FRIDAY,AUGUST 29th,2025
Warriors v Eels
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ.6pm.
Warriors Walk a Tightrope as Eels Await in Auckland
The Warriors’ season hangs in a delicate balance as they prepare for Friday night’s clash in Auckland. With the Broncos and Sharks lurking close behind, Andrew Webster’s side knows a single misstep could cost them the precious double chance in the finals.
Sitting fourth on the ladder with 34 points, the Warriors have fought too hard to let their grip slip now. Their fate rests not just in the wins they chase, but in the consistency they must hold across these final two matches.
Webster has kept faith with the same 17, naming Demitric Vaimauga to start and Tanner Stowers-Smith on the bench. Yet, as last week showed, that could change on game day. The squad remains steady, but the anticipation grows.
Looking further ahead, Jackson Ford looms as a welcome return from suspension once the finals arrive, while Ali Leiataua continues his recovery from an ankle injury. For now, though, all eyes are fixed on the Eels — a side as unpredictable as they come, capable of brilliance and chaos in equal measure.
In Auckland, the Warriors know the equation is simple: hold their nerve, play their brand of football, and the double chance will be theirs to seize.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Demitric Vaimauga 11. Kurt Capewell , 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark Bench: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Leka Halasima Reserves: 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Samuel Healey 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Kalani Going 23. Edward Kosi.
Eels Eye Upset as Addo-Carr Marks Milestone in Auckland
Parramatta arrive in Auckland with quiet confidence, knowing they have the firepower to trouble any side when their attack clicks. Mitch Moses is steering the ship with freedom, while Zac Lomax and Josh Addo-Carr provide the strike power to turn half-chances into points. Against the Warriors, that kind of unpredictability could prove decisive.
It has been a season of frustration for the Eels, but recent results tell a different story. Wins over the Roosters, Broncos, and Cowboys in the past month have breathed fresh life into the club and offered a glimpse of Jason Ryles’ long-term vision. The revival may not be complete until 2026, but the signs are there.
Ryles has named the same 17 that stunned the Roosters last week, with Sean Russell included as 18th man as he works his way back from a hand injury suffered in Round 22. Out wide, Josh Addo-Carr adds an extra layer of significance to the trip, running out for his 200th NRL game — a milestone that underlines his enduring class.
For the Eels, Friday night offers more than just another contest; it’s a chance to measure themselves against a finals contender and to keep building the foundation for the season ahead.
Eels
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Dylan Brown 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Matt Doorey 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Jordan Samrani Reserves: 18. Sean Russell , 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Dan Keir 21. Toni Mataele 22. Joey Lussick.
Key Stats
The Warriors have won only two of their last six games at Go Media Stadium.
The Eels have won five of their last six games against the Warriors.
Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has scored nine tries in his last 11 games against the Eels.
Warriors centre Adam Pompey has scored five tries in his last six games.
Officials
Referee: Referee: Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Kieren Irons, Tyson Brough, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Warriors Seek Lift at Home as Eels Loom as Spoilers
The Warriors did enough to get past the Titans last week, though the performance left questions lingering. It wasn’t the polished display of a side hunting a premiership, but it was enough to keep them clinging to their place in the Top 4 — and at this stage of the season, survival in that bracket matters most
Their next hurdle is a Parramatta side with nothing to lose and a taste for disruption. The Eels reminded everyone of their sting by upsetting the Roosters, proving they can spoil the party even without finals on the horizon. For Jason Ryles’ men, pride and future momentum fuel their fight.
For Andrew Webster’s Warriors, the message is clear: lift another gear. At home, with the finals drawing near, they should have too much discipline and determination to let this one slip. But in a competition where spoilers lurk and pressure sharpens every mistake, nothing can be taken for granted.
Warriors by 4.
Storm v Roosters
AAMI Park, Melbourne,8pm.
Storm Reload for Premiership Push as Finals Loom
The Melbourne Storm find themselves exactly where they expect to be at this time of year — inside the top four and circling the minor premiership. With two games to play, the equation is simple: win out, and hope Canberra stumble against the Tigers or Dolphins. The path to the crown remains alive.
