SUNDAY, JULY 20th, 2025
Tigers v Titans
Leichardt Oval,Sydney,2pm.
Sunshine, Spirit, and a Tigers Revival: Leichhardt Awaits a Sunday Spectacle
Sun-drenched Leichhardt Oval is set to come alive this Sunday afternoon, with a packed hill ready to roar as the Wests Tigers return to their spiritual home for the first time since Round 16. After a tough road loss to the Warriors in Auckland, Benji Marshall’s side is hungry for redemption—and there’s no better place to find it than in front of their faithful.
This marks just the second game at Leichhardt in 2025, and memories of their golden-point thriller against the Sharks in Round 8 still linger in the air. Now, with the Gold Coast Titans in town, the Tigers are determined to turn emotion into execution.
In the halves, rising talent Latu Fainu continues his education under the steady hand of Origin star Jarome Luai, while veteran Api Koroisau will steer the team from dummy half.
There’s added buzz around the debut of Taylan May in the centres, a reward for his outstanding NSW Cup form. His inclusion prompts a tactical reshuffle: Adam Doueihi moves into the lock role, Alex Twal earns a starting spot at prop, and Alex Seyfarth slides into the back row in place of the injured Samuela Fainu. Fonua Pole, meanwhile, shifts to the bench, adding depth and versatility.
With a bright sky overhead and a loyal crowd behind them, the stage is set for the Tigers to make a statement.
Tigers
1. Sunia Turuva 2. Charlie Staines 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a , 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau , 10. Alex Twal 11. Alex Seyfarth 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Adam Doueihi 14. Tristan Hope , 15. Sione Fainu 16. Fonua Pole 17. Jack Bird 18. Brent Naden 19. Heath Mason , 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Luke Laulilii 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Out: Samuela Fainu (second row)
In: Taylan May (centre)
Changes: Adam Doueihi (centre to lock), Fonua Pole (front row to bench), Alex Twal (lock to front row), Alex Seyfarth (bench to second row)
Final Push and a Farewell: Titans Rally Around Foran in Crucial Clash
The Gold Coast Titans arrive at Leichhardt Oval with their season hanging by a thread—but their spirits remain unbroken.
Despite falling short against the Broncos last week, the Titans showed grit and fight, and they know there’s no room for error if they’re to keep their faint finals hopes flickering. Every moment counts now—and this one carries extra meaning.
Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran will take the field at Leichhardt for the final time, with retirement looming at the end of the 2025 season. It’s a farewell filled with emotion, and the Titans are determined to give the respected leader a send-off worthy of his legacy.
Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui returns to the starting side after easing back via the bench last round, trading places with Jaimin Jolliffe in the only change to the 17 that battled Brisbane. Meanwhile, hooker Sam Verrills has been cleared to play after passing concussion protocols, ensuring the Titans’ spine remains intact for the must-win showdown.
With sentiment driving them and the stakes sky-high, the Titans are ready to dig deep in enemy territory.
Titans
1. AJ Brimson 2. Jaylan De Groot 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami , 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills , 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. David Fifita, 17. Klese Haas 18. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Arama Hau , 21. Sean Mullany 22. Tom Weaver
In: Alofiana Khan-Pereira (bench)
Changes: Jaimin Jolliffe (lock to bench), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (bench to lock)
Key Stats
Wests Tigers are aiming for back-to-back wins against the Titans for the first time since 2011-12.
The Titans have won five of their past six games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers will play their 100th game at Leichhardt Oval.
Titans winger Phillip Sami has scored six tries in his last five games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers centre Adam Doueihi has scored a try in all four games he has played against the Titans.
Too Close to Call—but the Leichhardt Factor Tips the Scales
Both sides enter Sunday’s showdown at Leichhardt Oval with pride bruised but belief intact.
Last week, the Wests Tigers pushed the Warriors all the way in Auckland, falling just short in a gritty contest that showed plenty of heart. Meanwhile, the Titans went toe-to-toe with the Broncos but left Suncorp with little more than a tally of unforced errors—and the frustration of what could have been.
Now, these two teams—both desperate, both dangerous—meet in what promises to be one of the most entertaining clashes of the round. The Titans may have the firepower to edge it on paper, and they’ll be fighting to keep their finals dream alive. But tipping against the Tigers at Leichhardt? That’s a gamble few are willing to take.
