As the final State of Origin-impacted round approaches, NRL clubs are juggling injuries, representative absences, and pivotal selection calls in what shapes up as a crucial weekend in the 2025 Premiership campaign.
With just a handful of rounds remaining after this, Round 18 is a turning point for many clubs battling for a finals spot. Coaches are forced to shuffle their lineups, test depth players, and manage workloads—all while attempting to keep their squads competitive during Origin’s shadow.
Here’s a full breakdown of the team lists and early analysis across all five matches this weekend.
—
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
Accor Stadium, 8:00pm AEST
The Bulldogs head into the clash with a strong mix of youth and experience. Connor Tracey continues at fullback, while Blake Wilson, Bronson Xerri, Enari Tuala, and Marcelo Montoya round out the backline. Matt Burton and Toby Sexton combine in the halves, looking to take control early against a well-drilled Broncos outfit.
Up front, Harry Hayes, Reed Mahoney, and Samuel Hughes form a mobile engine room, with Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston providing strike on the edges. Bailey Hayward retains the No. 13 jersey, while utility Lachlan Galvin headlines the bench alongside Josh Curran and Lipoi Hopoi. There’s depth named in the reserves, including Jake Turpin and young forwards like Jethro Rinakama and Jack Underhill.
Meanwhile, the Broncos welcome back Adam Reynolds, who partners Ezra Mam in the halves in what’s likely one of Wayne Bennett’s final Origin-period rotations. Selwyn Cobbo starts at fullback with Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Deine Mariner, and Jesse Arthars forming a potent backline.
Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, and Xavier Willison start in the middle, with Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki providing aggression on the edges. Kobe Hetherington locks the scrum, while the bench features Billy Walters and Jaiyden Hunt among others. Youngsters like Delouise Hoeter and Blake Mozer are on standby, providing backup should Origin fallout continue.
—
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons
GIO Stadium, 5:30pm AEST
The Raiders will again lean on Kaeo Weekes at fullback, with Xavier Savage on the wing alongside Jed Stuart. Matthew Timoko and Sebastian Kris form the centre pairing, while Ethan Strange and Jamal Fogarty pair up in the halves.
Canberra’s forward pack is anchored by Joseph Tapine and Corey Horsburgh, with Tom Starling at dummy half. Simi Sasagi and Zac Hosking provide power on the edges, while Morgan Smithies continues to grow in the lock role. On the bench, there’s a blend of youthful promise and physicality with Owen Pattie, Trey Mooney, and Ata Mariota included. Ethan Sanders and Chevy Stewart headline the extended squad.
St George Illawarra welcomes back Clinton Gutherson at fullback in a significant inclusion, with Tyrell Sloan moving to the wing. Moses Suli and Corey Allan are in the centres, while Lyhkan King-Togia retains his spot at five-eighth alongside Kyle Flanagan.
Up front, Damien Cook starts at hooker with Emre Guler and David Klemmer offering punch through the middle. Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Jaydn Su’A add impact out wide, while Jack de Belin starts at lock. The bench sees Jacob Liddle and Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga in the rotation. Notably, Lachlan Ilias has been named in the reserves, alongside young talent like Nicholas Tsougranis and Jacob Halangahu.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST
Scott Drinkwater leads the Cowboys from fullback with Murray Taulagi, Jaxon Purdue, Zac Laybutt, and Robert Derby completing the backline. Jake Clifford and Thomas Duffy will steer the side in the halves.
In the engine room, veterans Jordan McLean and Griffin Neame start with Harrison Edwards at hooker. John Bateman and Kai O’Donnell line up on the edges, while Sam McIntyre locks the scrum. Temple Kalepo and Thomas Mikaele bring size off the bench, with Coen Hess again in a bench role. Marly Bitungane and Jaxson Paulo provide depth from the reserves.
For Melbourne, Ryan Papenhuyzen is back in the No. 1 jersey, with Kane Bradley and Grant Anderson on the wings. Joe Chan and Nick Meaney line up in the centres, while Tyran Wishart is named at five-eighth next to star halfback Jahrome Hughes.
Up front, Tui Kamikamica and Josh King lead the pack, with Bronson Garlick at hooker. Nelson Asofa-Solomona starts at lock, joined by Shawn Blore and Eliesa Katoa in the second row. Jonah Pezet and Alec MacDonald headline the bench. The Storm’s depth remains a major strength, with Josiah Pahulu, Keagan Russell-Smith, and Siulagi Pio named in the wider squad.
—
SUNDAY, JULY 6
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
Allianz Stadium, 2:00pm AEST
James Tedesco continues at fullback for the Roosters, joined in the backline by Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, and rising star Mark Nawaqanitawase. Tom Rodwell is named on the wing, while Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala form a youthful halves pairing.
Up front, Naufahu Whyte and Makahesi Makatoa start in the front row with rookie hooker Benaiah Ioelu. Egan Butcher and Salesi Foketi are the edge forwards, with Blake Steep at lock. The Roosters’ bench includes Zach Dockar-Clay and Max McCathie, with Tyler Moriarty and Ben Johnson also in the extended squad.
The Tigers have Sunia Turuva at fullback and Charlie Staines, Luke Laulilii, and Starford To’a in the backline. Jeral Skelton adds flair on the wing, while Adam Doueihi partners Latu Fainu in the halves.
Terrell May and Fonua Pole are named as the starting props, with Tristan Hope at dummy half. Samuela Fainu and Jack Bird take on edge duties, while Alex Twal locks the scrum. Charlie Murray and Tony Sukkar provide fresh legs off the pine. Royce Hunt and Brent Naden are named among the reserves.
Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
4 Pines Park, 4:05pm AEST
Tom Trbojevic returns to the centres for Manly, shifting Tolutau Koula into a likely roaming role. Lehi Hopoate remains at fullback, with Jason Saab and Reuben Garrick completing the backline. Luke Brooks and Daly Cherry-Evans partner in the halves.
The front row features Matthew Lodge and Siosiua Taukeiaho, with Jazz Tevaga playing hooker. Corey Waddell and Ben Trbojevic are named in the second row, while Jake Trbojevic commands the middle as lock. Ethan Bullemor and Tommy Talau are included on the bench, while Gordon Chan Kum Tong remains in the reserves.
Souths name Alex Johnston at fullback, with Isaiah Tass and Tyrone Munro out wide. Euan Aitken and Campbell Graham form the centre pairing. Jack Wighton returns at five-eighth alongside Jamie Humphreys.
Tevita Tatola, Keaon Koloamatangi, and Siliva Havili form a strong middle trio, while Jai Arrow and Tallis Duncan provide experience and impact in the back row. Lachlan Hubner wears the No. 13 jersey, with Peter Mamouzelos and Liam Le Blanc on the bench. Cody Walker and Brandon Smith remain in the wider squad, giving coach Michael Maguire late decisions to make depending on Origin availability.
—
Final Word
Round 18 may be missing some of the game’s biggest names, but that only heightens the intrigue. Young players are stepping into key roles, and coaches are making bold calls that could define their seasons. With finals just around the corner, every point counts—and every decision is magnified.
