NRL 2026 team lists: Every club’s predicted lineup for Round 20

Round 20 opens with what could have been a Thursday night blockbuster between the Panthers and Broncos, but in reality it’s 1st versus 14th and Penrith will start hot favourites to kill off Brisbane’s premiership defence once and for all.

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Friday night sees the Roosters host a desperate Storm outfit who still sit two wins outside the top eight.

The Sunday main game is a Queensland derby between the Dolphins and Cowboys at Suncorp with both sides eyeing off finals in 2026.

The Eels have the bye this week.

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NRL 2026 — ROUND 20

Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos

(Thursday, July 16 at CommBank Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)

Panthers predicted team:

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota  
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Liam Martin
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Freddy Lussick
15. Kalani Going
16. Liam Henry
17. Jack Cole
18. Scott Sorensen
19. Billy Scott

Panthers team news:

Mitch Kenny (leg) should be back this week along with the Panthers’ full contingent of Origin stars. Jack Cogger is serving the first week of a two-match suspension. Isaiah Papali’i (concussion) is also likely to return to the starting 13.

Broncos predicted team:

1. Reece Walsh
2. Grant Anderson
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Deine Mariner
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Tom Duffy
7. Adam Reynolds (c)
8. Payne Haas
9. Cory Paix
10. Preston Riki
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Xavier Willison
13. Pat Carrigan

14. Ben Hunt 
15. Ben Talty
16. Jordan Riki
17. Ezra Mam
18. Hayze Perham
19. Blake Mozer

Broncos team news:

Gehamat Shibasaki was awful against the Sharks and could well find himself dropped for this match with Deine Mariner shifting into the centres. Jordan Riki was also poor last start and may be in danger of being benched with the return of Pat Carrigan. It will be interesting to see what Michael Maguire does with Ezra Mam and Tom Duffy in the Broncos halves.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights

(Friday, July 17 at Ocean Protect Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)

Cronulla predicted team:

1. Will Kennedy 
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien 
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall 
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Thomas Hazelton 
9. Blayke Brailey (c)
10. Addin Fanua-Blake
11. Briton Nikora
12. Jesse Colquhoun*
13. Cam McInnes

14. Jayden Berrell
15. Siosifa Talakai
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Teig Wilton 
18. Billy Burns
19. Mawene Hiroti

Sharks team news:

Briton Nikora should return to the Sharks pack this week after being rested following Origin III. Jesse Colquhoun (knee) missed Round 19 and could again be in some doubt, or potentially used off the bench. Toby Rudolf (knee) isn’t too far away either as the Sharks get closer to full-strength.

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. Cody Hopwood
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Jermaine McEwen*
13. Mat Croker

14. Sandon Smith
15. Fletcher Hunt
16. Tyson Frizell
17. Thomas Cant
18. Lachlan Crouch
19. Francis Manuleleua

Knights team news:

Jacob Saifiti remains out with long-term hamstring injury. Jermaine McEwen was a late withdrawal for Round 19 with hamstring tightness but should return along with Bradman Best (calf) who sat out after Origin III. Greg Marzhew (hip) was forced from the field early against the Rabbitohs but the club is hopeful it’s just cork.

Sydney Roosters vs. Melbourne Storm

(Friday, July 17 at Allianz Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)

Roosters predicted team:

1. Cody Ramsay
2. Billy Smith
3. Hugo Savala
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte 
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins 
11. Nat Butcher
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson 
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Egan Butcher
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Rex Bassingthwaighte
19. Tommy Talau

Roosters team news:

James Tedesco could miss a second match following his failed HIA in Origin Game III, but Lindsay Collins should return from his own stint in concussion protocols. Nat Butcher is available after serving a one-match suspension. 

