NRL 2026 team lists: Every club’s predicted lineup for Magic Round
You know the drill.
Magic Round will see Caxton Street pumping with all eight matches taking place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, as well as Women’s State of Origin Game II on Thursday night.
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The weekend’s action begins with the Sharks and Bulldogs — two of the NRL’s most inconsistent teams — clashing in the early Friday game and ends 48 hours later with the first-placed Panthers facing the last-placed Dragons on Sunday night in what looms, on paper, as a mismatch of epic proportions.
The Raiders have the bye.
NRL 2026 — MAGIC ROIUND (ROUND 11)
Cronulla Sharks vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
(Friday, May 15 at Suncorp Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
Cronulla predicted team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Mawene Hiroti
3. Siosifa Talakai
4. KL Iro
5. Sam Stonestreet
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey*
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cam McInnes
14. Jesse Colquhoun
15. Billy Burns
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Thomas Hazelton
18. Hohepa Puru
19. Riley Jones
Sharks team news:
Skipper Blayke Brailey failed an HIA against the Rabbitohs and is in danger of missing Magic Round in concussion protocols. The Sharks may seek an exemption allowing him to play, but if he’s out Riley Jones could be set for the No.9 jersey.
Jesse Ramien (knee) has been on the cusp of a return for a couple weeks now, so it will be interesting to see if his name finally returns to the team sheet. If not Siosifa Talakai should continue to hold his place in the centres.
Craig Fitzgibbon also suggested Ronaldo Mulitalo (ACL) is chance to make his first appearance of the season.
Canterbury predicted team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jonathan Sua
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton (c)
5. Enari Tuala
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Samuel Hughes
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Sitili Tupouniua
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sean O’Sullivan
16. Harry Hayes
17. Josh Curran
18. Alekolasimi Jones
19. Jethro Rinakama
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo has put the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup squad on notice that he may come calling. But will he?
Matt Burton missed Round 10 with an illness and should return somewhere in the Bulldogs backline.
Kurt Mann (concussion) should also be available and Jacob Kiraz (knee) is an outside chance of a return.
Meanwhile there are reports young half Mitchell Woods is still struggling with hamstring issues.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Dolphins
(Friday, May 15 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
South Sydney predicted team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Latrell Mitchell*
4. Campbell Graham
5. Edward Kosi
6. Cody Walker
7. Ashton Ward
8. Keaon Koloamatangi
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Sean Keppie
11. Ean Aitken
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Cameron Murray (c)
14. Matt Dufty
15. Lachlan Hubner
17. Tevita Tatola
18. Peter Mamouzelos
19. Adam Elliott
20. Latrell Siegwalt
Rabbitohs team news:
Latrell Mitchell missed Round 10 with a bulging disc in his back but is a chance of returning against the Phins. If he remains out for another week look for Latrell Siegwalt to again take Mitchell’s place.
Jamie Humphreys (knee) and David Fifita (hamstring) are a chance to play, but both will most likely to be out for another week.
Dolphins predicted team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jack Bostock
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa (c)
8. Tom Flegler
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Francis Molo*
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Max Plath
14. Morgan Knowles
15. Tom Gilbert (c)
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Oryn Keeley
18. Kurt Donoghoe
19. Ray Stone
Dolphins team news:
Prop Francis Molo picked up an ankle injury against the Bulldogs and is in some doubt.
Jeremy Marshall-King made a successful return from injury off the bench and will likely assume starting No.9 duties this week, with Max Plath potentially shifting to lock and Morgan Knowles moving to the bench.
Utility Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) is also close to a return and could take the place of Brad Schneider.
Wests Tigers vs. Manly Sea Eagles
(Saturday, May 16 at Suncorp Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
Tigers predicted team:
1. Heath Mason
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Patrick Herbert
4. Taylan May
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Jock Madden
8. Terrell May
9. Tristan Hope*
10. Fonua Pole
11. Sione Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Latu Fainu
15. Bunty Afoa
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Royce Hunt
18. Mavrik Geyer
19. Jeral Skelton
Tigers team news:
Adam Doueihi (shoulder), Samuela Fainu (foot) and Jahream Bula (shoulder) remain out with long-term injuries, while Api Koroisau will serve the final week of his three-match suspension. Tristan Hope has been underwhelming inKoroisau’s absence and there are whispers he could be replaced, potentially by Latu Fainu.
