SATURDAY ,JUNE 21st, 2025
Warriors v Panthers
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ. 3pm.
After a scorching run of form that’s seen them notch seven wins from their past eight outings, the Warriors have surged into third place on the ladder and are brimming with confidence. But as they prepare to face the resurgent Panthers, there’s no room for complacency.
Written off early in the season after a horror 1-5 start, the reigning premiers have quietly clawed their way back into contention. Three wins and a draw from their last five games have lifted Penrith from rock bottom to ninth place—just outside the top eight and gathering momentum fast.
For the Warriors, Saturday night brings a notable change in the backline, with Moala Graham-Taufa set to make his first NRL appearance since Round 22 last year. He steps in for Kurt Capewell, who earns a well-deserved rest following his State of Origin duties. Wayde Egan also returns at hooker after recovering from a hip injury, shifting young Sam Healey to 18th man. However, the side will still be without strike centres Rocco Berry (hamstring) and Ali Leiataua (ankle), both of whom remain unavailable as they continue their rehab.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Marata Niukore , 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin , 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Samuel Healey, 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Edward Kosi 23. Eddie Ieremia
Out: Kurt Capewell (centre), Samuel Healey (hooker to reserve)
In: Moala Graham-Taufa (centre), Wayde Egan (hooker)
With four grueling weeks of the Origin period still to come and two clashes against the ladder-leading Bulldogs on the horizon, the road ahead is anything but easy for Ivan Cleary’s Panthers. But if there’s one thing the reigning champs know how to do, it’s win when it matters most—and as the finals race tightens, they’re quietly setting themselves up for a trademark late-season charge.
Their next challenge is a daunting one: a trip across the Tasman to face a red-hot Warriors side in front of a fired-up Go Media Stadium crowd. It’s a high-stakes test of depth and resilience—and they’ll be facing it without several of their biggest names.
In a move shaped by both Origin fatigue and the logistics of the long haul from Perth to Auckland, Cleary has opted to rest key Blues representatives Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Liam Martin. New South Wales squad member Lindsay Smith, however, will line up as usual.
That opens the door for a reshuffled Panthers outfit: Daine Laurie steps in at fullback, Paul Alamoti earns a start on the wing, and Brad Schneider takes the reins at halfback. Isaiah Papali’i shifts into the back row, Matt Eisenhuth slots in at lock, and Liam Henry returns from suspension to bolster the bench. He’s joined by Trent Toelau, Luron Patea and the ever-reliable Luke Garner as Penrith look to prove their mettle in enemy territory.
Panthers,
1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean . 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny. 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Matt Eisenhuth . 14. Trent Toelau 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Luke Garner 18. Luke Sommerton . 19. Jack Cole 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Preston Riki 22. Austin Dias 23. Harrison Hassett . 24. Jaxen Edgar
Out: Dylan Edwards (fullback), Brian To’o (wing), Nathan Cleary (halfback), Liam Martin (second row), Isaah Yeo (lock)
In: Daine Laurie (fullback), Paul Alamoti (wing), Matt Eisenhuth (lock), Trent Toelau (bench), Liam Henry (bench)
Changes: Brad Schneider (bench to halfback), Isaiah Papali’i (bench to second row)
Key Stats
The Warriors are chasing consecutive wins against the Panthers for the first time since 2011-12.
The Panthers have not played in Auckland since Round 15, 2019.
The Panthers have won eight of their past nine games against the Warriors.
The Warriors have won four of their five games played in New Zealand this season.
Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Warriors.
Warriors utility Te Maire Martin will play his 100th NRL game.
Warriors Ready, Panthers Weary
After dismantling the Sharks in emphatic fashion a fortnight ago, the Warriors enjoyed a well-earned bye last week—rested, recharged, and ready for their next big test. The Panthers, too, come into this clash fresh, following a gritty and hard-fought win over the Tigers.
All signs point to this being the match of the round: a red-hot Warriors side riding high in the top four, up against a Panthers outfit trying to claw its way back into the premiership conversation. But with Penrith opting not to send their Origin stars across the Tasman, the spotlight now turns to their depth and character.
For the Panthers, this is more than just a road trip—it’s a litmus test. Are they truly on the rebound, or was last week’s win merely a flicker of the old fire? Without the likes of Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o, the challenge becomes steeper.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are humming. Confident, cohesive, and clinical, they’ll back themselves to get the job done at home against what is essentially a Panthers second-string side. If they play to their recent standard, they should have too much firepower.
Referees: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Nick Pelgrave, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Dolphins v Knights
HBF Park, Perth,5.30pm
The Dolphins have transformed into the NRL’s form team, and right now, they’re simply unstoppable. After a rocky 0-4 start to the season, many had written them off—but Kristian Wolfe’s men have flipped the script in spectacular fashion, winning seven of their past ten games and racking up an astonishing 158 points in just their last three outings.
