SATURDAY, MAY 31st, 2025
Storm v Titans
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 3pm
Fight or Fade: Titans Face Season-Defining QLD Triple Clash
The Gold Coast Titans stand on the edge of a turning point. Sitting 16th on the ladder but just one win outside the top eight, their season isn’t dead—just dormant, waiting to be awakened.
Now comes a stretch that could redefine their campaign. Over the next three weeks, the Titans face three crucial matches—all within their home region of Queensland. It’s a rare opportunity: no flights to Sydney, no hostile crowds in New Zealand—just familiar surroundings and beatable opponents. That is, if they show up with the right mindset.
First, they host the ever-dangerous Melbourne Storm at Robina. Then it’s a short trip north to face the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium before returning home for a showdown with the Sea Eagles. On paper, all three opponents are powerhouses. But with Origin disruptions in full swing, vulnerabilities could emerge. The question is: will the Titans be ready to exploit them?
When the Gold Coast attack clicks, they’re capable of tearing teams apart. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance that few clubs can match. But defence has been their Achilles’ heel—by far the worst in the league, leaking a staggering 31 points per game. A 50-point capitulation against the Cowboys and 40-point blowouts to both the Bulldogs and Raiders highlight just how brittle they’ve been.
Still, this isn’t just about stats—it’s about belief. These next three games are more than a test of form. They’re a test of identity. Are the Titans the unpredictable side that can upset giants, or are they destined to fade into another forgettable finish?
The answers will come soon. And they’ll come on Queensland soil.
Titans
1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui Bench: 14. Kieran Foran 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Klese Haas 17. Jacob Alick-Wiencke Reserves: 18. Arama Hau 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Josh Patston 21. Tom Weaver 22. Sean Mullany 23. Allan Fitzgibbon.
Reinforcements Incoming: Storm Await Green Light on Origin Trio
With the dust yet to settle from State of Origin Game One, the Melbourne Storm are holding their breath. Key representatives—Harry Grant, Cameron Munster, and Trent Loiero—have all been named to back up in Round 12, pending their recovery from Wednesday night’s brutal showdown. If they emerge unscathed, their presence could tip the scales for Melbourne in what looms as a critical clash.
Meanwhile, Bronson Garlick has been promoted to the bench, rewarded after serving as 18th man in Round 11. It’s another show of faith from Craig Bellamy, who values Garlick’s reliability and spark in high-pressure moments.
There’s also a glimmer of good news in the backs. Young centre Jack Howarth has been named in the reserves as he inches closer to a return from the dislocated shoulder that sidelined him in Round 7. His inclusion, even provisionally, signals that Melbourne’s depth may soon be bolstered at just the right time.
With Origin fatigue, injury uncertainty, and selection dilemmas swirling, the Storm are preparing for every scenario—but they’ll be hoping their stars are ready to suit up when it matters most.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 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 Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart . 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick Reserves: 18. Joe Chan . 19. Jack Howarth 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Kane Bradley 22. Lazarus Vaalepu. 23. Marion Seve 24. Ativalu Lisati
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski . Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Nick Pelgrave , Bunker: Kasey Badger.
Key Stats
The Titans have won only one of their past 11 games against the Storm.
The Storm have won eight of their past nine games at Cbus Super Stadium.
Titans winger Jojo Fifita has scored 13 tries in his past 13 games.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored five tries in four games at Cbus Super Stadium.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira heads into his 50th NRL game on 47 tries.
Prediction
Both teams enjoyed the week off last week, and both have some players on the bounce from State of Origin 1. The Titans are an unpredictable lot, but against the Storm they really shouldn’t have much of a chance here.
Cowboys v Tigers
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, 5.30pm
Back to the Bank: Cowboys Gear Up for Crucial Home Stand
The Cowboys have been steady but unspectacular at home in 2025—two wins, two losses, and a draw. But as the second half of the season looms, they know Queensland Country Bank Stadium must become more than just a venue—it has to become a fortress.
