NRL 2026 team lists: Every side’s predicted lineup for Round 8
ANZAC Round for 2026 begins at Leichhardt Oval as the Tigers host the Raiders on Thursday night.
Friday sees the Cowboys face the Sharks and the battered Broncos host the Bulldogs at Suncorp, before a triple-header on ANZAC Day is headlined by the traditional Dragons-Roosters clash at Allianz Stadium.
On Sunday the Panthers travel to Newcastle for an early afternoon showdown with the Knights, with Manly and Parramatta closing out the round.
The Titans have the bye.
NRL 2026 — ROUND 8
Wests Tigers vs. Canberra Raiders
(Thursday, April 23 at Leichhardt Oval, 7:50pm AEST)
Tigers predicted team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Heamasi Makasini
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau (c)
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Jock Madden
15. Sione Fainu
16. Royce Hunt
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. Latu Fainu
19. Luke Laulilii
Tigers team news:
Don’t expect too many changes after the one-point loss to the reigning premiers. Jahream Bula (shoulder) and Adam Doueihi (leg) took knocks against the Broncos and could be in some doubt given the short turnaround. Young Heamasi Makasini had a night to forget but should hold his place, although Luke Laulilii is waiting in the wings.
Canberra predicted team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Sebastian Kris
3. Simi Sasagi
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Jed Stuart
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Ata Mariota
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine (c)
11. Zac Hosking
12. Noah Martin
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Jayden Brailey
14. Morgan Smithies
16. Joe Roddy
17. Jake Clydsdale
18. Daine Laurie
19. Owen Pattie
Raiders team news:
Hudson Young has been hit with a two-week ban by the MRC and is likely to miss the next fortnight, while prop Josh Papali’i has injured his calf and is almost certainly out. Look for Ata Mariota and Zac Hosking to take their places.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla Sharks
(Friday, April 24 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
North Queensland predicted team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Tom Chester
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden (c)
8. Coen Hess
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Sam McIntyre
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
14. Soni Luke
15. Griffin Neame
16. Thomas Mikaele
17. Matthew Lodge
18. Zac Laybutt
19. Mason Barber
Cowboys team news:
The Cowboys crashed back to earth against the Sea Eagles.
Reed Mahoney and Murray Taulagi should both be back after missing Round 7 with head knocks which will likely push Soni Luke and Zac Laybutt to the bench.
Cronulla predicted team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti
4. KL Iro
5. Sam Stonestreet
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey (c)
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Briton Nikora
15. Siosifa Talakai
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Thomas Hazelton
18. Hohepa Puru
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Sharks team news:
Fresh from the bye, the 7th-placed Sharks will head to Townsville looking to hand the Cowboys a second home loss in as many weeks.
Jesse Ramien (knee) is likely to need another week so Mawene Hiroti should hold his spot in the centres.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
(Friday, April 24 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
Brisbane predicted team:
1. Jesse Arthars*
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs*
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Xavier Willison
14. Thomas Duffy
15. Ben Talty
16. Va’a Semu
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Cam Bukowski
19. Josh Rogers
Broncos team news:
Payne Haas suffered an MCL against the Tigers and will be out for 4-6 weeks, while Kotini Staggs (foot) and Jesse Arthurs (calf) are also in some doubt.
Cory Paix should return to No.9 pushing Josh Rogers back to the bench alongside Cam Bukowski.
Patrick Carrigan remains out with suspension.
Canterbury predicted team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jonathan Sua
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Bronson Xerri
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Samuel Hughes
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Harry Hayes
17. Jake Turpin
18. Josh Curran
19. Sean O’Sullivan
Bulldogs team news:
Enari Tuala was a late withdrawal in Round 7 after suffering a hamstring injury in the captain’s run, with Josh Curran the somewhat unlikely man to take his place in the centres.
Skipper Stephen Crichton is set to return this week and should slot straight into Tuala’s place.
NSW Origin hopeful Jacob Kiraz aggravated a knee injury and failed to finish against the Eels and could miss some time, with Jonathan Sua likely the next man up.
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney Roosters
(Saturday, April 25 at Allianz Stadium, 4:00pm AEST)
St. George Illawarra predicted team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. David Fale
3. Mathew Feagai
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Setu Tu
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook (c)
10. Toby Couchman
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Hame Sele
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Kade Reed
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Jacob Halanaghu
17. Ryan Couchman
18. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
19. Josh Kerr
Dragons team news:
Jaydn Su’A was sent off for a high shot on Cam Murray and has copped a three-match ban, while Jacob Liddle re-injured his hamstring in the Round 7 warm-ups and could be out yet again.
Dylan Egan (ACL) is getting close to a return, while Ryan Couchman is available again after serving his four-game suspension.
Moses Suli remains out after suffering an eye socket fracture in Round 6, which is probably just as well for his centre partner Valentine Holmes who has been poor of late and may well have been in the selection cross hairs.
Roosters predicted team:
1. James Tedesco (c)
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Hugo Savala
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Nat Butcher
17. Salesi Foketi
18. Cody Ramsey
19. Billy Smith
Roosters team news:
The Roosters stormed back to belt the Knights in Round 7 and will be fired up for ANZAC Day.
