SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd, 2025
Broncos v Sharks
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 2pm.
Broncos and Sharks Set for Suncorp Showdown in Sunday Sunshine
The stage is set for a sizzling Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium as the Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks gear up for a high-stakes clash that promises to entertain.
Refreshed after last week’s bye, the Broncos return to action brimming with confidence following a dominant Round 14 victory over the Titans. With momentum on their side, Madge Maguire’s men are looking to reignite their charge toward the finals—and it all starts with another strong home performance.
All eyes will be on the electric Reece Walsh, whose battle with Sharks fullback Will Kennedy shapes as one of the most exciting head-to-head matchups of the weekend. Both players bring flair, footwork, and the ability to turn a game on its head in an instant.
Up front, the Broncos will lean on their Origin-tested enforcers, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas, who have been named to back up just four days after doing battle in the Origin cauldron. Their presence will be crucial against a tough Cronulla pack.
There’s a welcome return in the forward rotation as well, with Jack Gosiewski back in the mix after recovering from a fractured arm. He slots in for Ben Te Kura, who underwent surgery last week for a syndesmosis injury. Meanwhile, star playmaker Ben Hunt remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Out wide, Selwyn Cobbo has been named among the reserves as he looks to force his way back into the top grade after a stint in Queensland Cup. And adding intrigue to the lineup is new recruit Ben Talty, who joins the extended squad on a train-and-trial deal and will be eager to make an impression.
With the sun shining and Suncorp buzzing, fans can expect fireworks as the Broncos look to hold firm against a Sharks outfit eager to spoil the party.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki. 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix. 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan. 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Jack Gosiewski . 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Selwyn Cobbo 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Deine Mariner. 22. Blake Mozer 23. Ben Talty
Out: Benjamin Te Kura (bench)
In: Jack Gosiewski (bench)
Sharks Regain Bite Ahead of Broncos Battle
The Sharks rediscovered their rhythm last weekend with a much-needed win over arch-rivals St George Illawarra, snapping their losing streak and restoring belief. Winger Sione Katoa was the star of the show, crossing for a classy double and reminding fans of his lethal finishing ability.
Now, with confidence rebuilding in the Shire, Cronulla set their sights on a far tougher challenge—an in-form Brisbane Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium. And if all goes to plan, fans will be treated to a front-row clash for the ages.
Superstar prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who has added serious muscle to the Sharks’ engine room this season, is set to lock horns with Origin enforcer Payne Haas—provided the Broncos powerhouse backs up from Wednesday night’s brutal interstate clash. It’s the kind of head-to-head battle that could decide the game.
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has kept faith with the core of the side that downed the Dragons, making just two changes. Siosifa Talakai shifts to the centres to cover for Mawene Hiroti, who is sidelined with a calf injury, while Daniel Atkinson earns a spot on the bench to inject spark and versatility.
With momentum returning and the forward pack ready to meet fire with fire, the Sharks are circling once again—this time with their sights firmly set on a major scalp in Brisbane.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai. 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. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf . 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Niwhai Puru . 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Chris Veaila
Out: Mawene Hiroti (centre)
In: Daniel Atkinson (bench)
Changes: Siosifa Talakai (bench to centre)
Key Stats
The Broncos have won nine of their past 12 games against the Sharks.
The Sharks have won their last three games at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki has scored seven tries in his last seven games at Suncorp.
The Sharks have won 11 of their last 13 daytime games.
Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Tippers’ Nightmare: Broncos and Sharks Set for Another Toss-Up Clash
Consistency has been the Achilles’ heel for both the Broncos and the Sharks this season—and punters have felt every twist and turn. These two sides have mastered the art of the unpredictable: winning the ones they shouldn’t, and dropping the ones they had no business losing.
Brisbane enter this clash fresh from the bye, having steamrolled the Titans in Round 14 with a display that reminded fans of their attacking firepower. Reece Walsh dazzled, the forwards rolled through the middle, and Kevin Walters’ men looked every bit a top-eight side.
