NRL ROUND 20: RAIDERS v EELS| BULLDOGS v DRAGONS | STORM v SEA EAGLES

Rugby League

SATURDAY, JULY 19th, 2025.

Raiders v Eels

GIO Stadium, Canberra 3pm

Raiders Aim to Keep Fortress GIO Unbreached in Sunshine Showdown Against Eels

The Raiders have turned GIO Stadium into a fortress in 2025, boasting a formidable 6-1 record at home—and on Saturday afternoon, they’ll be looking to give the Green Machine faithful yet another reason to roar.

With a 3.00pm kick-off on the cards, conditions couldn’t be more ideal for Ricky Stuart’s men. Their expansive, high-tempo style of play thrives in the crisp Canberra daylight, a stark contrast to the slippery, sub-zero grind of night games in the capital.

Adding to the sense of momentum is the return of State of Origin stars Josh Papalii and Hudson Young. Their comeback sees a reshuffle in the forward pack, with Papalii reclaiming his spot up front and Young slotting back into the second row. Corey Horsburgh shifts to lock, while Morgan Smithies and Simi Sasagi move to the bench to bolster the middle. Rising talents Noah Martin and Trey Mooney drop back to the reserves, and Chevy Stewart takes on 18th man duties—ready to step up if called upon.

For the Raiders, it’s not just about defending turf—it’s about making a statement.

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris,            5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling , 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh,  14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota , 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Noah Martin 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders

Out: Noah Martin (bench to reserve), Trey Mooney (bench to reserve)
In: Josh Papalii (front row), Hudson Young (second row)
Changes: Corey Horsburgh (front row to lock), Simi Sasagi (second row to bench), Morgan Smithies (lock to bench), 

New-Look Eels Face Monumental Test as Ryles Navigates Life Without Moses

The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Jason Ryles and his Parramatta Eels—flashes of brilliance followed by frustrating inconsistency. With marquee playmaker Mitch Moses sidelined through injury, the Eels have struggled to keep pace with the NRL’s elite, and now they face another stern test against the high-flying Raiders.

Their first-half performance against Penrith last week offered a glimmer of hope—gritty, disciplined, and daring. But moral victories don’t count on the ladder, and if the Eels are serious about staging an upset in Canberra, they’ll need to sustain that intensity from the opening whistle to the final siren.

Ryles has turned to youth and bold selections as he shapes a new direction for the club. Joash Papalii has been named at five-eighth, tasked with steering the attack in a pivotal role. Ryley Smith returns at hooker after serving a suspension, while Dylan Brown, once a staple in the halves, has been named 18th man in a clear sign that change is underway.

In the forward pack, an ankle injury to Kitione Kautoga has forced a reshuffle. Jack Williams shifts to the second row, with J’maine Hopgood stepping into the starting prop role. Newcomer Jordan Samrani is the fresh face on the bench, eager to make an impact.

For the Eels, it’s not just a battle against the ladder leaders—it’s a test of resolve, identity, and the promise of a new era under Jason Ryles.

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Bailey Simonsson 4. Sean Russell,             5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. J’maine Hopgood , 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker,  14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Jordan Samrani 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti,  18. Dylan Brown 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Haze Dunster

Out: Kitione Kautoga (second row), Dylan Brown (five-eighth to reserve)
In: Ryley Smith (hooker), Jordan Samrani (bench)
Changes: Jack Williams (front row to second row), Joash Papalii (hooker to five-eighth), J’maine Hopgood (bench to front row)

Key Stats

The Raiders have won their last three games against the Eels.

The Eels have won only two of their past 13 games at GIO Stadium.

The Raiders have won seven of their eight home games in 2025.

Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr requires one try for 150 NRL tries.

Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored four tries in his last three games against the Eels.

Raiders Rested and Ready—but Eels Loom as a Potential Banana Peel

Fresh off a well-earned bye and sitting proudly atop the NRL ladder, the Raiders enter Saturday’s clash with momentum on their side and belief running deep. Their gritty win over the Dragons two weeks ago only cemented their reputation as the team to beat in 2025.

In contrast, the Eels arrive in Canberra with plenty of question marks. Their spirited first half against the Panthers last week hinted at potential, but a second-half fadeout saw them unravel against a top-tier opponent. Consistency remains their Achilles’ heel.

On paper—and by ladder position—this should be Canberra’s game to lose. But rugby league rarely follows the script. With nothing to lose and a bold new look under coach Jason Ryles, Parramatta could offer more resistance than expected. The Raiders may be rested, but they’d be wise not to relax. The Green Machine will need to stay sharp if they’re to avoid slipping on a Saturday afternoon banana peel.

