SUNDAY,AUGUST 3rd, 2025.
Tigers v Bulldogs
CommBank Stadium, Sydney, 2pm.
Tigers Cling to Finals Dream as Bula Returns and Luai Looms Large
After a sobering loss to the Panthers last weekend, the Wests Tigers find themselves staring down the barrel of elimination. Their finals hopes may be faint, but inside the club, belief still simmers—and this week, it’s desperation that drives them.
All eyes will be on Jarome Luai, who steps up to orchestrate the attack. With his trademark flair and unpredictability, Luai is sure to test the resolve of a Bulldogs defensive line that has prided itself on its discipline and resilience all year.
But the Tigers aren’t coming empty-handed. In a much-needed boost, star fullback Jahream Bula returns to the fold after five weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury. His inclusion sends Sunia Turuva back to the wing, while Izaac Tu’itupou is the unlucky one to drop out.
There’s more movement in the forward pack too. Samuela Fainu is back from a knee injury, which sees Tony Sukkar shift to the bench. Royce Hunt has also been added to the interchange, with Jack Bird making way.
This isn’t just another game—it’s a fight for survival. And the Tigers know they must leave nothing in the tank.
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. Alex Twal 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Adam Doueihi 14. Sione Fainu , 15. Royce Hunt 16. Fonua Pole 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Tristan Hope 19. Brent Naden , 20. Charlie Murray 21. Heath Mason 22. Luke Laulilii
Out: Izaac Thompson (wing), Jack Bird (bench), Tristan Hope (bench to reserve)
In: Jahream Bula (fullback), Samuela Fainu (second row), Royce Hunt (bench)
Changes: Sunia Turuva (fullback to wing), Tanous Sukkar (second row to bench)
Galvin’s Grudge Match: Bulldogs Eye Top Spot as Tigers Reunion Heats Up
There’s no shortage of storylines heading into Sunday’s showdown at CommBank Stadium—but none bigger than Lachlan Galvin’s first meeting with the club he left behind.
Since his midseason switch in May, Galvin has made a seamless transition into the Bulldogs’ No.7 jersey, guiding the side with maturity beyond his years. Now, he faces the Wests Tigers for the first time—and with finals around the corner and the minor premiership up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Canterbury sit just two points behind the ladder-leading Raiders, and a win this week would ramp up the pressure on Ricky Stuart’s men as the race tightens.
The Bulldogs will have to navigate Sunday’s clash without dynamic fullback Connor Tracey, who is expected to miss 3–4 weeks with an abdominal injury. Jacob Kiraz shifts into the custodian role, while Jethro Rinakama earns a call-up on the wing.
Aside from those changes, coach Cameron Ciraldo has stuck solid with the side that dismantled Manly in Round 21—a show of faith in a team hitting form at the right time of year.
With a fired-up Galvin, a packed crowd, and the scent of September in the air, this clash is shaping up to be more than just a regular-season fixture—it’s personal.
Bulldogs
1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Enari Tuala 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon , 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Josh Curran 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Mitchell Woods, 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
Out: Connor Tracey (fullback)
In: Ratu Rinakama (wing)
Changes: Jacob Kiraz (wing to fullback)
Key Stats
Wests Tigers have conceded 92 points in their last three games at CommBank Stadium.
The Bulldogs have won four of their past five games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers winger Sunia Turuva has scored six tries in six games at CommBank Stadium.
Bulldogs prop Josh Curran will play his 100th NRL game.
Wests Tigers have lost all four games against top-four opposition in 2025.
Prediction Preview
The Tigers showed glimpses of promise in the opening 20 minutes against the Panthers last week, holding their own before the cracks began to show. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were clinical against Manly—steady early, then ruthlessly efficient in the second half to seal a convincing win.
Sunday’s clash carries an extra layer of intrigue with Lachlan Galvin set to face his former club for the first time since his midseason exit. That alone adds plenty of spice—but beyond the emotion, this is a Bulldogs side with a genuine shot at the minor premiership and form to match.
Expect the Tigers to come out swinging, but the Dogs have too much polish.
Tip: Bulldogs by 12.
Match Officials
Referees, Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Daniel Luttringer, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Sharks v Cowboys
Shark Stadium, Sydney,4.05pm.
