SATURDAY MAY 24th 2025
Panthers v Knights
Carrington Park, Bathhurst, NSW 5：30pm
A Test of Depth and Character: Panthers and Knights Face Off Amid Challenges
It’s that time of year again—when the Origin period casts a long shadow over the NRL. At the foot of the Blue Mountains, a reshuffled Panthers side is preparing for battle, missing some of their biggest stars to New South Wales Blues duty.
Coach Ivan Cleary stands on the sideline, surveying a team that looks very different from the one that has dominated recent seasons. Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, and Liam Martin are all out in sky blue, leaving Penrith with a mix of young guns and emerging talent.
Their opponents, the Newcastle Knights, aren’t in much better shape. Star fullback and captain Kalyn Ponga is sidelined, and the team is reeling from a rough patch—six losses in their last seven games. Confidence is low, but with their season slowly slipping away, the Knights are desperate to turn things around.
The last time these two sides met was in Townsville during Round 10, where they fought out a thrilling 30-30 draw. This time, the battle moves to BlueBet Stadium, with both teams looking to prove a point.
Penrith are coming off a bye and, before that, had started to find some form, winning two of their previous three matches. Still, this year’s Origin stretch feels different. In past seasons, Penrith’s depth saw them sail through this period. Now, the wins aren’t coming as easily—and the pressure is on.
Cleary has turned to youth and versatility to fill the void. Brad Schneider steps in at halfback for Nathan Cleary, while Daine Laurie slots into fullback in place of Edwards. Thomas Jenkins takes over from Brian To’o on the wing, Casey McLean moves into the centres, and Luke Garner fills the back-row spot left by Martin. With Isaah Yeo leading the Blues, Lindsay Smith shifts to lock, and Matt Eisenhuth starts up front. On the bench, fresh faces Luke Sommerton, Preston Riki, and Jack Cole will be eager to make their mark.
For the Knights, this game is more than just a shot at two points—it’s a chance to stop the slide and reignite their campaign. For the Panthers, it’s about proving their depth and resilience once again.
Saturday night in Penrith won’t just be another match—it’ll be a measure of belief, grit, and who can rise when the stars are away.
Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Preston Riki 12. Liam Henry 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Austin Dias 16. Luron Patea 17. Jack Cole 18. Trent Toelau 19. Zac Lipowicz 20. Jesse McLean 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Billy Phillips
Unavailable due to State of Origin I – Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo (NSW)
Out: Dylan Edwards (fullback), Brian To’o (wing), Nathan Cleary (halfback), Isaiah Papali’i (second row), Liam Martin (second row), Isaah Yeo (lock)
In: Daine Laurie (fullback), Casey Mclean (centre), Brad Schneider (halfback), Matt Eisenhuth (front row), Luke Sommerton (bench), Preston Riki (bench), Jack Cole (bench)
Changes: Luke Garner (centre to second row), Lindsay Smith (front row to lock), Liam Henry (bench to second row), Thomas Jenkins (bench to wing)
Sharpe Steps Up: Knights Reshuffle Backline Ahead of Crucial Clash
With Kalyn Ponga away on Origin duty, the Knights have turned to one of their brightest young stars to fill the void at fullback—dynamic playmaker Fletcher Sharpe. Normally a livewire in the halves, Sharpe now shifts to the back to bring his creativity and spark to the number one jersey, tasked with guiding a Newcastle side searching for stability and inspiration.
His move triggers a reshuffle in the spine: Tyson Gamble takes over at five-eighth, while Jack Cogger steps into the halfback role to steer the team around the park. In the centres, young Kyle McCarthy earns just his second NRL appearance, providing fresh legs and energy out wide.
That shift pushes Dylan Lucas back into his familiar spot in the back row, despite a late shoulder scare in last week’s clash against the Eels. Encouragingly for the Knights, Lucas is on track to play. Meanwhile, Thomas Cant drops to the bench to provide impact later in the game.
Up front, there’s more welcome news—Leo Thompson returns from a head knock and reclaims his spot at prop, taking over from Jacob Saifiti, who is sidelined with a calf issue. Jack Hetherington has been named 18th man as the Knights look to balance youth, resilience, and experience in what shapes as a pivotal matchup in their 2025 campaign.
Knights
1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kyle McCarthy 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Brodie Jones 17. Thomas Cant 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Paul Bryan 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Jackson Hastings
Unavailable due to State of Origin I – Kalyn Ponga (QLD)
Out: Kalyn Ponga (fullback), Jacob Saifiti (front row), Jack Hetherington (bench to reserve)
In: Kyle McCarthy (centre), Jack Cogger (halfback), Leo Thompson (front row)
Changes: Dylan Lucas (centre to second row), Fletcher Sharpe (five-eighth to fullback), Tyson Gamble (halfback to five-eighth), Thomas Cant (second row to bench)
Referees. Belinda Sharpe, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Drew Oultram, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Key Stats
The Panthers are undefeated in their last 10 games against the Knights.
The Knights have averaged only 13 points per game in 2025.
The Panthers have won three of their past four games in Bathurst.
The Knights have won only three of their last 10 games played outside Newcastle.
The Panthers will field only seven members of last year’s grand final-winning outfit.
Depth Over Stars: Panthers’ System Built for Moments Like This
Even without their usual stars, the Panthers remain a club built on more than just marquee names—they’re built on culture, depth, and an unshakable belief in the “next man up” mentality. It’s that same mindset that has powered their dynasty through Origin seasons year after year, and there’s no reason to think it won’t carry them again this week.