Match Officials
Referees, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Daniel Luttringer, Bunker, Badger.

Bulldogs v Dragons

Accor Stadium, 5.30pm

Bulldogs Eye Minor Premiership Glory as Dragons Threaten to Derail Their Run

The Bulldogs are sniffing rare air in 2025, with a maiden minor premiership since 2012 now well within reach. And as they prepare to face the Dragons this weekend, there’s no room for slip-ups—not with September in sight and belief building in Belmore.

With four of their final matches set to unfold at Accor Stadium, the Bulldogs will have a sea of blue and white behind them, fuelling their charge towards finals footy. The energy is growing, the expectations are rising, and Cameron Ciraldo’s men look determined not to let anything—or anyone—knock them off course.

The latest selection shuffle has rising talent Lachlan Galvin earning a recall at halfback, with Matt Burton partnering him in the halves. Toby Sexton makes way and shifts to the extended bench. State of Origin stars Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann also return, with Crichton slotting into the centres to replace the injured Bronson Xerri and Mann adding impact off the bench.

Young winger Jethro Rinakama holds his spot after an eye-catching debut, while there’s potential for more reinforcements. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, fresh off a successful NSW Cup return from concussion, has been named among the reserves. Sitili Tupouniua is also on standby, pushing for a comeback from a hamstring strain.

The Bulldogs have the momentum, the squad depth, and the home-ground advantage. But as the Dragons loom, they know one off night could derail months of hard work. There’s too much at stake now—and they’re not about to take their eyes off the prize.

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton,            5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney , 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon,  14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward , 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton

Out: Bronson Xerri (centre), Toby Sexton (halfback to reserve), Kurtis Morrin (bench to reserve)
In: Stephen Crichton (centre), Lachlan Galvin (halfback), Kurt Mann (bench)

Dragons Chase Redemption as Finals Hopes Hinge on Crucial Upset

For the Dragons, 2025 has been a season of near-misses and what-ifs. Five losses by six points or fewer—including a gutsy effort against the Roosters that fell just seven points short last weekend—have left the Red V frustrated but far from finished.

Despite the heartbreak, the door to the top eight remains ajar. And with Round 20 bringing a shot at one of the competition’s premiership contenders, this could be the moment the Dragons ignite their late-season surge. A statement win here wouldn’t just restore belief—it could reshape their season.

Coach Shane Flanagan has shown faith in the side that went toe-to-toe with the Roosters, naming an unchanged 17. Hamish Stewart (knee) and Luciano Leilua (laceration) have both been named despite copping knocks last week, with Leilua set to start in the back row and Stewart providing impact from the bench.

There’s also a glimmer of good news on the injury front, with Mat Feagai included in the extended squad after successfully returning from a long-term ankle injury via the NSW Cup. If cleared, his return could provide another spark for a side hungry for momentum.

The Dragons know time is running out—but they also know one big win can flip the narrative. And this week, they’ll be playing like everything’s on the line—because it is.

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. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo,  18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Mathew Feagai , 22. Nicholas Tsougranis

Unchanged

Key Stats

The Bulldogs have won their last four games against the Dragons.

The Dragons have not won at Accor Stadium since 2019.

Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored six tries in five games against the Dragons.

The Dragons have won only two from eight away from home this season.

Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau has an 8-0 winning record against the Dragons.

Bulldogs Seek Sharpness as Dragons Threaten to Derail Finals Push

Last week, the Bulldogs got the job done—but only just. With late changes to their line-up and key Origin stars unavailable, they looked disjointed in patches against the Cowboys. Still, good teams find ways to win, and that’s exactly what they did.

The Dragons, on the other hand, pushed the Roosters to the brink and walked away wondering how they didn’t come out on top. Their effort was full of grit and fire—a timely reminder that they’re more dangerous than their ladder position suggests.

For the Bulldogs, this Saturday shapes as more than just another two points. It’s a must-win moment—a chance to steady the ship, rediscover their rhythm, and remind the rest of the competition why they’ve been in minor premiership conversations all year. Anything less than a polished performance, and the Dragons might just pounce.

Match Officials
Referees, Adam Gee, Touch Judges, David Munro, Jon Stone, Bunker, Grant Atkins.

