Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury, adding to what has been a horror 2025 campaign for Souths.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what the Eels will do with Dylan Brown in Round 20 after he spent the majority of the loss to Penrith on the bench in favour of young gun Joash Papali’i.
Ask all your Teams questions at 2pm in our Live Chat with Fox League’s Tom Sargeant! If you can’t see it click here!
Read on for the Round 20 Team Tips!
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THURSDAY JULY 17
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm
Last week’s Dolphins team: 5. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 20. Tevita Naufahu 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 14. Aublix Tawha 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Mark Nicholls 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone 17. Josh Kerr 18. Harrison Graham
Team Tips: The Dolphins handed in one of their worst performances of the season last Friday in a loss to the Sharks, scoring only 12 points. Still, don’t expect coach Kristian Woolf to panic given how well his team has played over the past couple of months. The one definite change will be Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback. He was rested last start. Tabuai-Fidow’s return means that Jake Averillo will start on the wing with Tevita Naufahu the likely man to make way. Mark Nicholls is won’t play after failing a HIA.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 4. Zac Laybutt 22. Murray Taulagi 5. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess. 18th man: 24. Jaxson Paulo
Team Tips: The Cowboys were very gallant in defeat against the Bulldogs, but it didn’t stop coach Todd Payten again calling out some of his players, hinting that changes could be coming. While he didn’t name names, Payten is clearly frustrated with the repeated mistakes week after week from certain players. Prop Jordan McLean is set to miss some time with a calf injury. John Bateman is getting closer to a return from a groin injury. Jaxon Purdue was named at centre but shifted into five-eighth when Jake Clifford was ruled out with a quad injury. It’s worth noting that the loss was the Cowboys’ fifth in six games when Purdue starts in the halves. No word yet on whether Clifford will be right to take the field on Thursday night but if he is, expect him to be wearing the No. 6.
FRIDAY JULY 18
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters at Sharks Stadium, 6:00pm
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 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 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 14. Daniel Atkinson
Team Tips: Pressure-relieving win for the Sharks last Friday night but they face another stiff test this weekend against a confident Roosters side. With that said, don’t expect Craig Fitzgibbon to make any changes to the team that defeated the Dolphins. Mawene Hiroti is in line to return from injury but could do that via reserve grade. Sam Stonestreet will be considered for first grade after making a successful return from injury in the NSW Cup last weekend.
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 17. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 10. Lindsay Collins 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher. 18th man: 18. Ethan King
Team Tips: Hugo Savala will likely miss a couple of weeks after suffering a wrist injury against the Dragons. Expect Sandon Smith to return to the line up after being dropped to reserve grade for one game. Sam Walker was put on report for a dangerous tackle but escaped a charge. Billy Smith and Victor Radley both made a successful return from injury. Nat Butcher (knee) is still two weeks away at least.
Robbo surprised with Walker’s sin bin | 06:27
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Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium, 8:00pm
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 23. Isaah Yeo 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Jack Cole 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 19. Nathan Cleary. 18th man: 17. Mavrik Geyer
Team Tips: Brad Schneider started against the Eels but that was simply to limit Nathan Cleary’s minutes after a gruelling Origin series. Cleary will start at halfback on Friday. Dylan Edwards was rested against Parramatta. He’ll replace Daine Laurie at the back. Izack Tago has been suspended one week for a hip drop tackle. With Tago out and Brian To’o returning after being rested, Paul Alamoti will likely move to right centre.
Round 18 Rabbitohs team: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Isaiah Tass 12. Tallis Duncan 4. Campbell Graham 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 22. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Jai Arrow 20. Jacob Host 13. Lachlan Hubner 9. Siliva Havili 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Davvy Moale 18. Ryan Gray 17. Lewis Dodd
Team Tips: Cody Walker will miss the rest of the season with a troublesome calf injury according to Code Sports, all but ending the Rabbitohs’ miniscule hopes at making the eight. No team has been hit harder on the injury front in 2025 than Souths. Walker has only appeared in eight NRL games this season. Jack Wighton is the favourite to start at five-eighth, although the Walker injury could open the door for Lewis Dodd to be given a rare opportunity. The latest setback may lead the rumour mill to churn on if Walker has played his last NRL game, given his age (35). Latrell Mitchell returns at fullback, which moves Alex Johnston back to his preferred wing position. Brandon Smith suffered a knee injury in his club debut in Round 18. It has been a wretched injury run for Smith given he only just came back from a serious ACL injury. This latest knee injury will mean he is likely to miss around six more weeks. Either Savila Havili or Peter Mamouzelos will start. It also remains to be seen when Euan Aitken will return from a leg injury.