With the crowd behind them and history on their side, the Tigers might just pull off a narrow win. Let’s say… Tigers by 3 or 4.
Match Officials
Referees, Belinda Sharpe, Touch Judges, Damian Brady, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
NZ. Warriors v Knights
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle,4.05pm.
Knights Regroup as Gagai Leads from the Back in Crucial Home Clash
Newcastle came out swinging against the Storm last week, surging to an early lead and taking a wave of momentum into halftime. But as the second half wore on, Melbourne’s class began to show—and despite a late spark from young fullback Fletcher Hunt, the Knights couldn’t hold off the charge.
Now back on home soil, the Knights are determined to reset and bring a tougher, more disciplined edge as they prepare to face another formidable opponent.
Veteran Dane Gagai will lead the team from fullback once again, having made a late positional switch before last week’s kickoff. His experience at the back will be crucial as Newcastle look to bounce back. Fletcher Hunt, who impressed with a second-half try in just his second game at fullback this year, will shift to the centres in a move that keeps him firmly in the action.
Injury has forced further changes, with Dylan Lucas sidelined by a foot issue. Brodie Jones earns a starting role in his absence, and Tyson Gamble has been added to the bench to bring added spark. Tyson Frizell moves to the interchange, making way for Phoenix Crossland to start at lock. The reshuffle also sees Jayden Brailey slotting in at hooker, where his sharp service around the ruck could make a difference.
With fresh combinations and a renewed sense of purpose, the Knights will be aiming to muscle up and make a statement this week in front of their home fans.
Knights
1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Leo Thompson 11. Brodie Jones 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland, 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Jermaine McEwen, 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Jack Hetherington, 22. Kyle McCarthy
Out: Dylan Lucas (second row)
In: Tyson Gamble (bench)
Changes: Fletcher Hunt (fullback to centre), Dane Gagai (centre to fullback), Phoenix Crossland (hooker to lock), Tyson Frizell (lock to bench), Jayden Brailey (bench to hooker), Brodie Jones (bench to second row)
Warriors Find Their Rhythm and Eye Back-to-Back Wins in Newcastle
After a much-needed bounce-back win over the Wests Tigers, the Warriors are riding a wave of confidence into Newcastle as they prepare to take on the Knights this weekend.
Last Sunday, despite being forced into a spine reshuffle due to injuries, the Warriors didn’t miss a beat. With Tanah Boyd stepping in at halfback and Taine Tuaupiki slotting into fullback—both earning their spots through strong NSW Cup form—the side found its rhythm and ran away with a convincing 34-14 victory.
Now, with momentum on their side, the Warriors will look to build on that performance with just one change to the squad. Queensland Origin representative Kurt Capewell returns to the centres, replacing Rocco Berry, who suffered a shoulder injury in the Tigers clash.
The spine may be new, but the cohesion is building—and with Capewell’s experience adding further stability, the Warriors will be aiming to put together a polished performance on the road and keep their late-season surge alive.
Warriors
1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey , 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd , 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban , 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Samuel Healey, 20. Eddie Ieremia 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Kayliss Fatialofa
Out: Rocco Berry (centre)
In: Kurt Capewell (centre)
Key Stats
The Knights have lost seven of their last eight games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Warriors have won three of their past four games against the Knights.
Knights centre Bradman Best will make his 100th NRL appearance.
The Warriors have won six from eight in Australia this season.
Knights winger Dominic Young has scored 26 tries in 27 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Warriors on Alert as Knights Threaten to Crash the Top 4 Party
The Knights came out firing against the Storm last week, showing real intent in the opening half. But after the break, they never quite found that same spark—and Melbourne made them pay.
Meanwhile, across the Tasman, the Warriors were handed a tougher-than-expected test by the Wests Tigers. What looked like a comfortable home fixture turned into a gritty contest, reminding the Auckland side that nothing comes easy in the run to the finals.
Now, with a place in the Top 4 on the line, the Warriors head to Newcastle knowing they can’t afford to take the foot off the pedal. On paper, they should have the edge—but if they drop their guard, the Knights have the firepower to turn the tables and ruin the celebration.
Expect a hard-fought battle. Warriors by 6—but only if they show up switched on.
Match Officials
Referees, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Liam Kennedy, Phil Henderson, Bunker, Chris Butler.
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