FRIDAY JULY 21st 2025
AND SOME PEOPLE THINK I PICK ON THE NRL OFFICIALS.
Well, lets look at last nights game between the Roosters and the Storm. Adam Gee was his usual incompetent self. The game is too fast for him to stay in touch, and Chris Butler in the Bunker awards a Roosters try when Tedesco was in front of the kicker. Despite looking at the replay 52 times, and in slow motion, Butler still gets it wrong and awards the try. Luckily this did not effect the result, but it could have. The officials are simply not good enough for the job.
Cowboys v Dragons
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.6pm.
Fading Hopes in the North: Cowboys and Dragons Clash with Finals Out of Reach
In the searing heat of Townsville, two teams on the brink of irrelevance prepare for a Round 21 showdown that feels more like a battle to salvage pride than a march toward September.
For the North Queensland Cowboys, the finals are slipping further into the realm of fantasy. They’ve tasted victory just once in their past seven outings—and even that came against the cellar-dwelling Titans. Momentum is not just missing; it’s vanished.
Coach Todd Payten has been forced into yet another reshuffle. With Murray Taulagi sidelined by a hamstring strain, Braidon Burns shifts to the wing, allowing Jaxon Purdue to reclaim a spot in the centres. Thomas Duffy steps in at five-eighth, tasked with injecting life into a sputtering attack. On the opposite edge, Robert Derby earns a recall at the expense of Jaxson Paulo.
Up front, there’s a glimmer of hope in the return of John Bateman from a groin injury. His presence sees Harrison Edwards shift into the front row to cover for the injured Thomas Mikaele, who’s been ruled out with a knee issue.
As the Cowboys prepare to face a fellow struggler in the Dragons, both sides know the truth: the ladder doesn’t lie, and the clock is running out.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt, 5. Braidon Burns 6. Thomas Duffy 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards , 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai , 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess, 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Nicholas Lenaz 20. Temple Kalepo 21. Marly Bitungane, 22. Dane Aukafolau
Out: Murray Taulagi (wing), Thomas Mikaele (front row), Jaxson Paulo (wing to bench)
In: Robert Derby (wing), Thomas Duffy (five-eighth), John Bateman (second row)
Changes: Braidon Burns (centre to wing), Jaxon Purdue (five-eighth to centre), Reuben Cotter (second row to lock), Harrison Edwards (lock to front row)
North in Decline: Cowboys and Dragons Battle as Finals Fade from Sight
In the searing heat of Townsville, two teams clinging to fading hopes prepare for a Round 21 clash that may come to define their seasons—not because of what they gain, but what they stand to lose.
For the North Queensland Cowboys, dreams of a late-season surge have all but evaporated. Just one win in their past seven outings—a scrappy triumph over the last-placed Titans—is all they have to show for their recent form. With each passing week, the finals drift further from reach.
Coach Todd Payten has again been forced into changes. Murray Taulagi’s hamstring injury sees Braidon Burns shuffled to the wing, Jaxon Purdue returns to the centres, and Thomas Duffy steps into the No.6 jersey. Robert Derby gets a fresh shot on the other flank, meaning Jaxson Paulo drops out. In the engine room, John Bateman returns from a groin complaint, pushing Harrison Edwards into the front row to cover for the injured Thomas Mikaele.
But if it’s been a tough stretch in the north, spare a thought for the Dragons.
Shane Flanagan’s side has now lost five of their last six—and most cruelly, six matches this year by six points or less. Their latest heartbreaker came just last weekend: a 20-18 defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs, sealed by more questionable officiating in a season that’s been riddled with them. For Dragons fans, it’s a painful pattern of “what ifs” and missed opportunities.
With the finals now almost mathematically out of reach, the Red V are facing a seventh consecutive year without postseason football. The only change for Flanagan this week is injury-enforced—Sione Finau’s shoulder problem opens the door for Corey Allan to shift to the wing, and Mat Feagai steps into the centres for just his third appearance of 2025.
As the Cowboys and Dragons collide under the North Queensland sun, it’s more than just two points on the line. It’s pride, redemption—and the desperate need to prove this season still has something left to give.
Dragons
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Mathew Feagai , 5. Corey Allan 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. Nicholas Tsougranis 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila 20. Lachlan Ilias, 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Jacob Halangahu
Out: Sione Finau (wing)
In: Mathew Feagai (centre)
Changes: Corey Allan (centre to wing), Michael Molo (front row to bench), Emre Guler (bench to front row)
Key Stats
The Cowboys have won their last five games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have won only three of their past 15 games at Queensland venues.
The Cowboys have lost four of their past five games at home.
Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored four tries in his past three games.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored four tries in his last four games against the Dragons.
Last Chance Saloon: Cowboys and Dragons Clash in Do-or-Die Townsville Duel
In the sweltering north, finals hopes hang by a thread as the Cowboys and Dragons prepare for a Round 21 showdown that feels more like a last stand than a typical mid-season match.
The Cowboys arrive bruised, both physically and mentally, after being carved up by the Dolphins’ electric backline last week. Their defence was lifeless, their response nonexistent—and their finals dream, once faint, now borders on fantasy.
Across the field, the Dragons are carrying frustration of a different kind. They should’ve walked away with the points last weekend against the Bulldogs. Instead, they collapsed defensively in key moments and fell to a heartbreaking 20-18 defeat—a sixth loss this season by six points or fewer. For Shane Flanagan and his men, 2025 has been a season of missed opportunities, and last week was just another painful chapter.
