SATURDAY APRIL 12th 2025
Sharks v Manly
Optus Stadium, Perth. W.A. 3:00pm
Can the Sharks Overcome Their Struggles Against Top Teams? Sea Eagles Look to Bounce Back
The Sharks and Sea Eagles are set to battle it out on the golden beaches of the West, where the sand may be just as good as the action on the field. This matchup is incredibly tough to call. Last week, the Sharks should have beaten the Raiders but only just managed to scrape through, thanks to some late magic from the Green Machine. On the other hand, the Sea Eagles were thoroughly dominated by the Storm.
This game is one of the hardest to predict this season. It’s hard to say whether it will be close, but both teams have the potential for a big win. The question is: which one?
The Sea Eagles will be without Tom Trbojevic, and Lehi Hopoate had a quiet game in his absence last week. However, they still have powerful players on the edges, which could cause problems for the Sharks, who have struggled in that area. Daly Cherry-Evans is sure to be unhappy with last week’s performance, and you can expect the Sea Eagles to come out fighting.
As for the Sharks, there’s been criticism that they struggle against top teams, but so far, they haven’t shown much evidence of that.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf , 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Billy Burns 20. Hohepa Puru, 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Jesse Colquhoun
In: Teig Wilton (second row), Siosifa Talakai (bench), Hohepa Puru (reserve), Jayden Berrell (reserve), Jesse Colquhoun (reserve)
Changes: Billy Burns (second row to reserve), Tuku Hau Tapuha (bench to reserve)
Injury Updates: Aloiai Back, Waddell Suspended, and Croker Nears Return
Prop Josh Aloiai has recovered from his shoulder injury and is set to return to action after missing Round 5. As a result, Toafofoa Sipley, who was called up as a late starter last Sunday, will move to the bench. Interchange forward Corey Waddell will miss two games due to a suspension for a dangerous high tackle. Hooker Lachlan Croker is nearing a return from his knee injury and is listed among the reserves. Additionally, Tommy Talau will be 18th man.
Manly
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick, 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley, 18. Tommy Talau 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Lachlan Croker 22. Michael Chee Kam
Out: Corey Waddell (bench)
In: Josh Aloiai (front row), Tommy Talau (reserve), Aaron Schoupp (reserve), Jakob Arthur (reserve), Lachlan Croker (reserve), Michael Chee-Kam (reserve)
Changes: Toafofoa Sipley (front row to bench)
Referees: Adam Gee; Side line Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Kieren Irons; Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Key Stats
The Sharks have won four of their past five games against the Sea Eagles.
Manly winger Jason Saab has scored 12 tries in his past 13 games.
The Sharks have won their past three games in Perth.
Sea Eagles second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored five tries in his past five games against the Sea Eagles.
Rabbitohs v Cowboys
Optus Stadium, Perth. W.A. 5:30pm
Rabbitohs’ 2025 Revival Continues as They Face Cowboys in Perth
The second game on Saturday takes place at Optus Stadium in Perth, where the Rabbitohs will face the North Queensland Cowboys. The Rabbitohs are currently sitting in 5th place with a 4-1 record, while the Cowboys have bounced back from an 0-3 start to win two in a row, including a victory over Penrith last week. In fact, the last two losses for Penrith have come at the hands of these two teams. For the Rabbitohs, 2025 has marked a significant turnaround. After finishing near the bottom in 2024, they’ve now defeated two of last year’s top four teams, showing signs of revival. While much of the credit goes to coach Wayne Bennett, the key has been his ability to maintain a largely unchanged squad while making shrewd signings that have paid off unexpectedly.
Jamie Humphreys, signed from Manly, started the season as halfback and made a strong impression. However, he was injured early last week and will be replaced by Jayden Sullivan, who has joined on loan from Wests Tigers. This double change in the halves has become a major talking point for the Rabbitohs. Additionally, with Cody Walker sidelined through injury, the big news is that Latrell Mitchell will wear the No. 6 jersey. Mitchell played well in his first match of 2025 against the Roosters, providing the assist for the game-winning try. Playing in the halves will allow him more ball involvement, which is expected to benefit the team’s attack.
