FRIDAY, AUGUST 1st, 2025.
- Warriors v Dolphins
- Broncos v Souths
Warriors v Dolphins
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ. 6pm.
Warriors Wobble as Finals Race Heats Up: Injuries Bite and Panthers Loom
Not long ago, the Warriors were riding high—second on the NRL ladder after Round 11 and full of belief. But the climb to the top rarely comes without turbulence, and in recent weeks, the cracks have begun to show.
Since that strong start, Andrew Webster’s men have stumbled, dropping four of their last eight matches. Saturday’s stunning home defeat to the lowly Titans was the biggest blow yet, a result that has left them clinging to fourth spot with the red-hot Panthers breathing down their necks.
With just two current top-eight teams left on their schedule—the Dolphins this weekend and the Bulldogs in Round 23—the path to September isn’t treacherous, but it’s far from smooth.
Injuries have forced Webster into a reshuffle. Te Maire Martin returns to the halves, stepping in for Chanel Harris-Tavita who’s sidelined with a calf strain. Up front, Demitric Vaimauga gets a start in place of star prop James Fisher-Harris, also battling a calf issue. Hooker Wayde Egan has been ruled out due to concussion protocols, paving the way for Sam Healey to start at No.9, while Freddy Lussick returns from an ankle injury to bolster the bench. Utility Taine Tauapiki also earns a spot among the interchange.
The Warriors still hold their fate in their hands—but time is running out to steady the ship.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Tanah Boyd , 8. Demitric Vaimauga 9. Samuel Healey 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima , 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Taine Tuaupiki 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Freddy Lussick 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia 20. Bunty Afoa , 21. Edward Kosi 22. Kalani Going 23. Makaia Tafua
Out: Chanel Harris-Tavita (five-eighth), James Fisher-Harris (front row), Wayde Egan (hooker)
In: Samuel Healey (hooker), Taine Tuaupiki (bench), Freddy Lussick (bench)
Changes: Te Maire Martin (bench to five-eighth), Demitric Vaimauga (bench to front row)
Dolphins Reload for Finals Push as Auckland Clash Looms
The Dolphins’ dream of a first-ever finals berth is alive and well—and their superior points differential (+169) could prove the ace up their sleeve. With the top eight still tightly packed, a win in Auckland this week could catapult them as high as sixth, depending on other results across the round.
Coming off a well-timed bye, Kristian Woolf’s side is fresh, focused, and ready to fire. Expect fireworks from their electric backline, with Isaiya Katoa steering the ship and strike weapons Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow poised to stretch the Warriors’ defensive line to its limits.
There’s no shortage of firepower returning either. Kodi Nikorima is back from a hamstring injury to reclaim the No.6 jersey, Felise Kaufusi returns to the engine room after a knee complaint, and veteran forward Mark Nicholls is back on deck after clearing concussion protocols.
Averillo, who filled in admirably at five-eighth in their last outing against the Cowboys, shifts back to the wing to accommodate Nikorima’s return. Aublix Tawha drops to the bench, while Harrison Graham and Peter Hola make way in the final 17.
With energy restored and reinforcements at the ready, the Dolphins look primed to take the fight to a wounded Warriors outfit—and in doing so, take a giant step toward making history.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai , 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jake Averillo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley, 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr , 18. Harrison Graham 19. Peter Hola 20. LJ Nonu 21. Kenny Bromwich 22. Tevita Naufahu
Out: Tevita Naufahu (wing to reserve), Harrison Graham (bench to reserve), Peter Hola (bench to reserve)
In: Kodi Nikorima (five-eighth), Felise Kaufusi (front row), Mark Nicholls (bench)
Changes: Jake Averillo (five-eighth to wing), Ob Tawha (front row to bench)
Key Stats
The Warriors have won both matches against the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored seven tries in his last four games.
The Warriors have lost three of their last four home games.
Dolphins prop Francis Molo will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Warriors second-rower Leka Halasima has scored six tries in his last seven games.
Warriors in Freefall as Dolphins Circle: Finals Hopes on Life Support
The Warriors look like a team adrift.
With halfback Luke Metcalf sidelined through injury, their attack has crumbled, their confidence shattered—and their premiership hopes are hanging by a thread. Last week’s shock loss to the bottom-placed Titans wasn’t just a bad day; it was a sign that the wheels may be coming off altogether.
Now, with the finals fast approaching, Andrew Webster’s men are running out of time—and answers.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are fresh off a bye and riding high after dismantling the Cowboys in their last outing. They’ll be circling this matchup in Auckland as a must-win—not just to cement their top-eight credentials, but to make a statement: they’re not just here to make up the numbers come finals time. They want to be feared.
As for the Warriors, last week was nothing short of dreadful. And with Tanah Boyd named at halfback again, it’s hard to see how things improve. His game management, particularly in kicking, has been poor—aimless bombs, mistimed restarts, and an inability to kick into the corners and actually contest. These are basics at NRL level. Boyd has played enough first-grade to know better, and yet, week after week, it’s the same frustrating errors.
The truth? The Warriors look cooked. Again.
And unless something drastic changes—fast—the only thing left to contest will be how quickly this season slips away.
Match Officials
Referees, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Tyson Brough, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Broncos v Souths
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 8pm.
Broncos Aim to Regain Momentum, but Bennett’s Battered Bunnies Won’t Lie Down
The Broncos may enter this clash as heavy favourites, but last week’s shock loss to the Eels at home served as a sobering reminder: nothing in the NRL can be taken for granted.
That upset at Suncorp Stadium not only dented Brisbane’s aura of invincibility—it also knocked them down a rung on the ladder, slipping from fifth to sixth. With massive home games looming against the Dolphins and the Storm, Madge Maguire’s side can ill afford another stumble.
