SATURDAY, JULY 12th, 2025.
Knights v Storm
McDonald Jones Stadium,Newcastle,3pm.
Knights Face Storm Test as Finals Hopes Hang by a Thread
With their finals hopes teetering on the edge, the Newcastle Knights face a monumental challenge in Round 19 as the Melbourne Storm roll into town.
Two wins adrift of the top eight and running out of time, the Knights know there’s no more room for error. Their recent form paints a frustrating picture—alternating wins and losses over the past five games, including a gutsy but ultimately unsuccessful effort against the high-flying Raiders before last week’s bye.
Now, the task becomes even tougher with the news that superstar captain Kalyn Ponga is set to miss a significant stretch due to a foot injury. In his place, young gun Fletcher Hunt steps into the No.1 jersey—an opportunity that could define his season.
The reshuffle doesn’t stop there. Greg Marzhew returns from injury to reclaim his spot on the wing, pushing James Schiller to the reserves. Up front, the Knights get a timely boost with enforcer Leo Thompson back from suspension. His return allows veteran Tyson Frizell to shift to lock, Phoenix Crossland to move into the starting hooker role, and Jayden Brailey to come off the bench.
As for the Storm, they’ll be near full strength, with a host of Origin stars expected to return to the fold. Under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, Melbourne will be looking to keep their premiership campaign on track—and the Knights will need to produce something special to stop them.
This is a backs-to-the-wall battle in every sense—and one that could shape the Knights’ season.
Knights
1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best. 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti . 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul . 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jermaine McEwen . 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Tyson Gamble . 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy
Out: Kalyn Ponga (fullback), Thomas Cant (bench to reserve), James Schiller (wing to reserve)
In: Fletcher Hunt (fullback), Greg Marzhew (wing), Leo Thompson (front row)
Changes: Jayden Brailey (hooker to bench), Tyson Frizell (front row to lock), Phoenix Crossland (lock to hooker)
Storm Reload with Papenhuyzen as Origin Dust Settles
Fresh off a gritty Round 18 victory over the Cowboys, the Melbourne Storm roll into Newcastle with renewed belief—and a familiar face back in the No.1 jersey.
Nick Meaney was the hero last week, bagging a double while stepping in at fullback for the late-withdrawn Ryan Papenhuyzen. But this week, it’s Papenhuyzen’s turn to light up the attack, cleared of the calf tightness that ruled him out in Townsville. His return pushes Meaney back to the centres and sees Grant Anderson shift out to the wing in a reshuffled but still potent backline.
There’s more intrigue around the make-up of the Melbourne bench, with Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu named and ready to go, but Origin trio Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Trent Loiero are listed in the reserves and remain uncertain to back up from the midweek clash.
Meanwhile, promising utility Jack Howarth has shaken off an appendix scare and is named as 18th man.
Craig Bellamy’s side looks to be warming up at the right time of year—and with key players returning and combinations reforming, the Storm will be eyeing another step forward as the finals loom.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney. 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica . 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa. 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Stefano Utoikamanu . 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Jack Howarth 19. Trent Loiero . 20. Cameron Munster 21. Harry Grant 22. Kane Bradley 23. Moses Leo. 24. Keagan Russell-Smith
Out: Alec MacDonald (lock), Kane Bradley (wing to reserve)
In: Ryan Papenhuyzen (fullback), Stefano Utoikamanu (bench)
Changes: Nick Meaney (fullback to centre), Grant Anderson (centre to wing), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (bench to lock)
Key Stats
The Knights have won their last two games against the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Storm have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Knights.
The Knights have lost six of their past seven games at home.
The Storm have scored 147 points in their past five games.
Knights winger Dominic Young has scored 24 tries in his last 24 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Finals or Fallout? Knights Clash with Premiership-Chasing Storm
With the season slipping through their fingers, the Newcastle Knights return from the bye knowing that every match from here on out could make—or break—their 2025 campaign.
Their last outing was a narrow but deflating loss to the ladder-leading Raiders, and now, the challenge gets even tougher as the Melbourne Storm arrive in town—full of confidence and building serious momentum after a courageous win in Townsville without several Origin stars.
While the Storm’s sights are firmly fixed on the minor premiership and a deep finals run, the Knights are fighting on a very different front. Just a couple of wins separate them from a top-eight berth, but just as easily, another few losses could see them spiral toward wooden spoon territory. It’s a fine line—and one they can’t afford to misstep on home turf.
Melbourne, meanwhile, are beginning to look ominous. With Ryan Papenhuyzen back at fullback and other key names returning, Craig Bellamy’s men are slowly assembling their strongest version at the perfect time of year.
For Newcastle, it’s do-or-die. For Melbourne, it’s business as usual—and the difference in pressure may tell the tale come Friday night.
Match Officials
Referees: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Drew Oultram, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Dragons v Roosters
Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah,Sydney.5.30pm
Dragons and Roosters Clash as Finals Race Heats Up
With just one win separating seventh from 11th on the NRL ladder, the battle for a finals berth is officially on—and the pressure is mounting.
