NRL

Round 23 begins with a Queensland derby on Thursday night as the Titans and Cowboys lock horns on the Gold Coast.

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Friday sees two potential finals previews as the Warriors host Penrith in Auckland and the Roosters meet the Bulldogs at Allianz in Sydney.

The Storm and Sea Eagles clash at HBF Stadium in Perth on Saturday afternoon in the city’s final NRL match before the arrival of its own team next March, followed by the latest instalment of the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ at Suncorp.

The Dragons and Sharks close out the round on Sunday afternoon at Kogarah.

The Tigers have the bye this week.

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NRL 2026 — ROUND 23

Gold Coast Titans vs. North Queensland Cowboys

(Thursday, August 6 at Cbus Super Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)

Gold Coast predicted team:

1. Keano Kini
2. Dean Ieremia
3. Jojo Fifita
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Jayden Campbell
7. Lachlan Ilias 
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. Jaylan De Groot

Titans team news:

Zane Harrison left the field in the loss to the Warriors with a hamstring injury and looks set for some time on the sidelines, with Lachlan Ilias likely to come into the halves.

North Queensland predicted team:

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

14. Soni Luke
15. Coen Hess
16. Matthew Lodge
17. Ethan King
18. John Bateman
19. Sam McIntyre

Cowboys team news:

After the home humiliation at the hands of the Roosters, Todd Payten can go one of two ways: treat it as an aberration, or make wholesale changes. Time will tell which way he goes. John Bateman (hamstring) was a late withdrawal in Round 22 and will try again this week. Tom Dearden (ankle) remains out, but Reed Mahoney should return at No. 9.

New Zealand Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers

(Friday, August 7 at Go Media Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)

Warriors predicted team:

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

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

Warriors team news:

Leka Halasima was impressive in the centres against the Titans with Adam Pompey pushing back to the bench and the Warriors will surely stick with the same formula for the Panthers. Taine Tuaupiki (foot) is a chance to return but the Wahs may give him another week as a precaution with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad remaining at the back. Demitric Vaimauga (ribs) missed Round 23 and is in some doubt.

Penrith predicted team:

1. Jaxen Edgar
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Casey McLean
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Jack Cogger
7. Nathan Cleary (c)
8. Moses Leota  
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Liam Martin
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Isaah Yeo

14. Billy Scott
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Liam Henry
17. Izack Tago
18. Billy Phillips
19. Jack Cole

Panthers team news:

Dylan Edwards (shoulder) is likely to have another week on the sidelines with Jaxen Edgar remaining in the No.1 jersey. Hooker Mitch Kenny (leg) continues to be under an injury cloud with some suggestions he may not be back until the finals.

Sydney Roosters vs. Canterbury Bulldogs

(Friday, August 7 at Allianz Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)

Roosters predicted team:

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

14. Connor Watson 
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Egan Butcher
17. Taylor Losalu
18. Cody Ramsay
19. Fetalaiga Pauga

Roosters team news:

Daniel Tupou (shoulder) remains out but Billy Smith is set to return after missing Round 22 with an illness. Lindsay Collins (concussion) will likely have another week on the sidelines. James Tedesco (ankle) sat out the second half in the big win over the Cowboys but the Roosters seem confident he’ll be right to go.

Canterbury predicted team:

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Matt Burton
4. Enari Tuala
5. Jethro Rinakama
6. Stephen Crichton (c)
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. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Josh Curran
18. Jack Underhill
19. Sean O’Sullivan

Bulldogs team news:

Things are looking up at Belmore with three consecutive wins and a finals spot within reach. Explosive back rower Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) is on track to be named for his first appearance since Round 16 as the Bulldogs near full strength.

Melbourne Storm vs. Manly Sea Eagles

(Saturday, August 8 at HBF Park, 3:00pm AEST)

Melbourne predicted team:

1. Sua Fa’alogo
2. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown
3. Jack Howarth*
4. Nick Meaney
5. Moses Leo
6. Tyran Wishart
7. Jahrome Hughes* (c)
8. Stefano Utoikamanu 
9. Trent Toelau
10. Josh King
11. Cooper Clark
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Trent Loiero

14. Hayden Watson
15. Jack Hetherington
16. Shawn Blore
17. Alec MacDonald
18. Joe Chan
19. Manaia Waitere

Storm team news:

Jack Howarth (shoulder) missed Round 22 and it’s unclear if he’ll return this week. If he’s out look for Manaia Waitere to once again start in the centres. Jahrome Hughes (hamstring) was a late withdrawal and could again be in doubt with Hayden Watson ready to take his place once again if required. Harry Grant (hamstring), Cameron Munster (knee) and Ativalu Lisati (ankle) are all still a week or two away.

Manly predicted team:

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

14. Nicholas Lenaz
15. Nathan Brown
16. Kobe Hetherington 
17. Ethan Bullemore
18. Corey Waddell
19. Blake Wilson

Sea Eagles team news:

Corey Waddell (ankle) is close to a return while skipper Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) said he’s hopeful of being available for the trip to Perth. Ben Trbojevic (concussion) is also a chance of being named.

