NRL,ROUND 15, SATURDAY ,JUNE 14th, 2025 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS

Knights v Roosters

McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, 5.30pm

Newcastle’s New Spark: Knights Eye Rare Back-to-Back Wins Without Ponga

The Newcastle Knights return to McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday evening with a chance to notch back-to-back victories for the first time since the opening rounds of the 2025 season — and the timing couldn’t be better.

Last week’s dramatic come-from-behind win lit a spark in the Hunter, and while the energy in the stands remains electric, the Knights know they’ll need to dig deep without their Origin-bound captain Kalyn Ponga and veteran enforcer Tyson Frizell, who is sidelined with concussion.

Into the spotlight steps Fletcher Sharpe, promoted to fullback in Ponga’s absence, while Jackson Hastings makes his long-awaited return to first grade — his first NRL appearance since July last year — slotting in at five-eighth. There’s a welcome boost through the middle too, as Jayden Brailey reclaims the No.9 jersey, pushing Phoenix Crossland into a roaming lock role. Young gun Matthew Arthur earns a spot on the bench and will look to make an impact when called upon.

But all eyes may be on English back-rower Kai Pearce-Paul. Just days after announcing his move to the Wests Tigers at season’s end, the 24-year-old turned heads with his sharp ballplaying and vision during last week’s stirring comeback. Long known for his tireless defensive work — averaging 41 tackles a game — Pearce-Paul is now showing flashes of the dynamic skill set that brought him to Newcastle in the first place. With the finals race heating up, the Knights will be hoping to unleash more of his attacking flair down the stretch as he prepares to say farewell to the red and blue.

The Roosters are circling, but the Knights have rediscovered their fight. Now it’s about turning that into a statement.

Knights

1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt . 　　　　　 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Mathew Croker.  9. Jayden Brailey 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul.  13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen . 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Tyrone Thompson 20. Mason Teague.  21. Brock Greacen 22. Wilson De Courcey

Out: Kalyn Ponga (fullback), Tyson Frizell (front row)
In: Jackson Hastings (five-eighth), Matthew Arthur (bench)
Changes: James Schiller (centre to wing), Fletcher Hunt (wing to centre), Fletcher Sharpe (five-eighth to fullback), Phoenix Crossland (hooker to lock), Thomas Cant (lock to bench), Mat Croker (bench to front row), Jayden Brailey (bench to hooker)

Next-Gen Roosters Take Aim at Wounded Knights in Rivalry Clash

Refreshed after a well-timed bye over the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Sydney Roosters are heading up the highway to the Hunter — and they’re bringing a dominant history with them.

Under the guidance of Trent Robinson, the Roosters have ruled this rivalry, winning 16 of their past 19 clashes against Newcastle, including eight out of ten played at McDonald Jones Stadium. The numbers tell the story: 549 points scored to just 250 conceded during his reign — a stark reminder of their stranglehold over the Knights.

Now, they return to Newcastle looking to extend that record, even with a reshuffled line-up due to Origin absences.

Among the many narratives swirling around this Saturday evening showdown is the perseverance of Billy Smith. Once hailed as Latrell Mitchell’s heir apparent, the injury-riddled centre is set to line up for his eighth appearance of the 2025 season — a milestone he’s only hit once before. At 25, Smith is starting to deliver on long-held expectations, averaging over 100 running metres per game and rediscovering the physical edge that once had fans so excited. But he’ll face a stern test in the form of veteran Dane Gagai, a master of the big moment and still one of the most dangerous strike weapons in the Knights’ arsenal.

Despite both teams being depleted by State of Origin — with Kalyn Ponga among the high-profile absentees — the Roosters are arguably harder hit, with five of their stars called up for interstate duty. Yet their production line keeps delivering. The new generation has stepped in capably this season, and fans can expect plenty of bite from the next wave of Bondi talent.

There was hope that Roosters playmaker Sam Walker would complete a fairytale return from the ACL injury that cruelly ended his 2024 campaign, having eased back through the NSW Cup last weekend. But those plans were dashed when a freak thumb injury at Thursday’s training session ruled him out. Sandon Smith is now set to steer the ship in the halves alongside Hugo Savala in a youthful combination that may just catch the Knights off guard.

With history on their side and new stars rising, the Roosters aren’t just coming to Newcastle to participate — they’re coming to impose.

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase.  5. Dominic Young 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu.  10. Salesi Foketi 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith.  15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 17. Nat Butcher 18. Ethan King.  19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Taylor Losalu 21. Tom Rodwell 23. Delasalle Vaa

Out: Robert Toia (centre), Lindsay Collins (front row), Angus Crichton (second row), Connor Watson (bench), Spencer Leniu (bench)
In: Dominic Young (wing), Sam Walker (halfback), Naufahu Whyte (front row), Zach Dockar-Clay (bench), Nat Butcher (bench)
Changes: Mark Nawaqanitawase (wing to centre), Sandon Smith (five-eighth to bench), Hugo Savala (halfback to five-eighth), Egan Butcher (bench to second row)

Again the NRL place Badger on the side line. What do you have do do to lose your job?

Key Stats

The Knights have not beaten the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium since 2019.

The Roosters have won 17 of their last 20 games against the Knights.

Knights five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe has scored nine tries in his past nine games.

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored 13 tries in his last 14 games against the Knights.

Knights winger James Schiller has scored five tries in his last six games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Tip ：Knights Seek Consistency, Roosters Chase Control in Crucial Midseason Clash

The Knights may have sparked their season back to life with a stirring second-half comeback against Manly last weekend — a performance that showed grit, heart, and just enough flair to give their loyal fans a glimmer of hope. But while that miracle win breathed fresh life into their campaign, it’s not quite enough to erase months of inconsistency.

