Round 6 delivered a host of injuries, with the Panthers, Knights, Rabbitohs and Broncos all struck hard in a brutal week of rugby league action.
Meanwhile, the Roosters could be in line to make a big halves switch after a rising star was pulled out of NSW Cup over the weekend.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 6.
THURSDAY
Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers, 7.50pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s 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 15. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Max Plath 10. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 14. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 19. Josh Kerr
Team Tips: The Dolphins will be without Ray Stone after he earnt a one-game suspension during the NRL’s high shot crackdown, with Tom Gilbert returning a suspension of his own in Round 6. His return will likely see Max Plath shift to the back row, with Gilbert taking back his No.13 jersey, Felise Kaufusi reverting to prop and Mark Nicholls the man on the pine.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 17. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 10. Lindsay Smith 14. Brad Schneider 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry
Team Tips: The Panthers are set to be without Mitch Kenny after he suffered a shoulder injury in Round 5, with Luke Sommerton the likely man to take his spot after he didn’t take the field in NSW Cup a day after Kenny’s incident. Jack Cole, meanwhile, suffered a head knock and won’t be fit to play, with Blaize Talagi the obvious candidate to wear the No.6 in his absence after being 18th man. Brad Schneider was included on the pine in Penrith’s loss to the Cowboys, but it remains to be seen if Ivan Cleary believes he can partner Nathan Cleary as his five-eighth. Dylan Edwards and Scott Sorensen, meanwhile, are due to return after a groin injury and a head knock respectively. Edwards will return to the No.1 jersey, with Daine Laurie likely to take up a spot on the bench while Sorensen will return to the back row, with Luke Garner reverting to the pine and Matt Eisenhuth dropping out of the side.
FRIDAY
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans, 6pm AEST at WIN Stadium
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 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
Team Tips: The Dragons got through their loss against the Eels largely unscathed, with Emre Guler still two more rounds away from returning from his suspension. Elsewhere, rookies Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart have been impressive off the pine and are unlikely to lose their spots anytime soon.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 4. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 15. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Sean Mullany 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray 18. Arama Hau
Team Tips: Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is facing a one-game ban for a high shot following the NRL’s crackdown. Des Hasler didn’t indicate if any of his injured players are due to return in Round 6, however Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills are expected to be fit. Beau Fermor could revert back into the edge forwards in place of Fifita, having played in the centres in Round 5. Verills, meanwhile, will return to the No.9 jersey with Chris Randall shifting to lock in the absence of the Gold Coast’s skipper. Sean Mullany could retain his spot, with Randall in the starting side, remaining on the bench as a utility.
Ciraldo hails Dogs after shutout victory | 04:35
Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters, 8pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s 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. Jack Gosiewski 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Jaiyden Hunt
Team Tips: Adam Reynolds limped off the field with a fresh hamstring complaint in the Broncos’ win over the Tigers. He’s set to spent time on the sidelines, however it remains to be seen how long he’s out for. Veteran playmaker Ben Hunt will partner either Jock Madden or rising star Coby Black, who has played halfback for Souths Logan so far this season. Elsewhere, Brendan Piakura earnt himself a two-game ban for a careless high tackle. He also left the field via a medical after an ugly head knock, which would have sidelined him for at least one game. Jordan Riki is still a further week away from returning from a suspension, with Jaiyden Hunt potentially the man to fill the vacant back row slot, while Xavier Willison could be an exciting option as an X-factor selection.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 4. Robert Toia 21. Billy Smith 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Nat Butcher 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu. 18th man: 18. Hugo Savala
Team Tips: Both Victor Radley and Mark Nawaqanitawase are due to return in a big boost. In what would be a shock move, Nawaqanitawase will reportedly replace high-priced winger Dom Young according to CODE Sports. Young’s form has been ordinary this season, while Nawaqanitawase has been one of the rare bright spots in what is essentially his rookie year. Radley will likely slot back into lock as Nat Butcher shifts to the bench or to the front row. The Roosters have confirmed Lindsay Collins is out for six weeks after suffering an MCL injury against Souths. In the centres, Robinson has a huge call to make, with Billy Smith having made a successful NRL return. However, he could still be the man to make way in the backline. In the halves, veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield was tipping a big switch, with Hugo Savala pulled out of NSW Cup over the weekend. “That would indicate to me Chad Townsend’s position in the side is basically on life support,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
SATURDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles, 3pm AEST at Optus Stadium, Perth
Last week’s 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 22. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Team Tips: The Sharks went down in a thriller against the Raiders, but they’re set to welcome back some reinforcements in Round 6. Teig Wilton will slot into the back row after being ruled out due to illness, with Billy Burns likely dropping out of the 17 completely. Siosifa Talakai could also be fit to take the field, battling concussion symptoms after a head knock. If he’s cleared, he will likely take up a spot on the bench, with Tuku Hau Tapuha dropping off the pine and Mawene Hiroti delivering a strong performance in the centres in his first NRL game of the season.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 17. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 8. Nathan Brown 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor
Team Tips: Winger Jason Saab suffered a high ankle sprain in the Sea Eagles’ loss to the Storm, with Seibold unsure whether he will be sidelined this week. The severity of the injury will be determined in the coming days, with Raymond Vaega a chance to take his place on the wing after scoring a hattrick in NSW Cup, with Tommy Talau a chance of returning in Round 7. Lachlan Croker is also “hopefully” returning in a fortnight, with Jazz Tevaga and Jake Simpkin to continue sharing hooker duties. Josh Aloiai could also return from a shoulder injury, with Corey Waddell the man to drop off the bench after earning a two-game suspension for a careless high tackle on Tyran Wishart.
