The Roosters have recalled a veteran playmakaker to replace an injured half, while the reason for the Bulldogs dropping their No.7 has been revealed.
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Read on for the Round 20 NRL Teams!
THURSDAY JULY 17
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jake Averillo 6. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola 18. Tevita Naufahu 19. Kenny Bromwich 20. LJ Nonu 21. Trai Fuller 22. Ryan Jackson
Analysis: Maroons star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns at fullback with Jake Averillo shifting to the wing. Connelly Lemuelu starts in the back row after Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was ruled out with a broken thumb. Mark Nicholls will be rested due to concussion protocols with Harrison Graham and Peter Hola joining the bench.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Robert Derby 20. Temple Kalepo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Dane Aukafolau
Analysis: Jordan McLean is out with an ankle injury with Thomas Mikaele to start at prop, while Kaiden Lahrs comes onto the bench. Jaxson Paulo comes onto the wing for his third game of the year with Robert Derby dropping to the reserves. Jake Clifford remains sidelined with a quad injury, with Jaxson Purdue at five-eighth, while John Bateman’s return from a groin injury has been delayed another week.
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Galvin set to be recalled at halfback | 02:43
FRIDAY JULY 18
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters at Sharks Stadium, 6:00pm
Sharks team: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. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Chris Veaila 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jayden Berrell
Analysis: Addin Fonua-Blake will play his 200th NRL game in an unchanged starting side, while Sifa Talakai remains in the centres. Daniel Atkinson comes on to the bench in the only change to the 17, with Billy Burns dropped to 18th man. Sam Stonestreet has been named in the extended squad and is a chance of an NRL return after coming back from an ankle injury in NSW Cup last week.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Chad Townsend 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Sandon Smith 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Tom Rodwell
Analysis: Trent Robinson has made an interesting call to recall veteran playmaker Chad Townsend to fill the void left by the injury to five-eighth Hugo Savala. Ironically Townsend was dropped early in the season from the halfback role for Savala who has played most of the season at No.7. Sam Walker’s return to the team at halfback saw Savala switched to five-eighth before he was injured. Sandon Smith loomed as the obvious replacement for Savala given he has played most of the season in the No.6 jersey, but he has been named in the extended squad. That could be a nod to reports Smith is on his way out of the club after being linked to the Cowboys and Eels in 2026. Lindsay Collins returns to the starting side with Spencer Leniu shifting to the bench after the pair switched last week after a gruelling Origin campaign. Leniu started last week after coming off the bench for the Blues, with Collins coming off the bench after a big couple of days celebrating Queensland’s series win.
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium, 8:00pm
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Daine Laurie 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Jack Cole 19. Luke Sommerton 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Preston Riki
Analysis: Panthers co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo will both be rested from Friday night’s clash against the Rabbitohs. Coach Ivan Cleary has decided to give the Blues Origin stars a night off, after they backed up from Wednesday night’s decider to take on the Eels on Sunday. If Cleary and Yeo had played against the Rabbitohs, it would mean the pair would have played three games in nine days, which is too much to ask. With Cleary and Yeo missing, Brad Schneider will play halfback, with Isaiah Papali’i to play at lock. While Cleary and Yeo backed up against the Eels, Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o were rested, so they have both been named to take on the Rabbitohs. But a wrist injury suffered in the Origin decider means Liam Martin will miss this game. Scott Sorensen is back from suspension and will play in the back row. Meanwhile, Paul Alamoti will play in the centres, in place of the suspended Izack Tago. With Edwards back on deck, Daine Laurie moves back to the bench.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Jai Arrow 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Lewis Dodd 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Thomas Fletcher 20. Ryan Gray 21. Shaquai Mitchell 22. Ammaron Gudgeon
Analysis: English import Lewis Dodd has been named on the bench, but Wayne Bennett has shown that doesn’t necessarily mean he will play this season. Jack Wighton will play five-eighth alongside Jamie Humphreys with Cody Walker reportedly out for the year. Latrell Mitchell’s return from Origin duties sees Alex Johnston shift to the wing, with Isaiah Tass shifting to the centres, with Campbell Graham ruled out with a back injury. Euan Aitken returns from injury in the back row. Brandon Smith is out with a knee injury, with Siliva Havili to start at hooker, while Peter Mamouzelos is back on the interchange. Davvy Moale (knee) is out, with Sean Keppie earning an NRL recall.