SATURDAY JULY 19
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels at GIO Stadium, 3:00pm
Round 18 Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 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. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Trey Mooney 17. Ata Mariota 18. Chevy Stewart
Team Tips: The Raiders enjoyed the bye last week and will welcome the return of veteran Josh Papalii after he helped Queensland win the Origin decider. Corey Horsburgh will likely shift to lock with Morgan Smithies reverting to the bench to facilitate Papalii’s return at prop. Noah Martin or Trey Mooney will drop out. Hudson Young is also back on deck after missing Round 18 due to Origin duties. In turn, the in form Simi Sasagi reverts to the bench.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 21. Bailey Simonsson 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 22. Joash Papali’i 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti. 18th man: 3. Jordan Samrani
Team Tips: Jason Ryles made a big call on Round 19, shifting Dylan Brown to hooker and lock in a 40 minute stint. Joash Papalii will get first crack at locking down the No.6 jersey long term with Brown departing at the season’s end – so where does the Knights recruit fit now? Ryley Smith returns in Round 20 and foxsports.com.au understands he will be named in the No.9 jersey, with Tallyn Da Silva on the bench. Ryles could slot Brown back into the No.6 jersey to solve his spine puzzle, but it remains to be seen if he wants to look to the future. Back rower Kitione Kautoga will mis several weeks after injuring his ankle in a hip drop tackle by Izack Tago. Luca Moretti is due to return from an ankle injury and could take Kautoga’s place in the 17.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium, 5:30pm
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 5. Enari Tuala 24. Jethro Rinakama 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 20. Jaeman Salmon 13. Bailey Hayward 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 22. Kurtis Morrin. 18th man: 23. Blake Wilson
Team Tips: Lachlan Galvin is reportedly set to start in the halves after being left out in Round 19, according to Code Sports. The Bulldogs explained the decision came down to the make-up of their forward pack, going on to get a win over the Cowboys. Adding to the equation, Kurt Mann, Stephen Crichton and Sitili Tupouniua all return this week, which will likely see either Jethro Rinakama or Enari Tuala drop out. In the forward pack. Harry Hayes and Kurtis Morrin could be the players to shift to the reserves. Veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield revealed the Bulldogs have concerns surrounding their attack, prompting Cameron Ciraldo’s halves switch. “I’m now told that there were huge concerns about the Bulldogs’ attack, not just in recent weeks, but since the beginning of the season,” Rothfield said on NRL 360. “There’s a worry about their attack. “I’m hearing that they’re tempted now to put Galvin in, start him at halfback, stop the debate, stop the speculation, get some cohesion.”
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Michael Molo. 18th man: 18. Corey Allan
Team Tips: Further injury woes for the Dragons, who look set to be without David Klemmer, Luciano Leilua (leg) and Hamish Stewart (knee). Loko Pasifika-Tonga, Nick Tsougranis and Jacob Halangahu could be the trio to be promoted from NSW Cup. Mathew Feagai (ankle) also returned via reserve grade and could replace either Tyrell Sloan or Sione Finau on the wings, although it’s unlikely.
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles at AAMI Park, 7:35pm
Last week’s Storm team: 4. Nick Meaney 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 18. Jack Howarth 22. Kane Bradley 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 21. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Jonah Pezet 17. Ativalu Lisati 19. Trent Loiero 9. Bronson Garlick
Team Tips: It remains to be seen if Ryan Papenhuyzen will recover from a calf injury and return to the fullback slot. According to Code Sports, the gun fullback will be named but has to pass a fitness test to take the field. Should he slot back in come game day, Nick Meaney will return to the backline with Joe Chan the man to make way. Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates were both rested after the Origin series decider. Tyran Wishart will revert to the bench after starting in Munster’s No.6 jersey, with Jonah Pezet the player to drop out. Kane Bradley will also be replaced by Coates on the wing if Papenhuyzen’s return shifts Meaney back to the centres.
Round 18 Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Michael Chee Kam
Team Tips: Lachlan Croker is due to return from a head knock after the Sea Eagles spent a week enjoying the bye. He could return via the bench or replace Jazz Tevaga in the starting side, but either way Jake Simpkin looks to be the odd man out. Tommy Talau could also be sidelined with a hamstring injury, having played off the bench in the Sea Eagles’ last outing.
Loiero inspires Storm’s comeback win | 02:59
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SUNDAY JULY 20
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval, 2:00pm
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal 14. Tristan Hope 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Jack Bird 18. Heath Mason
Team Tips: Samuela Fainu could be set for a stint on the sideline after picking up a knee injury against the Warriors. The 21-year-old got through the game, however was seen afterwards icing his knee and coach Benji Marshall revealed he’d be sent for scans. If Fainu is ruled out expect to see Alex Seyfarth to start and Kit Laulilii or Charlie Murray to join the bench. Adam Doueihi shifted to lock late in the game with Marshall saying the shift “gave us a real good diversity of attacking on the left and right” so that could be something he tinkers with again this week. Meanwhile, mid-season recruit Taylan May could come into the frame for selection after an impressive performance in NSW Cup which included three tries, three linebreaks, two linebreak assists and over 100 running metres.
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 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 16. David Fifita 17. Klese Haas 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira. 18th man: 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
Team Tips: Expect to see captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to return to the starting side. The star forward dropped back to the bench before kick-off after backing up from Origin. Des Hasler carried specialist winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira on the bench but did not use him so the coach may opt to swap him out for another forward or someone who offers more versatility. Young gun fullback Keano Kini is still another week away from returning so AJ Brimson will remain in the No.1 jersey.
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 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. Mathew Croker 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant
Team Tips: The Knights have suffered a huge blow with gun second-rower Dylan Lucas reportedly set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a lisfanc injury, according to The Newcastle Herald’s Barry Toohey. Lucas came off in the second half of the Storm game and was seen in a moon boot post-game. Coach Adam O’Brien made a backline switch mid-game last week, moving Dane Gagai to fullback and Fletcher Hunt to the centres. O’Brien said that Gagai was “great” at fullback, which could indicate that’s what the Knights will go with this week.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 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 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia
Team Tips: The Warriors’ win over the Tigers was soured by Rocco Berry picking up a shoulder injury. It’s an unfortunate blow for the 24-year-old, who has had a tough run of injuries of late. Te Maire Martin slotted in the centres when Berry came off in the first half so is an option to start there this week, while Ali Leiataua is also another option. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is still a week away from returning from a knee injury so Taine Tuaupiki will remain at fullback. Meanwhile, Tanah Boyd was solid at halfback so is also expected to retain his spot.
Bye: Brisbane Broncos