The Sharks, meanwhile, bounced back from a string of disappointing performances with a strong win over the Dragons last week. After falling behind early, they clicked into gear and ran over the top in emphatic fashion—Sione Katoa’s double leading the charge.
But just when you think you’ve figured either team out, they throw in a curveball. It’s what’s made them the bane of tipsters all season—and why picking a winner here feels like flipping a coin.
Still, if you’re looking for trust in a team, you’d be brave to side with Cronulla on the road. Brisbane at home, with Origin stars potentially backing up and a rested squad? That’s where the safer bet lies—if such a thing exists with these two.
Referees, Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Michael Wise, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Adam Gee.
Roosters v Cowboys
Allianz Stadium,Sydney,4.05pm.
Roosters Out to Prove a Point After Controversial Knights Clash
The Sydney Roosters may have clawed their way back into the winners’ circle last round with a gritty 12-8 win over Newcastle, but the fallout from that victory has been anything but quiet. While the scoreboard favoured the Tricolours, it was the officiating that stole the headlines—most notably the late try awarded to Siua Wong, a decision widely viewed as a howler that cost the Knights dearly.
Still, the Roosters refused to be rattled by the noise. They played with grit and composure, capitalising on their moments when it mattered most. In a match filled with tension, they stood tall in the final stages and got the job done—controversy or not.
Now, with critics circling, Trent Robinson’s men have a point to prove as they prepare to host the Cowboys. A convincing win would go a long way toward silencing the doubters and reaffirming their credentials as a finals threat.
Their task is buoyed by the possible return of key Origin stars. Maroons duo Robert Toia and Lindsay Collins, along with Blues representatives Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, and Spencer Leniu, have all been named to play—pending successful recovery from Wednesday’s second State of Origin clash.
Toia’s return triggers a backline reshuffle, with Mark Nawaqanitawase sliding out to the wing in place of Dom Young, who now wears Knights colours. In the pack, the Roosters keep faith in Siua Wong, Naufahu Whyte, and Salesi Foketi, while Makahesi Makatoa and Taylor Losalu drop to the reserves.
There are concerns, however, with hard-nosed forwards Victor Radley and Egan Butcher entering concussion protocols, potentially sidelining two of their most aggressive middle men.
The Roosters are battle-tested and bruised—but with talent returning and motivation sky-high, they’ll be hunting a clean, controversy-free statement win this weekend.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia. 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Lindsay Collins . 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong. 13. Salesi Foketi 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep. 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Tom Rodwell. 21. Taylor Losalu 22. Chad Townsend 23. Xavier Va’a 24. Jake Elliott
Out: Dominic Young (wing), Egan Butcher (second row), Victor Radley (lock), Makahesi Makatoa (bench to reserve), Taylor Losalu (bench to reserve)
In: Robert Toia (centre), Lindsay Collins (front row), Connor Watson (hooker), Angus Crichton (second row), Spencer Leniu (bench)
Changes: Mark Nawaqanitawase (centre to wing), Benaiah Ioelu (hooker to bench), Salesi Foketi (front row to lock)
Cowboys Look to Bounce Back After Record Home Humbling
After enduring a nightmarish 58-4 defeat at the hands of the red-hot Dolphins, the North Queensland Cowboys return to the training paddock this week bruised, humbled, and desperate to respond. It was a record home loss that left fans stunned and the club scrambling for answers—ten tries conceded, countless defensive lapses, and no sign of the grit that has long defined them in Townsville.
To make matters worse, their pre-game plans were thrown into chaos when veteran leader Jason Taumalolo was ruled out during the warm-up with a flare-up of a calf injury. His late withdrawal rattled the side and compounded an already disrupted lineup missing key Origin stars.
Now, with a shot at redemption looming, coach Todd Payten will be demanding a much sharper and more composed performance from his men. The focus is simple: restore pride and claw their way back toward the top eight.
