If Radley doesn’t play, talented young gun Blake Steep is a chance of being promoted to the starting side in place of Foketi. Steep was excellent against Penrith.
Teddy & Robbo reflect on all-time win | 08:11
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Brisbane Broncos vs. North Queensland Cowboys, 8pm AEDT at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Deine Mariner 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Brendan Piakura
Team Tips: They were outenthused by the Raiders on Saturday as several big guns failed to fire. Don’t expect Michael Maguire to panic though as the same 17 thrashed the Roosters nine days prior. Back rower Brendan Piakura is a chance of coming into the starting side for Jack Gosiewski, who was disappointing against Canberra. Strike centre Kotoni Staggs is still at least a couple of weeks from returning from a quad injury.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess
Team Tips: Alarm bells are already ringing in Townsville. They have been downright horrible across the first two rounds in heavy losses to the Sea Eagles and Sharks. Coach Todd Payten wasn’t afraid to make some big selection calls after Round 1 and he hinted there would be further changes. One likely out is winger Braidon Burns, who suffered a hamstring injury against Cronulla. “I don’t know how bad it is but he’s very, very long odds to play next week,” Payten said. Semi Valemai and Rob Derby are the two options to replace Burns on the flank. Jeremiah Nanai was dropped after the loss to Manly, but Payten might have no choice but to bring his star edge forward back as no Cowboys forward ran for over 94 metres on Saturday night. Jason Taumalolo would certainly help that issue. He is set to return against the Broncos after spending one week in reserve grade. “Talking to him, he felt he needed another week to be NRL ready,” Payten said last week. Tom Mikaele should also enter the frame to make the 17. The Cowboys forwards are struggling to bend the line at the minute and Mikaele will add some much-needed energy.
SATURDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, 3pm AEDT at Sharks Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 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. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Team Tips: They weren’t clinical by any means, but were still able to put away the Cowboys with ease on Saturday. Jesse Ramien was placed on report for a high shot but escaped suspension. Tom Hazelton was a late out with back soreness but the club says it isn’t serious and that he should be back on deck against Souths. He’ll likely replace Tuku Hau Tapuha on the bench.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Fletcher Myers 4. Campbell Graham 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Tevita Tatola
Team Tips: Souths are unbeaten through two rounds despite their injury/suspension troubles. In a huge boost, Jack Wighton returns after a one-match ban. He’ll be named in the centres, which leaves Wayne Bennett with a decision to keep either Fletcher Myers or Bayleigh Bentley-Hape in the starting side. Jai Arrow had two HIA’s against the Dragons but neither were assessed as a category 1 so Bennett expects the Origin forward to play against Cronulla. Two Rabbitohs back rowers are set to miss some time. Lachlan Hubner copped a two-game ban for a crusher tackle while Tallis Duncan picked up a hamstring injury. Liam Le Blanc and Jacob Host are the two players most likely to come into the 17.
Dolphins vs. Wests Tigers, 5.30pm AEDT at Kayo Stadium
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone
Team Tips: They’ve been disappointing to start the season it must be said but they get a couple of key players back. Kulikefu Finefeuaki is set to return after missing one game (concussion), as will reigning Dally M Rookie of the Year Jack Bostock, who missed the first two weeks with a knee injury. Bostock will replace Junior Tupou on the left wing.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 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
Team Tips: Benji Marshall’s men were outstanding against the lowly Eels. With no injury or suspension worries, expect Benji to roll with the same 17 against the Dolphins.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle Knights, 7.35pm AEDT at Cbus Super Stadium
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 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. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray
Team Tips: Like it did in 2024, defence let the Titans down in their season opener against the Bulldogs. There were some good signs with ball in hand though. Don’t expect Des Hasler to make many if any changes as the Titans did have a mighty tough assignment to start the season against a match fit Bulldogs at Belmore. David Fifitaspent 50 minutes on the bench, which was a head-scratcher, although he might be fully fit after undergoing ankle surgery in the off-season. Debutant Brock Gray provided plenty of spark and energy off the pine but he likely makes way for the talented Josiah Pahulu, who is set to return from a concussion lay-off.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Adam Elliott 17. Mathew Croker
Team Tips: The Knights have been one of the league’s surprise packets, beginning the season 2-0. The one change Adam O’Brien will have to make is in the back row with Kai Pearce-Paul suspended for two matches. Adam Elliott to lock and Tyson Frizell onto Pearce-Paul’s edge seems the obvious move.After he was 18th man on the weekend, Brodie Jones is set to be promoted into the 17.
