NRL, ROUND 9 MAGIC ROUND. TITANS v BULLDOGS BRONCOS v PANTHERS, STORM v RAIDERS

Rugby Union

SUNDAY MAY 4th 2025

TITANS v BULLDOGS

SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 1.50PM

Titans Look to Turn the Tide Under the Sunday Sun

As the Sunday afternoon sun shines down, the Gold Coast Titans are searching for hope after a challenging few weeks.

Flashes of Promise, but Consistency Still Missing

Despite a tough run, there have been encouraging signs. In their past two outings, the Titans built double-digit leads—only to see them slip away. This week, the message is clear: deliver a full 80-minute performance.

Leaders and Rising Stars Ready to Step Up

Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will aim to set the tone up front, while rising star Jaylan De Groot looms as a key attacking threat under the clear skies.

Des Hasler Shakes Things Up

Coach Des Hasler has made bold changes in a bid to reignite his side’s season. Forward David Fifita has been relegated to the reserves, a surprising move designed to shake things up. With Jaimin Jolliffe suspended, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui steps onto a revamped bench that also features Klese Haas and Josiah Pahulu.

Injury Blow Adds to the Challenge

But the week hasn’t been without its setbacks. The club confirmed that Brock Gray’s season is over after suffering a torn ACL last weekend.

A Test of Character and Commitment

This weekend is about more than just points on the ladder—it’s about resilience, consistency, and proving they can shine from kickoff to the final whistle.

Titans

1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 　　  5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Tom Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills  10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor  13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Klese Haas 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Arama Hau  17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Tony Francis 19. David Fifita 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke  21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Allan Fitzgibbon

Out: Jaimin Jolliffe (bench), Brock Gray (bench), David Fifita (to reserve)
In: Klese Haas (bench), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (bench), Josiah Pahulu (bench)

A Shot at Redemption for the Bulldogs

The Bulldogs don’t have to wait long for redemption.

Just one week after a frustrating loss at Suncorp Stadium, they’ll return to the same ground with a chance to right the wrongs—this time against the Titans, as they open the final day of Magic Round in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two attacking-minded sides.

Resetting After First Defeat of the Season

Last weekend’s defeat was Canterbury’s first of the season, but rather than dwell on it, they’ve chosen to reset. With a fresh mindset and plenty still to prove, they head back to Brisbane determined to bounce back immediately.

Ciraldo’s New-Look Side to Face Titans

Coach Cameron Ciraldo has been forced to reshuffle his lineup following the suspensions of Matt Burton, Josh Curran, and Sitili Tupouniua. Into the playmaking role steps Bailey Hayward at five-eighth, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita fills Curran’s spot in the front row. The bench also sees new energy with Kurtis Morrin and Blake Taaffe called in to inject spark and stability.

More Than Just a Game

Sunday’s clash isn’t just about points—it’s about pride, response, and showing that one stumble won’t define their season.

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 　　　  5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney  10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon  14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Blake Taaffe 19. Lipoi Hopoi  20. Blake Wilson 21. Jake Turpin 22. Luke Smith 23. Drew Hutchison

Out: Matt Burton (five-eighth), Josh Curran (front row), Sitili Tupouniua (bench)
In: Daniel Suluka-Fifita (front row), Kurtis Morrin (bench), Blake Taaffe (bench)
Changes: Bailey Hayward (bench to five-eighth)

Key Stats

The Titans have won four of their past five games at Suncorp Stadium.

The Bulldogs have lost all five Magic Round games.

Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored eight tries in six games at Suncorp Stadium.

The Bulldogs have won four of their past five games against the Titans.

Titans centre AJ Brimson has scored three tries in three Magic Round games.

Referees: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Phil Henderson, Bunker, Chris Butler;

Game Two, Broncos v Panthers, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane,4.05pm.

Panthers Return to Suncorp with Backs Against the Wall

The mighty Penrith Panthers, four-time reigning premiers, find themselves in a position few could have predicted. As they return to Suncorp Stadium, they do so not as favourites, but as a team desperate to break free from unfamiliar territory at the foot of the ladder.

From Dynasty to Desperation: Penrith’s Unlikely Slide

After falling to the Sea Eagles last week, Penrith now sits in last place—outright—for the first time since Round 25 in 2007. With six losses already on the board, the pressure is mounting, and the challenge doesn’t get any easier as they face a red-hot Broncos outfit on their home turf.

Brisbane Bring Confidence and Firepower

The Broncos are brimming with belief after dismantling ladder leaders Canterbury 42-18. At home and on a high, Brisbane pose a serious threat to a Penrith side still searching for answers.

Panthers Shuffle the Pack Amid Injury Woes

Injuries and suspensions continue to disrupt the Panthers’ rhythm. Luke Garner makes his return from concussion and will line up at centre, but there’s still no Brian To’o, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Hooker duties fall to Luke Sommerton in place of Brad Schneider, who’s out with an eye injury. Trent Toelau is set for his second appearance of the season from the bench, while Scott Sorensen’s failed judiciary appeal opens the door for young forward Luron Patea to potentially step in.

A Defining Moment Awaits

For the Panthers, this Sunday is more than just another game—it’s a test of character, pride, and their ability to rise when the odds are stacked against them. Will they crumble under the weight of expectation, or fight to remind the league why they’ve been kings for four straight years?

