SATURDAY MARCH 29th 2025
ST GEORGE v MELBOURNE STORM
NTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v CANBERRA RAIDERS
DRAGONS v STORM
NETSTRATA STADIUM SYDNEY 3PM
With the Dragons having a bye in the final round, fans will have to wait two weeks to see how they respond after their one-point loss to the Rabbitohs. It was a game they should have won, having led 24-12 early in the second half. However, it seemed like they switched off as soon as they got 12 points ahead, and it’s easy to understand why coach Shane Flanagan was frustrated.
Still, there were some positives for the team. Clint Gutherson continues to prove why he was such an important signing, while Tyrell Sloan bagged a double and showed promise as a winger. The Dragons need to maintain their focus for the full 80 minutes and avoid going into cruise control when they take the lead.
David Klemmer has been named on the bench after being granted a release from the Wests Tigers to replace Francis Molo. Toby Couchman moves into the starting lineup, while Dylan Egan is set to make his NRL debut from the bench. Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Blake Lowrie have been shifted to the reserves. Meanwhile, Moses Suli has been named in the squad despite suffering a rib injury against the Rabbitohs.
ST GEORGE
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes , 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman, 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin , 14. Jacob Liddle 15. David Klemmer 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan, 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Blake Lawrie , 21. Tom Eisenhuth 22. Lyhkan King-Togia
In: David Klemmer (bench), Dylan Egan (bench), Mathew Feagai (reserve), Tom Eisenhuth (reserve), Lyhkan King-Togia (reserve)
Changes: Blake Lawrie (front row to reserve), Toby Couchman (bench to front row), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (bench to reserve)
The Storm had an early-season opportunity to avenge their Grand Final loss to the Panthers. Just moments into the match, Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary suffered a head knock and failed his HIA, forcing him out of the game. At that point, it seemed likely that the Storm would take full control, but the Panthers showed great resilience and pushed them right to the brink.
This week, the Storm will have to deal with the absence of key players. Jahrome Hughes is sidelined with a broken hand, with the versatile Tyran Wishart stepping in at halfback. Additionally, Nick Meaney is out with a jaw injury, and Grant Anderson will take his place. Will Warbrick returns from injury to reclaim his spot on the wing. Meanwhile, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is unavailable due to concussion protocols, with Lazarus Vaalepu moving onto the bench. Bronson Garlick is another new addition to the interchange.
The fullbacks from both sides will play a crucial role in this matchup. Gutherson showcased his class against the Rabbitohs, setting up a brilliant try for Sloan. If the Dragons are to stand a chance, Gutherson must be at his best. On the other hand, with Hughes out, Ryan Papenhuyzen’s influence becomes even more significant. That said, the Storm have proven in the past that they can win despite missing key players. Allowing Wishart to play his natural game without excessive pressure will be essential to securing victory.
For the Dragons’ halves, this is the perfect opportunity to step up and prove their worth. With the Storm missing Hughes, they have a prime chance to take control and show the fans what they are capable of.
STORM
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu, 18. Kane Bradley 19. Marion Seve 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Sualauvi Faalogo, 22. Angus Hinchey
Out: Nick Meaney (centre), Jahrome Hughes (halfback), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (bench)
In: Will Warbrick (wing), Bronson Garlick (bench), Lazarus Vaalepu (bench), Kane Bradley (reserve), Marion Seve (reserve), Keagan Russell-Smith (reserve), Sualauvi Fa’alogo (reserve), Angus Hinchey (reserve)
Changes: Grant Anderson (wing to centre), Tyran Wishart (bench to halfback)
Referees: Peter Gough; Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Damian Brady, Bunker, The Blind Kasey Badger;
The Dragons have won three of their past four games against the Storm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The Storm won 10 from 12 away from home in 2024 (equal best in NRL).
Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu has scored six tries in his past four NRL games.
Storm second-rower Eliesa Katoa has scored five tries in six games against the Dragons.
Shane Flanagan-coached teams have won five of their last seven games against the Storm.
Best Bet, I will go with the Storm even with all their injuries.
COWBOYS v RAIDERS
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM TOWNSVILLE 5.30pm
The Cowboys will be aiming for their first win of the season when they take on the Raiders at home this Saturday evening.
Coach Todd Payten is already feeling the pressure after three straight losses to start the season, with no clear signs of improvement or a path to finals contention.
The team remains unchanged from last week’s clash against the Broncos, but there is an interesting development on the reserves list. Zac Laybutt, who suffered an ACL injury last season, has been named as he looks to make his return. Despite playing only five games last year, Laybutt showed plenty of promise, and Payten appears eager to bring him back into the squad as soon as possible.
COWBOYS
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess, 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele
In: Harrison Edwards (reserve), Zac Laybutt (reserve), Thomas Duffy (reserve), Karl Lawton (reserve), Thomas Mikaele (reserve)
As for the Raiders, some may feel they failed to perform in the Manly game, while others might believe that a series of unfortunate events occurred during the match. There are various opinions on this, but Coach Ricky Stuart made his feelings clear after the game. Personally, I thought the refereeing was poor.
On a positive note, Joe Tapine’s return from suspension will be a significant boost for the Raiders. As a result, Corey Horsburgh will shift to lock, and Morgan Smithies will miss the match due to a concussion sustained in the first half of Sunday’s game.
If Canberra thought this game would be an easy way to bounce back to the winner’s circle, they are mistaken. One concerning statistic is that the Cowboys have been a bogey team for the Raiders, having won the last six matchups. The last time Canberra beat them was back in Round 12 of 2020.
The last time these two teams met was at the same venue this Saturday, and it was a humiliating result for Canberra, with the Cowboys winning 42-4. Defense will be a key focus for Ricky Stuart heading into this game, especially since the Cowboys have scored a total of 112 points in their last three matches. Honestly, the Cowboys are a different team compared to Round 24 of last year, while the Raiders were one of the surprise hot starters of this season until last weekend.
There are some intriguing matchups in this game, especially the English second-row battle – a contest between the Raiders’ “past” and “future.” John Bateman, who helped lead Canberra to the 2019 Grand Final, will face off against the rising star Matty Nicholson. Nicholson scored an impressive double on debut against Brisbane and has averaged 38 tackles per game in his first two appearances, showcasing his ability and earning plenty of attention.
On the other hand, John Bateman’s departure from Canberra was controversial, made even more so when he signed with another NRL club shortly after leaving. Given Bateman’s personality, you can be sure he wants to get one over on his former team, and he’s likely to be particularly focused on the young player now wearing the green jersey he once wore himself.
RAIDERS
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh, 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Trey Mooney 17. Ata Mariota 18. Danny Levi, 19. Jed Stuart 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Albert Hopoate 22. Adam Cook
Out: Morgan Smithies (bench)
In: Joseph Tapine (front row), Jed Stuart (reserve), Danny Levi (reserve), Pasami Saulo (reserve), Albert Hopoate (reserve), Adam Cook (reserve)
Changes: Corey Horsburgh (front row to lock), Trey Mooney (lock to bench)
Referees: Adam Gee; Touch Judges, Tyson Brough, Nick Pelgrave, Bunker, Liam Kennedy;
The Cowboys have won their last six games against the Raiders.
The Raiders have won only one from five at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Cowboys have conceded 104 points in their first three games.
Raiders winger Xavier Savage will make his 50th NRL appearance.
The Cowboys have won five of their last seven games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Best Bet. This will be tight. I am looking for a points start here. I found both teams with a 5.5 points start@ $1.50 on Sportsbet. Take your pic.
The Cowboys simply must win, and this game will prove whether the Raiders are contenders or pretenders.
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