The Cowboys are boosted by the return of centre Viliami Vailea from suspension, which pushes Braidon Burns to the reserves. Hard-nosed back-rower John Bateman also returns from a one-game ban, adding steel to the edge.
There’s more good news, with four Origin stars—Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter—all named to back up from Wednesday night’s clash, pending fitness. However, Taumalolo remains sidelined as he continues to nurse his calf issue.
With Harrison Edwards and Sam McIntyre shifting back to the bench after starting last week, Kaiden Lahrs and Tom Duffy drop to the reserves. It’s a reshuffled lineup with a point to prove—and the Cowboys know that anything less than a bold response could see their finals hopes start to fade.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea. 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson . 10. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter. 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele. 18. Jake Clifford 19. Karl Lawton 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs. 22. Braidon Burns 23. Thomas Duffy 24. Marly Bitungane
Out: Braidon Burns (centre to reserve), Kai O’Donnell (second row to reserve), Kaiden Lahrs (bench to reserve), Thomas Duffy (bench to reserve), Jake Clifford (halfback to reserve), Karl Lawton (hooker to reserve)
In: Viliami Vailea (centre), Tom Dearden (halfback), Reece Robson (hooker), John Bateman (second row), Jeremiah Nanai (second row), Reuben Cotter (lock)
Changes: Sam McIntyre (second row to bench), Harrison Edwards (lock to bench]
Key Stats
The Roosters have lost four from five at Allianz Stadium this season.
The Cowboys have won their last two games against the Roosters.
Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored 11 tries in his last 13 games at Allianz Stadium.
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson has scored four tries in six games against the Roosters.
Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored nine tries in his last 10 games.)
Roosters Steady the Ship as Cowboys Search for Identity
The Roosters might count themselves lucky to have escaped with the win over Newcastle last week, but the fact remains—they got the job done. In a season where consistency has been hard to find across the competition, Trent Robinson’s side is beginning to piece things together at just the right time.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are still reeling from a record-breaking drubbing at the hands of the Dolphins—a 58-4 defeat that left fans speechless and exposed worrying cracks in North Queensland’s defensive resolve. One week they show glimpses of top-eight potential; the next, they’re barely recognisable.
That unpredictability makes them one of the hardest teams to tip in 2025. While the Cowboys have the firepower on paper, there’s no telling which version of the team will show up this weekend.
The Roosters, by contrast, have shown steady improvement, tightening up in defence and beginning to rediscover the attacking combinations that once made them a feared force. With Origin stars likely backing up and the spine gaining confidence, the signs are pointing in the right direction.
It’s far from a certainty—but if you’re looking for a team trending upwards, the safe bet is on the Chooks.
Referees, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, David Munro, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Eels v Titans
Commbank Stadium, Sydney,6.15pm.
Eels’ Young Guns Step Up as Titans Threaten to Leapfrog Struggling Parramatta
After a well-timed bye gave them a chance to reset, the Parramatta Eels return to action with their backs firmly against the wall. Sitting just one rung above the bottom of the NRL ladder, the Eels now face a resurgent Titans side hungry for consecutive wins—and the chance to leapfrog Parramatta into 16th place.
Despite their lowly position, the Eels have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. The results haven’t always fallen their way, but the effort and energy have been there. However, their road forward just got bumpier with the loss of star halfback Mitchell Moses, who is set to spend time on the sidelines nursing a calf injury—one serious enough to also rule him out of the rest of the Origin series.
To make matters worse, five-eighth Dylan Brown remains unavailable due to suspension. That hands the playmaking reins to the untested duo of Joash Papalii and Dean Hawkins, who now carry the weight of Parramatta’s fortunes on their shoulders. It’s a big step up—but also a golden opportunity for the club’s next generation to show they belong on the NRL stage.
There is some good news: Zac Lomax, who featured in Origin Two, has been named to back up provided he comes through unscathed. Meanwhile, prop Wiremu Greig makes a welcome return via the bench, set to feature in his first NRL game since Round 24 last year.
