The Panthers have shifted Jarome Luai to halfback once again to cover the absence of Nathan Cleary, who suffered a shoulder injury last week.
The Knights have been forced into making a change in the halves too, while Jordan Rapana’s return from a head knock has triggered a backline reshuffle for the Raiders.
Elsewhere, Selwyn Cobbo is back in a much-needed boost for the depleted Broncos and cavalry returns for the Sharks.
Read below for the Round 25 team lists.
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THURSDAY
Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles, 7:50pm at Leichhardt Oval
Tigers team: 1. Heath Mason 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Junior Tupou 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Twal 18. Tim Johannssen 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Reuben Porter 21. Josh Feledy 22. Tony Sukkar
Analysis: Benji Marshall has made two key changes to his backline with Luke Laulilii unavailable due to a head knock and Adam Doueihi being rested due to “load management” according to the club’s website. Rugby convert Solomon Alaimalo replaces Laulilii on the wing, while Junior Tupou has been named in the centres for his first NRL game since suffering a foot injury in Round 7. Latu Fainu has also replaced Tallyn Da Silva on the bench after returning from a head knock via NSW Cup last week.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Corey Waddell 19. Toafofoa Sipley 20. Jamie Humphreys 21. Clayton Faulalo 22. Matthew Lodge
Analysis: Tommy Talau is sidelined with a pectoral injury, which opens the door for Tolu Koula to return to the run-on side. Tom Trbojevic suffered a pectoral scare of his own but has been named to play. As has Gordon Chan Kum Tong, who picked up a shoulder injury last week. Meanwhile, Karl Lawton returns after being a late scratching last week, pushing Ben Trbojevic back to the bench.
FRIDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 6pm at Go Media Stadium
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Demitric Sifakula 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita 20. Leka Halasima 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Edward Kosi 23. Bunty Afoa
Analysis: Wayde Egan returns from an elbow injury in the only change to the side from last week. His addition pushes Freddy Lussick to the bench and Chanel Harris-Tavita out of the team. Meanwhile, Go Media Stadium will be renamed Shaun Johnson stadium this week as a nod to the veteran half in his last home game before he retires.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Eli Clark 22. Drew Hutchison 23. Max King
Analysis: No changes to the team that defeated the Dolphins last week, however Max King has been named in the reserves as he bids to return from a wrist injury. He could be a late swap for Josh Curran, who has been playing through a shoulder injury among other bumps and bruises.
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels 8pm at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Benjamin Te Kura 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Cory Paix 22. Corey Oates
Analysis: After missing two games Selwyn Cobbo returns on the wing in a much-needed boost for a depleted Broncos outfit, who is without Reece Walsh (hand), Ezra Mam (foot) and Payne Haas (foot). Tristan Sailor replaces Walsh at fullback, while Josh Rogers and Xavier Willison continue as Mam and Haas’ replacements. Josiah Karapani, who makes way for Cobb, has been retained in the 17 on the bench.
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Shaun Lane 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Joey Lussick 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Luca Moretti 17. Dan Keir 18. Jake Tago 19. Matt Doorey 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Morgan Harper 22. Ofahiki Ogden
Analysis:Maika Sivo has been promoted to start on the wing after playing off the bench last week. Interim coach Trent Barrett has also made changes to his pack with Shaun Lane shifting to prop and Kelma Tuilagi named to start on the bench. Makahesi Makatoa and Luca Moretti are also new faces on the bench with Wiremu Greig (suspension) and Joe Ofahengaue dropping out of the squad.
SATURDAY
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers 3pm at GIO Stadium
Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Adam Cook 19. Zac Woolford 20. Trey Mooney 21. Jed Stuart 22. Corey Horsburgh
Analysis: Jordan Rapana returns from a head knock, triggering a big reshuffle of the backline. Rapana has been named at fullback with Kaeo Weekes shifting to five-eighth. Adam Cook drops to 18th man. Ethan Strange, who played in the centres last week, has been sidelined with a calf injury. That sees Seb Kris move to centre and Albert Hopoate named on the wing.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Daine Laurie 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Mavrik Geyer 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Jack Cole 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Paul Alamoti 20. Luke Garner 21. Luron Patea 22. Sunia Turuva
Analysis: Following Nathan Cleary’s shoulder injury, Jarome Luai shifts to halfback with Brad Schneider joining him at five-eighth. Liam Martin returns from a suspension, which means Lindsay Smith goes back to the bench. Meanwhile, Mitch Kenny is out due to a suspension and Luke Sommerton has been named as his replacement. Paul Alamoti and Luke Garner have been named in the reserves as they eye returns from respective forearm and hamstring injuries.