Both clubs now share the same precarious label: “mathematical chances” of making the finals. The equation is simple—lose this game, and September becomes a spectator event. Win, and hope lingers for another week.
Team changes have been minimal but telling. The Cowboys lose Murray Taulagi to a hamstring issue, prompting a backline shuffle, while John Bateman’s return gives them some much-needed grunt up front. For the Dragons, a shoulder injury to Sione Finau sees Corey Allan move to the wing and Mat Feagai return in the centres.
It’s a tough one to tip. The Dragons may be playing slightly better footy overall—but they’ve made a habit of falling just short. The Cowboys, for all their flaws, are at home and desperate. That edge, combined with the Townsville heat and the weight of urgency, might just be enough.
Cowboys by a couple of points—but don’t be surprised if it goes down to the wire.
Match Officials
Referees, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Tyson Brough, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Broncos v Eels
Suncorp Stadium Brisbane 8pm
Broncos Eye Top-Four Surge as Key Stars Return for Final Push
The Brisbane Broncos are hitting their stride at just the right time. Riding the momentum of a five-game winning streak, Madge Maguire’s men have surged back into serious top-four contention—and with a crucial fortnight ahead, they’re eyeing every opportunity.
With upcoming clashes against the Eels and Rabbitohs—two sides now playing purely for pride—the Broncos know these are the games they simply must win if they’re to keep pressure on the teams above. Especially with two daunting matchups against the Melbourne Storm still looming, Brisbane’s margin for error is razor-thin across the final seven rounds.
Thankfully, reinforcements have arrived.
Blues enforcer Payne Haas returns to the front row after a post-Origin rest, injecting fresh power into the pack. On the edge, winger Jesse Arthars is back for his first game since Round 17, having overcome a rib injury. Meanwhile, prop Corey Jensen makes his return from a calf issue, joining Kobe Hetherington, Billy Walters, and Jack Gosiewski on a strong interchange bench.
For the Broncos, the formula is clear: keep stacking wins, take care of the teams below, and arrive in September ready to strike.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt , 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Corey Jensen 17. Jack Gosiewski , 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Selwyn Cobbo 21. Ben Talty 22. Jaiyden Hunt
Out: Ben Talty (bench to reserve), Deine Mariner (wing to bench), Tyson Smoothy (bench to reserve)
In: Jesse Arthars (wing), Payne Haas (front row), Corey Jensen (bench)
Changes: Kobe Hetherington (front row to bench)
Eels Look to Finish Strong as Moses Returns for Late-Season Push
There’s no denying the Parramatta Eels have made progress under Jason Ryles in 2025—but progress doesn’t always show on the ladder.
With just five wins to their name, the Eels remain locked in a battle to avoid their first wooden spoon since 2018. The path ahead is steep, but the club’s long-term picture is brighter than the standings suggest.
A core of emerging talent—Joash Papalii, Isaiah Iongi, Ryley Smith, Charlie Guymer, and Sam Tuivaiti—has brought a spark to a difficult season and laid a promising foundation for the future. But the immediate challenge is clear: land a few upsets in the final rounds and carry some pride and momentum into 2026.
There’s a massive boost this week, with star halfback Mitch Moses returning from a four-game layoff due to a calf injury. His leadership and kicking game will be vital as the Eels face a red-hot Broncos outfit.
Moses’ return shifts Dean Hawkins to five-eighth, while Joash Papalii moves to fullback in place of Isaiah Iongi, who’s sidelined with a hand injury. In the centres, Will Penisini is back from suspension, pushing Bailey Simonsson to the reserves. Luca Moretti also joins the bench, and Knights-bound playmaker Dylan Brown has been named in the extended squad, though his role remains unclear.
For the Eels, it’s not just about survival—it’s about belief. With Moses steering the ship again, they’ll be hoping to punch above their weight and finish the season on their terms.
Eels
1. Joash Papali’i 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dean Hawkins 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood, 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker , 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Luca Moretti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dan Keir , 19. Jordan Samrani 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Toni Mataele 22. Dylan Brown
Out: Isaiah Iongi (fullback), Jordan Samrani (bench to reserve), Bailey Simonsson (centre to reserve)
In: Will Penisini (centre), Mitchell Moses (halfback), Luca Moretti (bench)
Changes: Joash Papalii (five-eighth to fullback), Dean Hawkins (halfback to five-eighth)
Key Stats
The Broncos have won their last four games against the Eels.
The Eels have lost five of their last six games at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki has scored eight tries in his last six games at Suncorp.
Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr requires one try for 150 NRL tries.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds requires 14 points for 2500 career points.
Battle of Belief: Moses Returns but Broncos Should Prove Too Strong
The Broncos return from their bye fresh and firing, while the Eels limp into Round 21 with bruises both physical and psychological after a tale of two halves against the Raiders. Parramatta impressed early in that clash, showing plenty of spark—but faded badly as Canberra ran over the top of them late.
Brisbane, meanwhile, are humming. A five-game winning streak has them surging toward the top four, and with several key players back on deck—including Payne Haas, Jesse Arthars, and Corey Jensen—they look every bit the heavyweight they were billed to be at the start of the season.
There is some hope for the Eels with the return of Mitch Moses, who brings structure, kicking class, and leadership that’s been sorely missed. His combination with Dean Hawkins in the halves will be under the spotlight, and Joash Papalii’s shift to fullback adds another layer of intrigue.
But while Moses may help Parramatta hang in the contest early, it’s hard to see them matching Brisbane for the full 80.
The Broncos are too powerful, too polished, and too motivated. Tip: Broncos by 12.
Match Officials
Referees, Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Drew Oultram, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
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