Todd Payten’s men are chasing their third finals berth in four years, and with seven of their remaining matches on home turf, the blueprint is clear: dominate in Townsville or fade into the background. That mission begins this weekend, with the Wests Tigers rolling into town.
What happened between these sides last season still echoes through the halls—148 total points scored across two high-octane clashes, both won by the Cowboys. If history is any guide, this one promises another open, fast-paced shootout. Fans can expect fireworks with attacking weapons like Scott Drinkwater, rising star Jaxon Purdue, Jahream Bula, and Sunia Turuva lighting up both ends of the park.
Helping fuel the Cowboys’ push are their returning Origin stars—Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter—all named to start, pending their recovery from Game One. Reece Robson also slots back in after New South Wales duty, reinforcing the spine at a crucial time.
There’s a new face in the mix, too—Jaxson Paulo pulls on the Cowboys jersey for the first time, replacing the injured Murray Taulagi (calf). Sam McIntyre shifts to prop, with Coen Hess moving to the bench and Cotter reclaiming the No. 13 jersey after missing last week’s loss to Manly through suspension.
Thomas Mikaele is the man to make way, but he may yet earn a late recall if Nanai or Cotter are ruled out after Origin duty.
It’s all set up: a team full of talent, a favourable run at home, and a season still hanging in the balance. For the Cowboys, the charge begins now—in front of their faithful, under the lights of Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Jaxson Paulo. 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre. 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Harrison Edwards. 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess Reserves: 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Duffy. 20. Karl Lawton 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Braidon Burns 23. Kaiden Lahrs 24. Jamal Shibasaki
New-Look Tigers Show Bite, But Defensive Cracks Remain
There’s no denying it—the Wests Tigers have turned a corner in 2025. With the explosive energy of Jarome Luai in the halves, the power of Terrell May up front, and the electric finishing of Sunia Turuva out wide, the new-look Tigers have been one of the competition’s more watchable teams.
But flair alone won’t get you into September.
Despite their marked improvement, the Tigers are still leaking an average of 25 points per game—a statistic that continues to cast a long shadow over their finals ambitions. As the business end of the season nears, the defensive lapses that have haunted the club for years must be urgently addressed.
This week, the side undergoes a notable change, with young five-eighth Lachlan Galvin making way for Heath Mason. It’s a significant call. Galvin, seen as a long-term playmaker for the club, has not only been left out of the top squad but has also been omitted from all grades and excused from training duties this week. The decision, announced by the club on Tuesday, has raised plenty of questions about what’s happening behind the scenes.
In the pack, Samuela Fainu has been cleared to play despite a knee scare in the loss to South Sydney before the bye, offering some stability on the edge. However, the forward rotation will still be missing Fonua Pole, who continues his recovery from a knee injury.
The Tigers have shown glimpses of what they could become—but to be part of the finals picture, they’ll need more than glimpses. They’ll need grit, consistency, and a defence that holds its ground when the pressure comes.
The pieces are there. Whether they come together in time remains to be seen.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines. 6. Heath Mason 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Royce Hunt 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Brent Naden 15. Jack Bird 16. Sione Fainu. 17. Tony Sukkar Reserves: 18. Tristan Hope 19. Luke Laulilii 20. Charlie Murray 21. Kit Laulilii. 22. Tallyn Da Silva
Referee: Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Daniel Schwass, Jarrod Cole, Bunker: Ashley Klein.
Key Stats
The Cowboys have won five of their past six games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers have lost their last three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys winger Robert Derby has scored six tries in four games at QCB Stadium.
Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored four tries in four games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored seven tries in his last nine games against Wests Tigers.
Prediction
The Cowboys enjoyed the bye last weekend after a disappointing loss the week before. They are one of those teams that is very hard to read a form line on. The Tigers will be happy to have Lachlan Galvin in their rear-view mirrors as they set course for a Top 8 finish. Cows at home for me.
Broncos v Manly
4 Pines Park, Manly, Sydney,7.35pm.
Home Hurts: Manly Aim to Break 4 Pines Drought in Broncos Clash
The Sea Eagles return to familiar shores on Saturday night—but home hasn’t felt like home for a while now.