Among the pack are the Dragons and the Roosters, two proud clubs whose seasons hang in the balance as they prepare for a pivotal clash. The Dragons have managed just one win from their past four outings and now find themselves clinging to 11th place. The Roosters, once flying high, stumbled last week in a shock loss to the Wests Tigers and now sit just ahead in ninth.
There’s no room for error from here.
In a welcome boost, Queensland Origin star Valentine Holmes has been named to back up after Game Three, shifting Corey Allan to 18th man. The Dragons also regain key forwards with Luciano Leilua returning from a quad issue and Hamish Stewart cleared after a concussion layoff. Their inclusions push Michael Molo back to the bench and see Viliami Fifita and Loko Pasifiki Tonga make way.
This is more than just another regular season clash—it’s a true eight-point game. Win, and the finals remain in sight. Lose, and the road gets much steeper. Expect intensity, desperation, and fireworks when these two collide.
Dragons
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes. 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook. 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin. 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Michael Molo . 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Viliami Fifita . 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
Out: Corey Allan (centre to reserve), Viliami Fifita (bench to reserve), Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga (bench to reserve)
In: Valentine Holmes (centre), Luciano Leilua (second row), Hamish Stewart (bench)
Changes: Michael Molo (second row to bench)
Roosters Reload for Redemption Clash in Kogarah
The Roosters are circling once more—and they’re coming back armed.
As the finals race tightens, the Bondi boys are desperate to bank a crucial win over the Dragons at Kogarah, and they’ve named a star-studded side in a bid to do just that. All eyes will be on their State of Origin contingent, with Angus Crichton, Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, and Connor Watson all named to back up following Wednesday night’s decider. Each will be itching to take the field and help lift the Roosters back into the eight.
It’s not just the Origin crew injecting confidence into Trent Robinson’s squad. Halfback Sam Walker is finally set to return to NRL action, having battled through a frustrating stint on the sidelines with both a thumb injury and a long recovery from ACL rehab. His return brings fresh energy and composure to the Roosters spine. Also back are centre Billy Smith (knee) and tough-as-nails lock Victor Radley (concussion), further bolstering the Roosters’ stocks for a must-win clash.
Memories of Anzac Day will still linger, when the Roosters ran riot in a 46-18 demolition of the Red V. They’ll head to Kogarah as favourites to repeat the dose—but both teams know the stakes are far higher this time around.
With the finals looming and little room for error, this is a showdown loaded with pressure, pride, and points on the line.
Roosters,
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte. 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi . 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher . 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu. 22. Max McCathie 23. Tom Rodwell 24. Makahesi Makatoa
Out: De La Salle Va’a (bench), Ethan King (centre to reserve), Tom Rodwell (wing to reserve), Sandon Smith (five-eighth to reserve), Benaiah Ioelu (hooker to reserve), Makahesi Makatoa (front row to reserve), Max McCathie (bench to reserve), Taylor Losalu (bench to reserve)
In: Billy Smith (centre), Robert Toia (centre), Sam Walker (halfback), Connor Watson (hooker), Lindsay Collins (front row), Angus Crichton (second row), Victor Radley (lock), Spencer Leniu (bench)
Changes: Mark Nawaqanitawase (centre to wing), Hugo Savala (halfback to five-eighth), Egan Butcher (second row to bench), Blake Steep (lock to bench)
Key Stats
The Dragons have won four of their past five games at home.
The Roosters have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have conceded 134 points in their past four games.
Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored nine tries in his last six games against the Dragons.
Dragons second-rower Jaydn Su’A will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Dragons Host Roosters in Gritty Rematch with Plenty on the Line
The Dragons pushed the ladder-leading Raiders all the way last week, showing glimpses of their attacking flair—but once again, it was their defence that let them down when it mattered most. Now, with the finals race heating up, they return to familiar territory at Kogarah in search of redemption.
Their opponents, the Roosters, are also licking their wounds after a first-half collapse against the Tigers that left them playing catch-up all night. With defensive lapses haunting both sides, this Round 19 clash shapes as a test of resilience as much as skill.
The Roosters will welcome back a number of key Origin forwards—Angus Crichton, Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, and Connor Watson—all of whom will bring much-needed grunt and leadership through the middle. It’s a timely boost for a side that was rattled early last week and must now find a way to reset quickly.
While the Roosters dominated their Anzac Day meeting with a thumping 46-18 victory, this one could be a far tighter contest. The Dragons are notoriously tough to crack at home—whether it’s Kogarah or Wollongong—and they’ll be fired up to turn the tide.
Still, with troops returning and more firepower across the park, the Roosters will fancy their chances of walking away with the points once again. But don’t expect it to come easy.
Match Officials
Referees, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Belinda Sharpe, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Cowboys v Bulldogs
Queensland Country Bank Stadium,Townsville,7.35pm.
Cowboys Under Pressure to Hold the Line Against Bulldogs
The Cowboys showed grit last week against the Storm, hanging in the fight until the final siren—but once again, they came up short. A six-point loss marked their ninth defeat of the season and their fourth at home, a worrying trend for a side once known for its fortress-like presence in Townsville.
