SATURDAY, JUNE 28th, 2025
Warriors v Broncos
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane,3pm.
Brisbane’s Doubleheader Showdown Begins with Warriors Test
Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium promises to be anything but ordinary. In a rare rugby league doubleheader, the Brisbane Broncos kick off proceedings against the New Zealand Warriors at 3:00pm, before the ground is transformed into a Dolphins fortress for their clash with South Sydney later that evening.
For Kevin Walters’ Broncos, it’s all about momentum. Fresh from a remarkable comeback victory over the Sharks—where they erased a 16-point deficit to storm home—Brisbane are now eyeing a third straight win to solidify their spot in the top eight.
Leading the charge is Reece Walsh, whose electric return from a knee injury has injected spark and swagger back into the Broncos’ attack. Up front, Payne Haas continues to be a colossus, laying the foundation for Brisbane’s surging form.
But the Warriors aren’t coming to town just to play a supporting role. Under coach Michael Maguire, the Kiwi side has developed a gritty edge, and they’ve tasted success at Suncorp before. With no changes to the side that outmuscled the Sharks last week, Maguire is backing continuity and cohesion to carry them forward.
Meanwhile, Selwyn Cobbo has been named among the reserves as he edges closer to a return, potentially adding another strike weapon to Brisbane’s arsenal.
With history, form, and finals ambitions all in play, the stage is set for a blockbuster opening act at Suncorp Stadium.
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. Deine Mariner 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Ben Talty
Warriors Look to Regroup with Key Reinforcements at Suncorp
The Warriors may be unchanged in resolve, but their lineup carries a few crucial adjustments as they look to bounce back from last week’s disappointing collapse against Penrith.
Despite that stumble, Andrew Webster’s side has been in solid form—winning three of their past four matches—and they’ve already claimed two victories at Suncorp Stadium this season, a venue that’s become something of a second home.
Saturday’s clash brings added meaning with the return of Queensland Origin forward and ex-Bronco Kurt Capewell, who missed the Panthers game due to a scheduled rest. His presence not only strengthens the forward pack but adds extra spice to a meeting with his former club on familiar turf.
In the backs, the Warriors are forced into a reshuffle following an ankle injury to veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Ed Kosi earns a recall to the wing, while Rocco Berry returns in the centres after overcoming a hamstring strain.
Capewell’s return pushes promising young forward Leka Halasima back to the bench, with Tanner Stowers-Smith shifting to 18th man.
With pride to restore and finals aspirations still within reach, the Warriors will be hunting nothing less than a statement win in enemy territory.
Warriors,
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry. 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris . 9. Wayde Egan 10. Marata Niukore 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark. 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima . 18. Tanner Stowers-Smith 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Samuel Healey 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Taine Tuaupiki
Out: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wing), Moala Graham-Taufa (centre), Tanner Stowers-Smith (bench to reserve)
In: Edward Kosi (wing), Rocco Berry (centre), Kurt Capewell (second row)
Changes: Selumiela Halasima (second row to bench)
Key Stats
The Broncos have scored 78 points in back-to-back wins at Suncorp Stadium.
The Warriors have won three of their past four games at Suncorp.
Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki has scored five tries in his past four games.
The Warriors have not defeated the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium since 2018.
Broncos winger Josiah Karapani has scored four tries in his last two games at Suncorp Stadium.
A Battle of Extremes: Will the Real Broncos and Warriors Please Stand Up?
Last week, the Broncos put on a show of resilience, clawing their way back from 16 points down to stun the Sharks in front of a roaring home crowd. It was a stirring comeback—but not without concerns. While their attack clicked when it mattered, defensive lapses throughout the match left more questions than answers.
Across the Tasman, the Warriors endured a night they’d rather forget. Against a heavily depleted Panthers outfit, they stumbled from the outset, never finding rhythm and often getting in their own way. For a side that had been building nicely, it was a sobering step back.
So as the two unpredictable forces collide at Suncorp Stadium, the only certainty is uncertainty. The Broncos have veered between brilliance and breakdown in recent weeks, while the Warriors remain rugby league’s great enigma—capable of rattling contenders or crumbling under pressure.
Will this be the bounce-back performance that reignites the Warriors’ finals charge? Or will Brisbane ride the emotion of last week’s comeback to a third straight victory?
The stage is set. But with these two, don’t bother trying to predict—just buckle up.
Referees. Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Michael Wise, Belinda Sharpe, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Dragons v Eels
Winn Stadium, Sydney,5.30pm.
Dragons Seek Redemption and Celebrate Milestones in Suncorp Showdown
Refreshed and refocused after a well-timed bye, the St George Illawarra Dragons return to WIN Stadium this Saturday with one mission—defend their home turf and settle the score with a familiar foe.
