SATURDAY, AUGUST 30th, 2025.
Raiders v Tigers
GIO Stadium,3pm.
From Miracle to Momentum: Raiders Eye Glory as Tigers Battle to Finish Strong
The Raiders are still riding the high of what’s already being called the Miracle in Mudgee. Kaeo Weekes’ golden point heroics didn’t just seal a famous win — it put the Green Machine in prime position to chase only the second minor premiership in their proud history. Now, with September closing in, Canberra is humming with belief.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Wests Tigers are left picking up the pieces after the heartbreak at Leichhardt. Blowing a 12-point lead against the Cowboys may have spelled the end of their finals dream, but the story of their season isn’t finished yet. Having already banked five more victories than they managed across the entire 2024 campaign, the Tigers know they can’t let their revival slip away in the final two rounds.
This weekend at GIO Stadium, Ricky Stuart’s men will be looking to put on a show for their faithful fans — fans who know they’ll be back again in a fortnight when Canberra hosts its first home final since 2020.
The Tigers, meanwhile, have a bright spark of their own returning. Powerhouse winger Savelio Tamale makes his comeback from a knee injury, stepping in for Xavier Savage, whose season has been cut short by a shoulder problem. For Tamale, it’s his first run since Round 14 — and for the Tigers, it’s one more reason to fight to the finish.
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 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 Bench: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota Reserves: 18. Noah Martin 19. Manaia Waitere , 20. Danny Levi 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders.
Tigers Turn to Luai and Koroisau as Raiders Rematch Beckons
When the Tigers walk out this weekend, the scars of Round 16 will still sting — that narrow 16-12 defeat to the Raiders left them with unfinished business. This time, with Adam Doueihi sidelined by a nasty facial fracture, it will be Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau who take the reins, charged with steering the ship and sparking revenge.
The reshuffle has handed young Latu Fainu a golden chance as he steps into the starting halfback role, while Heath Mason joins the bench to provide fresh energy. In the backline, there’s a welcome boost: Starford To’a returns from a shoulder injury to reclaim his place in the centres, forcing Brent Naden to make way.
For the Tigers, it’s a test of resilience and reinvention — and a chance to show they’re more than the sum of their setbacks.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton, 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Heath Mason 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray , 17. Tony Sukkar Reserves: 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Kit Laulilii 20. Krystian Mapapalangi , 21. Tristan Hope 22. Brent Naden.
Key Stats
The Raiders have won nine of their past 10 games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers have not won at GIO Stadium since 2018.
The Raiders have won nine from 10 at GIO Stadium this season.
Wests Tigers centre Taylan May has scored four tries in his last four games.
Raiders prop Josh Papalii will play his 150th game at GIO Stadium.
Officials
Referee: Jarrod Cole ,Touch Judges, Blind Badger, Nick Pelgrave ,Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Raiders Roar as Tigers’ Finals Dream Fades
Last week, the Raiders looked every inch a premiership contender. Their comeback win over the Panthers wasn’t just gutsy — it was a statement that Canberra are built for September.
The Tigers, by contrast, let their moment slip away. A golden chance to climb closer to the Top 8 crumbled at Leichhardt, where they surrendered a winning lead to the Cowboys. For a side that has fought so hard to keep their finals dream alive, the heartbreak was as bitter as it gets.
Now, as the two sides meet again, the script feels brutally clear. Fans might long for a miracle to keep the Tigers’ hopes flickering, but the Green Machine looks set to deliver the final blow.
Prediction: Raiders by 18.
Dragons v Manly
Netstrata Stadium, Sydney,5.30pm.
Red V Rally: Dragons Seek Redemption with Reinforcements at Home
For the Dragons, Round 25 was one to forget. A heavy defeat at the hands of the Rabbitohs cut deep, and now the Red V are desperate to restore pride as the season draws to a close. With back-to-back games at their cherished home grounds — Jubilee and WIN Stadium — they have the perfect chance to finish on a high and reconnect with their faithful fans
The cavalry has arrived just in time. Jaydn Su’A returns from a knee injury, while Jack de Belin and Hame Sele are cleared after concussion lay-offs. Their inclusion steadies the forward pack, with Luciano Leilua shifting back to the bench and Ben Murdoch-Masila making way.
In the spine, Damien Cook reclaims the No.9 jersey, pushing Jacob Liddle to the bench, and in the backline, speedster Tyrell Sloan has been recalled on the wing at the expense of Corey Allan.
For the Dragons, it’s more than a reshuffle — it’s a statement of intent: a final chance to show grit, pride, and promise for what lies ahead.
Dragons
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Mathew Feagai, 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook , 10. David Klemmer 11. Jacob Halangahu 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin , Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Hame Sele 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga Reserves: 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Corey Allan 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Nathan Lawson 22. Blake Lawrie.
Manly’s Momentum: Sea Eagles Soar into Finals Chase
The Sea Eagles are flying high again. A ruthless 10-try demolition of the Dolphins not only kept their finals hopes alive but also reminded the competition of Manly’s attacking firepower. The victory doubled as the perfect celebration for Daly Cherry-Evans, who marked his 350th game in style at 4 Pines Park.