Sharks Look to Spark Attack as Cowboys Clash Looms Large
After grinding their way to a gutsy win over the Rabbitohs last weekend, the Sharks return to PointsBet Stadium on Sunday afternoon with a clear mission—rediscover their attacking rhythm.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s men showed plenty of grit in defence but left much to be desired with ball in hand. Now, as the finals race intensifies and every point matters, Cronulla have a golden opportunity to find top gear against a Cowboys side still hunting consistency.
Currently clinging to seventh place on the ladder, the Sharks are just two points ahead of the ninth-placed Sea Eagles with six rounds remaining. The margin for error is slim, and the need for polish is growing louder.
They’ll be buoyed by the return of two key forwards—Siosifa Talakai (illness) and Briton Nikora (concussion)—who both missed last week’s clash. Their presence brings much-needed punch on the edges, while Billy Burns shifts back to the bench to cover for Toby Rudolf (concussion). There’s more positive news too, with towering prop Tom Hazelton listed among the reserves as he nears a return from a collarbone injury.
For the Sharks, this isn’t just another home game. It’s a chance to sharpen their edge, steady their place in the eight, and remind the competition what their attack is capable of when it clicks.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai , 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Billy Burns , 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Mawene Hiroti, 21. Thomas Hazelton 22. Samuel Stonestreet
Out: Chris Vea’ila (centre), Toby Rudolf (bench), Hohepa Puru (bench to reserve – activated 18th player last round)
In: Siosifa Talakai (centre), Briton Nikora (second row)
Changes: Billy Burns (second row to bench)
Free-Flowing Cowboys Look to Balance the Scales in Shark Park Showdown
The Cowboys roared back to life last weekend in a wildly entertaining 38–32 shootout against the Dragons, a contest that delivered 13 tries and a reminder of just how dangerous North Queensland can be with ball in hand.
At the centre of it all was Tom Dearden, still riding the wave of Queensland’s stunning Origin series triumph. The in-form halfback has been pulling the strings with confidence and flair, and on Sunday afternoon, he’ll once again look to ignite the Cowboys’ attack against a gritty Sharks outfit.
But as dazzling as their attack has been, defence remains a glaring concern. Todd Payten knows his side can pile on points—but he also knows finals football isn’t won without steel. If the Cowboys can tighten up their line, there’s every reason to believe they can cause problems at Shark Park.
In a boost for their spine, Jake Clifford returns at halfback after overcoming a quad strain. He reclaims the No.7 jersey from Tom Duffy, who re-aggravated his own quad injury in the Dragons match and will spend the next 2–3 weeks on the sidelines. The suspension of Karl Lawton opens the door for Emarly Bitungane to make his NRL debut off the bench—a proud moment for the Tanzanian-born forward.
The Cowboys have the firepower. Now it’s a matter of balance. And against a Sharks side grinding for top-eight security, they’ll need every ounce of it.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt , 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards , 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Marly Bitungane 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell, 17. Coen Hess 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Nicholas Lenaz 20. Mason Kira, 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Dane Aukafolau
Out: Thomas Duffy (five-eighth), Karl Lawton (bench)
In: Jake Clifford (five-eighth), Marly Bitungane (bench)
Key Stats
The Sharks have won 13 of their past 15 games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored five tries in his past five games.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 12 tries in 13 games against the Cowboys.
Halfback Tom Dearden will make his 100th appearance for the Cowboys.
The Sharks have won five from seven at Sharks Stadium this season.
Prediction Preview
Both sides come into Sunday’s clash battle-hardened—Cronulla outlasted the Rabbitohs in a bruising contest, while the Cowboys were forced to go the distance in a high-scoring thriller against the Dragons.
For North Queensland, the equation is simple: keep winning or kiss the finals goodbye. But the Sharks are in no position to relax either. With the top eight tightening and pressure mounting from below, every competition point matters—and at home, they’ll know this is one they can’t afford to let slip.
Expect flashes of brilliance from the Cowboys, but the Sharks’ discipline, grit, and home-ground edge should see them through.
Tip: Sharks by 12.
Match Officials
Referees, Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Matt Noyen, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
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