It has been one of the most-watched injury returns this year. Will Latrell Mitchell finally lace up the boots again for Souths this weekend?
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Elsewhere, the stars have aligned for a sensational return to NRL for Corey Horsborough, and the Warriors and Sharks face pivotal questions around their halves depth heading into the finals.
Round 25
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THURSDAY AUGUST 20
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers @ AAMI Park, 7.50pm
Round 23 Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Hayden Watson 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Tyran Wishart 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Shawn Blore 16. Davvy Moale 17. Angus Hinchey 18. Joe Chan 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Gabriel Satrick 21. Stanley Huen 22. Manaia Waitere
TEAM TIPS: The Storm come off the bye and straight back into the NRL cauldron, taking on a Penrith outfit that has struggled to fire in recent weeks. Craig Bellamy indicated before the bye that both Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant (hamstring) would miss Thursday’s clash. “I’m not quite sure of either of them. I don’t think they’d come back after the bye. I think it might be the week after that they might both come back,” Bellamy said. “They’ll work as hard as they can to get back and do what they need to do, but I think it’d probably be the week after that (bye).” Jack Howarth (shoulder) and Ativalu Lisati (ankle) are also in the mix to return, the latter to force a second row re-shuffle.
Last week’s Panthers team: 20. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Luron Patea 17. Billy Phillips 1. Jaxen Edgar 19. Blaize Talagi
TEAM TIPS: The Panthers’ form slump has quietly gone under the radar in recent weeks, despite winning just three games from their past seven. Penrith are “very hopeful” to welcome back Casey McLean from a hand injury, in what is a massive boost for their run into the finals. McLean’s return is well-timed as fellow centre Paul Alamoti will miss “a few weeks” with a hamstring injury according to Ivan Cleary, meaning back-up Izack Tago could shift to his side of the field. The Panthers are likely to go without injured skipper Isaah Yeo and hooker Mitch Kenny until at least September: Lindsay Smith and Freddy Lussick will to deputise in their absence.
FRIDAY AUGUST 21
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos @ GIO Stadium, 6pm
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Savelio Tamale 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Ata Mariota 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Joseph Roddy 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Daine Laurie 18. Vena Patuki-Case 19. Sebastian Kris 20. Coby Black 21. Sione Finau 22. Jordan Uta
TEAM TIPS: Raiders gun Morgan Smithies will sit out the side’s clash against the Broncos after failing a HIA assessment in their win over the Sharks. In a sensational twist, the development could potentially see firebrand Corey Horsburgh return to Ricky Stuart’s side at lock in the wake of his brain-explosion slapping incident in Round 23 against the Knights. Noah Martin (quad) is set to sit out another week for the Raiders, who are intent on finishing their campaign strongly but Simi Sasagi (shoulder) should return as Stuart previously flagged he would play Josh Papalii’s final game at home.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Aublix Tawha 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Va’a Semu 18. Blake Mozer 19. Ben Talty 20. Gehamat Shibasaki 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Hayze Perham
TEAM TIPS: Can the Broncos arrest their downward spiral? Last year’s reigning premiers are up against it, having lose superstar fullback Reece Walsh for the remainder of the season to a syndesmosis injury. He will race the clock to be fit for a potential Kangaroos Test selection. Versatile Hayze Perham is set to step up in Walsh’s absence at fullback. Elsewhere, edge back rower Brendan Piakura (concussion), Adam Reynolds (calf) and Preston Riki (ankle) are all in doubt for the Raiders clash.
Reece Walsh Facing World Cup Race | 00:34
Dolphins vs Parramatta Eels @ Suncorp Stadium, 8pm
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Max Plath 15. Ray Stone 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Brad Schneider 19. Jake Averillo 20. Sebastian Su’a 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Brian Pouniu
TEAM TIPS: The Dolphins will look to improve their recent run of topsy-turvy results in an important game against the Eels, who have shown their real colours in recent weeks. Second rower Connelly Lemuelu has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Queensland representative Max Plath among the options to replace him. Kurt Donoghoe (thumb) is set to sit out another week, handing Ray Stone his jumper off the bench.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Apa Twidle 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 15. Saxon Pryke 14. Dylan Walker 16. Teancum Brown 17. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 18. Toni Mataele 19. Sean Russell 21. Harrison Edwards
TEAM TIPS: The Eels are set for a major boost with Jonah Pezet (shoulder) set to be available for selection. However, with Ronald Volkman and Mitchell Moses finding their rhythm in recent weeks, the best Pezet can hope for is a spot on Jason Ryles’ bench. The Eels have been decimated by injury through 2026, handing Teancum Brown, Jezaiah Funa-Luta and Toni Mataele valuable NRL game time off the bench.
