NRL
Just three more weeks before the NRL finals and the top eight is beginning to take shape.
Round 25 kicks off in Melbourne as the Storm face the Panthers.
The Knights then welcome the Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon before the Rabbitohs face the Warriors at Accor Stadium and the Bulldogs take on the Dragons in a must-win clash at Allianz.
The 8th-placed Cowboys have the bye and move automatically up to 30 points.
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NRL 2026 — ROUND 25
Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers
(Thursday, August 20 at AAMI Park, 7:50pm AEST)
Melbourne predicted team:
1. Sua Fa’alogo
2. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Moses Leo
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes/Hayden Watson
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Josh King
11. Cooper Clark
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Shawn Blore
16. Joe Chan
17. Ativalu Lisati
18. Jack Hetherington
19. Manaia Waitere
Storm team news:
Fresh off the bye skipper Harry Grant (hamstring) is a chance of being named in welcome news for the Storm. Jack Howarth (shoulder) hasn’t played since Round 21 but could also return, along with Ativalu Lisati (ankle). It’s unclear if Jahrome Hughes (hamstring) will be able to return with Hayden Watson set to deputise once more if he’s ruled out.
Penrith predicted team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Casey McLean*
4. Izack Tago
5. Brian To’o
6. Jack Cogger
7. Nathan Cleary (c)
8. Moses Leota
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Liam Henry
11. Liam Martin
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Lindsay Smith
14. Billy Scott
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Luron Patea
17. Billy Phillips
18. Blaize Talagi
19. Jack Cole
Panthers team news:
Rep centre Casey McLean should be back after hand surgery which may be just as well given Paul Alamoti limped off with a hamstring injury in the loss to the Roosters and will miss 2-3 weeks. A return date for Mitch Kenny (leg) remains unclear.
Canberra Raiders vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Friday, August 21 at GIO Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
Canberra predicted team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jed Stuart
3. Savelio Tamale
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papalii
9. Owen Pattie
10. Joe Tapine (c)
11. Simi Sasagi*
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Zac Hosking
14. Tom Starling
15. Ata Mariota
16. Jordan Uta
17. Daine Laurie
18. Joe Roddy
19. Vena Patuki-Case
Raiders team news:
Simi Sasagi could return after being rested last week, potentially in the forwards after Savelio Tamale put in a strong showing against the Sharks. Under normal circumstances Ata Mariota would remain in the front row but Josh Papalii could get the nod as he runs out for his final home game for the Green Machine. Morgan Smithies failed his HIA against the Sharks and is in concussion protocols and it will be interesting to see if Corey Horsburgh earns a recall.
Brisbane predicted team:
1. Hayze Perham
2. Grant Anderson
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Deine Mariner
5. Antonio Verhoeven
6. Ben Hunt
7. Tom Duffy
8. Xavier Willison
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan (c)
14. Blake Mozer
15. Aublix Tawha
16. Jaiyden Hunt
17. Va’a Semu
18. Ezra Mam
19. Phillip Coates
Broncos team news:
The Broncos were embarrassed at home by the Warriors and changes are surely coming. Adam Reynolds picked up yet another calf injury ahead of Round 24 and he’s racing the clock for an on-field finale before he retires at the end of the season. Reece Walsh suffered a left ankle injury with reports he requires season-ending surgery. Josiah Karapani had a tough night against the Warriors and Michael Maguire may be tempted to give one (or more) of his other young backline stars an opportunity looking to 2027. Ezra Mam missed a whopping nine tackles and could also be in trouble.
Dolphins vs. Parramatta Eels
(Friday, August 21 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm 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. Max Plath
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Brad Schneider
15. Ray Stone
16. Tom Gilbert
17. Felise Kaufusi
18. Jake Averillo
19. Tevita Naufahu
Dolphins team news:
Kurt Donoghoe missed Round 24 following minor hand surgery and could miss another week. Jake Averillo (ribs) was originally named on the bench last week but was replaced by Tevita Naufahu. Connelly Lemuelu suffered a hamstring strain against Manly and could miss 2-3 weeks.
Parramatta predicted team:
1. Apa Twidle*
2. Brian Kelly
3. Will Penisini
4. Jordan Samrani
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Ronald Volkman
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Junior Paulo
9. Tallyn Da Silva
10. Luca Moretti
11. Jack Williams
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Saxon Pryke
14. Dylan Walker
15. Kelma Tuilagi
16. Teancum Brown
17. Toni Mataele
18. Sean Russell
19. Jezaiah Funa
Eels team news:
Sean Russell (adductor) returned in NSW Cup last week and could be recalled to first-grade this time. Apa Twidle suffered a Category 2 concussion against the Cowboys which could open the door for a recall for Joash Papalii. Sam Tuivaiti (knee) is out for the season.
Newcastle Knights vs. Manly Sea Eagles
(Saturday, August 22 at McDonald Jones Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
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. Tyson Frizell
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Jermaine McEwen
12.Francis Manuleleua
13. Mat Croker
14. Harrison Graham
15. Cody Hopwood
16. Lachlan Crouch
17. Thomas Cant
18. Fletcher Hunt
19. Toby Winter
Knights team news:
Jacob Saifiti (hamstring) is getting close and may be named somewhere in the Knights’ lineup this week, but whether he actually plays is a different matter. Bradman Best is in line to return from a calf injury, while Dane Gagai is managing a hamstring issue and may be rested ahead of the finals with the ever-versatile Fletcher Hunt taking his place.
Manly predicted team:
1. Tom Trbojevic* (c)
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolo Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Clayton Faulalo
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Ethan Bullimore*
9. Brandon Wakeham
10. Simione Laiafi
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic*
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Corey Waddell
16. Jackson Shereb
17.
