SATURDAY, JUNE 5th, 2025.
Raiders v Dragons
GIO Stadium, Canberra. 5.30pm
Dragons Face Canberra Cauldron as Finals Dream Hangs in the Balance
A trip to the nation’s capital has long spelled trouble for the Dragons—but if they’re to keep their finals hopes alive, Shane Flanagan’s side must rewrite the script this Saturday against the high-flying Raiders.
The Red V showed real grit last week, putting together one of their most complete first halves of the season against the Eels before weathering a second-half storm—both from Parramatta and their own mounting injury toll—to hold on for a crucial win at WIN Stadium.
But now comes an even greater test: Canberra. The Green Machine, riding high at the top of the ladder with a 13-3 record and two byes still in hand, are on track for their first minor premiership since 1990. Last weekend, they showcased their resilience once again with a hard-fought win over the Knights, underlining their credentials as genuine title contenders.
The last time these two sides clashed, it was Canberra who pulled off a thrilling comeback—overturning a 14-point deficit at halftime to edge out the Dragons 26-24 at Kogarah, with a late try from Corey Horsburgh sealing the deal.
This time, Horsburgh will start in the front row following Josh Papalii’s Origin selection, while Morgan Smithies earns a promotion to starting lock and Trey Mooney comes onto the bench for his third game of the year. With Hudson Young also away in Blues camp, Simi Sasagi gets another start in the second row.
Can the Dragons overcome their Canberra curse—or will the Raiders tighten their grip on top spot?
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 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. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking . 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Trey Mooney. 17. Ata Mariota 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Joseph Roddy 21. Danny Levi. 22. Ethan Sanders
Out: Josh Papalii (front row)
In: Trey Mooney (bench)
Changes: Corey Horsburgh (lock to front row), Morgan Smithies (bench to lock)
Dragons Dig Deep as Injury Toll and Origin Hit Stretch Squad Depth
Shane Flanagan faces his toughest selection challenge yet in 2025, with injuries and representative duties ripping through his squad ahead of a crucial clash in Canberra.
Star centre Valentine Holmes is unavailable due to Maroons Origin duty, while a string of injuries has sidelined key contributors—Hamish Stewart (concussion), Luciano Leilua (quad), Nathan Lawson and Toby Couchman (both shoulder)—all of whom played vital roles in last week’s gritty win over the Eels.
With limited options, Flanagan has turned to his NSW Cup ranks to patch together a competitive 17. Sione Finau and Tyrell Sloan have been recalled to the backline, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Loko Pasifiki Tonga step up to reinforce the pack. Hame Sele and Michael Molo also return to bolster the engine room, each bringing valuable experience despite their recent second-tier stints.
It’s a gutsy reshuffle that speaks to the Dragons’ desperation—and determination—as they fight to stay in the finals race, even as the odds mount.
Dragons
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Corey Allan. 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook. 10. David Klemmer 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin . 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 16. Hame Sele 17. Michael Molo . 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Viliami Fifita 20. Nicholas Tsougranis 21. Lachlan Ilias 22. Jacob Halangahu
Out: Valentine Holmes (centre), Nathan Lawson (wing), Luciano Leilua (second row), Toby Couchman (bench), Hamish Stewart (bench), Viliami Fifita (bench to reserve)
In: Sione Finau (wing), Tyrell Sloan (wing), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (second row), Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga (bench), Hame Sele (bench), Michael Molo (bench)
Changes: Corey Allan (wing to centre)
Key Stats
The Raiders have won their last four games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have not won at GIO Stadium since 2015.
The Raiders are aiming for seven consecutive wins for the first time in nine years.
The Dragons have won only two from seven away from home this season
Raiders Hold Home Edge, but Full 80 the Key Against Fragile Dragons
Few players in the NRL are enjoying a home stretch like Xavier Savage. The electric Raiders winger has crossed the stripe five times in his past four outings at GIO Stadium, and he’ll be looking to continue that streak when the Dragons roll into town on Saturday.
Canberra were in command early against Newcastle last week, flexing their muscle with a dominant first half—but once again, they took their foot off the gas. The Knights came storming back late, exposing a troubling trend for Ricky Stuart’s men: second-half switch-offs that could cost them in bigger moments down the road.
The Dragons were guilty of similar lapses in concentration in their win over Parramatta. After a controlled and composed opening, they almost let the game slip as injuries piled up and intensity dropped.
Saturday’s showdown in the capital might come down to one simple factor: who can stay locked in for the full 80? Based on form, firepower, and the fortress that is GIO Stadium, it’s hard to tip against the Green Machine.
Referees. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, David Munro, Michael Wise, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Cowboys v Storm
Qld Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, 7.35pm.
Cowboys Brace for Storm Test as Origin Absences Force New-Look Line-up
With their season teetering between promise and frustration, the Cowboys took a much-needed step forward last week by steadying the ship against the Titans. Now, they return to Townsville with momentum on their side—but a stern challenge awaits in the form of a resurgent Melbourne Storm.