The Knights, on the other hand, are in a far tougher spot. Their attack has spluttered in recent weeks, and yet again, they find themselves fielding another makeshift halves pairing—still searching for answers. With Kalyn Ponga unavailable, the weight on their shoulders only grows heavier. And let’s be honest: they’ve struggled to win even with Ponga in the side. Expecting them to turn things around without him feels like wishful thinking.
For Penrith, this isn’t just another challenge—it’s the kind of moment they’ve come to own.
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks
Industree Group Stadium ,Gosford, NSW 7：35pm
Youthful Roosters Ready for Sharks Challenge on Historic Night in Gosford
On Saturday night, the spotlight of the rugby league world will shine brightly on the Central Coast, as the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks collide at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford. With Origin selections and injuries decimating their roster, the Roosters are set to test the true depth of their squad—leaning on youth, resilience, and a strong club culture to carry them through.
Coach Trent Robinson finds himself without six key players for the clash—Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Robert Toia, and Lindsay Collins are all on representative duty, while enforcer Naufahu Whyte remains sidelined with injury. But opportunity often emerges from adversity, and for 20-year-old Benaiah Ioelu, this week marks the realisation of a lifelong dream as he earns his first-grade debut.
Ioelu will line up alongside returning forward Nat Butcher, whose presence adds much-needed steel to a reshaped pack. And while the side may be light on stars, they’re not short on spirit—especially with a milestone moment awaiting one of their heart-and-soul players. Hard-hitting lock Victor Radley will notch his 150th NRL appearance, a proud achievement for the two-time premiership winner in the famous tricolours.
History offers comfort for Roosters fans: their side has dominated recent clashes with the Sharks, winning eight of the past ten encounters. Under Robinson’s leadership, the Roosters also boast a solid Origin-period record—winning ten of 16 games without their representative stars. Add to that a perfect five-from-five record at Industree Group Stadium this decade, and there’s reason to believe the Chooks can weather this mid-season storm.
It may be a youthful Roosters outfit taking the field—but with their record, resolve, and Radley leading the way, don’t count them out just yet.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Makahesi Makatoa 9. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Salesi Foketi 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Blake Steep 17. Nat Butcher 18. Ethan King 19. Xavier Va’a 20. Ethan Roberts 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Toby Rodwell
Unavailable due to State of Origin I – Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins (QLD); Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu (SYD)
Out: Robert Toia (centre), Spencer Leniu (front row), Connor Watson (hooker), Naufahu Whyte (front row), Angus Crichton (second row), Lindsay Collins (bench)
In: Dominic Young (wing), Makahesi Makatoa (front row), Salesi Foketi (front row), Benaiah Ioelu (bench), Taylor Losalu (bench), Nat Butcher (bench)
Changes: Mark Nawaqanitawase (wing to centre), Zach Dockar-Clay (bench to hooker), Egan Butcher (bench to second row)
Sharks Scent Opportunity as Roosters Reel from Origin Losses
With their top-eight spot looking increasingly secure, the Cronulla Sharks head into Saturday night’s showdown on the Central Coast full of confidence and momentum. Fresh off a thrilling 31-26 win over long-time rivals Melbourne, the Sharks now face a Roosters side missing five key Origin stars—an opportunity Craig Fitzgibbon’s men will be eager to exploit.
Unlike many of their competitors, the Sharks have entered the representative period largely unscathed by Origin selections, allowing them to maintain continuity and cohesion at a crucial point in the season. That continuity will be slightly disrupted this week, however, with dynamic winger Sam Stonestreet sidelined by a serious syndesmosis injury that could keep him out for up to two months. In his place, Mawene Hiroti returns to the wing for his first appearance since Round 8 after recovering from a knee injury.
Jesse Ramien has been named despite copping an eye injury in the win over the Storm, while back-rower Teig Wilton is a chance to return from a shoulder issue and has been included in the extended squad. Meanwhile, prop Tom Hazelton remains unavailable with a sternum injury.
The Sharks boast a strong record heading into Origin-impacted rounds, winning ten of their last fifteen matches during this period dating back to 2013—including four out of five under Fitzgibbon’s tenure. They also carry fond memories of Gosford, having won four of six matches there and thumping the Roosters 44-12 the only time these two sides met at Industree Group Stadium back in 2017.
With confidence high and stability on their side, the Sharks won’t just be aiming to win—they’ll be out to make a statement against a Roosters outfit scrambling to fill holes.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 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
Unavailable due to State of Origin I – none
Out: Samuel Stonestreet (wing)
In: Mawene Hiroti (wing)
Referees. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Jon Stone, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Key Stats
The Roosters have won eight of their last 10 games against the Sharks.
The Sharks have scored 40 points or more in their last three games at Industree Group Stadium.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored 11 tries in 14 games against the Sharks.
Sharks centre KL Iro has scored at least one try in all seven games this season.
Roosters lock Victor Radley will play his 150th NRL game.
Sharks Hitting Form at the Right Time, Ready to Roll Weakened Roosters
The Cronulla Sharks are quietly building something special. With five wins from their past six outings, Craig Fitzgibbon’s men are hitting their stride at just the right time of the season. The energy is rising in the Shire, and if their recent form is anything to go by, they look like a team ready to do more than just make up the numbers come September.
Now, with momentum on their side and belief in their system, the Sharks face a golden opportunity against a Sydney Roosters side severely weakened by Origin call-ups and injuries. It’s the kind of match that top-eight hopefuls must win if they’re to be taken seriously as premiership contenders.
Cronulla have shown composure, grit and growing maturity in recent weeks. And while the Roosters will bring effort and heart, the Sharks’ consistency and cohesion should be too much for a patched-together Tricolours outfit to overcome.
This is a litmus test not just of Cronulla’s class, but of their intentions. If they’re truly eyeing a deep September run, they need to make a statement—and this weekend shapes as the perfect stage.
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