THURSDAY MAY 8th 2025 COMMBANK STADIUM SYDNEY
Magic Round has come and gone for another year, but it’s left a trail of questions—and frustrations—for coaches and fans alike. Disappointing results, mounting injuries, and controversial officiating have set the tone for a week of soul-searching across the NRL.
At the centre of one of the weekend’s biggest talking points is Reuben Cotter. The Cowboys co-captain won’t feature in North Queensland’s next two matches after being charged for a high shot on Marata Niukore—an incident that drew no penalty on the field but has since drawn a grade-two careless high tackle charge from the judiciary.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With State of Origin selections looming, Cotter will now miss critical clashes against the Panthers and Sea Eagles—North Queensland’s final outings before Billy Slater names his Queensland squad. Ironically, much of the build-up to Magic Round had focused on how strictly high contact would be policed after a staggering 18 sin bins last week. The match review committee and referees seemed to be in sync across the early games—but Cotter’s hit, arguably the most serious of the weekend, somehow escaped in-game sanction.
Meanwhile, over at Suncorp Stadium, chaos reigned in golden point. With the Storm pressing just ten metres out from Canberra’s line, Stefano Utoikamanu was pinged for a contentious foul on Raiders hooker Tom Starling—though it was far from clear what the penalty was actually for. Moments later, Trent Loiero caught Hudson Young high, handing the Raiders a walk-off win with a match-sealing two points.
To me, Melbourne were hard done by. Starling appeared tangled in the ruck, doing his best to play the ball. And while referee Gerard Sutton didn’t hesitate, his decisions left many—including myself—scratching their heads. Was Loiero even on a warning? Should that have been a penalty?
Canberra won’t be complaining, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the Storm were robbed.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Ray Stone 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Sean O’Sullivan 18. Harrison Graham 19. Oryn Keeley 20. Max Feagai 21. Kenny Bromwich 22. Junior Tupou
Out: Jeremy Marshall-King (hooker), Oyrn Keeley (bench to reserve)
In: Kurt Donoghoe (hooker), Felise Kaufusi (front row)
Changes: Mark Nicholls (front row to bench)
The Dolphins have received a timely double boost up front, with enforcers Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Donoghoe making their return from injury—Kaufusi from a battered knee, and Donoghoe from an ankle issue that’s kept him sidelined in recent weeks. Their comeback injects much-needed grit and experience into the pack, as Mark Nicholls shifts back to the bench and young gun Oryn Keeley makes way to the reserves.
But it’s not all good news. Star hooker Jeremy Marshall-King has been ruled out, with ongoing complications from a nasty cut suffered earlier in the season rearing their head once again. His absence will be felt, and the Dolphins will need to rally without one of their most dynamic playmakers.
Referees: Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Kasey Badger, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Matt Doorey 18. Ryan Matterson 19. Joash Papali’i 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Toni Mataele 22. Brendan Hands
Out: Sam Tuivaiti (bench)
In: Matt Doorey (bench)
There’s a quiet shuffle on the bench this week, with Matt Doorey stepping in for Sam Tuivaiti in the only tweak to the Eels’ line-up from last round. All eyes are also on Brendan Hands, the crafty hooker listed among the reserves as he edges closer to a return from a frustrating knee injury. Meanwhile, veteran forward Ryan Matterson takes up the 18th man duties, ready to answer the call if needed.
Despite the gloom of sitting at the foot of the ladder, there’s been a flicker of hope for the blue and gold—thanks to the long-awaited return of Mitch Moses. Since the No.7’s comeback, Parramatta have looked like a team reborn in attack, showing glimpses of the dangerous flair that once made them contenders.
But it’s not all rosy. As they prepare to host the Dolphins at CommBank Stadium in Round 10, the Eels remain haunted by a fragile defence—conceding a brutal average of 31 points per game. Moses may be back, but unless the Eels find their steel without the ball, their climb off the bottom could be short-lived.
Key Stats
The Eels have scored 61 points in their last two games at CommBank Stadium.
The Dolphins will play at CommBank Stadium for the first time.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored five tries in his last three games.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored seven tries in his last five games.
Eels centre Will Penisini has scored three tries in two games against the Dolphins.
This will be tight, but for me I think Moses might be the difference.
Check out Friday’s match here!
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