Their recent dominance has included back-to-back 10-try demolitions of the Dragons and Cowboys, a clear sign that this side is no longer finding its feet—they’re stamping their authority on the competition.
This week, they welcome back electrifying fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, named to back up after Origin II. His return pushes Jake Averillo back to the centres, while Max Feagai drops to the reserves. With enforcer Felise Kaufusi serving a suspension, veteran Mark Nicholls moves into the starting front row, and Harrison Graham joins the bench rotation.
Perhaps the most exciting twist in the Dolphins’ resurgence story: 20-year-old playmaker Isaiya Katoa will captain the side for the first time. Calm under pressure and brimming with confidence, Katoa’s elevation is both a nod to his maturity and a signal of the club’s faith in its next-generation leader.
The Dolphins have found their rhythm—and if their current momentum is anything to go by, they’re only just getting started.
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. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley. 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone . 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Aublix Tawha 21. Trai Fuller 22. Peter Hola
Out: Felise Kaufusi (front row), Max Feagai (centre to reserve)
In: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (fullback), Harrison Graham (bench)
Changes: Jake Averillo (fullback to centre), Mark Nicholls (bench to front row)
While other teams have lit up the scoreboard in 2025, the Knights have struggled to find their attacking spark—averaging just 13 points per game as they continue to search for a reliable halves pairing to guide them through choppy waters.
But they’ll take confidence from their early-season win over the Dolphins, a 26-12 upset back in Round 2 with Fletcher Sharpe and Jack Cogger at the helm. That same pairing will reunite in Perth on Saturday, determined to steady the ship after last week’s controversial loss to the Roosters—a match many believe was stolen from them after the officials inexplicably awarded a try that clearly should have been ruled “no try.”
Adding firepower to Newcastle’s cause is the return of crowd favourite Dom Young, who makes his comeback to the club where he tallied an eye-watering 43 tries in 51 appearances before a two-year stint with the Roosters. The backline gets another major boost with Bradman Best cleared to return from a hamstring issue, while skipper Kalyn Ponga has been named to back up from Origin duties.
With Ponga returning at fullback, Fletcher Sharpe shifts back to five-eighth after missing last week with a calf injury. Veteran forward Tyson Frizell also rejoins the squad following concussion protocols, pushing Brodie Jones to the bench. Jack Hetherington is edging closer to a comeback from a shoulder injury and is named among the reserves, alongside James Schiller—who makes way for Young—as well as Fletcher Hunt, Kyle McCarthy, and Jackson Hastings.
It’s a reshuffled Knights outfit with points to prove, redemption to seek, and plenty of talent on deck. Now it’s just a matter of execution.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best. 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell. 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Mathew Croker 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul . 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Brodie Jones 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen . 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. James Schiller 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Fletcher Hunt 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Jack Hetherington
Out: Brock Greacen (bench), Fletcher Hunt (fullback to reserve), James Schiller (wing to reserve), Kyle McCarthy (centre to reserve), Jackson Hastings (five-eighth to reserve)
In: Kalyn Ponga (fullback), Dominic Young (wing), Bradman Best (centre), Fletcher Sharpe (five-eighth), Tyson Frizell (front row)
Changes: Brodie Jones (front row to bench)
Key Stats
The Dolphins have scored 62 points but have lost both games played in Perth.
The Knights have won two of their three games played in Perth but have yet to play at HBF Park.
Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth is on an eight-game try scoring streak.
The Knights have the second-best defensive record in the competition.
Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored 62 points in his past three games.
Red-Hot Dolphins Bring the Heat West
The Dolphins are surfing a tidal wave of momentum—and it’s heading straight for Perth.
After torching the Cowboys last week in yet another attacking masterclass, Kristian Wolfe’s men are riding high, having now piled up massive wins over the Dragons, Bulldogs, and North Queensland in consecutive weeks. With a staggering 158 points scored across those games, they’ve become the NRL’s most explosive team, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
Their next stop? The future home of the Perth Bears. By taking this clash to Western Australia, the Dolphins aren’t just expanding their fan base—they’re giving the west a taste of what top-tier rugby league looks like at full throttle.
Standing in their way are the Newcastle Knights, a side still searching for consistency. They looked poised to upset the Roosters last week, holding the upper hand for long stretches—until their defensive discipline cracked under pressure. One soft try turned into another, and what could’ve been a breakthrough win quickly slipped through their fingers.
To make matters worse, fans are still fuming about the controversial try awarded to the Roosters—a decision that, in the eyes of many, should never have made it past the Bunker. But then again, with no one in there seemingly capable of getting it right, the Knights will be hoping they don’t leave this one to the video review.
