SATURDAY, JULY 26th, 2025.
Can you believe this rubbish. A Bunker blunder could result in a major shift, with the NRL requesting access to drone footage, after video not seen by officials clearly showed James Tedesco was offside in the lead up to a Roosters try. Well I don’t own a drone and I could see on my TV that Tedesco was offside, yet the try was awarded by the bunker. On Thursday night this was a try, On Friday night the same thing happened to Reece Walsh and it was a no try. Why are fans frustrated? AND was Lomax on side for his try when Moses kicked. I say NO.
Warriors v Titans
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ, 3pm.
Halasima’s Heroics Spark Warriors’ Late Surge as Finals Loom
With the finals fast approaching, the Warriors know there’s no room for slipping up—but last Sunday in Newcastle, they danced dangerously close to the edge.
Trailing 15-14 as the clock ticked into the 80th minute, it looked like the game was gone. Tanah Boyd’s missed penalty goal should’ve sealed the deal, but fate had other ideas. From the ensuing line dropout, the Warriors regained possession—and then came the moment of magic.
Leka Halasima, in just his seventh NRL game, broke the hearts of the Knights faithful with a freakish solo effort—evading three defenders to crash over and complete a stunning 20-15 comeback win. It wasn’t textbook, but it was pure Warriors spirit.
Now, back at Go Media Stadium for Round 21, they’ll once again have a roaring home crowd behind them as they face a Titans side still reeling from a bizarre finish of their own last weekend.
The Warriors welcome a timely boost, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returning at fullback after recovering from a knee injury. That means Taine Tuaupiki shifts to 18th man in the only change to the 17 that survived the Newcastle scare.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd, 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. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Eddie Ieremia
Out: Taine Tuaupiki (fullback to reserves)
In: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (fullback)
Titans’ Pain Deepens After Cruel Loss as Wooden Spoon Fears Grow
The Titans were on the brink of a much-needed win—finally. When AJ Brimson crossed with 13 minutes to play, it felt like a turning point. The belief was back, the momentum theirs. But as quickly as it came, it vanished.
Jeral Skelton darted over for a late try, and then, with the clock winding down, Adam Doueihi delivered a dagger—a last-gasp field goal that sealed a heartbreaking 21-20 defeat. Victory slipped through their fingers. Again.
Now sitting last with just seven rounds remaining, the Titans find themselves in a desperate battle—not just to salvage pride, but to save veteran coach Des Hasler from collecting the first wooden spoon of his career.
This week, Hasler is forced into one key change. Inspirational skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been sidelined with a knee injury, replaced by Klese Haas in the starting side. The bench also sees a shake-up, with Josh Patston, Jacob Alick, and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui called in. David Fifita has re-aggravated an ankle issue, while speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been overlooked.
The pressure is mounting—and for the Titans, time is fast running out.
Titans
1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills , 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas , 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui , 17. Josh Patston 18. Arama Hau 19. Sean Mullany 20. Tom Weaver 21. Ryan Foran, 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Out: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (lock), David Fifita (bench)
In: Jacob Alick (bench), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (bench), Joshua Patston (bench)
Changes: Klese Haas (bench to lock)
Key Stats
The Warriors have won five from seven in New Zealand this season.
The Titans have won five of their last six games against the Warriors.
Warriors second-rower Leka Halasima has scored five tries in his last six games.
Titans mentor Des Hasler will reach the milestone of 500 games as premiership coach.
Warriors forward Marata Niukore will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Warriors Eye Easy Kill as Titans Spiral Deeper into Chaos
The Warriors escaped Newcastle with two precious points last week—but let’s be honest, they were lucky. It took a miracle from Leka Halasima and a last-gasp Knights collapse to keep the scoreboard in their favour.
Meanwhile, over at Leichhardt, the Titans somehow let a win slip through their fingers. Up by six with minutes to go, they crumbled. A try to Jeral Skelton, a dagger field goal from Adam Doueihi, and just like that, heartbreak—again.
But the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story.
In the sheds afterward, chaos. Reports surfaced that Titans players had to be dragged out of the showers to listen to Des Hasler’s post-game spray—a clear sign the once-feared coach has lost the locker room. Seven rounds to go, bottom of the ladder, and morale in freefall. It’s hard to see a way back.
The Warriors, back at home with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returning, should win this one comfortably. The finals are within reach, belief is building—and against a Titans outfit in disarray, this feels like a mismatch waiting to happen.
Up the Wahs.
Match Officials
Referees, Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Adam Gee.