With Mitchell moving from the centres, offseason signing Euan Aitken will make his season debut. Aitken was impressive for the Dolphins, and Bennett’s decision to bring him back to Sydney for 2025 makes perfect sense. Former Dolphin Lachlan Hubner also returns from suspension and has been a key contributor for the Rabbitohs. Additionally, with Mikaele Ravalawa unavailable, try-scoring machine Alex Johnston will take his place.
Souths
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Euan Aitken 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass, 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos, 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner , 14. Liam Le Blanc 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale, 18. Thomas Fletcher 19. Salesi Ataata 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Haizyn Mellars 22. Nazareth Taua
Out: Mikaele Ravalawa (wing), Cody Walker (five-eighth), Jamie Humphreys (halfback)
In: Alex Johnston (wing), Euan Aitken (centre), Liam Le Blanc (bench), Thomas Fletcher (reserve), Salesi Ataata (reserve), Fletcher Myers (reserve), Haizyn Mellars (reserve), Nazareth Taua (reserve)
Changes: Latrell Mitchell (centre to five-eighth), Jayden Sullivan (bench to halfback)
North Queensland Cowboys Stay Stable After Penrith Victory, No Changes Needed
North Queensland is in a different situation, with no real issues within the team. The only change is Reuben Cotter’s return, which shifts the Cowboys’ pack back by one spot. After their victory over Penrith last week, there’s no need for any changes. Their back-to-back wins have eased the pressure on head coach Todd Payten, and he is no longer at risk of being sacked after just a few losses.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea, 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson , 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess , 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele
In: Reuben Cotter (lock), Zac Laybutt (reserve), Thomas Duffy (reserve), Karl Lawton (reserve), Thomas Mikaele (reserve)
Changes: Sam McIntyre (lock to bench), Harrison Edwards (bench to reserve)
Referees: Todd Smith; Side line Officials: Jarrod Cole, Tyson Brough; Bunker, Matt Noyen.
Key Stats
The Rabbitohs have lost their past four games in Perth.
The Cowboys have not played in Western Australia since 1997.
Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray has scored five tries in his past six games.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored four tries in his past three games.
The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past five games without Cody Walker.
Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders
TIO Stadium, Darwin 7:35pm
Eels’ Comeback Victory Boosts Confidence Ahead of Darwin Clash, While Raiders Celebrate Miracle Win
The Eels came from behind, trailing 20-8, to secure their first win of the season against the Dragons last week. Meanwhile, the Raiders also pulled off a miraculous victory, scoring a late try to defeat the Sharks.
The Eels will carry confidence from that win into their match in the hot climate of Darwin. However, it remains unclear whether a lack of confidence was their biggest issue.
Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo , 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Luca Moretti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Dan Keir, 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Ryan Matterson
In: Joash Papalii (reserve), Dan Keir (reserve), Bailey Simonsson (reserve), Ronald Volkman (reserve), Ryan Matterson (reserve)
Changes: Sean Russell (wing to centre), Zac Lomax (centre to wing), Charlie Guymer (hooker to bench), Ryley Smith (bench to hooker)
Raiders’ Steady Improvement Under Ricky Stuart; Tough Round Ahead in NRL
Under coach Ricky Stuart, the Raiders have been steadily improving this season. While they’ve lost to the Sea Eagles and Cowboys, they’ve delivered impressive performances against the Warriors, Broncos, and Sharks.
This week’s round is proving tough to call. The Broncos could potentially beat the Roosters, but you never know when the Roosters might pull off a surprising performance.
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh , 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney, 19. Jed Stuart 20. Adam Cook 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Danny Levi
In: Trey Mooney (reserve), Jed Stuart (reserve), Adam Cook (reserve), Pasami Saulo (reserve), Danny Levi (reserve)
Changes: Morgan Smithies (front row to bench), Josh Papalii (bench to front row)
Referees: Wyatt Raymond; Side line Officials: Drew Oultram, Belinda Sharpe; Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Key Stats
The Eels have lost their last three games in Darwin.
Raiders centre Seb Kris has scored five tries in six games against the Eels.
Eels centre Zac Lomax requires one try for 50 NRL tries.
Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty will play his 100th NRL game.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored nine tries in his last nine games.
I am going to go with the Sharks, Cowboys, and the Raiders.
Comments