Melbourne predicted team:

1. Sua Fa’alogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Moses Leo
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu 
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Josh King
11. Cooper Clark
12. Alec MacDonald
13. Trent Loiero

14. Tyran Wishart
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Josiah Pahulu
17. Oryn Keeley
18. Trent Toelau
19. Hugo Peel

Storm team news:

The Storm are on the precipice of finals oblivion and need to keep winning. The good news is they should get Cameron Munster back as they take on the Chooks in Sydney. Young outside back Hugo Peel (knee) could also be named this week, most likely on the reserves.

Canberra Raiders vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs

(Saturday, July 18 at GIO Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)

Canberra predicted team:

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Sebastian Kris*
3. Simi Sasagi
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Corey Horsburgh
9. Owen Pattie
10. Joe Tapine (c)
11. Hudson Young
12. Noah Martin
13. Zac Hosking

14. Tom Starling
15. Ata Mariota
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Josh Papalii 
18. Daine Laurie
19. Jayden Brailey

Raiders team news:

Sebastian Kris (hamstring) was a late scratching against the Bulldogs and could again be in doubt with Jed Stuart the man likely to take his place on the wing with Savelio Tamale still in NSW Cup.

South Sydney predicted team:

1. Matt Dufty
2. Campbell Graham
3. Tallis Duncan
4. Jack Wighton
5. Alex Johnston*
6. Cody Walker
7. Ashton Ward
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Brandon Smith
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. David Fifita
12. Euan Aitken*
13. Cameron Murray (c)

14. Lachlan Hubner
15. Jamie Humphreys
16. Liam Le Blanc
17. Jye Gray
18. John Radel
19. Latrell Siegwalt

Rabbitohs team news:

Matt Dufty is making every post a winner at fullback and Jye Gray may again find himself on the pine. Alex Johnston (calf) is a chance to return to the wing, potentially taking the place of Dayne Jennings who left the field with a nasty cut to his knee against the Knights. Cody Walker is also available after serving his one-match suspension.

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Latrell Mitchell (calf) is getting closer and could pop up on the team sheet. Jayden Sullivan passed one HIA against the Knights but then copped another head knock and is unlikely to feature this week. Back rower Euan Aitken could also be in some doubt after suffering from a virus and reportedly undergoing an ECG in the sheds against the Knights.

New Zealand Warriors vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons

(Saturday, July 18 at Go Media Stadium, 5:35pm AEST)

Warriors predicted team:

1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Te Maire Martin
8. James Fisher-Harris (c)
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett 
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell 
13. Erin Clark 

14. Sam Healey
15.Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Jacob Laban
18. Tanner Stowers-Smith
19. Luke Metcalf

Warriors team news:

Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell should return after being rested for Round 19. The availability of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (hamstring) is unclear and the star winger may be given plenty of time to get fully fit ahead of the finals.

St. George Illawarra predicted team:

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Setu Tu
3. Mathew Feagai
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
9. Damien Cook (c)
10. Toby Couchman 
11. Dylan Egan 
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Ryan Couchman

14. Jacob Liddle
15. Luciano Leilua
16. Josh Kerr
17. Emre Guler
18. Jacob Halangahu
19. Lyhkan King-Togia

Dragons team news:

Young half Kade Reed (finger) is getting close to a return, but given he’s missed a lot of footy he could return in NSW Cup. Tyrell Sloan has a hamstring issue and is unlikely to play this week, opening the door for the return of Christian Tuipulotu who hasn’t appeared since Round 12.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Wests Tigers

(Saturday, July 18 at Accor Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)

Canterbury predicted team:

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Matt Burton
4. Enari Tuala
5. Jonathan Sua
6. Sean O’Sullivan
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Jacob Preston 
12. Viliame Kikau*
13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Jack Underhill
17. Josh Curran
18. Bronson Xerri
19. Kade Dykes

Bulldogs team news:

Viliame Kikau (pectoral) could be a very welcome addition this week, possibly pushing Harry Hayes back to the bench. Stephen Crichton was stretchered off the field in Round 19 in scary scenes and while Cameron Ciraldo said after the match the Bulldogs captain was okay, it seems doubtful he’ll play this week with Sean O’Sullivan or Matt Burton set to wear the No.6. 