Panthers v Tigers
Comm Bank Stadium, Sydney, 5.30pm.
Panthers Reload for Tigers Test After Six Straight Wins
The premiers are quietly building—and the rest of the NRL is starting to take notice.
After six straight wins, the Panthers are humming along in sixth place and gaining serious momentum heading into the back end of the season. But they won’t be taking anything for granted as they face a dangerous Tigers side capable of springing an upset on any given day.
Their last meeting in Round 14 at CommBank Stadium was a tense, grind-it-out battle. Both teams crossed for three tries apiece, but it was Nathan Cleary’s boot that ultimately split them, with the Panthers holding on 18-14 in a game that could have gone either way.
Since then, Penrith have taken down a string of opponents—Warriors, Bulldogs, Eels, and Rabbitohs—firmly reasserting themselves as a premiership threat. Now, with their big names returning, they look even stronger.
Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are back from their post-Origin rests, while Liam Martin has been named among the reserves as he continues to manage a wrist injury. Brian To’o, carrying knee and hamstring niggles, has still been named to play, underscoring just how important this stretch run is.
Izack Tago returns from suspension, pushing Paul Alamoti to 18th man, while Brad Schneider shifts to the bench and Jack Cole drops out of the 17.
They’re locked in, loaded, and ready to roll. The Tigers had better bring more than unpredictability if they plan to stop the Penrith juggernaut this time.
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean , 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny , 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider , 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Liam Martin, 20. Daine Laurie 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Luke Sommerton
Out: Scott Sorensen (second row), Jack Cole (bench), Paul Alamoti (centre to reserve)
In: Izack Tago (centre), Nathan Cleary (halfback), Isaah Yeo (lock)
Changes: Brad Schneider (halfback to bench), Isaiah Papali’i (lock to second row)
Izaac Thompson Debuts as Tigers Claw Back Some Pride
It wasn’t pretty, but it was something.
The Wests Tigers finally snapped their losing streak last Sunday, grinding out a 19-18 win over the Titans in a scrappy, low-scoring affair. The result may not have lit up the highlights reel, but for a team desperately trying to dodge a fourth straight wooden spoon, it was a much-needed dose of relief.
Still sitting near the foot of the ladder, the Tigers remain in a fierce battle to avoid the unwanted title of last place. But there’s a flicker of hope—and new faces are part of the reason.
One of those is former Rabbitohs winger Izaac Thompson, who has earned his first NRL start for the Tigers after a strong season in NSW Cup, where he crossed for 12 tries in 18 appearances. Charlie Staines makes way to accommodate the powerful finisher.
Captain Api Koroisau also returns to the starting side after coming off the bench last week, bringing some much-needed leadership and spark to the spine.
The road ahead remains steep—but with fresh energy and a hint of confidence, the Tigers are showing they’re not going down without a fight.
Tigers
1. Sunia Turuva 2. Izaac Tu’itupou 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a, 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau , 10. Alex Twal 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Adam Doueihi 14. Tristan Hope , 15. Jack Bird 16. Fonua Pole 17. Sione Fainu 18. Brent Naden 19. Charlie Murray , 20. Charlie Staines 21. Luke Laulilii 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Out: Charlie Staines (wing to reserve)
In: Izaac Thompson (wing)
Changes: Tristan Hope (hooker to bench), Jack Bird (second row to bench), Apisai Koroisau (bench to hooker), Alex Seyfarth (bench to second row)
Key Stats
The Panthers have won six of their last eight games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers fullback Sunia Turuva has scored six tries in his last four games at CommBank Stadium.
The Panthers have won their last five games at CommBank Stadium.
The Wests Tigers’ line-up includes four players who won premierships with the Panthers.
Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has scored five tries in his last five games at CommBank Stadium.
Mismatch in the Making: Panthers Set to Outclass Tigers
Last week’s performance at Accor Stadium was a stark reminder of why the Panthers remain one of the NRL’s most feared sides.
Even without Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, Penrith barely broke stride as they clinically dispatched the Rabbitohs. Their systems held strong, their depth stood tall, and their title credentials only grew louder.
Now, with their Origin stars returning and six straight wins in the bag, the Panthers look locked and loaded for a run at a top-four finish.
The same can’t be said for the Wests Tigers, who limped to a narrow win over the Titans in one of the more forgettable contests of the season. Both sides looked well below NRL standard at times, but the Tigers did just enough to scrape home and avoid yet another week rooted to the bottom of the ladder.
Izaac Thompson brings some fresh spark on the wing, and Api Koroisau’s return to the starting side adds polish, but realistically, the gulf in class here is hard to ignore.