Terrell May (personal) was a late withdrawal against the Storm but should return this week while his brother Taylan continues to manage a leg issue.
Manly predicted team:
1. Tolu Koula
2. Jason Saab
3. Clayton Faulalo
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty*
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Kobe Hetherington*
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic (c)
14. Ethan Bullemor
15. Nathan Brown
16. Blake Wilson
17. Joey Walsh
18. Jackson Shereb
19. Zach Dockar-Clay
Sea Eagles team news:
Veteran forward Siosiua Taukeiaho was taken to hospital after suffering dual leg fractures against Brisbane with no timeline yet set for his return.
Kobe Hetherington (concussion) missed Round 10 but could return to the front row pushing Ethan Bullemor back to the pine.
Jamal Fogarty has been managing a groin issue but is hopeful of being available with impressive young half Joey Walsh likely to move back to the bench.
Brandon Wakeham has been hit with a one-match ban from the MRC for his hit on Ben Talty with Jake Simpkin set to take his place at No.9.
Sydney Roosters vs. North Queensland Cowboys
(Saturday, May 16 at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Roosters predicted team:
1. James Tedesco (c)
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Hugo Savala
4. Robert Toia
5. Cody Ramsay
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins*
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Spencer Leniu
14. Connor Watson
15. Egan Butcher
16. Nat Butcher
17. Salesi Foketi
20. Billy Smith
21. Reece Foley
Roosters team news:
Lindsay Collins could return from concussion protocols while Angus Crichton (MCL) will be desperate to keep playing with Origin looming.
Cody Ramsay could come under pressure this week from Billy Smith in the Roosters’ backline.
Victor Radley was placed on report for a high tackle early in the first half and is facing a one-week ban with an early plea.
North Queensland predicted team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Tom Chester
5. Robert Derby
6. Jake Clifford
7. Jaxon Purdue
8. Coen Hess
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Sam McIntyre
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
14. Xavier Kerrisk
15. Griffin Neame
16. Thomas Mikaele
17. Matthew Lodge
18. Mason Barber
19. Kai O’Donnell
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Cowboys team news:
In a massive blow Tom Dearden requires ankle surgery and is out for 6-8 weeks. Coach Todd Payten has a big decision to make and could switch Jaxon Purdue into the halves with Zac Laybutt coming into the centres.
Back-up hooker Soni Luke is also set to miss at least a month with a high-grade MCL tear, potentially creating an opportunity for 20-year-old hooker Xavier Kerrisk.
Winger Murray Taulagi has suffered multiple concussions this season and is likely to miss another week with Robert Derby a chance to be named on the wing.
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm
(Saturday, May 16 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm AEST)
Parramatta predicted team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Brian Kelly
3. Jordan Samrani
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Ronald Volkman
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Luca Moretti
9. Tallyn Da Silva
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Jack Williams
13. Jack De Bellin
14. Dylan Walker
15. Saxon Pryke
16. Toni Mataele
17. Charlie Guymer
18. Apa Twidle
19. Riley Smith*
Eels team news:
Mitchell Moses took a hit to his leg when kicking the match-winning winning field goal in Townsville but is expected to play.
Riley Smith (sternum) is a chance of a return although he may come off the bench with Tallyn Da Silva holding the No.9 jersey after a strong showing against the Cowboys.
Melbourne predicted team:
1. Nick Meaney
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Moses Leo
5. Hugo Peel
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Ativalu Lisati
17. Trent Loiero
14. Trent Toelau
15. Joe Chan
16. Davvy Moale
17. Cooper Clark
18. Stanley Huen
19. Manaia Waitere
Storm team news:
Sua Fa’alogo failed his HIA after a head clash and there are fears the dynamic No.1 may also have a facial fracture.
