The Tigers have lost Adam Doueihi to a facial fracture, while the Roosters will be without Sam Walker and the Storm minus Harry Grant for their blockbuster clash.
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Read on for the NRL Team Tips for Round 26.
THURSDAY AUGUST 28
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium, 7.50pm AEST
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 22. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 17. Reed Mahoney 23. Sitili Tupouniua. 18th man: 5. Enari Tuala
Team Tips: Harry Hayes suffered a knee injury in the Dogs’ loss to the Storm, and it remains to be seen how serious that blow is. Should he be sidelined, Kurtis Morrin or Daniel Suluka-Fifita will join the bench. Sitili Tupouniua and Marcelo Montoya also returned last round and got through the clash unscathed.
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 17. Scott Sorensen 19. Isaah Yeo 18th man: 18. Paul Alamoti
Team Tips: Isaah Yeo returned off the pine in Round 25, but will take back his lock position this week, shifting Isaiah Papalii to the bench or the back row, with Luke Garner shifting to the bench. Elsewhere, Luron Patea returned from a collarbone injury via NSW Cup and will be pushing to join the Panthers bench to close out the year.
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FRIDAY AUGUST 29
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEST
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 10. Demitric Vaimauga 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 17. Leka Halasima. 18th man: 20. Samuel Healey
Team Tips: No changes expected for the Warriors, who came away from their win over the Titans without any further injuries. Jackson Ford is due to return from a suspension in the finals, while Ali Leiataua is still sidelined with an ankle injury.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papalii 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Charlie Guymer 16. Matt Doorey 17. Jordan Samrani. 18th man: 21. Toni Mataele
Team Tips: Kitione Kautoga remains sidelined with an ankle injury, alongside Sean Russell who is nursing a hand injury but both could return in Round 27 while Luca Moretti (calf) is out for the year. No changes are expected for the Eels, who bested the Roosters in Round 25 with an impressive performance.
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEST
Last week’s Storm team: 21. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Marion Seve 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 1. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 6. Jonah Pezet 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Ativalu Lisati. 18th man: 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Team Tips: A big blow for the Storm with Harry Grant handed a two-game ban for a shoulder charge on Harry Hayes. He is set to be replaced by Bronson Garlick at hooker after he was shifted out of the top 17 following Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return in Round 25. Tui Kamikamica also suffered a head knock and will sit out for a week, which could see Nelson Asofa-Solomona return to the side after he was named 18th man. It remains to be seen whether Shawn Blore will be fit after he was omitted from the side due to an ankle injury. Will Warbrick also returned via Queensland Cup and scored a try in his first game since Round 4 of the NRL season. However, it’s unlikely he will slot straight back into the NRL side given the length of time he has spent sidelined due to issues related to head knocks. Jack Howarth is due back from a groin injury, but won’t be rushed back with the Storm locking up a top two finish.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Junior Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 17. Spencer Leniu 14. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 12. Siua Wong 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Egan Butcher. 18th man: 18. Ethan King
Team Tips: In a huge blow, Sam Walker is also set to be sidelined after an ugly concussion, with Sandon Smith the obvious man to join Huga Savala in the halves. Daniel Tupou returns from a head knock in a straight swap for Junior Tupou after he endured a tough club debut against the Eels.
Cowboys end Tigers hopes of finals footy | 01:36
SATURDAY AUGUST 30
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium, 3.00pm AEST
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota. 18th man: 18. Noah Martin
Team Tips: Xavier Savage suffered a shoulder injury against the Panthers and is in doubt for this week. and Savelio Tamale could be due to return in a reshuffled backline on the wing.