SATURDAY AUGUST 22
Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles @ McDonald Jones Stadium, 3pm
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 18. Fletcher Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Cody Hopwood 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 19. Pasami Saulo 22. Toby Winter
TEAM TIPS: The Knights continue to percolate at the right time of the season, and receive a huge boost against a Manly side ravaged by injury – with centre Bradman Best (calf), Jacob Saifiti (hamstring) and James Schiller (neck) all slated for return this week. Their expected inclusions will likely force a reshuffling of Justin Holbrook’s deck, pushing Fletcher Hunt and Francis Manuleleua to the bench. Elsewhere, the side is confident of Dane Gagai retaining his spot in the centres, after staying off at half-time last week. “He didn’t feel great early on and then sort of played within himself,” Holbrook said of Gagai. “It’s too hard of a game to do that. Obviously there is an issue there, but hopefully it’s not too major.”
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Joey Walsh 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Simione Laiafi 9. Brandon Wakeham 16. Fletcher Baker 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nicholas Lenaz 10. Nathan Brown 17. Jackson Shereb 18. Josh Feledy 19. Hugo Hart
TEAM TIPS: Manly has struggled with injuries through the latter stages of the Fozball campaign, particularly with a dearth of middle forwards. However, the Sea Eagles are set for a huge boost with the return of Ethan Bullemor and Ben Trbojevic – who are both in line to return from concussion. The other big silver lining for Manly as they try to cling onto a finals berth is the potential inclusion of Tom Trbojevic from ongoing hamstring issues. “Turbo’s a week by week (proposition),” Foran said of the Manly co-captain. “We’re taking our time with him. We want to make sure that he comes back at full fitness and that he’s not feeling any hesitation there. It’s important that we prioritise that and put that first.” Taniela Paseka is set for at least another week on the sidelines, with Manly advising a Round 26 return for the 28-year-old.
Knights Go From Spoon to Finals | 03:48
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Warriors @ Accor Stadium, 5.30pm
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Adam Elliott 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Euan Aitken 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Edward Kosi 20. Jonah Glover 21. Liam Le Blanc 22. John Radel
TEAM TIPS: It has been arguably the most high-profile injury of the season – but is Round 25 where we finally see Souths dynamo Latrell Mitchell return to the starting side? The superstar centre has been spotted training in recent weeks as he works back from a nerve-related issue in his back. Souths CEO Blake Solly said Mitchell was running “the best he has” in six to eight weeks on Tuesday. “The back has improved a lot and the leg has followed so we’re hoping he can get back on the field in the last couple of weeks of the season. There is still a bit of work to do between where is now and getting on the field,” Solly told Fox Sports News. It doesn’t sound like Mitchell will be back yet though, with teammate Campbell Graham telling reporters on Monday he “can’t see him playing”. “I don’t know where he’s at physically in terms of return of play but there’s still hope and we’d love to have him out there,” Graham said. “I doubt it. I can’t see him playing this week, but as I said I don’t know when that’ll be.” The Bunnies are also set to be without Adam Elliott (groin), Ashton Ward (hamstring), Jamie Humphreys (ankle), Talanoa Penitani (hamstring) and Dayne Jennings (knee).
Mitchell pushing to be back for finals | 00:47
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Adam Pompey 21. Morgan Gannon 22. Luke Hanson 23. Makaia Tafua
TEAM TIPS: The Warriors were dealt a huge blow last week after Luke Metcalf limped off with a hamstring injury. Luke Hanson and Jett Cleary have both been touted as possible replacements in the halves; even though the latter is looking for a release to join his brother and father at Penrith and is yet to play an NRL game. Compounding the Warriors’ woes is the absence of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has accepted a two-match ban for his hip drop tackle on Reece Walsh last weekend. Taine Tuaupiki is likely to step up to fullback in his place.
