NRL teams Round 12: Broncos set to rush back Reece Walsh next week

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is considering rushing back superstar fullback Reece Walsh in the wake of Sunday’s shock loss to the Dragons.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is considering rushing back superstar fullback Reece Walsh in the wake of Sunday’s shock loss to the Dragons.

The Broncos have a bye weekend this week in the lead up to the State of Origin opener, giving Brisbane crucial time to get Walsh ready for his imminent comeback.

Given Brisbane’s precarious 5-6 record, Maguire needs his best players on deck and he is hoping to have Walsh available for the round 13 clash against Manly on Saturday week.

Walsh injured his knee in round 7 against the Warriors and was expected to miss four to six weeks.

A six-week layoff puts Walsh in the frame for a possible return against Manly at Brookvale pending a medical clearance from Broncos medicos.

The Broncos have lost five of their past six games and are desperately banking on the return of Walsh to add some attacking spark after last week’s 30-26 Dragons boilover.

Walsh was ruled out of Origin I due to the injury but is hoping to be available for Maroons selection for Game Two in Perth.

—Peter Badel

Reece Walsh could return as early as next week. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

SUPERCOACH WINNERS FROM TEAMS

* Dylan Lucas - All good news here. Lucas has not just shaken off a shoulder injury, he also switches back to the pack after playing centre on the weekend.

* Fletcher Sharpe - Named as Kalyn Ponga’s replacement at fullback for the Knights and therefore could go large.

* Mawene Hiroti - The former cheapie is back early from a knee injury for the Sharks.

* Demitric Vaimauga - The suspension of James Fisher-Harris and Origin selection of Mitchell Barnett should ensure decent minutes.

* Greg Marzhew - Popular sell both this week and last week, but his injury isn’t as bad as first thought. Could be back as early as next week.

* Corey Horsburgh - Missed an Origin spot for the Maroons despite being heavily backed and now a crucial extra number for this week’s big bye.

* James Tedesco - Missed out for the Blues and therefore THE player to own over the byes.

* Tom Trbojevic - Now becomes a genuine cut-priced option after missing Origin selection. 10th most popular buy this week at just $552,000.

* Haumole Olakau’atu - Named in the NSW extended squad will be released for the Sea Eagles in a boost for 52,000 SuperCoaches.

* Terrell May - Doesn’t play this week anyway due to the bye, but his Origin snubbing is still a huge boost for SuperCoaches.

SUPERCOACH LOSERS FROM TEAMS

* Naufahu Whyte - Popular money-maker and bye coverage option is expected out until round 15 due to a knee injury. Potential sell.

* Dylan Egan - The star cheapie suffered an ACL injury against the Broncos and is out for the season. Sell.

Tom Gilbert will undergo surgery after scans confirmed he ruptured his left pec in Round 11. Dolphins expect a 12 week recovery time, meaning he could return this season.

Such a rough run for Gilbert after shoulder & ACL reconstruction surgeries in 2023/24. pic.twitter.com/HGBckgwAEW

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 20, 2025

* Jacob Kiraz - Suffered a calf injury over the weekend and is expected to miss a month, ending both his Origin and SuperCoach hopes for now.

* Robert Toia - Not many saw this coming. One of the best cheapies in SuperCoach 2025 has been named for the Maroons, which means he misses 5/8 weeks over Origin.

* Beau Fermor - A popular sell after scoring a Maroons bench spot.

* Tom Gilbert - Set to miss 12 weeks with a pectoral injury.

* Jaxon Purdue - On the bye and coming off just 27 points after a switch to the halves. Sell

* Kalyn Ponga, Payne Haas, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Nathan Cleary, Connor Watson, Cameron Munster, Brian To’o, Zac Lomax, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Valentine Holmes - Among a host of SuperCoach guns out this week due to Origin.

ROB SUTHERLAND’S SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS

Bye rounds are moving rounds in SuperCoach; with those prepared to burn trades now in order to maximise their overall score climbing the ranks and those conserving trades due to a head-to-head focus dropping away somewhat.

Or at least that used to be the case back when there was still a top-17 scoring system in place during the major bye rounds.

Now that we’re playing a ‘best-13’ scoring system the ‘need’ to trade is somewhat diminished - but not the ‘want’.

The SuperCoach gods have bestowed upon us a bonus trade this week and I want to use all three (and possibly a boost) as I reshape my centres, add a third keeper FRF to my team and pick up the 2RF POD I think too many are ignoring in favour of the flavour of the month.