With the Dolphins firing on all cylinders and Perth ready to embrace elite footy, all signs point to another high-scoring spectacle. If recent form holds, it could be a long night for Newcastle.
Referees: Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Drew Oultram, Bunker ?
Souths v Storm
Accor Stadium, Sydney, 7.35pm.
It’s been a season of setbacks for South Sydney, and the challenge doesn’t get any easier this Saturday night as they face a full-strength Melbourne Storm outfit under the bright lights of Accor Stadium.
The Rabbitohs have limped their way through 2025—both figuratively and literally. Last week’s bruising defeat to the Bulldogs not only dented their confidence but also added three more names to an already overcrowded injury list, with Jayden Sullivan, Jye Gray, and star forward Keaon Koloamatangi all sidelined.
Despite the adversity, head coach Wayne Bennett has been vocal in his praise for the young brigade that’s stepped up in recent weeks. He knows it’ll take something close to perfection to pull off an upset against Craig Bellamy’s men—but if there’s one thing South Sydney has shown, it’s fight.
There is a glimmer of hope. Game-breaking fullback Latrell Mitchell has been named to back up after Origin duties, injecting much-needed spark into the backline. Veteran playmaker Cody Walker (groin) and strike centre Campbell Graham (back spasms) have been named among the reserves, hinting at a possible return, while Koloamatangi—also listed—is unlikely to play after sustaining a suspected facial fracture in last week’s loss.
To patch the gaps, Davvy Moale earns a promotion to the starting side, and Sean Keppie comes onto the bench. With Sullivan (calf) out, English import Lewis Dodd slots into the No.7 jersey for just his fourth NRL appearance, tasked with steering the ship in the face of enormous pressure.
Undermanned, outgunned, but not without spirit—this may be one of South Sydney’s toughest tests yet.
Souths
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass. 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Lewis Dodd 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili . 10. Davvy Moale 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Ryan Gray . 15. Sean Keppie 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Salesi Ataata . 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Cody Walker 21. Campbell Graham 22. Jacob Host
Out: Jye Gray (fullback), Jayden Sullivan (five-eighth), Keaon Koloamatangi (front row to reserve)
In: Latrell Mitchell (fullback), Lewis Dodd (five-eighth), Sean Keppie (bench)
Changes: Davvy Moale (bench to front row)
After enjoying a well-timed bye last weekend, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy now confronts a delicate balancing act. With a gruelling Origin period still underway, the question looms large: how many of his Origin stars will be ready to back up just days after Wednesday’s intense clash in Perth?
This scenario thrusts extra responsibility onto halfback Jahrome Hughes, who is set to take on a greater leadership role as he steers the Storm through this tricky stretch. Hughes’ composure and game management will be crucial as the team seeks to maintain its momentum.
The good news for Melbourne is that their key Origin players—Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Trent Loiero, Xavier Coates, and Stefano Utoikamanu—have all been named to play, signalling the club’s intent to field a strong side.
The only change from the dominant lineup that dispatched the Cowboys before the bye is the inclusion of Bronson Garlick on the bench, replacing Ativalu Lisati. Meanwhile, back-rower Alec MacDonald is listed among the reserves as he pushes to return from a quad injury, adding depth to the squad.
Storm will need all hands on deck as they navigate this challenging phase, with the Origin period testing their resolve and squad depth like never before.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney . 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu . 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero. 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica. 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Sualauvi Faalogo. 21. Joe Chan 22. Lazarus Vaalepu 23. Keagan Russell-Smith 24. Kane Bradley
Out: Ativalu Lisati (bench to reserve)
In: Bronson Garlick (bench)
Changes: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (front row to bench), Josh King (bench to front row)
Key Stats
The Rabbitohs have won only two of their past 13 games against the Storm.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy has won his last 14 games against Wayne Bennett-coached teams.
The Rabbitohs have lost three of their past four games at Accor Stadium.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored nine tries in seven games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 91 tries from 96 games at Accor Stadium.
Rabbitohs’ Grit vs. Storm’s Strength
Last week, the Rabbitohs showcased their fighting spirit with a gutsy second-half comeback against the Bulldogs, proving once again they’re a team of contrasts—capable of dazzling attacking plays yet vulnerable defensively. Their season has been a rollercoaster, oscillating between moments of brilliance and costly lapses.
Meanwhile, the Storm enjoyed a well-earned rest after a commanding victory over the Cowboys, arriving fresh and focused for this clash.
While South Sydney’s resilience could make for a compelling contest, the Storm’s consistent power and depth make them tough to topple. The Rabbitohs might push the four-time premiers hard, but ultimately, victory looks a steep mountain to climb.
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Liam Kennedy, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, Chris Butler.
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