25 SUNDAY AUGUST 24th 2025
Knights v Broncos
McDonald Jones Stadium,Newcastle,2pm.
Knights Search for Redemption at Home After Six-Game Slide
The mood in Newcastle is heavy after the Knights slumped to their sixth straight defeat last weekend, a skid that has extinguished their finals hopes. Yet, as they return to the familiar embrace of McDonald Jones Stadium, there’s a sense that this match is about more than just pride—it’s about building for the future.
With an eye already fixed on their season-opening trip to Las Vegas in 2026, Newcastle are determined to use these final rounds as a foundation for what’s to come. The return of Phoenix Crossland adds a spark, with the versatile playmaker slotting back in at hooker after recovering from concussion. His inclusion pushes Jayden Brailey to the bench, while Matt Arthur steps aside.
In the forward rotation, Brodie Jones makes way for Elijah Salesa Leaumoana, the 22-year-old prop who continues his steady rise as he lines up for just his fifth NRL appearance.
It may not be finals football for the Knights, but the story is far from over. For Newcastle, the next chapter begins at home.
Knights
1. Connor Votano 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. Francis Manuleleua 19. James Schiller 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Fletcher Hunt 22. Lachlan Crouch.
Broncos Eye Top-Four Surge as Finals Loom
The Broncos’ finals campaign takes another crucial step this Sunday as they head south to face the Knights, with a coveted top-four finish still within reach. Sitting sixth on the ladder and just two points adrift of the Warriors, Brisbane know the safety net of a double chance could hinge on results over the next fortnight.
Their task may be helped by the Warriors’ inconsistency, with the Auckland side stumbling in their clash against the Titans the day before. Still, the Broncos can’t afford to rely on favours from elsewhere—their place in the eight is not yet guaranteed, and victory over Newcastle is vital to lock down their position.
Coach Madge Maguire has made only minimal tweaks to the side that surged past the Dolphins last week. Back-rower Jack Gosiewski has been sidelined with a collarbone injury, opening the door for Jaiyden Hunt to step into the starting pack. Meanwhile, Jesse Arthars provides fresh energy from the bench.
For Brisbane, the equation is simple: win, and the top-four dream stays alive. Lose, and the door to September security could slam shut.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki , 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas, 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy , 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jesse Arthars Reserves: 18. Fletcher Baker, 19. Delouise Hoeter 20. Jock Madden 21. Va’a Semu 22. Luke Gale.
Key Stats
The Knights have lost nine of their last 10 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Broncos have won their last five games against the Knights.
Knights winger Dominic Young has scored five tries in his last four games against the Broncos.
Broncos halfback Ben Hunt will play his 350th NRL game.
The Knights have conceded 130 points in their last three games.
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Kieren Irons, Drew Oultram ,Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Broncos Backed to Outclass Knights in Newcastle
Last weekend was one to forget for Newcastle. Their clash with the Cowboys ended in a performance that left fans shaking their heads, and now they return home desperate to avoid further embarrassment in front of their own crowd.
The challenge is daunting. The Broncos arrive fresh from a composed victory over the Dolphins, achieved even without their star halves on the park. With momentum on their side and finals security still on the line, Brisbane look primed to flex their muscle once more.
For the Knights, pride is the prize. For the Broncos, it’s two vital competition points—and with their class across the park, they’re tipped to take them.
Tip: Broncos by 12.
Tigers v Cowboys
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, 4.05pm.
Tigers Chase Finals Lifeline Against Cowboys
The Wests Tigers refuse to let their season fade quietly. With three games remaining, Benji Marshall’s side are clinging to slim finals hopes, and Sunday’s showdown with the Cowboys looms as another must-win battle.
Marshall’s men have hit their stride at the right time, winning three of their last four to surge back into the top-eight conversation. Still, the climb is steep—the Tigers sit 11th, four points adrift of the Roosters in eighth, and every contest from here is a do-or-die.
Stability is the call from the coach this week. Marshall has resisted the urge to tinker, keeping faith in the same 17 that delivered last weekend. Centre Starford To’a, who left the field early with a shoulder complaint, has been named and is expected to take his place.
The path is narrow, but the Tigers remain alive. And in front of their home fans, they’ll look to roar once more.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton , 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt, 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar Reserves: 18. Heath Mason 19. Brent Naden 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Luke Laulilii.
Cowboys Ready to Test Tigers in Leichhardt Showdown
For the Cowboys, Sunday’s clash is about more than ladder position—it’s about setting the tone for 2026. With their season-opening date against the Knights in Las Vegas already in sight, North Queensland are determined to build momentum and lay a strong foundation for the future.
They arrive at Leichhardt Oval full of confidence after dismantling Newcastle last week, and with a near full-strength side returning, the stage is set for a bruising encounter with the Tigers.
Coach Todd Payten has rewarded consistency, naming the same 17 that got the job done against the Knights. Kai O’Donnell once again fills the 18th-man role, while Marly Bitungane, Nicholas Lenaz and Kaiden Lahrs provide depth among the reserves.
It’s a contest that promises grit and intensity—two proud clubs, each chasing their own vision of the future.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea , 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter , Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Zac Laybutt , 17. Thomas Mikaele Reserves: 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz, 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs.
Key Stats
The Tigers have won nine of their last 11 games against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval.
The Cowboys have won six of their last seven games against the Tigers.
Tigers winger Jeral Skelton has scored six tries in his last four games.
Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored eight tries in seven games against Wests Tigers.
Tigers five-eighth Jarome Luai will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough ,Touch Judges, Liam Kennedy, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Tigers Tipped to Edge Cowboys in Leichhardt Thriller
The Tigers turned heads last week with a polished win over the Sea Eagles, while the Cowboys flexed their muscle in a dominant display against the Knights. Both sides arrive in form, setting the stage for what looms as a tightly fought contest on Sunday.
What could make the difference is the venue. Leichhardt Oval—one of rugby league’s most iconic suburban grounds—offers the Tigers a priceless edge. The roar of the faithful, the intimacy of the stands, and the history woven into the turf all combine to give the home side something extra.
With little to separate the teams on recent form, it may well come down to that home advantage. And at Leichhardt, the Tigers are tipped to prevail.
Tip: Tigers by 2.
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