Warriors v Sharks
Shark Stadium, Cronulla, 5.30pm
Saturday night in the Shire promises fireworks as Addin Fonua-Blake gears up for a seismic clash against his former club, with the Warriors storming into Sharks Stadium to face Cronulla in what’s shaping up to be one of the most bruising forward battles of the season.
This isn’t just another fixture on the calendar—it’s personal. Fonua-Blake, arguably one of the signings of the year, leads the NRL in post-contact metres and has transformed Cronulla’s engine room into one of the most feared in the competition. But standing in his path is his old teammate and Kiwi Test comrade, Warriors captain James Fisher-Harris, who has his side charging in third place on the ladder.
With Mitchell Barnett sidelined after tearing his ACL in last week’s victory over the Rabbitohs, Fisher-Harris will need to dig deep to anchor a Warriors pack missing some grunt—but not ambition.
History adds another layer of spice to this heavyweight duel. While the Sharks have won six of their past eight at home, the Warriors have had the better of recent meetings—claiming three of the last four, including that unforgettable 30-28 thriller in Shaun Johnson’s emotional farewell.
Cronulla are without star winger Ronaldo Mulitalo through suspension, but Sione Katoa returns early from a shoulder injury to fill the void. Meanwhile, Teig Wilton makes his comeback after a two-month layoff, bumping Billy Burns to 18th man.
And for all the talk of the Warriors’ travel woes in years gone by, that narrative is being rewritten. Andrew Webster’s men have been red-hot on Australian soil in 2025, winning five of six games across the ditch.
As the sun sets over Shark Park, the stage is set for a ferocious encounter—two powerful packs, two passionate teams, and one prop with a point to prove.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro. 5. Mawene Hiroti 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake . 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton. 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai. 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Hohepa Puru . 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Niwhai Puru
Out: Ronaldo Mulitalo (wing), Billy Burns (second row to reserve)
In: Sione Katoa (wing), Teig Wilton (second row)
The Warriors may have lost one of their toughest enforcers in Mitch Barnett, whose season came to a heartbreaking halt with an ACL injury against South Sydney—but their engine room refuses to slow down.
Jackson Ford steps into the starting role, bringing his relentless work ethic and defensive steel, while young powerhouse Leka Halasima earns a promotion to the run-on side. His reward? A head-on collision course with Cronulla’s forward pack in one of the toughest road trips in rugby league. With Rocco Berry sidelined by a hamstring strain, veteran Kurt Capewell shifts out to the centres in a tactical reshuffle, and emerging talents Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith join the bench, eager to make their mark in finals-style football.
The Warriors, sitting third on the ladder, are riding a wave of momentum after a pulsating 36-30 win over the Rabbitohs. It was a match where speed, skill, and sheer determination lifted them over the line—and no one epitomised that more than Luke Metcalf. The dynamic five-eighth lit up the field with line breaks and pinpoint kicks, showing he’s more than ready to match it with Nicho Hynes in the kicking and creativity stakes.
And then there’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The former Dally M medallist looked electric last weekend, bursting through defenders with grace and power. With 20 tackle breaks and a 174-metre average this season, RTS is proving that his return to league wasn’t just a headline—it’s a threat.
At the back, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad looms large. The reliable fullback is clocking a whopping 205 running metres per game and will be eyeing his opposite number, Sharks speedster Will Kennedy, with intent. In a game where metres matter and every break counts, CNK could be the difference-maker.
As the Warriors prepare to march into enemy territory, battered but brimming with belief, they bring with them a new-look side and a clear message: they’re not just surviving the season—they’re hunting something bigger.
Warriors,
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey . 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf. 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima. 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban . 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Tom Ale 20. Samuel Healey. 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Taine Tuaupiki
Out: Rocco Berry (centre), Mitchell Barnett (front row)
In: Jacob Laban (bench), Tanner Stowers-Smith (bench)
Changes: Kurt Capewell (second row to centre), Selumiela Halasima (bench to second row), Jackson Ford (bench to front row)
Key Stats
The Sharks have won six of their past eight games at Sharks Stadium.
The Warriors have won three of their past four games against the Sharks.
Sharks centre KL Iro is on an eight-game try scoring run.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored eight tries in his past six games against the Sharks.
Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Referees. Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Michael Wise. Bunker, Chris Butler.
Prediction.
The Sharks had last week off after surprising everyone with an abject capitulation against the Roosters the week before. The Warriors came out on top in an intense battle against the Rabbitohs. The Sharks can go from world beaters to jokes in the space of a week. Which team will show up at home to face the Warriors is anyone’s guess. For me, I am a huge Warriors fan ,but Shark Stadium is a tough place to win.
My heart says Warriors, my head says Sharks.
Broncos v Titans
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.7.35pm.
A milestone night awaits at Suncorp Stadium, as veteran halfback Adam Reynolds prepares to etch his name into rugby league folklore. When the Broncos take the field against the Titans in the fiery South-East Queensland derby, the 34-year-old maestro will become just the 55th player in NRL history to reach the fabled 300-game milestone.
