Game One, NZ Warriors v Tigers, Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ, 2pm.
Benji Returns, But the Warriors Have a Point to Prove at Home
The stage is set for a homecoming steeped in sentiment and anticipation.
This Sunday at Go Media Stadium, a sea of Warriors fans will turn out not just to back their team, but to welcome back one of New Zealand’s most beloved rugby league sons—Benji Marshall. Now leading the Wests Tigers from the coach’s box, Marshall’s return to Auckland evokes memories of past glories and local pride.
But the last time Benji brought his Tigers across the Tasman, things didn’t go to plan. In Round 21 of the 2024 season, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck turned back the clock with a vintage performance—racking up 293 metres and slicing through the defence for six tackle breaks in a 28-16 Warriors victory.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Warriors once again find themselves reshuffling the deck. Taine Tuaupiki steps into the fullback role for the first time since Round 10, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sidelined by a knee injury. The loss of halfback Luke Metcalf to a season-ending blow has opened the door for former Titan Tanah Boyd to slot into the halves.
In better news, the high-flying Dallin Watene-Zelezniak makes an early return from an ankle injury, adding much-needed strike power on the edge. Maroons enforcer Kurt Capewell has been named among the reserves and will be closely monitored following Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider.
Coach Andrew Webster has also elevated Jackson Ford and Leka Halasima into the starting pack, while promising youngster Tanner Stowers-Smith has earned a recall on the bench.
With pride, emotion, and points on the line, Sunday’s clash promises a potent mix of nostalgia and urgency—especially for a Warriors side desperate to reignite their finals push.
Warriors
1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark , 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Eddie Ieremia 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Edward Kosi 23. Kurt Capewell
Out: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (fullback), Luke Metcalf (halfback)
In: Taine Tuaupiki (fullback), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wing), Tanah Boyd (halfback), Tanner Stowers-Smith (bench)
Changes: Edward Kosi (wing to reserve), Marata Niukore (front row to second row), Kurt Capewell (second row to reserve), Jacob Laban (second row to bench), Jackson Ford (bench to front row), Selumiela Halasima (bench to second row)
Fired-Up Tigers Eye Back-to-Back as Warriors Brace for Must-Win at Home
The Tigers are roaring into Auckland with a spring in their step—and they’ve got every reason to believe the momentum is on their side.
Fresh off a gutsy upset over the Roosters, Benji Marshall’s men arrive at Go Media Stadium brimming with confidence. Leading the charge are the ever-impressive Fainu brothers and rising enforcer Terrell May, whose physicality and presence through the middle continue to turn heads. With belief building and combinations starting to click, the Tigers are dreaming of back-to-back victories—and they won’t shy away from the challenge.
On the other side of the ledger, the Warriors find themselves at a crossroads. After opening the year with three straight wins at their Auckland fortress, Andrew Webster’s side has stumbled in recent weeks—falling to the Raiders and then the Panthers in front of their own fans. Now, returning home with finals ambitions still alive but fading, the Warriors are under pressure to deliver a statement.
Adding another layer of intrigue, skipper Jarome Luai is expected to back up just four days after a bruising State of Origin decider, reinforcing the Tigers’ spine with his trademark flair and fire. That shift sees Adam Doueihi return to the centres and young gun Luke Laulilii drop out of the side.
There’s further reinforcements too—veteran hooker Api Koroisau returns after a stint on the sidelines with concussion, pushing last week’s debutant Tristan Hope to the bench. Jack Bird is also back in the mix after illness ruled him out late last week, slotting onto the interchange with his trademark versatility. As a result, Charlie Murray and Kit Laulilii drop back to the reserves.
With their season teetering and the Tigers surging, the Warriors know this one is more than just a mid-season fixture—it’s a gut-check in front of their faithful, and the start of a defining stretch.
Tigers
1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a, 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau , 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Twal 14. Tristan Hope, 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Jack Bird 18. Heath Mason 19. Charlie Murray, 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Brent Naden 22. Luke Laulilii
Out: Charlie Murray (bench to reserve), Kit Laulilii (bench to reserve), Luke Laulilii (centre to reserve)
In: Jarome Luai (five-eighth), Apisai Koroisau (hooker), Jack Bird (bench)
Changes: Adam Doueihi (five-eighth to centre), Tristan Hope (hooker to bench)
Key Stats
The Warriors have won their past eight games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers have not defeated the Warriors in New Zealand since 2016.