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Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos

(Saturday, August 8 at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)

Dolphins predicted team:

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

14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Max Plath
16. Tom Gilbert
17. Felise Kaufusi
18. Brad Schneider
19. Tevita Naufahu

Dolphins team news:

In a massive pre-finals boost for the Phins captain Isaiya Katoa (wrist) made a successful injury return against the Dragons with Brad Schneider set to again assume a utility role off the bench. The Dolphins are pretty much full-strength which should have the Broncos on high alert.

Brisbane predicted team:

1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Tom Duffy
8. Va’a Semu
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Xavier Willison*
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan (c)

14. Ben Hunt 
15. Ben Talty
16. Aublix Tawha
17. Grant Anderson
18. Billy Walters
19. Toupo Francis

Broncos team news:

Adam Reynolds is out yet again, this time after failing an HIA (Cat 1) against the Knights. Xavier Willison picked up a nasty gash to his leg in the same match but is expected to be available, as is Aublix Tawha (ankle) who is set to be named for the first time since Round 17. 

With Brisbane out of finals contention there have been calls for Michael Maguire to give more of his young stars game time as the club shifts focus to 2027. Look for Tom Duffy, Blake Mozer, Antonio Verhoeven, Phil Coates and Toupo Francis to pop up on the team sheet over the next few weeks.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Parramatta Eels

(Saturday, August 8 at Allianz Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)

South Sydney predicted team:

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

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

Rabbitohs team news:

Cameron Murray (calf) is 50/50, but David Fifita returns from suspension and will likely push Lachlan Hubner backto the bench. Tallis Duncan could also return in the centres with Latrell Siegwalt possibly missing out. It remains unclear if and when Latrell Mitchell (nerve) will be available again this season. Euan Aitken could also return after being dropped for Round 22.

Parramatta predicted team:

1. Isaiah Iongi 
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Jordan Samrani
4. Will Penisini
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Ronald Volkman
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Junior Paulo
9. Tallyn Da Silva
10. Jack Williams
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Jack De Bellin

14. Dylan Walker
15. Luca Moretti
16. Sam Tuivaiti*
17. Teancum Brown
18. Sean Russell
19. Brian Kelly

Eels team news:

Luca Moretti (concussion), Sean Russell (adductor) and Bailey Simonsson (ankle) could all be available this week in welcome news for Jason Ryles and the Eels faithful. Whether they all get selected is a different story. Junior Paulo (hip drop) and Jack Williams (high tackle) were both placed on report in the win over the Tigers and await the verdict from the MRC on Monday. Sam Tuivaiti copped a head knock and could be in doubt.

Canberra Raiders vs. Newcastle Knights

(Sunday, August 9 at GIO Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)

Canberra predicted team:

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jed Stuart
3. Sebastian Kris
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papalii
9. Owen Pattie 
10. Joe Tapine (c)
11. Zac Hosking
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Tom Starling
15. Morgan Smithies
16. Joe Roddy
17. Ata Mariota
18. Daine Laurie
19. Savelio Tamale

Raiders team news:

Simi Sasagi was ruled out of the Panthers match with a hamstring strain and is set to miss some time. Sebastian Kris will likely stay in the centres while Ricky Stuart may shuffle the Raiders pack after a disappointing showing in Mudgee.

Newcastle predicted team:

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)
2. Dominic Young 
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Sandon Smith
8. Cody Hopwood
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Francis Manuleleua
12.Jermaine McEwen
13. Mat Croker

14. Fletcher Hunt
15. Tyson Frizell
16. Thomas Cant
17. Lachlan Crouch
18. Brodie Jones
19. Harrison Graham

Knights team news:

The Knights looked good against Brisbane and just as importantly avoided more injuries. Don’t expect too many changes, if any, this week. Jacob Saifiti (hamstring) is still a couple of weeks away.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Cronulla Sharks

(Sunday, August 9 at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)

St. George Illawarra predicted team:

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Setu Tu
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
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. Emre Guler
16. Josh Kerr
17.  Jacob Halangahu
18. Mathew Feagai
19. Daniel Atkinson

Dragons team news:

Daniel Atkinson played NSW Cup last week after being dropped for Lyhkan King-Togia and Dean Young is set to stick with his young playmaker for the Sharks. Toby Couchman failed an HIA (Cat 2) against the Dolphins and is in doubt.

Cronulla predicted team:

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

14. Jayden Berrell
15. Oregon Kaufusi
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Teig Wilton 
18. Billy Burns
19. Sam Stonestreet

Sharks team news:

KL Iro failed an HIA against the Rabbitohs and is likely to be replaced this week by Mawene Hiroti. Siosifa Talakai suffered a biceps injury against the Rabbitohs and the Sharks are hoping it isn’t season ending. At a minimum he’s set to miss 2-3 weeks.

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NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 23:

Come back once Round 23 begins for the latest scores and results.