FRIDAY 16th MAY, 2025
Eels v Knights
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle 6pm
Knights’ Nightmare: From 20 Points Up to Rock Bottom
Just when it looked like the Knights were turning a corner, the rug was pulled from under them in the most heart-breaking way. A dominant opening half—highlighted by tries from Dylan Lucas, Fletcher Sharpe, and Mat Croker—had the home side racing to a 20-point lead, seemingly cruising toward their fourth win of the season. The crowd dared to believe.
But just before halftime, Phil Sami crossed the line for the Titans, a moment that seemed innocuous at first but proved to be the turning point. The alarm bells began to sound—and in the second half, the Knights simply couldn’t stop the bleeding. What unfolded was a collapse that will surely haunt the players and coaching staff alike, marking their sixth loss in seven games. This week, soul-searching won’t just be inevitable—it’ll be essential.
Now, with their season teetering on the edge, the Knights return home to face a similarly battered Eels side—one that created chance after chance against the Dolphins but failed to capitalise, slumping to their seventh loss of the year.
In a season where the ladder is tighter than ever, Friday night at McDonald Jones Stadium looms large. For the winner, hope flickers anew—a chance to stay within striking distance of the top eight. For the loser, however, the road ahead begins to look long, and dark.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Paul Bryan
Out: Greg Marzhew (wing), Leo Thompson (front row)
In: Fletcher Hunt (wing), Thomas Cant (bench)
Changes: Tyson Frizell (lock to front row), Adam Elliott (bench to lock)
Lomax Returns with Origin Dreams Alive as Eels Shuffle the Deck
After weeks on the side-lines nursing a troublesome foot injury, Zac Lomax is finally ready to make his long-awaited return. Not since Round 5 has the dynamic winger laced up the boots, but now he re-enters the fray with more than just club pride on the line—he’s got one shot to prove he belongs in a New South Wales State of Origin jersey.
Lomax’s return comes as a like-for-like swap with Bailey Simonsson, who, in a cruel twist of fate, suffered his own foot injury last weekend. The timing may be fortuitous for Lomax, but it adds another layer of frustration for Simonsson, who had been building momentum.
Head coach Jason Ryles has also shuffled his forward pack, calling on Matt Doorey to step into the starting side in place of Charlie Guymer, who finds himself omitted from the squad altogether.
Meanwhile, there’s a sense of anticipation on the bench, where young gun Toni Mataele is poised to make his NRL debut. For the 21-year-old, it’s the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with hope, nerves, and the promise of what’s to come.
Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 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. Matt Doorey 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Toni Mataele 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Ryan Matterson 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Jake Tago 22. Brendan Hands
Out: Bailey Simonsson (wing), Charlie Guymer (second row)
In: Zac Lomax (wing), Toni Mataele (bench)
Changes: Matt Doorey (bench to second row)
Referees: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Wyatt Raymond, David Munro, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Key Stats
The Knights have won only one of their past seven games.
The Eels have won seven of their past eight games against the Knights.
Knights centre Dane Gagai will make his 300th NRL appearance.
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses has scored 60 points in his last four games against the Knights.
Knights five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe has scored six tries in his last five games.
Which team is more likely to lose this one? Maybe the Eels seeing how it is in Newcastle.
Roosters v Bulldogs
Accor Stadium, Sydney, 8pm
Bulldogs Roar Into Roosters Clash Riding Wave of Momentum
Last weekend in Canberra, the Bulldogs delivered one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season. Down by 20 points and seemingly out of the contest, they flipped the script with six unanswered tries in the second half—storming home to a stunning 32-20 victory that left fans and critics alike in awe.
It was a statement win, and one that propelled Stephen Crichton’s men to an impressive 8-1 record. Now, with momentum on their side, the ladder leaders return to Accor Stadium for a blockbuster Friday night clash against a refreshed Roosters outfit, who are coming off the bye and back-to-back commanding wins over the Dragons and Dolphins.
The spotlight won’t just be on the team battle—individual Origin dreams are also on the line. James Tedesco, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz, and Reed Mahoney all have points to prove, while Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton can already pack his Blues jersey—his spot is secure.
Despite heading in as favourites on home turf, the Bulldogs know they can’t afford to underestimate a Roosters side that has racked up 82 points in their past two outings. With strike power across the park, the visitors arrive with confidence—and plenty of attacking firepower.
There’s just one change to the Dogs’ line-up this week, after Jaeman Salmon went down with an ankle injury in the win over the Raiders. Harry Hayes steps into the starting side, while promising youngster Luke Smith is set to make his NRL debut from the bench—another exciting chapter in this already electric season.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Harry Hayes 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Luke Smith 19. Jack Underhill 20. Blake Wilson 21. Jake Turpin 22. Drew Hutchison 23. Blake Taaffe
Out: Jaeman Salmon (second row)
In: Luke Smith (bench)
Changes: Harry Hayes (bench to second row)
All Eyes on Collins: Maroons Hopeful Returns for Crucial Test
All eyes will be on Lindsay Collins this Friday night as the powerhouse forward makes his long-awaited return from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 5. Named on the interchange bench, Collins has just one game to show Queensland selectors he’s ready for the intensity of State of Origin.
It’s a high-stakes comeback, and Collins knows it. The Maroons jersey is within reach—but only if he can prove he’s fully fit and firing.
Aside from Collins’ return, there are no changes to the Roosters line-up following last week’s bye. After a well-earned rest and back-to-back dominant performances against the Dragons and Dolphins, the Tricolours head into their clash with the Bulldogs fresh, focused, and full of belief.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Egan Butcher 16. Blake Steep 17. Lindsay Collins 18. Ethan King 19. Salesi Foketi 20. Dominic Young 21. Chad Townsend 22. Benaiah Ioelu
Out: Salesi Foketi (bench to reserve)
In: Lindsay Collins (bench)
Referees: Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Chris Butler
Key Stats
The Bulldogs have outscored their opposition 52-0 in two games at Accor Stadium in 2025.
The Roosters have won only two of their last eight games at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs have won only two of their past 12 games against the Roosters.
Roosters captain James Tedesco has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton has scored five tries in his last five games against the Roosters.
The Bulldogs will hope their depleted pack can hold up against the Roosters, in what should be a hotly contested game.
Check out Saturday’s match here!
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