Key reinforcements are also arriving at just the right time. Halfback Jahrome Hughes is on track to return in Round 27, while winger Will Warbrick eased back into action through the Queensland Cup last weekend after a long layoff. Their comebacks signal fresh momentum for a squad determined to go one better in 2025 after last year’s heartbreak against Penrith in the decider.
This week, however, Craig Bellamy has had to shuffle the deck. With Harry Grant suspended, Bronson Garlick takes control at hooker. Ativalu Liseti joins the bench for the concussed Tui Kamikamica, while rest has been handed to Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa, and Josh King. That opens the door for Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown and Kane Bradley to start on the wings, Grant Anderson to slide into the centres, Alec MacDonald to step up at prop, and Shawn Blore to return from an ankle injury in the back row. Nelson Asofa-Solomona strengthens the bench, adding power for the run home.
It’s a reminder of Melbourne’s greatest weapon — depth. Even with stars sidelined or rested, the Storm find ways to adapt and thrive. And with Hughes and Warbrick soon back in purple, the chase for redemption in 2025 is about to intensify.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Kane Bradley 3. Marion Seve 4. Grant Anderson, 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu , 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Alec MacDonald 11. Shawn Blore 12. Joe Chan , 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Lazarus Vaalepu, 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona Reserves: 18. Sualauvi Faalogo 19. Josiah Pahulu, 20. William Warbrick 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Angus Hinchey.
Roosters Face Storm Fortress in Season-Defining Battle
The Sydney Roosters find themselves at a crossroads as they head to Melbourne for a Friday night showdown at AAMI Park. After stitching together three straight wins to climb back into the top eight, their momentum was halted abruptly by the Eels last weekend. Yet fortune smiled — the Dolphins’ slip against Manly kept the Roosters’ finals hopes intact.
Now, however, comes their sternest test. Facing the Storm at home is never easy, and history does them no favours: just four wins in 14 attempts at AAMI Park, and no victory over Melbourne since Round 24, 2022. To compound matters, playmaker Sam Walker has been sidelined with concussion, leaving coach Trent Robinson to reshuffle his halves.
In Walker’s absence, Hugo Savala takes over at halfback with Sandon Smith stepping in at five-eighth. There is some relief with veteran winger Daniel Tupou cleared to return after his own concussion layoff, but otherwise the forward pack remains unchanged — a show of faith as the Roosters look to consolidate their grip on eighth spot.
For the Roosters, this is more than just another regular-season clash. It’s a test of resilience, belief, and their ability to defy the odds in one of the toughest venues in rugby league. A win in Melbourne would not only steady their campaign but also signal they are ready to fight deep into September.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Naufahu Whyte, Bench: 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Salesi Foketi 17. Siua Wong , Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Blake Steep 20. Toby Rodwell 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu.
Key Stats
The Storm have won their last seven games against the Roosters.
The Roosters have lost five of their last six games at AAMI Park.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored eight tries in his last six games against the Roosters.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored six tries in his last five games against the Storm.
Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy will become the fourth coach to reach the milestone of 600 NRL games.
Officials
Referee, Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Dave Munro, Matt Noyen, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.
Storm Hold Firm as Roosters Face Finals Pressure
Last week was a tale of two halves for the NRL heavyweights. The Melbourne Storm weathered a second-half scare to edge past the Bulldogs, their defence flashing the discipline and intensity that has become their trademark. Meanwhile, the Roosters struggled to recover from the early loss of Sam Walker, falling short against a determined Eels side.
Now, the stakes climb even higher. The Roosters remain on shaky ground in the race for the Top 8, with the Dolphins and Sea Eagles close behind. Every game feels like a season-defining test, and this clash against the Storm looms as no different.
In Melbourne, the odds favour the home side. The Storm’s depth, resilience, and ability to thrive under pressure make them a formidable obstacle, and while the Roosters will fight tooth and nail, a narrow victory for the Storm seems the likely outcome. In what promises to be a tense showdown, expect the Storm to hold firm — a four-point win just enough to keep their finals ambitions burning bright.
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