Penrith, rested, reloaded, and full of confidence, should prove far too good.
Match Officials
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Daniel Luttringer, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Souths v Sharks
Polytec Stadium, Gosford, Central Coast,7.35pm.
Rabbitohs legend Alex Johnston continues his pursuit of Ken Irvine’s premiership try scoring record as NRL Round 21 action heads to Gosford on Saturday night.
Johnston’s late try against the Panthers took his career tally to 207, just five behind Irvine’s magical mark of 212 that has stood for five decades.
The return of Jye Gray from a thumb injury at fullback sees Alex Johnston revert to the wing, Isaiah Tass move to centre and Euan Aitken to the back row. Englishman Lewis Dodd starts at halfback for the first time this season with Jamie Humphreys (concussion) sidelined. The loss of Keaon Koloamatangi (ankle) and Peter Mamouzelos (concussion) sees Sean Keppie push into the starting side and debutant Ashton Ward and Ryan Gray join the bench.
Souths
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Tyrone Munro , 6. Jack Wighton 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Sean Keppie , 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Liam Le Blanc 15. Jacob Host , 16. Ryan Gray 17. Ashton Ward 18. Thomas Fletcher 19. Shaquai Mitchell , 20. Salesi Ataata 21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 22. Ammaron Gudgeon
Out: Jamie Humphreys (halfback), Keaon Koloamatangi (front row), Peter Mamouzelos (bench)
In: Jye Gray (fullback), Ryan Gray (bench), Ashton Ward (bench)
Changes: Alex Johnston (fullback to wing), Isaiah Tass (wing to centre), Euan Aitken (centre to second row), Jacob Host (second row to bench), Sean Keppie (bench to front row), Lewis Dodd (bench to halfback)
With Hynes Firing and Brailey Buzzing, Sharks Eye Crucial Climb
The Sharks have rediscovered their bite—and just in time.
After a shaky patch mid-season, Cronulla have clicked into gear with back-to-back wins over the Dolphins and Roosters, thrusting themselves back into the top eight and re-energising their finals push.
A revitalised Blayke Brailey has been electric out of dummy half, setting the tempo with sharp service and smart running, while Nicho Hynes has reasserted himself as the Sharks’ attacking conductor. With four of their remaining six games against teams below them on the ladder, the timing couldn’t be better.
Standing in their way this week at Polytec Stadium is AJ Brimson and the Titans—a side desperate to avoid the wooden spoon—but the Sharks won’t be taking them lightly.
Centre Jesse Ramien returns to bolster the backline after overcoming a hamstring complaint, though Briton Nikora will sit this one out as he follows concussion protocols. Billy Burns steps into the starting second row, and Daniel Atkinson joins the bench, offering fresh legs and utility value.
Momentum is a powerful thing in the run to September—and right now, the Sharks have it.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai , 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake , 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton , 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf , 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Chris Veaila 20. Hohepa Puru, 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Niwhai Puru
Out: Briton Nikora (second row), Chris Vea’ila (centre to reserve)
In: Jesse Ramien (centre), Daniel Atkinson (bench)
Changes: Billy Burns (bench to second row)
Key Stats
The Rabbitohs have won three of their last four games on the Central Coast.
The Sharks have won their last four games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored four tries in three games at Polytec Stadium.
Sharks winger Sione Katoa has scored four tries in two games on the Central Coast.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is in danger of equalling his longest losing streak (eight games).
Sharks Smell Blood as Undermanned Rabbitohs Struggle On
The Rabbitohs are running on fumes—and it’s starting to show.
Last week’s clash with the Panthers exposed just how far the Bunnies have fallen. Ravaged by injury and short on spark, they simply had no answers for the premiers’ relentless forward pressure and clinical execution. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a reminder of how far off the pace they’ve slipped.
And now, things don’t get any easier.
The Sharks are coming to town with momentum on their side, having edged out the Roosters in a tough, physical contest. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the kind of win that builds belief in September dreams. Nicho Hynes is finding rhythm again, and with Blayke Brailey scheming out of dummy half, Cronulla look sharper and hungrier by the week.
Yes, the Sharks have been known to throw in a form reversal or two—but this doesn’t feel like the week for it. The Rabbitohs, for all their resilience, simply don’t have the cattle right now. Not enough experience. Not enough depth. Not enough answers.
This one’s the Sharks’ to lose.
Match Officials
Referees, Belinda Sharpe, Touch Judges, Damian Brady, Michael Wise, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
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