With the Origin series opener looming on Wednesday, NRL clubs will face some tough decisions on who will back up and take the field in Round 14.
The Sea Eagles, Storm and Panthers have been blessed with Sunday fixtures, meaning a host of their big-name players will likely take the field.
However, it’s a different story for the Cowboys who will have to wait and see how their players pull up ahead of their game on Saturday.
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 14.
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FRIDAY
St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs. Wests Tigers, 8pm AEST at WIN Stadium
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Jesse Marschke 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Fa’amanu Brown 21. Christian Tuipulotu
Team Tips: It was a huge win for the Dragons in Round 13, and Shane Flanagan’s young guns stood tall against the Panthers. Jack Bird (ankle) and Hame Sele (fractured shoulder) are unlikely to return. Meanwhile, on only a two-day back-up it looks unlikely that Zac Lomax or Jaydn Su’A will take the field. Dependent on Ben Hunt’s game time at hooker, he could be a slim chance of playing for the Dragons given his importance to the side. However, Flanagan won’t be willing to risk injuring his marquee man. Elsewhere, Mikaele Ravalawa scored a try and had a solid outing in reserve grade. However, it remains unlikely either Sione Fainu or Mathew Feagai will be displaced from the wing spots. Both Toby and Ryan Couchman were also impressive and will likely remain on the pine.
Round 12 Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Declan Casey 4. Josh Feledy 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Samuela Fainu 15. Alex Twal 13. Justin Matamua 14. Jake Simpkin 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole
Team Tips: The Tigers enjoyed the bye in Round 13 and are set to welcome back two players in the outside backs. Justin Olam will replace one of Declan Casey or Josh Feledy in the centres after serving a suspension. Meanwhile, Brent Naden is also available but it remains to be seen if he will win a place in the side. Starford To’a and Junior Tupou both remain sidelined. Elsewhere, Isaiah Papali’i is out until Round 22 after suffering an ankle injury, meaning Alex Seyfarth or Justin Matamua will shift into the backrow, with Asu Kepaoa a strong chance of winning a bench spot. The Tigers have not been affected by Origin selections.
SATURDAY
Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs 3pm, AEST at Cbus Super Stadium
Round 12 Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 5. Tony Francis 6. Chris Randall 7. Tom Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Josiah Pahulu 11. David Fifita 13. Klese Haas 14. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Joe Stimson 18. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 22. Jaylan De Groot
Team Tips: The Titans are set to welcome back a host of troops, with Jayden Campbell (knee), Jojo Fifita (pectoral) and Kieran Foran (hamstring) all due to return. Foran will likely take back his No.6 jersey, shifting Chris Randall back into hooker and Sam Verrills to the bench. Meanwhile, Tony Francis’ fresh shoulder injury means he will likely be a straight swap for Fifita on the wing. Keano Kini could be a straight swap for Campbell at fullback. Meanwhile, Phillip Sami is due to return in Round 15, but could push for an early return in the centres, shifting Beau Fermor back to the back row. Moeaki Fotuaika will play off the bench for the Maroons, and he’s a chance of backing up depending on his minutes in the series opener. He could come off the bench for the Titans, like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui did during the Origin period in 2023.
Round 12 Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Michael Chee Kam 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Dion Teaupa 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Jacob Host 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Siliva Havili 17. Tom Burgess 19. Izack Thompson
Team Tips: Star playmaker Cody Walker is due to return from a calf niggle, and he will likely join Dion Teaupa in the halves, with the Rabbitohs outside backs stocks running thin. Jack Wighton would then be free to shift into the centres to replace Michael Chee Kam. Elsewhere, Cameron Murray remains another week away from returning.
Todd Payten all praise for young guns | 07:17
NQ Cowboys vs. New Zealand Warriors 5:30pm, AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 22. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Jake Granville 10. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Thomas Mikaele 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Jamal Shibasaki 17. Jason Taumalolo 19. Thomas Duffy
Team Tips: The Cowboys secured a big win against the Roosters whilst down troops. Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi could be a chance to play on Saturday, given the three-day turnaround and would replace Jaxon Purdue and Braidon Burns. Meanwhile, Tom Chester could return from a hamstring injury, but it remains to be seen whether he will replace Viliami Vailea after he was a late pullout from Round 13. Tom Dearden is also a strong change to take the field and replace Jake Clifford. Meanwhile, the club’s forward trio of Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson and Jeremiah Nanai are all a chance to back up. Robson is set for an 80-minute stint in the middle, meaning he will likely be rested with Jake Granville to remain in the side. Meanwhile, Cotter, being one of North Queensland’s co-captains will be desperate to back. Nanai could sit out with both Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki filling in the backrow slots.
Round 12 Warriors team: 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 5. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 23. Moala Graham-Taufa 22. Edward Kosi 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 10. Bunty Afoa 18. Paul Roache 17. Marata Niukore 11. Jackson Ford 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Dylan Walker 9. Freddy Lussick 14. Tom Ale 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Jacob Laban 21. Zyon Maiu’u
Team Tips: Unless Mitch Barnett is a late inclusion in the Blues side, he will take the field for the Warriors in Round 14. Meanwhile, stood down star Addin Fonua-Blake is also set to return and will take up a place in the front row, shifting Marata Niukore back to the bench and Jacob Laban out of the side. Meanwhile, Kurt Capewell (calf) is due to return and could shift Barnett to prop, with Bunty Afoa dropping back to the bench and Jazz Tevaga out of the team. Now for the big guns. Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson, Wayde Egan and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are all set to return from their respective injuries. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will shift to the wing, with Edward Kosi dropping out and Nicoll-Klokstad taking his spot. Shaun Johnson will take Chanel Harris-Tavita’s spot in the halves and partner Te Maire Martin. Meanwhile, Harris will slot into lock, pushing Dylan Walker back to the bench and potential Freddy Lussick out of the side. That leaves Paul Roache to drop out of the team in place of Egan who has served his 10-day concussion stand down during the bye round. Taine Tuaupiki is also available but will likely feature in reserve grade. Elsewhere, Rocco Berry is also due to return from a hand injury and will be a straight swap for Moala Graham-Taufa.
