SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7th, 2025.
Dolphins v Raiders
Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe ,Qld, 2pm.
Naufahu and the Dolphins Chase a Finals Dream
Just six games into his NRL journey, Dolphins winger Tevita Naufahu now stands on the brink of what may be the biggest moment of his young career. Sunday’s clash with the Raiders could be more than just another match – it could decide whether the Dolphins make history.
The equation is simple, yet cruelly dependent on fate. By the time the Dolphins run onto their home turf, they’ll already know if a finals dream still flickers. On Friday night, all eyes in Redcliffe will be on Sydney, where Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs must topple their fierce rivals, the Roosters. If South Sydney deliver, the door opens – and the Dolphins will charge through it with everything they have.
But the challenge doesn’t end there. Kristian Woolf’s men must not only defeat the Raiders, they also need to erase a 15-point for-and-against deficit to leapfrog into the top eight. It’s a mountain of pressure, but one this resilient side has prepared for all season.
There is hope on the horizon, too. Star centre Herbie Farnworth, sidelined since Round 22 with a hamstring injury, has been named in the extended squad and looms as a potential late inclusion. Meanwhile, back-rower Kulikefu Finefuiaki returns from an ankle setback, ready to cover the loss of Connelly Lemuelu.
For Naufahu and his teammates, Sunday is no ordinary game. It’s a chance to etch their names into club folklore – and perhaps, to begin a finals fairytale.
Dolphins:
1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King , 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe, Bench: 14. Aublix Tawha 15. Ray Stone 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr, Reserves: 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. LJ Nonu 20. James Walsh 21. Peter Hola, 22. Herbie Farnworth.
Raiders Rest Their Stars as Finals Quest Begins
After wrapping up the minor premiership in style with a dominant win over the Wests Tigers, the Raiders are taking a deep breath before the storm. For Ricky Stuart, the job now is no longer about ladder positions – it’s about building a platform for Canberra’s first title run in decades.
With history beckoning, Stuart has swung the axe on his frontline troops, giving a host of stars a well-earned rest. Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi, Josh Papalii, Zac Hosking and Hudson Young will all sit out, preserving their fire for the battles ahead.
In their place comes a fresh-faced Green Machine, brimming with opportunity. Chevy Stewart takes charge at fullback, while Adam Cook and Ethan Sanders step into the halves. Matty Nicholson slots into the back row, and the wings welcome Michael Asomua, who will taste NRL action for the very first time. Alongside him, bench players Manaia Waitere and Joe Roddy will also debut, adding to the sense of renewal.
Guiding this youthful side is the fiery Corey Horsburgh, entrusted with the captain’s armband as he leads Canberra’s next generation into the spotlight.
For the Raiders, Round 27 is not just about resting weary legs – it’s about ensuring the club is primed for the ultimate prize: a drought-breaking premiership.
Raiders:
1. Chevy Stewart 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris , 5. Michael Asomua 6. Adam Cook 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie, 10. Ata Mariota 11. Noah Martin 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies, Bench: 14. Danny Levi 15. Trey Mooney 16. Manaia Waitere 17. Joseph Roddy, Reserves: 18. Kain Anderson 19. Vena Patuki-Case 20. Shaun Packer 21. Ethan Alaia, 22. Myles Martin.
Key Stats
The Dolphins have beaten three of the top four teams this season.
The Raiders have won their last three games against the Dolphins.
Dolphins centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored five tries in his last four games against the Raiders.
The Raiders are aiming for 20 wins in a season for the first time since 1995.
Dolphins centre Jake Averillo has scored four tries in his last five games at Kayo Stadium.
Officials
Referee, Gerard Sutton ,Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Jon Stone, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Dolphins Face Raiders in Do-or-Die Gamble
The Dolphins rediscovered some spark last week, but their leaky defence against the Titans left more questions than answers. Now, as they prepare to host the Raiders, their entire season hangs in the balance – though the script may already be written before they even take the field. By kick-off, the Dolphins will know if their finals dream is alive or if fate has closed the door. That knowledge could either ignite them with desperation or drain them of belief.