Billy Smith has missed plenty of footy of late and may struggle to dislodge Hugo Savala in the starting 13 after the 24-year-old scored a try double last weeked.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Dolphins
(Saturday, April 25 at Hnry Stadium, Wellington, 6:05pm AEST)
Warriors team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Ali Leiataua
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Wayde Egan
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
14. Sam Healey
15. Marata Niukore
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Jacob Laban
18. Taine Tuaupiki
19. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Warriors team news:
After deputising in the centres Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has returned to fullback with Taine Tuaupiki shifting back to the bench.
Centre Adam Pompey is available after serving a two-week suspension and coach Andrew Webster now has a decision to make.
Does he push Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back to the wing with two-try Round 7 hero Alofiana Khan-Pereira missing out? Or does he keep Pompey on the bench?
Dolphins predicted team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Brad Schneider
7. Isaiya Katoa (c)
8. Tom Gilbert (c)
9. Max Plath
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Tom Flegler
16. Ray Stone
17. Francis Molo
18. Oryn Keeley
19. Trai Fuller
Dolphins team news:
Kodi Nikorima copped a two-week ban for his tackle on Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny and is likely to be replaced by Brad Schneider.
Kurt Donoghoe could be back this week, while first-choice No.9 Jeremy Marshall-King is also nearing a return. If Marshall-King is back, look for Max Plath to move to lock.
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
(Saturday, April 25 at AAMi Park, 8:10pm AEST)
Melbourne predicted team:
1. Sua Fa’alogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Manaia Waitere
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Josh King
11. Ativalu Lisati
12. Shawn Blore
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Cooper Clark
18. Joe Chan
19. Hugo Peel
Storm team news:
Five consecutive losses. Another half-time lead surrendered. Where to now for Craig Bellamy?
Ativalu Lisati is close to a return from a calf strain and the Storm could certainly do with an injection of fresh energy, while Shawn Bloremay come into the starting 13 for the same reason.
Rep winger Xavier Coates is still a fortnight away.
South Sydney predicted team:
1. Matt Dufty
2. Alex Johnston
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Jack Wighton
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Brandon Smith
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Lachlan Hubner
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Cameron Murray (c)
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Bronson Garlick
16. Sean Keppie
17. Jayden Sullivan
18. Edward Kosi
19. Thomas Fletcher
Rabbitohs team news:
Matt Dufty was a stand-out in Round 7 as he deputised at the back for injured Jye Gray (shoulder) and will hold the No.1 jersey for the immediate future.
David Fifita is out for multiple weeks after suffering a hamstring strain against the Raiders in Perth.
Newcastle Knights vs. Penrith Panthers
(Sunday, March 26 at McDonald Jones Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Newcastle predicted team:
1. Fletcher Sharpe
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Fletcher Hunt
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Sandon Smith
7. Dylan Brown
8. Jacob Saifiti (c)
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Francis Manuleleua
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Mat Croker
14. Harrison Graham
15. Pasami Saulo
16. Cody Hopwood
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
18. Kyle McCarthy
19. Peter Hola
Knights team news:
The Knights forward stocks are getting a little thin. Dylan Lucas and Tyson Frizell were already out for multiple weeks and now Thomas Cant is expected to be out out for at least a month after injuring calf at training ahead of the Roosters clash.
Justin Holbrook might be tempted to consider rushing Bradman Best back from his groin strain, but it’s likely Fletcher Hunt holds his spot in the centres for another week.
Penrith predicted team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Paul Alamoti
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To’o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Luke Garner
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Jack Cogger
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Kalani Going
17. Billy Phillips
18. Sione Fonua
19. Izack Tago
Panthers team news:
Mitch Kenny is facing at least eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering a fractured leg against the Dolphins and is set to be replaced at hooker by Freddy Lussick.
Casey McLean returns from suspension creating an interesting dilemma for Ivan Cleary in his backline with Izack Tago potentially missing out.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels
(Sunday, April 26 at 4 Pines Park, 4:05pm AEST)
Manly predicted team:
1. Tolu Koula
2. Jason Saab
3. Lehi Hopoate
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Clayton Faulalo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Brandon Wakeham
10. Kobe Hetherington
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
18. Nathan Brown
19. Josh Feledy
Sea Eagles team news:
Tom Trbojevic suffered yet another serious hamstring injury in the win over the Cowboys and is set for two months on the sidelines. He’ll likely be replaced by Tolu Koula at the back with Lehi Hopoate providing another solid option. Clayton Faulalo is set to come on to the wing.
Parramatta predicted team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Brian Kelly
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Ronald Volkman
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Sam Tuivaiti
9. Ryley Smith*
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Jack Williams
13. Dylan Walker
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Luca Moretti
16. Charlie Guymer
17. Toni Mataele
18. Teancum Brown
19. Araz Nanva
Eels team news:
Sean Russell was a late withdrawal in Round 7 but should be back this week in some welcome news for the injury-ravaged Eels.
Sam Tuivaiti and Kelma Tuilagi should also both return after missing the Bulldogs clash in concussion protocols.
Hooker Ryley Smith suffered a painful sternum injury last Sunday and could be in doubt, with Tallyn Da Silva the obvious choice to come into the starting 13 if he’s ruled out.
NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 8:
Come back once the round has begun for full results.
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