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Brisbane Broncos vs. Cronulla Sharks, 7:35pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Round 12 Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Josiah Karapani 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Josh Rogers
Team Tips: Several Broncos will feature in Origin and all eyes will be on whether Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan will back up on three days rest. All three players backed up after Game I last season in this same fixture 12 months ago. Kevin Walters could opt to put either of his forwards on ice if they play big minutes for their respective states, but expect Walsh to be named in the No.1 jersey. Meanwhile, Selwyn Cobbo is almost guaranteed to take the field and isn’t expected to spend a lengthy period on the field for Queensland. Kotoni Staggs is due to return from a rib injury and will likely be a straight swap for rookie Josiah Karapani.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jack Williams 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Royce Hunt 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Mawene Hiroti
Team Tips: Cameron McInnes is one of rugby league’s toughest men and he’s expected to back up for the Sharks in Round 12 after making his NSW debut. However, it’s a different story for Nicho Hynes who is managing a calf injury that saw him leave the field in Round 12. He’s a slim chance of wearing the No.7 for the Sharks against the Broncos on the four day back-up. No changes expected elsewhere for Craig Fitzgibbon’s side.
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Melbourne Storm vs. Newcastle Knights, 2pm AEST at AAMI Park
Round 12 Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Trent Loiero 15. Grant Anderson 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: Speaking after his side’s Round 12 clash, Craig Bellamy revealed he’s unsurewhether Ryan Papenhuyzen will be fit to take the field against the Knights. He‘s been battling an ankle injury and won’t be rushed back into the action, with Sua Fa’alogo doing an impressive job at fullback. Will Warbrick is also in doubt after suffering a groin injury, but he’s expected to take the field, meaning there’s no changes for the Storm. Both Xavier Coates and Harry Grant are expected to back up and play for Melbourne after Wednesday’s Origin series opener.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Krystian Mapapalangi 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Kai Pearce-Paul 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Daniel Saifiti 17. Brodie Jones
Team Tips: The Knights are set to be without Daniel Saifiti in the coming weeks after he suffered a knee injury in Round 13. He will likely be replaced by Jack Hetherington on the pine. Meanwhile, Adam O’Brien likely won’t make a change to his halves pairing, revealing he doesn’t believe English import Will Pryce is ready for first grade in his post-match press conference.
Penrith Panthers vs. Manly Sea Eagles, 4:05pm AEST at BlueBet Stadium
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Jesse McLean 6. Jack Cole 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Henry 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Trent Toelau 15. Preston Riki 16. Mavrik Geyer 17. Tyrone Peachey 19. Ativalu Lisati
Team Tips: The Panthers have a host of Origin stars representing NSW, and several stars are likely to back-up. Isaah Yeo, playing off the bench is a strong chance of taking the field for the Panthers, pushing Lindsay Smith to prop in place of Moses Leota who is in doubt after suffering a hamstring injury. Liam Martin, meanwhile, is unlikely to feature having been battling a hamstring niggle of his own in the lead-up to the Origin series opener. Jarome Luai is a chance of backing up, while Brian To’o could also be rested. Both of those players availability will depend on his they pull up after an 80-minute stint. Elsewhere, Matt Eisenhuth is due to return from a head knock and will join the bench, likely replacing Preston Riki. Luke Garner is also due to return from a leg injury and will take his place in the backrow, pushing Liam Henry back into the middle rotation and Tyrone Peachey out of the team.
Round 12 Sea Eagles team: 21. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Karl Lawton 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles have three Origin representatives who will take the field on Wednesday night. Haumole Olakau’atu is almost a certain starter after being named on the bench for NSW, on a five-day back-up. Given the importance of both Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans to this Manly outfit, they are both also expected to take the field on Sunday. Meanwhile, Lachlan Croker’s return to the field remains unclear as he battles a neck injury.
Todd Payten all praise for young guns | 07:17
MONDAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Parramatta Eels, 4pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Jacob Preston 12. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 13. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 19. Lipoi Hopoi
Team Tips: A big loss for the Bulldogs with Josh Addo-Carr suffering a hamstring injury. He is set to be sidelined for eight to ten weeks, meaning Stephen Crichton will be desperate to back-up and slot into the centres for the Dogs after Origin, shifting Jacob Kiraz back to the wing. Elsewhere, Matt Burton will plug back into the halves, giving Cameron Ciraldo a big halves headache. Despite being the club’s first choice No.7 since Round 1, Toby Sexton has been impressive since getting his first game in recent weeks. He could force the former Roosters utility out of the side ahead of Round 14.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 17. Wiremu Greig 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 10. Junior Paulo 14. Blaize Talagi 15. Shaun Lane 16. Makahesi Makatoa 18th man: 18. Daejarn Asi
Team Tips: A huge blow with flyer Bailey Simonsson confirming he’s out for the season after an ACL injury, posting the news to social media on Monday. “Devastated my season has come to an end, would do anything to be out there for the rest of the year with my brothers,” he wrote on Instagram. Morgan Harper is one option to replace him, but young gun Blaize Talagi is the leading contender, having played off the bench in Round 13. Elsewhere, Ryan Matterson’s return to the field remains unclear as he battles with bouts of dizziness after suffering his latest concussion three rounds ago. J’maine Hopgood, meanwhile, is almost a certainty to back up and will back his No.13 jersey.
Bye: Dolphins, Raiders, Roosters