Storm v Manly

AAMI Park Melbourne 7.35pm

Storm Look to Extend Winning Streak as Sea Eagles Fly into Rivalry Showdown

Another chapter in one of the NRL’s fiercest modern rivalries will be written under the lights at AAMI Park on Saturday night, as the red-hot Storm prepare to host the ever-unpredictable Sea Eagles.

Melbourne have been quietly ruthless in recent weeks, going about their business with trademark precision to notch six straight wins. While other sides have stumbled, the Storm have surged—methodical, clinical, and dangerous.

Manly, on the other hand, continue to ride the ups and downs of a rollercoaster season. With a 3-3 record from their past six games, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t yet found the consistency to match the league’s elite.

The Storm will be without star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for at least another week as he nurses a tight calf, but Nick Meaney remains a reliable deputy in the No.1 jersey. In more encouraging news, high-flying winger Xavier Coates returns after a week off, while Queensland skipper Cameron Munster is also expected back to bolster the halves.

Coates’ inclusion pushes Grant Anderson into the centres and Joe Chan to 18th man. Forward Trent Loiero returns to the starting pack, with Tui Kamikamica moving to the bench and Jonah Pezet sliding back to the reserves.

With Melbourne in red-hot form and Manly desperate to prove they belong in the finals conversation, this rivalry clash is set to deliver another fiery chapter. The Storm want to keep marching. The Sea Eagles want to spoil the party. Something’s got to give.

Storm

1. Nick Meaney 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson,             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. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ativalu Lisati , 18. Joe Chan 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown , 22. Lazarus Vaalepu

Out: Jonah Pezet (bench to reserve), Joe Chan (centre to reserve)
In: Xavier Coates (wing), Cameron Munster (five-eighth)
Changes: Grant Anderson (wing to centre), Tyran Wishart (five-eighth to bench), Tui Kamikamica (front row to bench), Stefano Utoikamanu (lock to front row), Trent Loiero (bench to lock)

Trbojevic-Led Sea Eagles Eye Upset, but Storm’s Wall Awaits

With Tom Trbojevic settling seamlessly into his new role in the centres and young gun Lehi Hopoate a livewire at fullback, the Sea Eagles have no shortage of strike power. Their ability to pile on points is real—but so is the challenge that awaits them in Melbourne.

Standing in their way is the NRL’s second-stingiest defence. The Storm’s famed purple wall has allowed just 18.5 points per game across 16 rounds—disciplined, relentless, and unforgiving. Still, Manly will take confidence from their Round 5 meeting, when they cracked that wall for 24 points, proving they can land blows against even the toughest resistance.

For the Sea Eagles, continuity is the key. Coach Anthony Seibold has named an unchanged line-up from the side that took down the Rabbitohs before last week’s bye. Tom Trbojevic remains in the centres, and Hopoate continues to impress at the back. Lachlan Croker’s return from concussion remains at least a week away, with his name absent from the extended squad.

It’s a classic clash of styles—Manly’s attacking flair versus Melbourne’s defensive steel. And under the Saturday night lights at AAMI Park, something’s got to give.

Manly

1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic,          5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge,  9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic,  13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor , 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Caleb Navale,  21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Unchanged

Key Stats

The Storm have won their last 10 games at AAMI Park.

The Sea Eagles have not won in Melbourne since 2019.

Storm second-rower Eliesa Katoa has scored six tries in seven games at AAMI Park this season.

Sea Eagles forward Ethan Bullemor will reach the milestone of 100 NRL games.

Storm centre Nick Meaney will play his 150th NRL game.

Storm Braced for Fiery Rivalry Clash as Sea Eagles Return Fresh

The Storm didn’t have it all their way last week. A sluggish start against the Knights had them on the back foot early—but once Jahrome Hughes took the reins, Melbourne shifted gears. With precision and poise, the playmaker turned the match on its head, steering his side to a dominant second-half performance that left no doubt about their premiership credentials.

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles come into this Round 20 showdown fresh from a week off, their confidence high after a convincing win over the Rabbitohs the week before. That extra rest could prove crucial as they prepare to enter enemy territory for one of the most heated rivalries in the modern game.

There’s no love lost when these two sides meet. From finals battles to bruising regular season encounters, Storm v Sea Eagles is never short on spice—and Saturday night at AAMI Park promises more of the same. Expect fireworks, aggression, and no shortage of feeling.

Manly will be up for the fight—but with momentum on their side and the home crowd behind them, the Storm look poised to come away with the points in another classic chapter of this bitter rivalry.

Match Officials
Referees, Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Tyson Brough, Bunker, Chris Butler.

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