The Raiders, in contrast, arrive with the luxury of certainty. Their dominant win over the Tigers sealed the minor premiership, and Ricky Stuart has chosen to shield his stars for the battles ahead. What runs out on Sunday is a makeshift Green Machine – brave, eager, but far from full strength.
It all points to one truth: this is the Dolphins’ chance. A chance to prove their resilience, to make history, and to seize the moment. If the finals remain within reach, they’ll need every ounce of grit to overcome Canberra’s young brigade.
Prediction: Dolphins by 6.
Eels v Knights
CommBank Stadium,Sydney,4.05pm.
Eels Eye Strong Finish as Brown Returns to No.6
Parramatta are determined to close their campaign with momentum, eyeing one final push to cap off their late-season surge. With four wins from their past six outings – including scalps against the Broncos, Roosters and Warriors – the Eels have laid the groundwork for what they hope will be a serious finals tilt in 2026.
But before the long off-season begins, there’s one last hurdle: Newcastle at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Jason Ryles has kept changes to a minimum, opting for stability as his side looks to finish on a high.
The one notable switch comes in the halves, where Dylan Brown returns to the No.6 jersey. Bound for Newcastle next year, Brown replaces Jordan Samrani, who drops to the reserves. It’s a fitting stage for the Kiwi playmaker, who last wore the five-eighth role in Round 19 against Penrith before covering three games in the centres across Rounds 23 to 25.
For the Eels, Sunday is not just about one match – it’s about sending a message. That this side, forged in resilience, is ready to rise again in 2026.
Eels:
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Matt Doorey 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Jordan Samrani Reserves: 18. Dean Hawkins , 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Joey Lussick 22. Joash Papali’i.
Knights Rally to Farewell O’Brien in Emotional Finale
For Newcastle, Sunday is more than just the end of a season – it’s the end of an era. Coach Adam O’Brien will take charge of the Knights for the final time, and his players are determined to send him out with a victory before their focus shifts to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the 2026 season opener.
O’Brien has shown faith in the same 17 who went down to the Sharks, though as always, late tweaks may be in play. Fletcher Hunt retains the No.1 jersey at fullback, with veteran Dane Gagai anchoring the centres. In the spine, Jake Arthur lines up at five-eighth, Phoenix Crossland takes the hooking role, and Jayden Brailey provides spark and experience off the interchange bench.
For the Knights, it’s not about ladder positions or finals permutations. It’s about pride, loyalty, and giving their departing mentor the send-off he deserves. On Sunday, the McDonald Jones faithful will rise one last time for Adam O’Brien – and his players will be desperate to make sure it’s in triumph.
Knights:
1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson , 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey , 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Elijah Leaumoana Reserves: 18. James Schiller, 19. Cody Hopwood 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Lachlan Crouch.
Key Stats
The Eels have won seven of their last eight games against the Knights.
The Knights have not won at CommBank Stadium since 2020.
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses has scored four tries in his last three games against the Knights.
The Knights have conceded 176 points in their last four games.
Eels centre Will Penisini will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Officials
Referee, Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Phil Henderson, Bunker, Liam Kennedy
Eels Aim to End on a High as Knights Falter
Parramatta’s upset over the Warriors last week left fans scratching their heads – how did a team capable of such performances manage to miss the finals? Fortune certainly played its part, with a controversial bunker call once again leaving the Kiwi side feeling hard done by. For Warriors supporters, it was another painful reminder of how often the big decisions seem to fall the other way.
The Knights, meanwhile, showed early spark against the Sharks before fading badly – a frustratingly familiar pattern in a season that never quite clicked. With both sides now out of the race, this final clash is all about pride and momentum heading into 2026.
The Eels, riding their recent surge, look the sharper of the two and carry the confidence to finish with a flourish. Prediction: Eels by 12.
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