The Warriors have won only two of their past five games.
Wests Tigers winger Charlie Staines has scored five tries in his past six games.
Make-or-Break Moment: Warriors Seek Redemption Against Rising Tigers
After a much-needed bye to reset and regroup, the Warriors return home knowing exactly what’s at stake.
Two straight losses—to the Broncos and then the Panthers—have derailed what once looked like a promising campaign. Confidence has wavered, momentum has stalled, and the finals picture is slipping out of focus. This Sunday, in front of their home crowd at Go Media Stadium, it’s time to draw a line in the sand.
Standing in their way are the surging Wests Tigers, fresh off a stunning upset over the Roosters. With confidence growing and key figures like the Fainu brothers and Terrell May stepping up, the Tigers are no longer an easy two points—they’re a real threat with nothing to lose and plenty of bite.
For the Warriors, the loss of dynamic five-eighth Luke Metcalf to injury has only added to their challenges. His spark and speed were central to their early-season success, and replacing that impact won’t be easy. But with their season on the line, excuses won’t cut it.
Coach Andrew Webster’s men simply must win to keep their finals hopes alive—and to prove to themselves, and their fans, that they’re still contenders. Expect a fight. Expect urgency. And if they can hold their nerve, the Warriors should find a way. Maybe not comfortably. Maybe just by four or five points. But right now, any win will do.
Match Officials
Referees, Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Damian Brady, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Eels v Panthers,
Commbank Stadium,Sydney,4.05pm.
Lomax Watch and New Blood: Eels Plot Revenge Against Panthers
As the dust settles from Wednesday night’s Origin decider, the Parramatta Eels will be watching with bated breath—especially when it comes to one man: Zac Lomax.
The star winger’s towering aerial game has been a cornerstone of Parramatta’s attacking arsenal, and his fitness could be the difference in their quest to overturn the 18-10 loss they suffered at the hands of Penrith back in Round 13. If Lomax pulls up well, expect him to be targeted early and often under the high ball—where he can turn half-chances into highlight-reel tries.
But it’s not just about the old guard for the Eels this week. Former Wests Tiger Tallyn Da Silva is set to make his club debut from the interchange—a fresh face in blue and gold, eager to make an impact in his new colours.
The forward pack also sees a shake-up. With Kelma Tuilagi serving a suspension, young gun Charlie Guymer earns a starting spot, while Sam Tuivaiti makes his return from a syndesmosis injury and adds punch off the bench.
In the backs, there’s a potential boost waiting in the wings. Experienced campaigner Bailey Simonsson has been named among the reserves after working his way back from a foot injury via the NSW Cup. If called upon, his versatility and defensive smarts could prove invaluable in a contest where every moment will count.
With finals hopes still flickering and a score to settle with their western Sydney rivals, the Eels know what’s required: passion, precision—and perhaps a bit of Lomax magic.
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. Charlie Guymer 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dan Keir 19. Toni Mataele , 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Bailey Simonsson 22. Joash Papali’i
Out: Kelma Tuilagi (second row), Joash Papalii (bench to reserve) – only used 3 bench rotations in previous game
In: Charlie Guymer (second row), Tallyn Da Silva (bench), Sam Tuivaiti (bench)
Panthers Primed for a Five-Peat Push—But Origin Toll Looms Large
The Panthers have that look again.
With four straight wins under their belt and fresh from a well-timed bye, the reigning premiers enter Round 19 riding a wave of momentum—and confidence. Their gritty 8-6 win over the Bulldogs in Round 17 wasn’t pretty, but it was precisely the kind of performance that wins finals. Tough, disciplined, and packed with premiership pedigree.
It was a reminder to the rest of the competition: the Panthers aren’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
But if their pursuit of an historic fifth consecutive title is to stay on track, a lot will hinge on how their Origin stars pull up after Wednesday night’s series decider. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Dylan Edwards, and Brian To’o are all named among the reserves—waiting in the wings as coach Ivan Cleary weighs up whether to roll the dice or rest his champions.
Should Nathan Cleary not back up, it will be Brad Schneider tasked with steering the ship at halfback. He’s proven capable, but the shoes he’d be filling are immense. The rest of the squad is locked in: Daine Laurie provides spark at the back, Paul Alamoti adds strike out wide, while Matt Eisenhuth and Isaiah Papali’i bring grit and muscle to the middle.