The Roosters, meanwhile, return from their King’s Birthday bye with renewed energy and a quiet confidence, having steadily built momentum in the lead-up. With a dominant recent record over Newcastle and a system that keeps delivering new talent even amid Origin disruptions, they’ll like their chances here — even on the road.

Despite the Knights’ late heroics last week, it’s hard to tip them with any certainty. One flash of brilliance doesn’t rewrite a season. The Roosters, battle-tested and better rested, look the safer pick in what could be a telling chapter in both teams’ 2025 stories.

Referees, Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Kasey Badger, Jon Stone, Bunker, Adam Gee.

Cowboys v Dolphins,

Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, 7.35pm

Under Pressure: Cowboys Face Crucial Test Against Dolphins Amid Injury and Origin Chaos

Perched precariously in sixth and seventh place on the ladder, both the Cowboys and Dolphins know full well that any slip-up now could send them tumbling out of the top eight. With finals spots far from guaranteed and a hungry chasing pack closing in, Friday night’s clash in Townsville looms as a defining one.

For the Cowboys, the stakes are even higher. Fresh off a tough loss to the Storm, Todd Payten’s men return home—wounded, but far from out. But they’ll have to go into battle without a string of key players. State of Origin duties have claimed Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson, and Jeremiah Nanai, while suspensions to John Bateman and Viliami Vailea have forced a dramatic reshuffle.

Stepping into the breach is fullback Scott Drinkwater, who not only reclaims the No.1 jersey but also the captaincy, charged with leading a patched-up squad brimming with new combinations and fresh faces. There’s good news on the injury front, with Murray Taulagi, Kai O’Donnell, and Jason Taumalolo all cleared to return. Meanwhile, Braidon Burns slots in at centre, Jake Clifford gets the nod at halfback, Thomas Mikaele adds size off the bench, and 20-year-old Kaiden Lahrs—son of former Kangaroo prop Brad Lahrs—makes his much-anticipated NRL debut.

It’s not the side the Cowboys imagined fielding in Round 15, but in a season of attrition, this is where character is revealed. For North Queensland, the challenge is simple: survive the storm, and stay in the hunt.

Cowboys　

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Braidon Burns. 　　　　  5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Karl Lawton . 10. Coen Hess 11. Sam McIntyre 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Jason Taumalolo.  14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kaiden Lahrs . 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Semi Valemei 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Mason Kira

Out: Viliami Vailea (centre), Tom Dearden (halfback), Reece Robson (hooker), John Bateman (second row), Jeremiah Nanai (second row), Reuben Cotter (lock)
In: Braidon Burns (centre), Murray Taulagi (wing), Jake Clifford (halfback), Kai O’Donnell (second row), Jason Taumalolo (lock), Thomas Mikaele (bench), Kaiden Lahrs (bench)
Changes: Jaxson Paulo (wing to reserve), Sam McIntyre (front row to second row), Coen Hess (bench to front row), Karl Lawton (bench to hooker)

Confident Dolphins Eye Cowboys Repeat as Origin Strips Away Their Star

Riding high after running riot against the Dragons and notching up their sixth win of the season, the Dolphins surge into Townsville with momentum—and memories—on their side. Last week’s 50-point demolition job reminded everyone just how dangerous Wayne Bennett’s men can be when they hit their stride.

But their most electric weapon, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, won’t be along for the ride this time. The “Hammer” is off on Maroons duty, leaving a significant hole at the back and forcing a reshuffle in the spine.

Jake Averillo slides into the fullback role, a position he’s handled before with poise and pace, while Max Feagai earns a call-up in the centres. There’s also a boost on the bench with Ray Stone returning from a shoulder injury, stepping in for the injured Max Plath (knee).

History between these two Queensland clubs is short but already charged with drama. In 2024, they split the honours—North Queensland thumped the Phins in Round 1, but the Dolphins bit back in Round 9, edging the Cowboys 28-26 in a thriller at this very venue.

Now, as both teams jostle for finals positioning, this clash is more than just a local derby—it’s a battle of depth, belief, and timely execution. And the Dolphins, even minus their Maroon star, will fancy their chances of delivering another statement win in enemy territory.

Dolphins　

1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth . 　　　　　 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo,  9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley.  13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Mark Nicholls . 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Aublix Tawha 20. Harrison Graham.  21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Junior Tupou

Out: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (fullback), Max Plath (bench)
In: Max Feagai (centre), Ray Stone (bench)
Changes: Jake Averillo (centre to fullback)

Key Stats

The Cowboys have lost only once in their last five games on home soil.

The Dolphins have won both games played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Prop Jordan McLean will make his 150th appearance for the Cowboys.

Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has scored eight tries in his last four games against the Cowboys.

Cowboys centre Zac Laybutt has scored four tries in two games against the Dolphins.

Tip: Dolphins Ride the Wave as Cowboys Search for Consistency Amid Origin Disruptions

The Cowboys were battered by the Storm last week, and with Origin stripping them of key personnel once again, their challenge only grows steeper. Todd Payten’s side has been one of the NRL’s great enigmas this season—brilliant one week, bewildering the next.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins are surfing a wave of confidence after torching the Dragons with a half-century masterclass. Wayne Bennett’s side has finally found its groove, and their cohesion is beginning to show in the scoreboard.

With Queensland stars like Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson, and Jeremiah Nanai missing in action, North Queensland’s depth will be tested. In contrast, the Dolphins’ spine remains intact, with both halves fit, firing, and ready to steer the ship.

Given current form and stability in key positions, it’s hard to tip against the Dolphins in this one. They’ve got the momentum, the structure—and for now—the edge.

Referees, Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Wyatt Raymond, Liam Kennedy, Bunker, Chris Butler.