SATURDAY, MAY 17TH,2025
Warriors v Dolphins
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 3pm.
Dolphins Aim for a Showstopping Performance as Warriors Chase Five Straight Wins
The sun will shine down on Suncorp Stadium this Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for a thrilling clash between the Dolphins and the Warriors. With both teams bringing their A-game, excitement is sure to follow.
For Kristian Woolf’s Dolphins, last week’s narrow win over Parramatta has them returning to Brisbane with newfound confidence. This victory has provided a boost to the team’s morale, and they are now primed to put on a show in front of their home crowd. The afternoon weather promises to allow their halves, Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima, to play their natural styles, unleashing their attacking potential on the field.
Meanwhile, the Warriors will be focused on extending their impressive run to five consecutive victories. They’re hungry for success, and the stakes are high as they prepare to challenge the Dolphins in what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.
However, the weather may play a role in this match. With Brisbane drenched in rain all week, there’s little hope for the skies to clear before Saturday’s game. Rain is expected to persist, potentially leading to errors from both sides. The slippery conditions could add an unpredictable twist to what is shaping up to be a captivating contest.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Ray Stone 14. Harrison Graham 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Oryn Keeley 20. Max Feagai 21. Kenny Bromwich 22. Junior Tupou
Changes: Ray Stone (second row to lock), Tom Gilbert (lock to second row)
Warriors Return to Suncorp for Round 11, Eager to Close Road Trip on a High
Just two weeks after a nail-biting Magic Round victory over the Cowboys, the Warriors are set to return to Suncorp Stadium with their sights set on another crucial win.
Under the guidance of Andrew Webster, the Warriors have hit their stride, now on a four-game winning streak. Last week, it was Luke Metcalf’s calm and composed game-winning field goal against the Dragons that kept their momentum rolling. Now, they face another challenge as they look to finish their road trip on a high before heading back home in Round 12.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but the Warriors are determined to make the most of their time away. One key boost comes in the form of James Fisher-Harris, who makes his return from a pectoral injury and will be named at prop for this vital clash. Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who’s listed in the reserves, will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday’s match, as the team hopes to have him available.
However, the Warriors have had to make some adjustments. Bunty Afoa, who started at prop last week, has dropped out of the squad, and Jackson Ford has been ruled out due to a concussion sustained during the victory over the Dragons. In their place, young Sam Healey makes his second NRL appearance, after debuting in Round 9 against the Cowboys.
As the Warriors prepare for this critical matchup, their determination to finish strong on the road will be key. They’ll be hoping to carry this energy and momentum back home for Round 12.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Taine Tuaupiki 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Samuel Healey 18. Eddie Ieremia 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 23. Moala Graham-Taufa
Out: Bunty Afoa (front row), Jackson Ford (bench)
In:James Fisher-Harris (front row), Samuel Healey (bench)
Referees: Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Tyson Brough, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Key Stats
The Dolphins have scored 68 points in two games against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
The Warriors have won only two of their past eight games at Suncorp Stadium.
Centre Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in four consecutive games for the Dolphins.
Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf has scored six tries in his last six games.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored seven tries in his last five games at Suncorp Stadium.
Warriors’ Strong Form Sets Them Up for a Test Against the Dolphins
The Dolphins managed to just fall over the line last week against the Eels, while the Warriors continued their impressive season, moving into second place on the ladder after a tough win against the Dragons. This game could be a real test for the Warriors, but going on current form, you’d have to pick them over the Dolphins. The wet conditions should not worry the Warriors, it will be like a summers day in Auckland.
Cowboys v Manly
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville,5.30pm
Cowboys Seek Redemption in Townsville as State of Origin Spots Loom
The Cowboys are primed for redemption when they host a Manly side desperate for a turn of fortune in Saturday evening’s showdown in Townsville. A lot has changed since the two teams met in Round 1, when the Sea Eagles handed North Queensland a humbling 42-12 defeat at 4 Pines Park.
Since that early season setback, the Cowboys have found their rhythm, emerging as one of the league’s hottest teams over the past month. On the other hand, Manly has struggled, managing just one win in their last five outings, causing them to slip to eighth place on the ladder.
Saturday’s clash isn’t just about pride; it’s also a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim for State of Origin selection. Tom and Jake Trbojevic will be looking to impress selectors for NSW, while Manly’s halfback Daly Cherry-Evans and Cowboys’ five-eighth Tom Dearden will both be vying for a spot in the Maroons’ halves. This match could be a pivotal factor in who dons the No.7 jersey for the opening Origin game.
In a bold move, North Queensland coach has shaken up his attack, shifting young Jaxon Purdue from centre to five-eighth, with Tom Dearden moving into halfback. Meanwhile, Zac Laybutt makes his long-awaited return to the centres after recovering from an ACL injury suffered last season. No other changes have been made for the Cowboys, though Jake Clifford will be the 18th man. With so much on the line, both teams will be eager to leave it all on the field.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kai O’Donnell 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Semi Valemei 21. Karl Lawton 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Out: Jake Clifford (halfback to reserve)
In: Zac Laybutt (centre)
Changes: Jaxon Purdue (centre to five-eighth), Tom Dearden (five-eighth to halfback)
Jake Trbojevic Shifts Gears in Pursuit of Origin Spot as Manly Make Key Adjustments
Jake Trbojevic is back in his familiar role at lock, determined to put his best foot forward as he aims for a return to the New South Wales lineup. The reshuffle sees Jazz Tevaga returning to his natural position at hooker, while Ethan Bullemor is set to start at prop. Jake Simpkin, in turn, will shift to the bench, adding depth to Manly’s forward pack.