Last week’s Tigers team:
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 19. Brent Naden 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar. 18th man: 18. Heath Mason
Team Tips: Adam Doueihi is likely out for the season with a facial fracture that saw him taken to hospital during the Tigers’ loss to the Cowboys. Latu Fainu passed his HIA and will likely come in at No.7, with Heath Mason the likely new bench utility. Starford To’a was a late scratching last week with a shoulder injury with Brent Naden coming in. To’a will push for a return againbst the Raiders.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles at Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEST
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 14. Jacob Liddle 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jacob Halangahu 9. Damien Cook 13. Ben Murdoch-Masila 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Raymond Faitala-Mariner. 18th man: 17. Tyrell Sloan
Team Tips: Shane Flanagan confirmed Jack de Belin and Hame Sele would return from concussion, while Jaydn Su’A is also a good chance to return from a knee injury to bolster their pack. Hamish Stewart may need another week to recover from his concussion, but will be given every chance to play.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Aaron Schoupp 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley. 18th man: 20. Joey Walsh
Team Tips: Taniela Paseka is due back from a long-term Achilles injury, but may not be rushed into a winning side by Anthony Seibold and could be eased back in NSW Cup. Joey Walsh is a chance to earn his NRL debut with Aaron Schoupp the man most likely to make way on the bench. Lachlan Croker is a chance to return from concussion and could be another bench utility option if fit.
Broncos lock in finals after big victory | 00:54
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm AEST
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Zac Laybutt 17. Thomas Mikaele. 18th man: 18. Kai O’Donnell
Team Tips: Todd Payten is likely to keep faith in the team that beat the Tigers. Robert Derby (knee), and Sam McIntyre (calf) will bid to return from injuries, but won’t be rushed back into a winning side.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jesse Arthars. 18th man: 18. Fletcher Baker
Team Tips: Michael Maguire is likely to keep faith in the 17 that smashed the Knights as the Broncos bid to finish in the top four. Jack Gosiewski (shoulder), Benjamin Te Kura (foot) and Adam Reynolds (hamstring) and Xavier Willison (arm) remain sidelined likely until finals at the earliest.
‘I don’t think Madge was too happy!’ | 01:47
SUNDAY AUGUST 31
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights at Sharks Stadium, 2.00pm AEST
Round 24 Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jesse Colquhoun 15. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Hohepa Puru. 18th man: 14. Daniel Atkinson
Team Tips: Cameron McInnes is out for the season with an ACL injury, with Hohepa Puru likely to come in at lock after joining the bench in Round 24. Tuku Hau Tapuha also joined the bench with Daniel Atkinson a chance to rejoin the pine. Oregon Kaufusi (calf) will bid to return, while KL Iro is not due back from a pectoral injury until Round 27. Briton Nikora remains suspended until the finals with Billy Burns taking his spot in the back row.
Last week’s Knights team: 3. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 21. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 19. James Schiller 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Elijah Leaumoana. 18th man: 1. Connor Votano
Team Tips: Jack Cogger had a tight calf against the Broncos and is in doubt with Jackson Hastings a chance to come into the halves. Dylan Lucas (foot) and Greg Marzhew (back) will bid for a return as the Knights try to avoid the wooden spoon.
Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEST
Last week’s Dolphins team: 14. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Max Feagai 5. Tevita Naufahu 3. Jake Averillo 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr 18. Ray Stone. 18th man: 19. Aublix Tawha
Team Tips: Trai Fuller came in at fullback last week with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifting to centre and Jake Averillo to five-eighth for Kodi Nikorima, who was a late scratching due to illness. Given the Dolphins’ struggles of late, Tabuai-Fidow may shift back to fullback to fix their leaky defence as they aim to keep their finals hopes alive with a big win over the Titans. Ray Stone joined the bench and could keep his spot this week. Nikorima will likely come back in. Herbie Farnworth is not due back from a hamstring injury until Round 27.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Keano Kini 15. Klese Haas 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josh Patston. 18th man: 22. Tony Francis
Team Tips: Des Hasler has been sacked, but will see out the season, with Josh Hannay to replace him in 2026. Hasler is likely to keep faith with the 17 that went down to the Warriors as he doesn’t have a lot of other options. David Fifita (ankle), Brock Gray (knee), Jaimin Jolliffe (knee) and Alofiana Khan-Pereira are all out for the season.
Bye: South Sydney Rabbitohs