Both clubs will be without four of their marquee players due to State of Origin selections, turning Saturday night’s clash into a litmus test of depth, resilience, and adaptability. For North Queensland, it’s also the start of a season-defining fortnight with back-to-back home games against heavyweight opposition in the Storm and Bulldogs.
The Cowboys’ 2025 campaign has been anything but predictable. Seven home games have delivered a mixed bag—three wins, three losses, and a draw—mirroring a turbulent ride that’s seen them yo-yo from sixth to 16th on the ladder.
To navigate this crucial stretch, the Cowboys are turning to youth and experience in equal measure. Tom Duffy returns at halfback for his first game since Round 2, stepping in for Origin-bound Tom Dearden. In the forward pack, the absence of Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reece Robson has opened the door for Jordan McLean—back from a calf injury—and John Bateman, returning from a groin complaint. Harrison Edwards fills the void at hooker, Kai O’Donnell gets the nod in the back row, and Mackay Cutters rake Temple Kalepo is set to make his NRL debut off the bench.
The stakes are high, the spotlight is bright, and the Cowboys know that only a full-throttle performance will do if they’re to keep their finals hopes flickering in front of a home crowd hungry for consistency.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt. 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean . 9. Harrison Edwards 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell. 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Temple Kalepo 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kaiden Lahrs. 17. Coen Hess 18. Braidon Burns 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Jamal Shibasaki. 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Mason Kira
Out: Tom Dearden (halfback), Reece Robson (hooker), Reuben Cotter (second row), Jeremiah Nanai (second row)
In: Thomas Duffy (halfback), Jordan McLean (front row), John Bateman (second row), Temple Kalepo (bench)
Changes: Sam McIntyre (front row to lock), Harrison Edwards (lock to hooker), Kai O’Donnell (bench to second row)
Storm Shuffle the Deck as Origin and Injuries Force Backline and Spine Shake-Up
The Storm’s depth will face a serious test in Townsville, with a wave of representative call-ups and untimely injuries forcing Craig Bellamy into a major reshuffle ahead of their clash with the Cowboys.
Star winger Xavier Coates is away in Maroons camp, while electric fullback Sua Faalogo has been sidelined by a hamstring strain. As a result, Grant Anderson shifts out wide, joined by Kane Bradley on the opposite flank, while Joe Chan slots into the centres to help plug the gaps.
In the halves, Tyran Wishart steps into the enormous shoes of Cameron Munster, who is also on Origin duty as Queensland captain. The reshuffle continues through the middle, with Bronson Garlick filling in for Harry Grant at hooker and Jonah Pezet taking on the utility role from the bench.
Up front, Tui Kamikamica returns at prop, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona sliding into the lock position to cover for Trent Loiero—another Origin absentee. With Stefano Utoikamanu also off on state duty, young guns Lazarus Vaalepu and Ativalu Lisati have been called onto the bench.
It’s a patched-up but still dangerous Melbourne outfit, and with Bellamy at the helm, expect the Storm to come ready to scrap, regardless of who’s wearing the jersey.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney. 5. Kane Bradley 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica. 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa . 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Lazarus Vaalepu . 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Josiah Pahulu 19. Coby Williamson 20. Gabriel Satrick . 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Siulagi Pio
Out: Sualauvi Fa’alogo (wing), Xavier Coates (wing), Cameron Munster (five-eighth), Harry Grant (hooker), Trent Loiero (lock), Stefano Utoikamanu (bench)
In: Joe Chan (centre), Kane Bradley (wing), Bronson Garlick (hooker), Jonah Pezet (bench), Lazarus Vaalepu (bench), Ativalu Lisati (bench)
Changes: Grant Anderson (centre to wing), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (front row to lock), Tyran Wishart (bench to five-eighth), Tui Kamikamica (bench to front row)
Key Stats
The Cowboys have won three of their past four games against the Storm.
The Storm have lost their last three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored five tries in five games against the Storm.
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored four tries in his last three games.
Cowboys winger Robert Derby has scored six tries in six games at QCB Stadium.
The Cowboys breathed a sigh of relief last week, finally snapping a frustrating run with a hard-earned victory over fellow Queensland battlers, the Titans. It wasn’t pretty, but it was vital—offering a flicker of hope in a season that’s swung wildly between promise and disappointment.
Meanwhile, down south, the Storm were busy reminding everyone why they’re still a premiership force in 2025. Their clinical dismantling of the Sharks not only dented Cronulla’s credibility but also saw Melbourne’s title odds tighten further.
Both sides head into this clash without several Origin stars, but that’s nothing new for the Storm. Year after year, they weather this period with ruthless professionalism—and it’s a testament to Craig Bellamy’s system that even with a reshuffled spine and backline, Melbourne rarely miss a beat.
The Cowboys will be banking on momentum and home-ground energy, but the reality is stark: the Storm could be down to their third-string squad and still find a way. That’s the measure of Melbourne’s machine—and the mountain North Queensland must climb.
Referees, Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Jon Stone, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Comments