18. Nathan Brown
19. Onitoni Large
Sea Eagles team news:
In welcome news for the struggling Sea Eagles Ben Trbojevic and Ethan Bullemor should both return from concussion protocols, while Tom Trbojevic is also set to named at fullback. It has been revealed young half Joey Walsh suffered a broken jaw against the Dolphins with his season likely over. The ever-versatile Clayton Faulalo is tipped to be named in the No.6 jersey. Taniela Paseka (knee) is still a week or two away.
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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. New Zealand Warriors
(Saturday, August 22 at Accor Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
South Sydney predicted team:
1. Matt Dufty
2. Alex Johnston
3. Tallis Duncan
4. Jack Wighton
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Jayden Sullivan*
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Brandon Smith
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. David Fifita
12. Euan Aitken
13. Cameron Murray (c)
14. Jye Gray
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Sean Keppie
17. Jamie Humphreys*
18. Ed Kosi
19. Liam Le Blanc
Rabbitohs team news:
It remains unclear if and when Latrell Mitchell (nerve) will play again in 2026 while Jamie Humphreys (ankle) is a week-to-week proposition with Jonah Glover set to come into the 19 if he’s ruled out. Off-contract Adam Elliott left the field against the Bulldogs with a groin injury and looks set for yet more time on the sidelines.
Warriors predicted team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Leka Halasima
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Hanson
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. Morgan Gannon
17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
18. Adam Pompey
19. Jett Cleary
Warriors team news:
The Wahs are sweating on scan results after Luke Metcalf injured his hamstring goal kicking in scenes remarkably reminiscent of Rabbitohs halfback Ashton Ward just one week earlier. If he’s ruled out as expected Luke Hanson will likely start with Jett Cleary potentially coming into the 19. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is facing a 2-3 week ban for his hip drop tackle on Reece Walsh with Taine Tuaupiki set to return at fullback. Te Maire Martin (hamstring) is still a week or two away.
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
(Saturday, August 22 at Allianz Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
St. George Illawarra predicted team:
1. Clint Gutherson*
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Tyrell Sloan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Toby Couchman
11. Dylan Egan
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Ryan Couchman
14. Damien Cook
15. Emre Guler
16. Josh Kerr
17. Jacob Halangahu
18. Setu Tu
19. Daniel Atkinson
Dragons team news:
Clint Gutherson (knee) was ruled out before the Tigers match with Daniel Atkinson starting at fullback. Setu Tu and Damien Cook were pushed back to the bench with Jacob Liddle and Mathew Feagai coming into the starting 13 and Dean Young may stick with the winning formula.
Canterbury predicted team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Matt Burton
4. Enari Tuala
5.Jonathan Sua
6. Stephen Crichton (c)
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Leo Thompson
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Josh Curran
16. Harry Hayes
17. Jed Reardon
18. Sean O’Sullivan
19. Jake Turpin
Bulldogs team news:
Sitili Tupouniua remains out after re-injuring his hamstring. Winger Jethro Rinakama also injured a hamstring in the loss to the Rabbitohs and is in major doubt, with Jonathan Sua a chance to see his first NRL action since Round 11. The other option is for Storm-bound Bronson Xerri to come into the centres with Enari Tuala pushing out to the wing.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Cronulla Sharks
(Sunday, August 23 at Cbus Super Stadium, 2:00pm 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. Cooper Bai
12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall
14. Kurtis Morrin
15. Arama Hau
16. Klese Haas
17. Bodhi Sharpley
18. Sam Verrills
19. Siale Faeamani
Titans team news:
Josh Patston failed an HIA (Cat 1) agains the Knights and is in concussion protocols. Winger Dean Ieremia picked up a hamstring strain and could be in doubt.
Cronulla predicted team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Niwhai Puru
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fanua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey (c)
10. Jesse Colquhoun
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cam McInnes
14. Hohepa Puru
15. Billy Burns
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Tom Hazelton
18. Toby Rudolf
19. Samuel Stonestreet
Sharks team news:
Addin Fanua-Blake returns from suspension with Oregon Kaufusi likely pushing back to the bench. Centre Jesse Ramien has played his final game for the club after undergoing season-ending pectoral surgery, while No.6 Braydon Trindall suffered a dislocated shoulder in the loss to the Raiders and will miss 2-4 weeks with Niwhai Puru set to take his place. Toby Rudolf played 52 minutes in NSW Cup on the weekend and is close to a return.
Sydney Roosters vs. Wests Tigers
(Sunday, August 23 at Allianz Stadium, 4:05pm 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. Lindsay Collins
11. Nat Butcher
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Connor Watson
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Egan Butcher
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Cody Ramsay
19. Tommy Talau
Roosters team news:
James Tedesco missed the Panthers win as he continues to manage a ankle issue ahead of the finals but should be back this week. Angus Crichton (foot) is getting close to a return as is veteran winger Daniel Tupou (shoulder).
Tigers predicted team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Junior Tupou
3. Solomone Saukuru
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Sunia Turuva*
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Jock Madden
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Tony Sukkar
13. Alex Twal*
14. Heath Mason
15. Sione Fainu
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Bunty Afoa
18. Tristan Hope
19. Faaletino Tavana
Tigers team news:
Latu Fainu was set to be available after serving a 3-week suspension but has injured his hamstring at training and is out for another 1-2 weeks. Meanwhile the club has also confirmed No.7 Adam Doueihi has brought forward season-ending shoulder surgery with Jock Madden likely to earn a recall. Alex Twal missed Round 24 with an illness and could again be in some doubt, as is Sunia Turuva who picked up a knee injury in the second half against the Dragons and will go for scans. Adam Doueihi also appeared to aggravate his shoulder in the Round 24 loss but played on.
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NRL RESULTS, SCORES ROUND 25:
Come back once Round 25 begins for the latest scores and results.
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