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 　　　  5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota  9. Luke Sommerton 10. Liam Henry 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo  14. Trent Toelau 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Lindsay Smith 17. Mavrik Geyer  18. Daine Laurie 19. Luron Patea 20. Casey McLean 21. Billy Scott 22. Jack Cole

Out: Brad Schneider (hooker), Casey McLean (to reserve)
In: Luke Garner (centre), Trent Toelau (bench)
Changes: Luke Sommerton (bench to hooker)

Broncos Find Their Spark in Dominant Win

After weeks of inconsistency, the Brisbane Broncos roared back to form in emphatic style—delivering a performance that reminded everyone why they remain one of the NRL’s most dangerous outfits.

Reynolds, Haas, and Carrigan Lead the Charge

Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds pulled the strings with a clever and composed kicking game, while front-row enforcers Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan turned up the heat in the middle, steamrolling their way through the Bulldogs’ defence in a display that blended power with precision.

Riki Returns to Reinforce the Pack

Brisbane will be boosted further this week by the return of Jordan Riki, who slots straight back into the starting side after overcoming an infection. His inclusion sees Brendan Piakura shift to the interchange bench, with Tyson Smoothy named as 18th man.

Youth Given Another Shot

Meanwhile, rising forward Trent Toelau has retained his spot and is set for his second NRL appearance of the season, named once again on the bench—a clear sign that Brisbane’s future is being built alongside its present firepower.

Broncos

1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 　　  5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Billy Walters  10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington  14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jensen 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Jaiyden Hunt  18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Martin Taupau 20. Josiah Karapani 21. Jock Madden  22. Benjamin Te Kura

Out: Tyson Smoothy (to reserve)
In: Jordan Riki (second row)
Changes: Brendan Piakura (second row to bench)

Key Stats

The Panthers have won eight of their past nine games against the Broncos.

Broncos fullback Selwyn Cobbo has scored six tries in two Magic Round games.

The Panthers have won nine of their past 11 games at Suncorp Stadium.

Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds requires three points to move to second on the all-time point scorers list.

Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored six tries in nine games against the Broncos.

Referees, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, David Munro, Bunker, Kasey Badger.

Game Three, Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders, Suncorp Stadium, 6.25pm.

Blockbuster Finale: Storm and Raiders Set to Light Up Magic Round

Magic Round 2025 has saved its biggest showdown for last. In a clash worthy of the spotlight, two top-four heavyweights—Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders—will close out the weekend in a high-stakes battle with premiership implications.

Storm Cruise, Raiders Rally: Both Sides Enter with Momentum

Melbourne showed their class in Round 9, dispatching the Rabbitohs 24-16 in front of a raucous home crowd at AAMI Park. Meanwhile, Canberra pulled off one of the comebacks of the season, overturning a 28-10 halftime deficit to shock the Dolphins in a thrilling second-half surge.

Midfield Battle and Kicking Precision Hold the Key

With forward packs that can dominate and backlines that can dazzle, this clash could come down to the tactical minds of the halves. Jahrome Hughes will look to control the tempo for Melbourne, while Jamal Fogarty’s boot will be crucial in steering the Raiders through the grind.

Fa’alogo Cleared, Kamikamica Returns in Timely Boost for Storm

Melbourne received welcome news with livewire Sua Fa’alogo cleared of concussion symptoms and named to start on the wing. Forward Tui Kamikamica is also set to return from an ankle injury, taking his place on the bench in the only change to Craig Bellamy’s squad. Lazarus Vaalepu drops to the reserves, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona remains in the extended squad and looms as a potential late inclusion after a strong showing in Queensland Cup.

A Heavyweight Clash to Close an Unforgettable Weekend

With finals-like intensity expected and stars across the park, Sunday night’s main event promises fireworks. Both teams have proven they can win in different ways—but in this contest, composure and execution could make all the difference.

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 　  5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu  9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero  14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan  18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Keagan Russell-Smith  22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Out: Lazarus Vaalepu (to reserve)
In: Tui Kamikamica (bench)

Raiders Ready for the Final Showdown of Magic Round

As Magic Round reaches its thrilling conclusion, the Canberra Raiders are poised for a blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Storm in the final game of the weekend. With no changes to their lineup, they are locked and loaded for a Sunday night showdown that promises fireworks.

Familiar Faces, Same Mission

Ethan Strange and Jamal Fogarty will once again be the architects in the halves, steering the Raiders’ attack with precision and poise. Their combination has proven crucial in the team’s recent success, and they’ll need to be at their best against the high-flying Storm.

Papalii’s Bench Role: A Big Impact Awaits

Veteran forward Josh Papalii will be unleashed off the bench, bringing his trademark power and aggression to the middle when the Raiders need it most. Expect him to make a major impact in the key moments of the match.

Sasagi Named as 18th Man Again

Simi Sasagi holds onto his place as the 18th man for the second consecutive week, ready to step in should injury or fatigue dictate a change. His inclusion adds further depth to a Raiders side determined to take down the Storm.

No Changes, No Fear: Raiders Ready for Magic Round’s Final Test

With an unchanged squad and a clear game plan, the Raiders head into Sunday night’s clash with confidence. As they face one of the NRL’s strongest teams, this could be the defining moment that propels them to greater heights.

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris  　　 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh  9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson  13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Zac Hosking 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Ata Mariota  18. Simi Sasagi 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi

Unchanged.

Key Stats

The Storm have scored an average of 34 points per game at Magic Round.

The Raiders have averaged 36 points per game over the past month.

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored four tries in his last three games at Suncorp Stadium.

Raiders captain Joseph Tapine will make his 200th appearance for the club.

Storm pair Ryan Papenhuyzen and Eliesa Katoa will play their 100th NRL games.

Referees, Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Michael Wise, Bunker, Grant Atkins.

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