Look for Nick Meaney to cover at fullback for Magic Round, if not longer, with Moses Leo potentially coming into the centres.
Xavier Coates (achilles) is also nearing a return and with Origin just around the corner he’ll no doubt be keen to prove his fitness.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle Knights
(Sunday, May 17 at Suncorp Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Gold Coast predicted team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Jensen Taumoepeau
3. Jojo Fifita
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Jayden Campbell
7. Zane Harrison
8. Klese Haas
9. Oliver Pascoe
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c)
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
15. Cooper Bai
14. Kurtis Morrin
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Josh Patston
17. Arama Hau
18. Jaylan De Groot
19. Sam Verrills
Titans team news:
Rep forward Moeaki Fotuaika was placed on report for a hip-drop against the Roosters but can escape with a hefty fine if he takes an early plea.
Zane Harrison was solid on debut and should keep his spot for another week.
Newcastle predicted team:
1. Kalyn Ponga (c)
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Dylan Brown
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Mat Croker*
14. Sandon Smith
15. Tyson Frizell
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Thomas Cant
18. Harrison Graham
19. Fletcher Hunt
Knights team news:
The Knights were dominant against the Dragons so don’t expect too many changes.
Forward Mat Croker picked up a knock against the Dragons and could be in some doubt for the trip to Suncorp, while Thomas Cant (calf) is set for a return.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Sunday, May 17 at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Warriors predicted team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
4. Adam Pompey
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
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. Tanner Stowers-Smith
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Jacob Laban
18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
19. Luke Metcalf
Warriors team news:
Wade Egan copped a head knock in Round 9 and should be available for selection, same story for Mitch Barnett.
Charnze Nicoll-Klockstad has been struggling with a neck issue but could also make a return, potentially from the bench given the excellent form of Taine Tuaupiki.
Luke Metcalf will also be pushing for a start in the Wahs’ crowded halves, but if he does it may be at his less preferred position of five-eighth.
Brisbane predicted team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Jesse Arthars
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Antonio Verhoeven
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds (c)
8. Preston Riki
9. Cory Paix
10. Ben Talty
11. Xavier Willison
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan
14. Ben Hunt
15. Aublix Tawha
16. Va’a Semu
17. Jaiyden Hunt
18. Hayze Perham
19. Philip Coates
Broncos team news:
Captain Adam Reynolds (concussion) should return with Ben Hunt likely moving back to the bench and Tom Duffy a chance to drop out of the 19.
Kotoni Staggs remains out for the second week of his two-match ban while Jack Gosiewski is out after a category-one HIA in the loss to Manly.
Payne Haas (knee) will more than likely remain on the sidelines until after Origin I.
Penrith Panthers vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
(Sunday, May 17 at Suncorp Stadium, 6:25pm AEST)
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 Cole
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Liam Henry
17. Izack Tago
18. Billy Phillips
19. Jack Cogger
Panthers team news:
The Penrith juggernaut rolls into Brisbane for the second time this season and there shouldn’t be too many changes.
Jack Cogger is available after serving his one-match ban with Billy Scott set to drop out of the Panthers’ 19.
St. George Illawarra predicted team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Setu Tu
3. Moses Suli*
4. Valentine Holmes*
5. Mathew Feagai*
6. Daniel Atkinson*
7. Kade Reed
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook (c)
10. Toby Couchman
11. Dylan Egan
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Josh Kerr
15. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
16. Blake Lawrie
17. Ryan Couchman
18. Kyle Flanagan
19. Tyrell Sloan
Dragons team news:
Moses Suli (back) was a late withdrawal in Round 10 but could return with Tyrell Sloan likely moving back to the reserves.
Five-eighth Daniel Atkinson was ruled out against the Knights with a hand fracture and there are no guarantees he’ll return this week.
Valentine Holmes (shoulder) and Mathew Feagai (back) both picked up injuries in Round 10 and are in some doubt.
Luciano Leilua is available after serving a one-match suspension.
NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 11:
Come back once Magic Round begins for the latest scores and results.
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