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Is Souths slump excused? | 02:03
SATURDAY JULY 19
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels at GIO Stadium, 3:00pm
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Noah Martin 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders
Analysis: The return of Origin stars Josh Papalii and Hudson Young has sparked a bit of a tweak to the forward pack, with Papalii to start in the front row and Young in the second row. Corey Horsburgh switches to lock, with Morgan Smithies and Simi Sasagi going to the bench. Noah Martin and Trey Mooney go back to the reserves, while Chevy Stewart has been picked at 18th man.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Bailey Simonsson 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Jordan Samrani 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dylan Brown 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Haze Dunster
Analysis: Joash Papalii has been named at five-eighth, with Ryley Smith selected at hooker upon his return from suspension, while Dylan Brown is now out of the 17, and back to 18th man. Kitione Kautoga (ankle) will miss this game, with Jack Williams moving to the second row and J’maine Hopgood promoted to the start in the front row. Jordan Samrani is the new player on the bench.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium, 5:30pm
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Jethro Rinakama 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. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Blake Wilson 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Kurtis Morrin 23. Toby Sexton
Analysis: Lachlan Galvin is back in the Bulldogs side after missing the clash against the Cowboys, and will start in the No.7 jersey. He will partner Matt Burton in the halves, with Toby Sexton dropping back to the extended bench. Cameron Ciraldo’s decision reportedly came down to concerns regarding his team’s attacking output, with Sexton unfortunately the player to make way. He has already signed a contract for next season with the Catalans Dragons and if Canterbury don’t suffer any further injuries, his time first grade season could be over. However, there is still a question mark surrounding Galvin’s injection at halfback. The young gun is one of the best running playmakers in the NRL, and he will be desperate to forge a strong partnership with Burton. However, he is also a run-focused five-eighth and it remains to be seen if that partnership will fire moving forward. Being close to the top of the ladder, the Bulldogs have some breathing room as that duo find their feet. Regardless, it’s a big call to break up what has been a proven and winning halves partnership on the run home to finals football. Origin pair Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann have both been named, after they were rested from the game against the Cowboys. With Crichton back, Bronson Xerri goes out of the team due to a groin injury, and Mann has been picked on the interchange. Rookie Jethro Rinakama has kept his spot on the wing after his stellar performance on debut, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita has been selected in the reserves, and may return from a concussion after returning via NSW Cup last week, and coming through unscathed.
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Sione Finau 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo 18. Corey Allan 19. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Nicholas Tsougranis
Analysis: While Hamish Stewart (knee) and Luciano Leilua (laceration) both picked up injuries in the defeat to the Roosters, they’ve both been picked in the 17. Leilua has been named in the second row, while Stewart has been named on the interchange. The team is unchanged from last week. Mat Feagai (ankle) may return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines, and has been picked on the extended bench, having got through his return in the NSW Cup last week.
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles at AAMI Park, 7:35pm
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Joe Chan 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Analysis: Ryan Papenhuyzen isn’t yet back from a calf injury, with Nick Meaney named at fullback. Xavier Coates returns after he was rested last round, with Maroons captain Cameron Munster also named to return. Coates’ inclusion will see Grant Anderson move into the centres and Joe Chan drop to 18th man. Trent Loiero has been named in the starting side, with Tui Kamikamica moving to the interchange, and Jonah Pezet going back to the reserves.
Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Caleb Navale 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Analysis: No changes from their team that beat Souths before the bye, with Tom Trbojevic remaining in the centres and Lehi Hopoate at fullback. Lachlan Croker’s return from concussion remains at least a week away.
“Des has become a dinosaur” | 02:14
SUNDAY JULY 20
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval, 2:00pm
Tigers team: 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
Analysis: A huge inclusion for the Tigers and Benji Marshall with mid-season recruit Taylan May named in the centres after a hattrick in NSW Cup last weekend. The 23-year-old’s NRL return comes after a turbulent period in his personal life before being handed a rugby league lifeline with a train-and-trial deal. The NRL had to conditionally approve his contract, after domestic violence charges against him were dropped in March this year. The Tigers, in their announcement regarding his signing, believed May would benefit from being in the same squad as his brother Terrell, who has been one of Marshall’s most consistent performers this year. “Clearly, Taylan is a quality player who will further strengthen our squad in the back end of the competition,” he said. “But we also believe his best chance of success on and off the field is if he is around family and friends. “He will now have the chance to not only return to a team environment but also to play alongside his brother Terrell – which is important to him.” May’s talent was clear at the Panthers before he parted ways with the reigning premiers, and now the Tigers looks set to benefit from his skills. The young gun has only played two reserve grade games since restarting his training with the Tigers, but Marshall has seen enough and will be hoping he can dent the Titans’ defensive line in Round 20. Adam Doueihi shifts to lock to accommodate his inclusion, with Alex Twal shifting to prop. Alex Seyfarth has also been named in the back row with Samuela Fainu battling a knee injury. It remains to be seen how long he is sidelined for, while Fonua Pole has also been named on the pine.
Titans team: 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
Analysis: As expected, skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui slots straight back into the starting side after he started off the bench backing up from Origin in Round 19. Jaimin Jolliffe drops to the pine and Sam Verrills has been named, being cleared of a head knock.
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm
Knights team: 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
Analysis: After a successful late switch in Round 19, Dane Gagai wears the No.1 jersey and captains the Knights. O’Brien sticking solid with Gagai is a huge boost for the veteran, who clearly impressed against the Storm. The 34-year-old is without a deal ahead of the 2026 season, with a mutual option in his contract reportedly elapsing. However, after a fan petition it looks likely Gagai will remain at the club, having been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers in 2025. Kalyn Ponga’s future in the Hunter also looks uncertain, with a potential rugby switch or a release on the cards for the NRL’s highest-paid player and he’s also sidelined for the remainder of the season. Should he depart, Gagai could be an option at fullback next season with a host of strong performances, being the likely man to wear the No.1 jersey to close out the season. The likes of Fletcher Sharpe, Fletcher Hunt and Connor Votano will likely come into the equation next year should Ponga depart. In Round 20, Hunt will once again play in the centres, while Brodie Jones joins the starting side in the back row. He replaced Dylan Lucas, who suffered a season-ending foot injury in Newcastle’s last outing. Tyson Gamble slots onto the bench while Phoenix Crossland starts at lock, with Tyson Frizell also on the pine. Jayden Brailey, with Crossland in the No.13, starts at dummy-half.
Warriors team: 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
Analysis: Only a single change for Andrew Webster’s side. Rocco Berry is out after injuring his shoulder in Round 19, with returning Origin star Kurt Capewell slotting into the centres.
Bye: Brisbane Broncos