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Melbourne Storm vs Dolphins 5:30pm at AAMI Park
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Tyran Wishart 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Marion Seve 19. Kane Bradley 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Christian Welch
Analysis: Grant Anderson sits out with a head knock, which sees the Storm’s Mr. Fix It Tyran Wishart take his spot on the wing. Sua Fa’alogo joins the bench while Christian Welch is eyeing a return to the side on the extended bench. He’s been sidelined due to back and calf injuries.
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. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Sean O’Sullivan 18. Mason Teague 19. Tesi Niu 20. Trai Fuller 21. Kurt Donoghoe 22. Josh Kerr
Analysis: Mark Nicholls returns from concussion protocols in the only change for the Dolphins, with Lachlan Hubner the man to drop out of the side fresh off signing with the Rabbitohs for the 2025 season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights 7:35pm @ Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell 18. Siliva Havili 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 22. Tyrone Munro
Analysis: Dean Hawkins wears the No.7 in the absence of Cody Walker who has been sidelined due to a head knock. Siliva Havili has been named 18th man, returning from a hamstring injury while both Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and Michael Chee Kam (calf) have been listed among the reserves. Richard Kennar has also been named ahead of his judiciary hearing to fight a potential four-game ban on Tuesday night.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. Sebastian Su’a 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. David Armstrong
Analysis: With Tyson Gamble out due to a broken hand, Jack Cogger has been named in the No.6 jersey after he played off the bench last week. Adam O’Brien has called upon Will Pryce to take over the utility role following an outstanding performance in NSW Cup last week. Dylan Lucas also returns from a hamstring injury, with debutant Kyle McCarthy dropping out of the 17.
SUNDAY
Gold Coast Titans vs Sydney Roosters, 2pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. AJ Brimson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Joe Stimson 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 22. Tony Francis
Analysis: Beau Fermor slots straight back into the starting side after sitting out with a bruised kidney. Moeaki Fotuaika also starts at prop after serving his suspension with Erin Clark and Kleese Haas the two players dropping back to the bench. Keenan Palasia and Josiah Pahulu are the unfortunate pair who have to drop out.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Nat Butcher 14. Sandon Smith 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May 18. Michael Jennings 19. Naufahu Whyte 20. Siua Wong 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Robert Toia
Analysis: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has served his four-game ban and has been named to return in the starting side, with Spencer Leniu dropping to the bench. Nat Butcher has been named at lock and returns from a painful rib cartilage injury. His return offsets the loss of Connor Watson who has been sidelined due to concussion protocols. Trent Robinson has also opted to name Sandon Smith on the bench while Siua Wong and Naufahu Whyte drop to the reserves.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks, 4.05pm at WIN Stadium
Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Mikaele Ravalawa 20. Michael Molo 21. Jesse Marschke 22. Connor Muhleisen
Analysis: Only one change from Shane Flanagan, with Raymond Faitala-Mariner returning to the bench, with one-gamer Lyhkan King-Togia dropping to 18th man in a straight swap.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns 20. Tuku Hau Tapuha 21. Chris Veaila 22. Niwhai Puru
Analysis: Braydon Trindall returns from a shoulder injury, reshuffling the Sharks spine with Blayke Brailey moving back to his natural hooker position and Cameron McInnes shifting to lock. Siosifa Talakai has been sidelined due to calf tightness, while Sione Katoa will sit out due to concussion protocols. In their absence Kayal Iro returns from illness and Sam Stonestreet takes up a spot on the wing. Teig Wilton has been named to return from a hamstring injury, while Tom Hazelton has also overcome illness to join the bench. Billy Burns and Tuku Hau Tapuha drop off the bench alongside Jayden Berrell who suffered an elbow injury.
Bye: North Queensland Cowboys
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