It’s not just a number—it’s a legacy, built on resilience, leadership, and a kicking game that’s sculpted countless victories. And make no mistake, Brisbane will be hell-bent on turning Reynolds’ landmark moment into a celebration rather than a footnote, especially after a gut-wrenching four-game skid that has left fans craving a return to form.
Desperation hangs thick in the Brisbane air. The Titans, too, arrive off the back of a loss, but for the Broncos, this clash is personal. It’s about pride. It’s about identity. And it’s about honouring a man who has given his all for club and code.
Payne Haas, as always, will be the battering ram at the heart of Brisbane’s go-forward, charging into the teeth of the defence and dragging defenders with him. Around him, the Broncos’ electric outside backs have the kind of pace and power to tear the game wide open—if given the chance.
The biggest boost of all? Reece Walsh is back. The dynamic No.1 returns from a knee injury that’s kept him sidelined since Round 7, and his presence could be the spark the Broncos so desperately need. With Walsh’s acceleration, footwork, and game-breaking instincts, Brisbane finally regains its X-factor.
Selwyn Cobbo shifts back to the wing, with Deine Mariner making way, while Corey Jensen earns a starting spot in the front row. Pat Carrigan moves into the lock role, Kobe Hetherington rotates to the bench, and Brendan Piakura returns to the starting edge as Xavier Willison slides into the interchange.
Everything points to a night of passion, pressure, and potential magic under the Suncorp lights. For Reynolds, for Brisbane, and for a season teetering on the edge—this could be the turning point. And with No.300 on the line, don’t be surprised if it’s a fairytale.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki . 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix . 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan , 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Benjamin Te Kura, 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Josiah Karapani 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Blake Mozer
Out: Deine Mariner (wing to reserve)
In: Reece Walsh (fullback)
Changes: Jesse Arthars (fullback to wing), Patrick Carrigan (front row to lock), Xavier Willison (second row to bench), Kobe Hetherington (lock to bench), Corey Jensen (bench to front row), Brendan Piakura (bench to second row)
The Gold Coast Titans may have fallen just short against the Storm last weekend, but they’ll march into Saturday night’s derby with their heads high and confidence simmering just beneath the surface. Narrow losses can sting—but they can also galvanise, and the Titans believe they’re on the cusp of something bigger.
Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran has brought stability and steel to the spine since his return, guiding the team around the park with the kind of composure that only 250+ games can buy. Around him, the ever-adaptable Jayden Campbell continues to dazzle—whether he’s filling in at fullback, sliding into the halves, or slotting into the centres, his ability to cover ground and create something from nothing has become one of the Titans’ great weapons.
But the real battle—the one that will shake the turf at Suncorp—will be in the engine room. Once again, powerhouse lock Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will square off against Brisbane’s Payne Haas in a matchup that’s become one of the most anticipated forward duels in the modern game. Two leaders, two warriors, and one fierce collision course.
There’s been some late reshuffling for the Titans. AJ Brimson, a sparkplug when fit, remains in a holding pattern after suffering a concussion at the captain’s run before Round 13. He’s been named as 18th man, with Allan Fitzgibbon recalled on the wing. That move sees Phil Sami slide into the centres to cover for Jojo Fifita, who’s been ruled out with a broken hand.
In the middle, the Titans have had to adapt once more. Rising talent Sean Mullany steps into the No.9 jersey, filling the void left by Sam Verrills, who will undergo surgery for a broken hand. On the bench, Arama Hau gets his chance to shine, replacing Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui and ready to bring impact when called upon.
It’s a reshaped Titans side, yes—but one that still boasts heart, hunger, and the belief that they can spoil Adam Reynolds’ milestone party in enemy territory. The stage is set, the lights are bright—and the Titans are ready to strike.
Titans.
1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami . 5. Allan Fitzgibbon 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tom Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika. 9. Sean Mullany 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor . 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Klese Haas 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Jacob Alick-Wiencke . 17. Arama Hau 18. AJ Brimson 19. Josh Patston 20. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui . 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Ryan Foran
Out: Sosefo Fifita (centre), Sam Verrills (hooker), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (bench to reserve)
In: Allan Fitzgibbon (wing), Sean Mullany (hooker), Arama Hau (bench)
Changes: Phillip Sami (wing to centre), Jaimin Jolliffe (front row to bench), Moeaki Fotuaika (bench to front row)
Key Stats
The Broncos have lost six of their past seven games.
The Titans have scored 100 points in three successive wins over the Broncos.
Broncos winger Jesse Arthars has scored six tries in seven games at Suncorp Stadium this season.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in his past six games at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds will become the 55th player to appear in 300 NRL games.
Referees. Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Kieren Irons, Wyatt Raymond, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.
Prediction
There is something seriously wrong at the Broncos, they were very ordinary last week against the Sea Eagles. The Titans put up a reasonable effort against the Storm, but simply weren’t good enough to grab the points. This game could go either way, but what is left of the Broncos’ pride is surely strong enough to defeat their Queensland rivals. I expect the Broncos to win ,but I have said that all season, so hear we go again.
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