SUNDAY
Parramatta Eels vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 4.05pm AEDT at CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Samrani 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Jack Williams 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 16. Kitione Kautoga 17. Sam Tuivaiti
Team Tips: What will Jason Ryles do? The Eels have been outscored 88-24 across the first two rounds, meaning changes may be afoot. Josh Addo-Carr’s suspension has ended and he is set to make his Eels debut against his former side. Jordan Samrani was a shining light on debut in a losing side so it’s likely he keeps his spot, with Sean Russell a good chance to be the one who makes way for Addo-Carr. Meanwhile, the Eels have another massive headache on their hands with Mitchell Moses’ foot injury troubling him more than initially expected. “It’s taking its time. It doesn’t get much blood flow down there,” Moses said on Channel 9. “It’s taking its time at the moment. It’s a bit frustrating. “I’m not too sure, hopefully it’s another five or six weeks … hopefully I’m back sooner rather than later.” Initially Moses was predicted to return in Round 6, but now that has been shifted back to Round 9 at the earliest after the halfback’s comments.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 16. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 17. Jaeman Salmon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 19. Harry Hayes
Team Tips: The Bulldogs are reportedly considering Stephen Crichton at five-eighth to replace the injured Matt Burton, who is expected to miss at least a month with a knee injury. Crichton shifted to six when Burton went off in the first half and after a slight lull, the Bulldogs didn’t really miss a beat the rest of the way. Crichton has never started an NRL game in the halves before. Other options to partner Toby Sexton include Drew Hutchison and young gun Joseph O’Neill. Winger Jacob Kiraz (hip) is still another week away at least. Viliame Kikau has also suffered a knee injury, with Sitili Tupouniua the likely man to slot into his back row spot in his absence. Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould gave a Sunday night update on the two on social media site X where he states Burton is set to miss 4-5 weeks with Kikau “slightly worse than Burton”.
Dogs perfect start hampered by injuries | 01:19
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Canberra Raiders, 6.15pm AEDT at 4 Pines Park
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 18. Clayton Faulalo 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles were handed an almighty scare when both Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans left the field with hamstring and back injuries respectively. However, in a huge boost for Anthony Seibold, both marquee players have been cleared of serious injury and the club revealed they should get the green light to take the field in Round 3. Should Trbojevic not be fit to take the field, Lehi Hopoate will take his place at fullback, being the club’s stand-in No.1. Cherry-Evans, meanwhile, could be replaced by Jake Arthur who wore the No. 7 in NSW Cup. Tolu Koula is also due to return in the backline after sitting out for a week with a thigh niggle, likely replacing Clayton Faulalo at centre. Siosiua Taukeiaho is also due to return from a knee knock, and he could return to the starting side in place of Josh Aloiai, with Corey Waddell or Toafofoa Sipley dropping off the pine.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Corey Horsburgh 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 16. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 17. Ata Mariota
Team Tips: In a shock blow, Zac Hosking has suffered a broken hand and is set for a stint on the sidelines. Despite being named in the back row, he spent time at lock against the Broncos, with Morgan Smithies the obvious option to slot into the No. 13 jersey. English recruit Matty Nicholson will remain on an edge after a dream two-try debut, while Ricky Stuart also has a big backline headache on his hands with Xavier Savage set to return from suspension. With young gun Savelio Tamale showing he’s a genuine superstar in the making on the wing, Albert Hopoate could be on the chopping block in what is a heated backline battle.
Bye: St George Illawarra Dragons
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