The Panthers know the grind of July footy better than anyone. This week is less about statements and more about survival—and if their Origin stars can go again, Penrith might just continue building toward something truly historic.
Panthers,
1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean , 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Jack Cole, 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Luke Sommerton , 19. Nathan Cleary 20. Dylan Edwards 21. Brian To’o 22. Liam Martin 23. Isaah Yeo, 24. Preston Riki
Out: Dylan Edwards (fullback to reserve), Brian To’o (wing to reserve), Nathan Cleary (halfback to reserve), Liam Martin (second row to reserve), Isaah Yeo (lock to reserve) – only used 3 bench rotations in previous game
In: Daine Laurie (fullback), Paul Alamoti (wing), Brad Schneider (halfback), Matt Eisenhuth (lock), Jack Cole (bench), Mavrik Geyer (bench)
Changes: Isaiah Papali’i (bench to second row)
Key Stats
The Eels have lost seven from eight against top-eight teams.
The Panthers have won their past three games against the Eels.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr requires one try for 150 NRL tries.
The Panthers have won 20 of their last 23 daytime games.
Eels prop Junior Paulo will play his 200th game for the club.
Post-Origin Focus: Panthers Refreshed and Ready to Punish the Eels
After a week to rest, reset, and recover, both the Eels and Panthers return to the fray—but with vastly different vibes surrounding them.
The Eels limp back into action still reeling from a shock loss to the Dragons in Round 17, a defeat that raised fresh questions about their consistency and depth. In contrast, the Panthers walk taller after edging out the Bulldogs in a gritty 8-6 slugfest—a result that may have lacked flair but delivered something far more valuable: belief.
It was the kind of win that premiership campaigns are built on—grinding through adversity, trusting their system, and relying on the steely leadership of their big names. Now, with State of Origin in the rearview mirror and their stars slowly reintegrating, Penrith’s sights are set firmly on a fifth consecutive title.
There’s still work to do, but the signs are ominous. The Panthers have found their groove again, and the Eels may find themselves caught in the crossfire. If Ivan Cleary’s men play anywhere near their grinding best, they should have too much firepower—and too much resolve—for a Parramatta outfit still searching for answers.
Panthers by 10, and maybe more if their Origin stars hit the ground running.
Match Officials
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, David Munro, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Titans v Broncos
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast,6.15pm.
Hasler’s Hope: Titans Chase Redemption in Queensland Derby Rematch
Des Hasler has never been one to shy away from a challenge—and this weekend, the wily Titans coach has a golden opportunity to flip the Queensland narrative on its head.
Just a month ago, the Titans were humbled 44-14 by their northern neighbours in a bruising defeat that stung the club’s pride. But now, with reinforcements returning and Origin fatigue potentially creeping into the Broncos’ ranks, Hasler senses a window for redemption.
It starts with the spine. Jayden Campbell, sidelined by concussion, is back in the No.7 jersey, bringing creativity and spark to the halves. And in a major boost, wrecking ball David Fifita returns via the bench after a lengthy layoff from an ankle injury that’s kept him out since Round 8.
There’s also firepower up front, with Maroons enforcers Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika named to back up after Wednesday night’s Origin decider in Sydney. If they can bring their usual punch and energy despite the quick turnaround, the Titans may just have the platform to make life uncomfortable for their high-flying rivals.
It won’t be easy. The Broncos have had the wood over the Titans in recent meetings and still carry the air of a premiership threat. But in a derby fuelled by pride and payback, Des Hasler’s men are quietly building for a shot at something special.
The Titans have been written off before—but that’s just how Hasler likes it.
Titans
1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami , 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita, 17. Klese Haas 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Arama Hau 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira , 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver
Out: Allan Fitzgibbon (wing), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (bench to reserve), Thomas Weaver (halfback to reserve) – only used 3 bench rotations in previous game
In: Jaylan De Groot (wing), Jayden Campbell (halfback), Jacob Alick (bench), David Fifita (bench)
Changes: Sosefo Fifita (wing to centre), Phillip Sami (centre to wing), Jaimin Jolliffe (front row to bench), Moeaki Fotuaika (bench to front row)
Momentum Shift: Broncos Rise from the Ashes and Reload for Top-Four Push
Momentum is a powerful thing in rugby league—and right now, the Broncos are riding a tidal wave of it.