For the Eels, this match could be a turning point—or another step into dangerous territory. With the Titans building confidence and the ladder tightening at the bottom, Sunday’s showdown may be about more than just two competition points—it could define the season’s second half.
Eels,
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Matt Doorey 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Jordan Samrani 18. Joey Lussick, 19. Charlie Guymer 20. Dan Keir 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Samuel Loizou
Out: Dylan Brown (five-eighth), Mitchell Moses (halfback)
In: Dean Hawkins (halfback), Wiremu Greig (bench)
Changes: Joash Papalii (bench to five-eighth)
Titans Find Their Rhythm as Leaders Prepare to Return
With their Origin stars watching from the sidelines, the Gold Coast Titans delivered one of their most complete performances of the season last week—stunning the Sea Eagles 28-8 in front of a fired-up home crowd. It was a night where experience counted, and veterans Kieran Foran and AJ Brimson rose to the occasion, guiding the side with class and composure from start to finish.
The victory wasn’t just a rare moment of consistency for the Titans—it was a statement. Even without their engine-room enforcers Moeaki Fotuaika and captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the Gold Coast played tough, fast, and fearless footy for the full 80 minutes. It was the kind of performance fans have been craving all season.
Now, as they prepare to back up for another crucial contest, both Fotuaika and Fa’asuamaleaui have been named on the interchange bench, pending their recovery from Wednesday night’s grueling Origin II clash. Their presence would be a massive boost for a Titans pack that’s finally starting to gel.
There’s also a reshuffle out wide, with Jojo Fifita returning from a hand injury to slot into the centres, forcing Brian Kelly out of the 17. Star forward David Fifita has been named as 18th man as he continues to recover from an ankle issue—suggesting the club will take a cautious approach with his return.
For the first time in a long while, the Titans are building momentum. With belief growing and big names inching closer to full fitness, the Gold Coast outfit might just be starting to turn the corner.
Titans.
1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami. 5. Allan Fitzgibbon 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Jaimin Jolliffe . 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor . 13. Klese Haas 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui . 16. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 17. Moeaki Fotuaika 18. David Fifita 19. Tukimihia Simpkins. 20. Sean Mullany 21. Tom Weaver 22. Brian Kelly
Out: Joshua Patston (bench), Tuki Simpkins (bench to reserve), Brian Kelly (centre to reserve)
In: Sosefo Fifita (centre), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (bench), Moeaki Fotuaika (bench)
Key Stats
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 13 tries in nine games against the Titans.
The Titans have not defeated the Eels in Sydney since 2015.
The Eels have lost their last four games immediately following byes.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in eight games this season.
The Eels have won only once in three games when Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses have not played.
Titans Eye Back-to-Back Wins as Undermanned Eels Search for Spark
With the dust settling from Round 15, two teams with contrasting trajectories are set to collide in what looms as a crucial Sunday showdown.
The Gold Coast Titans stunned the rugby league world last week with a spirited 28-8 upset over Manly—a performance full of grit, energy, and finally, cohesion. After weeks of inconsistency, the Titans looked like a team with purpose. Kieran Foran rolled back the clock, AJ Brimson was everywhere, and the forward pack laid a solid platform despite being without their Origin stars.
But was it the Titans finally turning a corner… or were the Sea Eagles simply below par?
That question will be answered when they take on a Parramatta side still licking its wounds from a Round 14 loss to the Bulldogs. The Eels had the bye last week to regroup, but they’ll return to action without either of their first-choice halves: Mitchell Moses is sidelined with a calf injury, and Dylan Brown remains out through suspension.
That leaves the creative duties to young Joash Papalii and Dean Hawkins—an unproven pairing tasked with leading a side that’s been short on direction in 2025. It’s a tough ask, especially against a Titans team riding high on momentum and potentially welcoming back Moe Fotuaika and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui from Origin duties.
Parramatta may have the home crowd behind them, but on recent form, the Titans look primed to edge this one. Expect a tight finish—but the Gold Coast have their tails up, and that could make all the difference.
Referees. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Clayton Wills, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.
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