Defence, or lack of it, continues to be the story of 2025 for Todd Payten’s men. No team has conceded more points this year, and unless that changes quickly, they risk being torn apart by a Bulldogs outfit loaded with attacking firepower.
The cavalry has been named, with the club’s Origin quartet—Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reece Robson—all expected to back up after Wednesday’s decider. But with heavy legs and little recovery time, they’ll be closely monitored leading into Saturday.
There is some positive news: utility Karl Lawton returns from suspension to provide depth off the bench, and winger Murray Taulagi has been named in the reserves as he eyes a comeback from the knee injury that ruled him out against Melbourne. However, the forward stocks remain thin, with Sam McIntyre (calf) and John Bateman (groin) still sidelined.
The Cowboys are in must-win territory—not just for their place on the ladder, but to restore belief in their defensive resolve. Against a Bulldogs team capable of piling on points in a hurry, they’ll need to find that steel fast—or risk another home heartbreaker.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt. 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson. 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards. 14. Karl Lawton 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess . 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Temple Kalepo 20. Kaiden Lahrs 21. Dane Aukafolau . 22. Murray Taulagi 23. Marly Bitungane 24. Jaxson Paulo
Out: Thomas Duffy (halfback), John Bateman (second row), Sam McIntyre (lock), Temple Kalepo (bench to reserve), Kaiden Lahrs (bench to reserve)
In: Tom Dearden (halfback), Reece Robson (hooker), Reuben Cotter (second row), Jeremiah Nanai (second row), Karl Lawton (bench)
Changes: Harrison Edwards (hooker to lock), Kai O’Donnell (second row to bench)
Bulldogs Regroup After Collapse as Crichton Returns for Cowboys Clash
The Bulldogs were flying high at 18-0 against the Broncos last week—until it all came crashing down. In one of the most frustrating losses of their season, they watched a commanding lead evaporate, surrendering not only the match but their grip on second spot on the ladder.
It was a missed opportunity, especially given the Broncos were missing heavyweights Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Reece Walsh due to Origin commitments. The Bulldogs, even without a full-strength side, had every reason to finish the job—and now find themselves heading to Townsville with a point to prove.
Fortunately, reinforcements are arriving.
Skipper Stephen Crichton returns from Origin III, bringing stability and leadership to the backline. His return pushes Matt Burton back into his preferred five-eighth role, while Lachlan Galvin shifts to the bench to provide spark late in the game.
In the forwards, Max King and Kurt Mann have also been named to back up just three days after Origin duty, with Harry Hayes dropping to the bench and Bailey Hayward slotting into the starting lock role. Jake Turpin moves to 18th man, while winger Jacob Kiraz—also part of the Blues squad midweek—has been named to line up.
One setback is the loss of Marcelo Montoya, who is facing up to six weeks on the sideline with a neck injury—forcing the Bulldogs into another shuffle out wide.
With finals positioning on the line and a bruised Cowboys outfit waiting at home, the Bulldogs know they must respond. Their premiership ambitions demand it.
Bulldogs,
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton. 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney. 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward. 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Lachlan Galvin 19. Jake Turpin. 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Blake Wilson. 24. Jethro Rinakama 25. Jack Todd
Out: Marcelo Montoya (wing), Kurtis Morrin (bench to reserve), Jack Todd (bench to reserve), Jake Turpin (lock to reserve)
In: Jacob Kiraz (wing), Stephen Crichton (centre), Max King (front row), Kurt Mann (bench)
Changes: Matt Burton (centre to five-eighth), Lachlan Galvin (five-eighth to bench), Harry Hayes (front row to bench), Bailey Hayward (bench to lock)
Key Stats
The Cowboys have won six of their past eight games against the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz has scored nine tries in his last six games in Queensland.
The Cowboys have won only one of their past four games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Bulldogs have won six from eight away from home this season.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored five tries in his past six games.
Unsettled Bulldogs Face Gritty Cowboys in High-Stakes Clash
The Cowboys may have fallen short against the Storm last week, but they didn’t go quietly. In one of their grittiest performances of a turbulent season, Todd Payten’s men pushed Melbourne to the brink and showed signs of the fight that’s been missing for much of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are still reeling from a collapse that could haunt them for weeks. Leading 18-0 against a depleted Broncos side, they somehow let it all slip—raising serious questions about cohesion, decision-making, and their sudden urge to tinker with a winning formula.
Once hailed as one of the competition’s most exciting outfits, Canterbury now look unsettled. Two fan favourites are confirmed to depart at season’s end, and the coaching staff still appears uncertain about their best 17 as the run to the finals begins.
With a brutal schedule looming, the Bulldogs are at a crossroads. They have the talent—but do they have the chemistry, composure, and clarity to stay in the race?
The Cowboys, for all their struggles, will be eager to exploit any hesitation. Playing at home and with nothing to lose, they’ll fancy their chances of dragging the Bulldogs into a desperate arm wrestle.
It’s a must-win for both—for the Cowboys, pride and proof of progress; for the Bulldogs, stability before the storm.
Match Officials
Referees, Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Daniel Luttringer, Bunker, Adam Gee.
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