Their last outing ended in heartbreak: a Round 15 defeat to the Sharks that exposed defensive cracks and halted their momentum. But it’s a Round 5 golden-point thriller that still stings most. That day, it was former Dragon Zac Lomax—now in Parramatta blue and gold—who broke their hearts with a match-winning field goal against his old club.
Lomax was instrumental again last week, helping steer the Eels to a commanding 16-point win over the Titans. Now, with the State of Origin decider just around the corner, Saturday marks his final hit-out before heading into Queensland camp—and you can bet he’ll want to make it count.
For the Dragons, the afternoon carries emotional weight. Veteran enforcer David Klemmer will run out for his 250th NRL match, while Emre Guler reaches the 100-game milestone—two players whose presence and experience have shaped the side’s culture in 2025.
Coach Shane Flanagan welcomes back several key troops. Wingers Corey Allan and Christian Tuipulotu return from hamstring layoffs, Origin centre Valentine Holmes is back in the mix, and hard-hitting back-rower Jaydn Su’A has been named to make his return from an ankle injury. Excitement also surrounds young prop Viliami Fifita, who earns his first NRL appearance of the season, replacing Loko Pasifiki Tonga on the bench.
With history, emotion, and a thirst for revenge in the air, Saturday’s clash has all the ingredients for a Dragons resurgence—if they’re ready to rise.
Dragons
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Corey Allan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes. 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler. 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Toby Couchman 12. Jaydn Su’A . 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Viliami Fifita. 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Blake Lawrie. 21. Nicholas Tsougranis 22. Nathan Lawson
Out: Tyrell Sloan (wing), Hame Sele (bench), Loko Junior Pasifiki Tonga (bench to reserve), Nathan Lawson (wing to reserve), Nicholas Tsougranis (centre to reserve)
In: Corey Allan (wing), Valentine Holmes (centre), Christian Tuipulotu (wing), Jaydn Su’A (second row), Viliami Fifita (bench)
Changes: Luciano Leilua (second row to bench)
Eels Find Their Rhythm as Brown Returns to Steer the Ship
It hasn’t been the smoothest of seasons for the Parramatta Eels, but week by week, they’ve begun to find their groove. Missing the calm control of injured captain Mitchell Moses, the Eels have leaned on youth—and in rising star Joash Papalii, they’ve unearthed a genuine talent.
The rookie playmaker has handled the spotlight with composure beyond his years, helping steer the side through turbulent waters. But this week brings a timely injection of experience and class: star five-eighth Dylan Brown returns from suspension, providing a major boost to the Eels’ spine.
Brown’s return sees Papalii shift to the bench, a move that strengthens Parramatta’s depth while preserving their newfound spark. There’s more reshuffling out wide, too—Jordan Samrani steps into the centres for the suspended Will Penisini, who begins a three-game stint on the sidelines following a Dangerous Throw charge.
Meanwhile, Papalii fills the vacancy left by Ryley Smith, who will miss the next two games due to suspension.
With form trending upward and key players returning at just the right time, the Eels are beginning to look like a side ready to surge—if they can hold their nerve through the next test.
Eels,
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr. 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo . 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker. 15. Matt Doorey 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Joash Papali’i 18. Dan Keir. 19. Toni Mataele 20. Brendan Hands 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Samuel Loizou
Out: Will Penisini (centre), Ryley Smith (bench)
In: Jordan Samrani (centre), Dylan Brown (five-eighth)
Changes: Joash Papalii (five-eighth to bench)
Key Stats
The Eels have won their past four games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have won four of their past five games against the Eels at WIN Stadium.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored nine tries in seven games against the Dragons.
Dragons prop David Klemmer will make his 250th NRL appearance.
Dragons Eye Redemption, But Eels Loom as Dangerous Spoilers
The Dragons return to action this weekend after a much-needed week off—time to reset following a humbling loss to the Sharks in Round 15. It was a bruising defeat that exposed cracks in their defence, but with fresh legs and the comforts of home at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, they’re determined to bounce back in style.
Standing in their way are the ever-unpredictable Parramatta Eels, who turned heads last week with a commanding win over the Titans—despite being without both of their star playmakers, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown. That victory, powered by young gun Joash Papalii and a gritty forward pack, served as a reminder that the Eels can never be counted out.
With Brown now back from suspension and the Dragons celebrating milestone moments for David Klemmer and Emre Guler, Saturday’s clash has all the hallmarks of a gritty, high-stakes showdown.
On paper, the Dragons may have the edge at home—but this one feels like it could go either way. Don’t be surprised if we’re talking about an upset—or a golden-point finish—by the end of the night.
Referees: Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, David Munro, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Dolphins v Souths
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane,7.50pm.
Master Meets Apprentice as Bennett’s Bunnies Face Woolf’s Dolphins in Suncorp Doubleheader
Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium brings more than just footy—it brings a generational clash of rugby league minds. In the second act of an unprecedented doubleheader sparked by the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs go head-to-head with the Kristian Woolf-led Dolphins in a battle brimming with narrative.