Jethro Rinakama had a poor night with five errors against the Raiders and could be under pressure from Jonathan Sua who’s been on a try-scoring tear in NSW Cup. Enari Tuala missed the Raiders game with an illness and could be back this week with Storm-bound Bronson Xerri moving to the bench. In his comeback match in NSW Cup young playmaker Mitch Woods left the field with what appeared to be yet another hamstring injury.

Tigers predicted team:

1. Jahream Bula
2. Faalentino Tavana
3. Heamasi Makasini
4. Sunia Turuva
5. Jerel Skelton
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Josese Lanyon
10. Bunty Afoa 
11. Samuela Fainu*
12. Sione Fainu
13. Alex Twal

14. Latu Fainu 
15. Fonua Pole
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Tony Sukkar
18. Jock Madden
19. Charlie Murray

Tigers team news:

The Tigers’ season is going backwards as drama continues to swirl around Jarome Luai who will depart the club at the end of 2026. Api Koroisau (pectoral) remains out this week while Starford To’a (groin) is also doubtful which could push Sunia Turuva back into the centres depending on the availability of Patrick Herbert (shoulder). There were a few rumblings of a groin issue for Samuela Fainu in the loss to the Warriors so that’s also something to watch this week.

Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles

(Sunday, July 19 at Cbus Super Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)

Gold Coast predicted team:

1. Keano Kini
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Jojo Fifita
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Jayden Campbell
7. Zane Harrison
8. Moeaki Fotuaika (c)
9. Oliver Pascoe
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c)
11. Arama Hau
12. Beau Fermor 
13. Chris Randall

14. Kurtis Morrin
15. Josh Patston
16. Klese Haas
17. Cooper Bai*
18. Sam Verrills
19. Lachlan Ilias

Titans team news:

Cooper Bai left the field with a shoulder injury in first half against the Storm and is in some doubt.

Manly predicted team:

1. Tom Trbojevic (c)
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolo Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Joey Walsh
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka 
9. Jake Simpkin 
10. Simione Laiafi
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Kobe Hetherington 
13. Jake Trbojevic (c)

14. Josh Feledy
15. Nathan Brown
16. Ethan Bullemore
17. Corey Waddell*
18. Jackson Shereb
19. Aaron Schoupp

Sea Eagles team news:

Ben Trbojevic failed an HIA against the Cowboys and is set for a stint in concussion protocols. Clayton Faulalo (hamstring) is likely to remain on the sidelines for at least another week, while reserve forward Corey Waddell left the field with a leg injury against the Cowboys and may be sidelined yet again.

Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys

(Sunday, July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)

Dolphins predicted team:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jack Bostock
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Jake Averillo
7. Kodi Nokirima
8. Tom Flegler
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Francis Molo
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles

14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Tom Gilbert
16. Ray Stone
17. Brad Schneider
18. Felise Kaufusi
19. Trai Fullert

Dolphins team news:

The Phins were completely embarrassed by Cronulla and will be desperate to turn things around quickly. Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow should return while the continued injury absence of Isaiya Katoa (broke wrist) could see Jake Averillo start in the halves pushing Brad Schneider to the bench. In the forwards Max Plath (ankle) suffered an ankle injury against the Sharks and is in doubt.

Cowboys predicted team:

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Tom Chester
5. Murray Tualagi
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden (c)
8. Tom Mikaele
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki 
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke
15. Griffin Neame
16. Matthew Lodge
17. Coen Hess
18. Zac Laybutt
19. Sam McIntyre

Cowboys team news:

Tom Dearden is in line to return this week in a massive boost for Todd Payten’s side. With Origin now behind them the 8th placed Cowboys can focus on making a sustained finals run at almost full strength.

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NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 20:

Come back once Round 20 begins for the latest scores and results.