Now, the challenge shifts to the road, where the Sea Eagles must carry that momentum into a clash with the Dragons. Win here, and the stage will be set for a Round 27 blockbuster at home against the Warriors — a potential last roll of the dice to sneak into September.
Coach Anthony Seibold is sticking solid with the winning formula, naming the same 17 who tore the Dolphins apart. On standby once more is exciting young playmaker Joey Walsh, listed as 18th man after filling the role last week.
For Manly, it’s simple: keep soaring, and the finals dream stays alive.
Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Lehi Hopoate, 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga Bench: 14. Aaron Schoupp 15. Caleb Navale 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley Reserves: 18. Joey Walsh 19. Clayton Faulalo, 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Simione Laiafi 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong.
Key Stats
The Dragons have won three of their past four games at Jubilee Stadium.
The Sea Eagles have not won at Kogarah since 2014.
Dragons centre Mat Feagai has scored four tries in his last four games.
Sea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored six tries in his last seven games.
Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu has scored four tries in his last four games at Jubilee Stadium.
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Daniel Luttringer, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.
Dragons or Sea Eagles? A Toss-Up in the Finals Race
The Dragons were nothing short of diabolical against the Rabbitohs, crumbling with their season on the line. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles rediscovered their spark against the Dolphins, keeping their faint finals dream alive.
But tipping this clash is far from straightforward. The Dragons, so unpredictable, could just as easily bounce back at home and upset an inconsistent Manly outfit. For punters, it’s a gamble — and if you get it right, you’ll have bragging rights.
Prediction: Sea Eagles by 4.
Cowboys v Broncos
Queensland Country Bank Stadium,7.45pm.
Cowboys Ready for Shootout as Rivalry with Broncos Heats Up
The Cowboys showed the grit of contenders last week, clawing their way back from 12 points down with just 15 minutes to play to snatch a 34-28 win over the Wests Tigers at a fiery Leichhardt Oval. It was the kind of comeback that speaks volumes about their character — and their timing couldn’t be better.
Now, all eyes turn to Townsville, where a rivalry steeped in passion and history writes its 66th chapter. With Scott Drinkwater and Reece Walsh both in irresistible form at fullback, fans can expect a shootout under the lights, the kind of free-flowing contest that keeps the scoreboard ticking.
Coach Todd Payten has rewarded his side’s resilience, sticking with the same squad that delivered last weekend’s rousing win. Among the extended group are two exciting rookies, Emarly Bitungane and Nicholas Lenaz, both fresh from their NRL debuts and eager for another taste of the big stage.
For the Cowboys, momentum is building — and against their fiercest rivals, they’ll be determined to turn it into a statement.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea , 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson , 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter, Bench: 14. Zac Laybutt 15. Karl Lawton 16. Harrison Edwards, 17. Thomas Mikaele Reserves: 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz , 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs.
Cowboys Out to Rekindle Grand Final Memories as Broncos Push for Top Four
A decade has passed since the Cowboys shattered Brisbane hearts in one of the great grand finals of the modern era. Now, history offers a familiar twist — North Queensland have the chance to once again derail their biggest rival, this time by stalling the Broncos’ surge into the top four.
Brisbane arrive buoyed by a dazzling win over Newcastle, a victory that not only cemented their place in the finals but also kept alive the dream of securing a prized double chance in September. For Michael Maguire’s men, the stakes are sky-high, and the challenge is clear.
The team sheet offers further intrigue. Captain Adam Reynolds has been named among the reserves as he edges closer to a return from the hamstring injury that struck him down in Round 23 against the Storm. Meanwhile, Brendan Piakura is back from concussion to bolster the bench, with Jesse Arthars sliding to 18th man.
For the Cowboys, the lure is simple: spoil the party and remind their Queensland neighbours that this rivalry still cuts deep. For the Broncos, it’s about proving they’re not just finals-bound — but finals-ready.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki , 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas , 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy, 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Brendan Piakura Reserves: 18. Jesse Arthars, 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Jock Madden 22. Adam Reynolds.
Key Stats
The Cowboys have won only two from 11 against top-eight opposition in 2025.
The Broncos have won their last five games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored six tries in six games against the Broncos.
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored five tries in his last four games.
Cowboys lock Reuben Cotter will make his 100th NRL appearance
Officials
Referee, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Drew Oultram, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Cowboys Seek Farewell Upset as Broncos Eye Finals Charge
The Cowboys breathed a little fire back into their season with last week’s win over the Tigers, but the glow has come far too late. Their final-round bye means this clash with Brisbane is the last act of a disappointing campaign — and nothing would please North Queensland more than sending their loyal fans home smiling with a victory over their fiercest rivals.
The Broncos, on the other hand, arrive in ruthless touch after dismantling the Knights, their confidence building at just the right time for a deep finals run. For them, the mission is simple: stay sharp, stay clinical, and keep their momentum rolling into September.
It’s a rivalry built on pride, pain, and plenty of history — and even with the Cowboys out of the hunt, the fire still burns.
Prediction: Broncos by 12.
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