Now, with their Origin stars rested and reloaded, Brisbane should be primed to surge into the finals with full firepower. But they’ll need to shake off any complacency and dial up the intensity—because waiting on the other side is a South Sydney outfit playing with grit, pride, and a point to prove under the leadership of Wayne Bennett, the very man who guided the Broncos to six premierships.
Team-wise, Selwyn Cobbo returns for his first appearance since Round 18, injecting strike power out wide. Deine Mariner also slots into the backline, with Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani making way. The engine room remains untouched, with the forward pack and bench holding firm.
Brisbane should win this—but if they take their eyes off the prize for even a moment, Bennett’s Bunnies may just bite.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki , 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Xavier Willison 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan , 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Corey Jensen 17. Jack Gosiewski, 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Jesse Arthars 20. Ben Talty 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Jaiyden Hunt
Out: Josiah Karapani (wing to reserve), Jesse Arthars (wing to bench)
In: Selwyn Cobbo (wing), Deine Mariner (wing)
Bennett’s Brave Bunnies Out to Spoil the Party in Emotional Brisbane Return
There’d be nothing sweeter for Wayne Bennett than marching into Suncorp Stadium and throwing a spanner in the Broncos’ finals charge. The old master, facing the prospect of his first wooden spoon in a decorated coaching career, has never been one to go quietly—and his battered Rabbitohs are showing signs they won’t either.
Down on troops and sitting dangerously low on the ladder, South Sydney could’ve folded weeks ago. But their gritty performance against the Sharks proved they still have bite—and they’re not about to roll over, even against a star-studded Broncos side.
Their resilience will be tested again this week after a major setback at the judiciary. Skipper Jack Wighton was hit with a four-match suspension for a Grade 2 shoulder charge, forcing another backline reshuffle. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape returns from a groin injury to take a spot on the wing, while Jamie Humphreys is back at halfback after passing concussion protocols.
In the pack, the injury to Tavita Tatola pushes Jai Arrow into the front row, with Jacob Host shifting to the second row and young gun Thomas Fletcher earning his NRL debut from the bench. Lewis Dodd and Tyrone Munro slide back to the reserves as the reshaped squad takes shape.
It’s a tall order—but Bennett has built a career on defying the odds. And if there’s one thing the Broncos have learned over the years, it’s never to underestimate the man who built their dynasty.
Key Stats
Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds requires four points to reach 2500 career points.
The Rabbitohs have conceded 136 points in four consecutive losses at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos interchange Billy Walters is on a three-game tryscoring run.
Wayne Bennett has won 11 of his last 12 games against Michael Maguire-coached teams.
Hooker Ben Hunt will make his 200th appearance for the Broncos.
Broncos Must Keep Their Heads—and Nerves—Against Pride-Driven Bunnies
The Broncos nearly pulled off a last-gasp escape against the Eels last week—but “almost” doesn’t count in August. That loss stung, not just because it dropped them on the ladder, but because it exposed a frustrating habit: trying to score off every set rather than building pressure and grinding teams down.
Against a desperate Rabbitohs side playing for nothing but pride, Brisbane can’t afford to fall into the same trap again. The Bunnies gave the Sharks a real shake last week and showed they’re not going down without a fight. Wayne Bennett will have them fired up to ruin Brisbane’s night—and the old master knows exactly how to push the right buttons at Suncorp.
Still, it’s hard to see the Broncos dropping back-to-back games against lower-ranked sides, especially with their Origin stars back and a top-four finish still within reach. But they’ll need more composure, more patience—and fewer hero plays.
And then, of course, there’s the Bunker. Let’s just say consistency hasn’t exactly been its strong suit lately, and Brisbane would do well not to rely on a 50/50 call going their way.
Bottom line: if the Broncos are serious about September, they need to win this one by at least a dozen—and do it with discipline, not desperation.
Souths
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan , 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow, 9. Ryan Gray 10. Sean Keppie 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Lachlan Hubner , 14. Siliva Havili 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Thomas Fletcher 17. Ashton Ward, 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Tyrone Munro 21. Shaquai Mitchell 22. Salesi Ataata
Out: Tevita Tatola (front row), Tyrone Munro (wing to reserve), Lewis Dodd (halfback to reserve)
In: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (wing), Jamie Humphreys (halfback), Thomas Fletcher (bench)
Changes: Jai Arrow (second row to front row), Jacob Host (bench to second row)
Match Officials
Referees, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Jarrod Cole, Jon Stone, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Respect the Whistle: It’s Time to Rein In Player Protests
There’s a growing problem in the modern game—and it’s not in the rulebook. Week after week, players are rushing in, getting in the referee’s face, and demanding decisions be overturned. Tempers flare, arms wave, voices rise—and the captain’s armband might as well be invisible.
What happened to respect for the referee?
Back in the day, there was no confusion. Only the captain had the right to approach the official. Any player who stepped out of line—especially one who dared to yell or point—was swiftly marched back ten metres or penalised on the spot. Simple. Effective. Respect enforced.
You’d hear it often:
“Are you the captain? No? Then go away.”
And if they didn’t?
“Next time one of your players confronts me, it’s a penalty.”
That’s the kind of clarity the game needs right now.
Because when a ref is surrounded by three or four players barking demands, it doesn’t just look bad—it undermines the entire spirit of the game. It sets a poor example for junior players. And it puts referees under unnecessary pressure in an already thankless job.
It’s time we bring back the rule—and enforce it with consistency. One voice. One leader. One standard.
Respect the whistle—or pay the price.
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