Storm tear through Manly at Brookvale | 01:23
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys, 5.30pm AEST at Optus Stadium, Perth
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale. 18th man: 18. Liam Le Blanc
Team Tips: Wayne Bennett has been handed a huge backline headache with three players set for sideline stints. Halfback Jamie Humphreys suffered a hamstring injury, and on Monday the team confirmed he’ll miss four to five weeks. Cody Walker also left the field with hamstring tightness and while it wasn’t as serious as Humphreys, Walker will still spend a couple of weeks on the sideline. Jayden Sullivan starred in the halves when he replaced Humphreys and is the favourite to wear the No. 7 jersey this weekend. That would be a sensation given $650,000 UK recruit Lewis Dodd is waiting in the wings. Dodd was notably absent from Rabbitohs training on Monday although he did play NSW Cup the day prior. Latrell Mitchell, played five-eighth against the Roosters when Walker left the field, reportedly trained in the halves on Monday according to Code Sports. Based on this info, Sullivan and Mitchell could be the team’s halves pairing against the Cowboys. Elsewhere, both Euan Aitken and Tyrone Munro are due to return, which offsets Mikaele Ravalawa’s own hamstring blow. Aitken, meanwhile, could find a spot on the pine for his club debut, with Davvy Moale a chance of making way.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Harrison Edwards
Team Tips: Todd Payten and the Cowboys finally got their first win of the season in Round 5, releasing a mountain of pressure that was building. They secured that win without skipper Reuben Cotter, who was ruled out due to illness. He’s likely to return, with Sam McIntyre dropping back to the bench and Harrison Edwards off the pine altogether. Braidon Burns, meanwhile, is also a big inclusion and is due to return from a hamstring injury, with Robert Derby dropping out of the side in his place.
Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders, 7.35pm AEST at TIO Stadium, Darwin
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 19. Charlie Guymer10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Sam Tuivaiti
Team Tips: Jason Ryles made an interesting switch an hour prior to kick off, with Ryley Smith reverting to the bench and Charlie Guymer slotting in at hooker. However, it was J’maine Hopgood who took on the dummy-half duties to start the clash. It paid dividends, securing their first win of the season with Smith providing impact in a 65-minute stint off the pine. It looms likely Ryles could use this formula moving forward, while Matt Doorey could be an inclusion on the bench, due to return from a hip injury. He could take the place of Luca Moretti who featured for only 17 minutes.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 16. Morgan Smithies 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 8. Josh Papali’i 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 17. Ata Mariota
Team Tips: Zac Hosking remains a further week away from returning to this side from a hand injury, meaning the Raiders are unlikely to make any changes after snatching a last-gasp victory from the Sharks. Josh Papali’i reverted to the bench an hour before kick off for Morgan Smithies, and Ricky Stuart could make the same move in Round 6.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘BLATANT’: Knights star sin-binned for tripping brain fade on Bulldogs playmaker
‘I’ll ANSWER’: Seibold responds to DCE elephant in the room amid Manly thrashing
‘BLOWN AWAY’: Storm statement as awesome foursome run riot to embarrass Manly
BIG HITS: Reynolds’ blow sours Broncos win as Tigers’ halves injury crisis deepens
Crossland sent to bin for bizzare trip! | 00:29
SUNDAY
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors, 2pm AEST at AAMI Park
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 4. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 21. Moses Leo 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 22. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 7. Tyran Wishart 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica
Team Tips: Xavier Coates felt some tightness in his hamstring during the club’s win over the Sea Eagles, but he should be free to take the field. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, after leaving the field with an injury, revealed in an Instagram post he will be fit and firing in Round 6. “Corked glute, we good,” he wrote. The Storm are also set to welcome both Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Will Warbrick back into their 17, with Moses Leo the likely man to make way in the backline after a solid debut. Grant Anderson, however, scored a hattrick on the wing and could shift one in to the centres, with Warbrick taking back his spot on the wing. Asofa-Solomona will likely take Bronson Garlick’s place on the pine, with Tyran Wishart already on the bench as a utility.
Round 4 Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 23. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 22. Bunty Afoa
Team Tips: The Warriors enjoyed a week off in Round 5, with Rocco Berry the only player potentially in line to return to this side from a hamstring injury. If he’s fit, he will likely replace Edward Kosi, with Adam Pompey shifting to the wing. Elsewhere, no changes are expected under Andrew Webster.
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers, 4.05pm AEST at McDonald Jones Stadium
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. Thomas Cant 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18th Man: 18. Brodie Jones
Team Tips: Carnage in the Hunter, with the Knights losing two players in the opening stages of their loss against the Bulldogs. James Schiller suffered an ugly head knock and will be stood down under concussion protocols while Jacob Saifiti suffered a calf injury and didn’t return. Jack Hetherington also suffered a shoulder injury, meaning he’s set to be unavailable. Kai Pearce-Paul is due to return from suspension, which will likely see Tyson Frizell revert back to the No.13 jersey and Adam Elliott slot onto the bench, while Adam O’Brien confirmed Dylan Lucas won’t return from a hamstring injury. On the wing, rugby union recruit Taj Annan could be in line to make his NRL debut with the club’s wing stocks depleted. Annan scored a double in a 26-24 loss to the NSW Cup, with O’Brien saying: “I’m not sure what wing option we’ve got for Schiller”.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 16. Jack Bird 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 17. Sione Fainu 22. Tony Sukkar
Team Tips: In a huge boost Jarome Luai is set to return from a suspension, with Latu Fainu suffering a head knock against the Broncos. Jeral Skelton is also due to return and will likely take Luke Laulilii’s spot on the wing. Samuela Fainu remains sidelined with a leg injury, having been ruled out on Friday with Jack Bird starting in the back row.
Discussion about this post