Warriors & Broncos suffer injury blows | 01:54
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs @ Allianz Stadium, 7.35pm
Last week’s Dragons team: 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 14. Jacob Liddle 10. Emre Guler 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 9. Damien Cook 15. Toby Couchman 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 21. Blake Lawrie 2. Setu Tu
TEAM TIPS: The Dragons come off their first back-to-back wins since August 2025, following strong showings against the Wests Tigers last week, and the Sharks a week earlier. Clint Gutherson remains in doubt with a niggling knee injury, set for scans early this week. Daniel Atkinson is set to deputise at fullback once again, while Lyhkan King-Togia and Kyle Flanagan make up the Dragons halves with Jacob Liddle or Damien Cook the starting rake. “I was wrapped with Atko,” coach Dean Young said after the win over the Tigers. “Atko is the kind of guy who if you give him an opportunity he is going to go for it, and he certainly went for it tonight. It has been an up and down year from Atko. But he just walks into training every day with a smile on his face wanting to get better.”
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Jake Turpin 17. Alekolasimi Jones
TEAM TIPS: The ninth-placed Bulldogs’ finals hopes more or less rest on a win against the Dragons – after they failed to capitalise on a strong start against South Sydney last week – going down 22-6. With Sitili Tupouniua still recovering from a hamstring injury, coach Cameron Ciraldo again has promising rookie Alekolasami Jones waiting in the wings for a bench position.
Ciro questioned on Dogs’ finals hope | 02:04
SUNDAY AUGUST 23
Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla Sharks @ Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm
Last week’s Titans team:1. Keano Kini 19. Jaylan De Groot 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Josh Patston 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Klese Haas 16. Cooper Bai 17. Bodhi Sharpley 18. Sam Verrills 21. Sialetili Faeamani
TEAM TIPS: The Titans have proven they are not to underestimated at the backend of this season, and have the potential to pose a real bogey match against the up-and-down Sharks. Josh Hannay is set to deploy a squad closely resembling the one that pushed the Knights until the end in their 36-26 loss last weekend.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Billy Burns 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Michael Gabrael 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
TEAM TIPS: The Sharks welcome back enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake from a one-game ban into their starting side, moving Oregon Kaufusi to the bench. But they take the good with the bad, with in-form half Braydon Trindall set for a stint on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder. His absence is set to inject rising half Niwhai Puru into the Sharks rotation at 6. Elsewhere, Toby Rudolf is up for selection once again after returning to NSW Cup last weekend.
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers @ Allianz Stadium, 4.05pm
Last week’s Roosters team: 18. Cody Ramsey 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Rex Bassingthwaighte
TEAM TIPS: The Roosters are shaping as one of the big contenders for this year’s NRL premiership, and they may have timed their run to perfection – with influential captain James Tedesco set to return in an important match against the Tigers. The fullback is set for his first appearance since Round 22, when he injured his ankle in the side’s 82-12 thrashing of the Cowboys. Teddy’s inclusion would push in-form replacement Cody Ramsey to the Roosters bench. Elsewhere, the side are another week away from welcoming back powerhouse forward Angus Crichton.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Solomane Saukuru 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Sunia Turuva 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 15. Sione Fainu 14. Heath Mason 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tristan Hope 19. Faaletino Tavana 21. Javon Andrews
TEAM TIPS: The Tigers are eager to finish off a tumultuous 2026 campaign strongly. They are set to welcome back experienced forward Alex Twal (illness) at lock, pushing Sione Fainu to the bench. Meanwhile Latu Fainu offers another utility option on the Tigers’ bench, returning from suspension. Although winger Sunia Turuva came off early in the side’s 24-22 loss the Dragons, coach Benji Marshall was confident of him taking the field against the in-form Roosters. Heamasi Makasini pressed his claims for an NRL recall with four tries in NSW Cup, although he could benefit from continuing to build his confidence in reserve grade as he aims to be more consistent in 2026.
Bye: Cowboys
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