Once a fortress feared by visiting teams, 4 Pines Park has lost some of its aura in 2025, with Manly dropping their last three games at the famous venue. Now, under the lights and the pressure of expectation, they face a Brisbane Broncos side flying high, and the need to respond has never been greater.
Last week’s loss to the Eels stung. Manly, a team built on grit and flare, looked flat. Coach Anthony Seibold knows a bounce-back is essential—not just to stay in the finals race, but to restore belief in a season that’s teetering on a knife’s edge.
Injuries continue to shape their journey. With superstar Tom Trbojevic ruled out due to a corked thigh, it’s young Lehi Hopoate who gets the nod at fullback—a big moment for the rising talent under the Saturday night spotlight. Tommy Talau also returns on the wing after a frustrating spell on the sideline with a hamstring issue.
Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, fresh off Origin I duties, is named to back up once more, pushing Jake Arthur back to the reserves. In the engine room, Manly receive a much-needed double injection of power and experience with Josh Aloiai (shoulder) and Ben Trbojevic (illness) both cleared to return. However, the pack takes a hit too—veteran enforcer Siosiua Taukeiaho is out with a calf injury, and Jake Trbojevic remains sidelined for another week as he recovers from the concussion suffered in Round 11.
The odds are tall, the stakes are high, and the opposition is fierce. But if the Sea Eagles can rediscover the spirit that once made Brookvale a battleground, then Saturday night might just be the start of a season revival.
Sea Eagles
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau . 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai. 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga Bench: 14. Lachlan Croker. 15. Corey Waddell 16. Nathan Brown 17. Matthew Lodge Reserves: 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Michael Chee Kam 21. Toafofoa Sipley 22. Caleb Navale.
Maguire’s Men Aim for Consistency in Crucial Clash with Manly
Refreshed, refocused, and with a point to prove—the Broncos arrive in Sydney this week ready to reignite their season under the Saturday night lights at 4 Pines Park.
It’s been more than a decade since Brisbane last laced up their boots at Brookvale Oval, and coach Michael Maguire will be hoping the long-awaited return marks a turning point. Coming off a well-timed bye, the Broncos have had a chance to reset after a stuttering start to 2025, where flashes of brilliance have too often been undone by lapses in concentration—like their frustrating Round 11 defeat to the Dragons.
Maguire has made it clear: it’s not just about competing—it’s about maintaining intensity across the full 80 minutes. And this week, he’ll be leaning on his representative stars to lead the charge.
Just three days after a grueling Origin opener, Queensland enforcers Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas have been named to back up for club duty, underlining their commitment and importance to the Broncos’ engine room. In the backline, Jesse Arthars slots into fullback as Selwyn Cobbo returns to the wing following a four-week stint in the No.1 jersey—a tactical shuffle designed to sharpen Brisbane’s attack.
There’s a youthful injection on the bench too, with towering forward Ben Te Kura replacing Fletcher Baker, who shifts to the reserves.
The Broncos have the talent. They’ve shown glimpses of the team they could be. Now, the challenge is putting it all together—starting with a rare and high-stakes showdown in enemy territory.
Broncos
1. Jesse Arthars 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison. 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Benjamin Te Kura Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Josiah Karapani 20. Blake Mozer. 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Fletcher Baker 23. Va’a Semu
Referee: Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Dave Munro, Michael Wise , Bunker: Chris Butler.
Key Stats
The Sea Eagles have won only three of their past 10 games against the Broncos.
The Broncos play at 4 Pines Park for the first time since 2014.
The Sea Eagles have conceded 98 points in three consecutive losses on home soil.
Adam Reynolds, Jesse Arthars and Corey Jensen are the only Broncos who have played at 4 Pines.
Sea Eagles lock Jazz Tevaga will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Prediction
The Sea Eagles were very disappointing last week in losing to the Eels. The Broncos enjoyed the week off and must have spent the time reviewing their season’s ups and down. This is a tough one to pick, with neither team very reliable. I think that the Broncos should win this against their old coach.
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