It’s master versus apprentice. Bennett, the architect of the Dolphins’ first two seasons in the NRL, now returns as the opposition coach, guiding a resurgent South Sydney outfit. On the other sideline, Woolf—Bennett’s hand-picked successor—has stepped into the top job with confidence and composure in his debut season.
While the Dolphins currently sit ninth and remain firmly in the finals hunt, they’ll be looking to respond after a frustrating defeat to the Knights last week—a game where execution fell short despite effort.
The team has been forced into changes, with promising young winger Jack Bostock ruled out for the season after suffering a heartbreaking ACL injury. His absence paves the way for Junior Tupou to return to the starting side for the first time since Round 2. Meanwhile, Josh Kerr earns a spot back on the bench, with last week’s debutant Aublix Tawha sliding to the reserves.
As the lights go up for this teacher-versus-student showdown, both teams have plenty to prove—and a packed Suncorp crowd will be there to witness every twist.
Dolphins,
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo. 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo . 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley . 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone. 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Aublix Tawha 21. Tevita Naufahu. 22. Peter Hola
Out: Jack Bostock (wing), Ob Tawha (bench to reserve)
In: Junior Tupou (wing), Josh Kerr (bench)
Changes: Ray Stone (front row to bench), Mark Nicholls (bench to front row)
Battered but Not Broken: Rabbitohs Reload for Finals Push
South Sydney’s season has been a test of resilience, and last weekend was no different. In a gut-wrenching golden point finish, the Rabbitohs fell just short against the Storm, leaving them with heartbreak—but also hunger.
Injuries have plagued the Bunnies all year, but Saturday night’s clash against the Dolphins marks more than just another game—it’s a chance to reset, rebuild, and reignite a charge toward the finals.
One constant in a season of change has been Alex Johnston. The prolific winger is in vintage form, bagging 10 tries in his last five outings to climb to 206 career tries. With just seven more needed to eclipse Ken Irvine’s all-time record, Johnston is fast closing in on rugby league immortality.
Souths will be buoyed by the return of key troops. Star centre Campbell Graham (back) and playmaker Cody Walker (groin) are both back in the lineup, prompting a shuffle that sees Jack Wighton shift from five-eighth to centre and Euan Aitken return to the back row. Hooker Peter Mamouzelos also reclaims a spot on the bench after recovering from an elbow injury, while dynamic utility Jayden Sullivan is listed among the reserves as he eyes a comeback from a calf issue.
Their return sees Ryan Gray and Liam Le Blanc drop out of the squad, with Isaiah Tass named 18th man.
The road to September won’t be easy, but with experience returning and history beckoning for Johnston, the Rabbitohs are ready to fight for every inch.
Souths
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Campbell Graham. 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Siliva Havili. 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Jai Arrow. 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Davvy Moale 17. Tevita Tatola. 18. Isaiah Tass 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Ryan Gray 22. Jacob Host
Out: Isaiah Tass (centre to reserve), Ryan Gray (bench to reserve), Liam Le Blanc (bench to reserve)
In: Campbell Graham (centre), Cody Walker (five-eighth), Peter Mamouzelos (bench)
Changes: Euan Aitken (centre to second row), Jack Wighton (five-eighth to centre), Davvy Moale (front row to bench), Jai Arrow (second row to lock), Lachlan Hubner (lock to bench), Sean Keppie (bench to front row)
Key Stats
Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth has scored five tries in his last four games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Rabbitohs have lost their last three games at Suncorp Stadium.
Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored 70 points in his last four games.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 10 tries in his last five games.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Reality Check or Minor Setback? Dolphins Face Fired-Up Bunnies in High-Stakes Clash
Just a fortnight ago, the Dolphins were flying—stringing together a series of commanding wins that had pundits penciling them in as serious finals contenders. But last week, the high-flying Phins came crashing down to earth, ambushed by a Knights side that had shown little form leading in.
It was a performance that left Kristian Woolf’s men searching for answers—and this week, they won’t get much breathing room. Waiting for them at Suncorp Stadium are a battle-hardened Rabbitohs outfit, who may be wounded but are far from weak.
South Sydney have fallen just short in back-to-back thrillers against the Bulldogs and Storm, but their spirit hasn’t wavered. With key players returning and club legend Alex Johnston chasing history, the Bunnies are sharpening their claws for an ambush.
On paper, the Dolphins should have the edge. But if they deliver anything close to the disjointed display they showed against Newcastle, the Rabbitohs—bolstered by the leadership of Cody Walker and the grit of Campbell Graham—won’t hesitate to strike.
One thing’s for sure: if the Phins want to keep their finals hopes alive, they’ll need to bring their A-game. Otherwise, South Sydney might just turn Suncorp into a hunting ground.
Phins up—or heads down? Saturday night will tell.
Referees: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, ?
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