In addition to these changes, Caleb Navale has been promoted to the interchange, taking Clayton Faulalo’s place in the squad. Meanwhile, prop Matthew Lodge is now available for selection and has been named in the reserves, adding yet another option for Manly’s front row.
With the State of Origin looming, Trbojevic and his teammates will be looking to make a statement in these final games leading up to the series.
Manly
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Caleb Navale 17. Nathan Brown 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Joey Walsh 22. Matthew Lodge
Out: none (only used 16 players in Round 10)
In: Caleb Navale (bench)
Changes: Jake Trbojevic (front row to lock), Jake Simpkin (hooker to bench), Jazz Tevaga (lock to hooker), Ethan Bullemor (bench to front row)
Referees: Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Michael Wise, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Key Stats
The Cowboys have not defeated the Sea Eagles in Townsville since 2016.
The Sea Eagles have won six of their past eight games against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have scored 110 points in their last three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has scored five tries in his last five games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys winger Robert Derby has scored five tries in his last three games. This kid could be in line for an Origin Spot.
Cowboys Eye Crucial Win as Sea Eagles Struggle to Find Form
The Cowboys fought back twice against the Panthers last week to secure a draw, while the Sea Eagles were mostly ordinary against the Sharks. The Cowboys should win this at home if they are to continue their Top 8 aspirations. The Sea Eagles have completely fallen off a cliff and can’t be relied upon to even compete at times.
Sharks v Storm,
Sharks Stadium, Sydney,7.35pm
Sharks Eye Homecoming Victory Against Storm After Impressive Road Streak
After a grueling stretch on the road, Cronulla are primed for a triumphant return to Sharks Stadium, eager to make the most of their first home game since Round 4. Craig Fitzgibbon’s side impressed during their away tour, securing four wins from six matches across Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra. With confidence soaring, the Sharks are set to take on Melbourne, bolstered by a talented squad and a palpable sense of momentum.
Will Kennedy continues to shine at the top of the Dally M standings, while halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall are quickly becoming one of the NRL’s most formidable duos. Saturday night’s clash will serve as a true test of Cronulla’s premiership ambitions as they face a red-hot Melbourne Storm team, fresh off their 64-0 demolition of the Wests Tigers in Round 10.
The Sharks will welcome back Sifa Talakai from a concussion, named on the interchange, while Teig Wilton remains in the mix for a potential return from a shoulder injury, listed in the reserves. Talakai’s inclusion sees Tom Hazelton sidelined due to a sternum injury sustained last weekend, while prop Oregon Kaufusi steps back into the starting lineup. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Cronulla seeks to solidify their place as true title contenders.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Teig Wilton 22. Chris Veaila
Out: Thomas Hazelton (front row)
In: Siosifa Talakai (bench)
Changes: Oregon Kaufusi (bench to front row)
Papenhuyzen vs. Kennedy: The Battle for Supremacy Between NRL’s Best Playmakers
Ryan Papenhuyzen’s historic 36-point haul in the Storm’s thumping victory over the Wests Tigers has set the stage for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. The clash between Papenhuyzen and Will Kennedy promises to be a thrilling duel that could go down as one of the year’s finest contests.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. This game will also see two former Dally M Medal winners face off in a critical positional battle, as 2022 winner Nicho Hynes goes toe-to-toe with reigning champion Jahrome Hughes. With both halves playing pivotal roles for their respective teams, their duel will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this heavyweight encounter.
Adding further intrigue, Melbourne’s captain, Harry Grant, is listed in the reserves, aiming to prove his fitness ahead of the State of Origin opener. The Storm have made just one change to the team that dismantled the Tigers, with Tui Kamikamica returning to the bench, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona drops back to the reserves. With both teams in prime form, this matchup is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Harry Grant 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Out: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (bench to reserve)
In: Tui Kamikamica (bench)
Referees: Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, David Munro, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Key Stats
The Sharks have won their past three games against the Storm at Sharks Stadium.
The Storm have won seven of their past nine games against the Sharks.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 37 tries in 35 games at Sharks Stadium.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored seven tries in his past four games.
Sharks centre KL Iro has scored seven tries in his last six games.
The Sharks’ Challenge: Can They Hold Their Ground Against a Ruthless Storm?
Last week, the Sharks showed real promise in their match against the Sea Eagles. They dominated for the most part, but there was a brief moment in the second half where their execution faltered, allowing their opponents a glimmer of hope. Despite that, the Sharks proved they’re a team to watch, particularly when playing on home turf.
Meanwhile, the Storm unleashed a display of pure dominance against the Tigers, a ruthless reminder of why they’re one of the NRL’s most feared teams. Their precision and power were unmatched, making the task of tipping against them almost a fool’s errand.
But here’s the twist: despite the Storm’s formidable form, the Sharks have a certain magic when playing at home. It’s possible they could still cause an upset and give Melbourne a real scare. The golden rule of never tipping against the Storm is always a safe bet, but this upcoming clash could well defy expectations.
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