Last Friday at Accor Stadium, Michael Maguire’s men pulled off the third-biggest comeback in club history, storming back from 18-0 down to stun the Bulldogs and secure their fourth straight win. It wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. One that may well come to define their 2025 campaign.
After a mid-season slump that saw them drop four games between Rounds 9 and 13, questions were swirling. But the Broncos have answered emphatically, and now, with their season roaring back to life, the road ahead looks paved with opportunity. Clashes with the Titans, Eels, and Rabbitohs in the coming weeks offer a golden chance to not only lock in a spot in the top eight but make a genuine push toward a top-four finish.
This week, they welcome back reinforcements in key positions. Origin trio Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Gehamat Shibasaki have all been named to back up from Wednesday night’s series decider, while Maroons 18th man Reece Walsh slots straight back into the No.1 jersey—shifting Selwyn Cobbo to the bench and adding strike power to the backline.
Veteran playmaker Ben Hunt also returns after a six-game layoff with a hamstring injury, reclaiming his spot at hooker and bringing invaluable leadership and stability to the middle of the park.
With the cavalry returning, Jaiyden Hunt, Delouise Hoeter, Tyson Smoothy, and Ben Talty drop out of the 17, while Cory Paix remains sidelined with an elbow issue. Winger Jesse Arthars is listed among the reserves and looms as a possible late inclusion after missing last week with a rib concern.
The Broncos are no longer clinging to hope—they’re building something real. And if last week’s fightback was the turning point, this month could be the launchpad.
Broncos,
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt , 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan , 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Tyson Smoothy , 18. Selwyn Cobbo 19. Ben Talty 20. Cory Paix 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Delouise Hoeter, 23. Benjamin Te Kura 24. Jesse Arthars
Out: Selwyn Cobbo (fullback to bench), Delouise Hoeter (centre to reserve), Ben Talty (bench to reserve), Jaiyden Hunt (bench to reserve), Cory Paix (hooker to reserve)
In: Reece Walsh (fullback), Gehamat Shibasaki (centre), Ben Hunt (hooker), Payne Haas (front row), Patrick Carrigan (lock)
Changes, Tyson Smoothy (front row to bench), Kobe Hetherington (lock to bench)
Key Stats
The Titans have won three of their past four games against the Broncos.
Broncos utility Ben Hunt has scored nine tries in his last nine games at Cbus Super Stadium.
The Titans have won only one of their past five games at Cbus Super Stadium.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire will coach his 250th NRL game.
Titans coach Des Hasler has won three of his past four games against Michae Maguire-coached teams.
Desperation vs Determination: Titans Face Judgement Day in Queensland Derby
The pressure is reaching boiling point on the glitter strip.
After letting a golden opportunity slip against the Cowboys two weeks ago, the Titans entered their bye week with more questions than answers. Now, with their season teetering and their coach under intense scrutiny, Des Hasler’s men return for a derby showdown that could shape not just their season—but the future of the club.
Hasler, a veteran of high-pressure situations, knows what’s at stake. Another loss, especially to their dominant Queensland rivals, would inch the Titans closer to the dreaded wooden spoon—and could signal the end of his tenure at the helm. The Titans are desperate. And desperation makes teams dangerous.
But across the border, the Broncos are beginning to look like the real deal again.
After enduring a mid-season wobble, Michael Maguire’s side has roared back into form with three straight wins—including a remarkable comeback against the Bulldogs last week, where they overturned an 18-0 deficit in the final 20 minutes. Before that, they dismantled the Warriors and Sharks with ruthless efficiency.
Confidence is back in Brisbane, and so is belief. The spine is clicking, the forwards are rolling, and Origin stars like Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, and Payne Haas are setting the standard.
Still, the Broncos know better than to take this Titans side lightly. Local derbies have a way of rewriting the form guide. The Titans will come out swinging, backs against the wall, playing for pride—and possibly for their coach’s job.
But based on recent form, the Broncos look too sharp, too focused, and too well-drilled to let this one slip. They’ve found their groove—and there’s no room now for a backward step.
Broncos by 10. Maybe more.
Match Officials
Referees, Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, Tyson Brough, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Chris Butler.
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