Join our live SuperCoach trade chat via the comments section below...

Round 12: NRL Teams and SuperCoach trade talk.

BUY/SELL ANALYSIS

I usually start with the buys but this week thought I would mix things up and start with a look at the most popular sells.

I’ll start with some CTW players as I feel this is the week to rejig at the position.

Robert Toia - The young Rooster is the most owned CTW in the game so his surprise selection by the Maroons is a bit of a kick in the proverbial for the 90,000+ SuperCoaches who own him. Roosters who are not picked for Origin are bye round gold playing every major bye. Rooster who are picked for Origin will miss five of the next seven games (Rd 12 (Origin), Rd 14 (bye), Rd 15 (Origin), Rd 17 (bye) and Rd 18 (Origin) and so should probably be sold. Or so goes the common narrative. But does that apply here? Toia is currently rocking a BE of -19 and is averaging close to 60PPG so those who are selling are walking away from an easy $50K profit if they just wait a week. Toia is also arguably a beneficiary of the injuries to Maroons veterans Selwyn Cobbo and Murray Taulagi (both wingers and their absence has seen Val Holmes move out to the wing and Toia win a debut). Leaving aside the mythical Maroons love of picking and sticking, it’s distinctly possible that come Origin II the veterans return and Toia is dropped thus becoming a valuable bye round piece. So my advice here is hold Toia, at least for a week and if possible right up until teams are named for Origin II.

Dylan Egan - a tough break (ACL) for the Dragons rookie and he has to go.

Kalyn Ponga - his Maroons selection should be the catalyst you require to rip off the bandaid and sell the underperforming fullback.

Jacob Kiraz - It really hurts to sell a CTW who is averaging 81PPG and plays for a team which covers the round 12, 15 and 18 byes but the word from Belmore is that Kiraz will miss four, and possibly six, weeks. A reluctant sell with a note in the mind bank that money and trades will be required to bring him back when available.

Beau Fermor - Another top CTW performer, Fermor’s Origin selection does not make him an automatic sell as he should still be available for rounds 13, 14, 16 and 17. However, there is a strong argument for cashing him in at $700K and using the money elsewhere keeping in mind that Fermor has just the 14th best average for any centre at the moment but has the sixth highest price at the position.

Dylan Lucas - Another 2RF available at CTW, Lucas started the season on fire averaging close to 60PPG in base around which he was adding quality attacking and power stats. The Knights have a good draw and cover the next six games. But there’s an argument to sell. Lucas injured his shoulder last week and while the club insists he is healthy and available to play Brien Seeney (aka NRL Physio) notes that there is now an increased chance of re-injury.

On top of the injury uncertainty, the Knights are stretched very thin in the outside backs at the moment and Lucas looks set to spend a few weeks in the centres. If you hold him throughout that period you should expect lower scores due to less defensive work and so there’s a strong temptation to take use his value elsewhere.

Dylan Lucas came off late in the game with what appeared to be a shoulder issue.

Looked to suffer the injury early in the game & played through - video brings concern for shoulder instability (eg subluxation) landing on outstretched arm. If so could still play next week - pic.twitter.com/5ZmFD7UKhE

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 16, 2025

Nathan Cleary - a popular sell but as I mentioned last week I believe he should be held through at least Origin I as if he does backup (which barring injury I expect him to) then he should reward those who show patience in SuperCoach positive match-ups against the Eels (Rd 13) and Wests Tigers (Rd 14).

Payne Haas - Heads into Origin camp under a minor injury cloud but is expected to play for the Blues. There is some chance that Haas is rested by the Broncos over the Origin period, but with his team sitting outside the top eight (and Haas being so clearly a must at his position) I’m leaning to holding the big man throughout the period. Especially seeing as how so many of us have cover for him currently via the likes of Joe Tapine, Terrell May and Addin Fonua-Blake.

Now for some popular buys:

James Tedesco - Teddy’s Origin snub makes him close to a bye round must. The short term draw (Sharks into Raiders in rounds 12 and 13) is not great. But while Tedesco is not ‘match-up proof’ he’s one of those players who can score 100+ on any opposition.

Zac Hosking - I was not a huge fan of Hosking last week and despite him scoring 77 points last week my doubts remain. Hosking has a good workrate (he recorded 50 points in base last week which is good for an edge) and he runs a good line. But without a try he’s a 50-55 point guy as he is not a big tackle buster/offloader. I much prefer the next person on my list.

Join our live SuperCoach trade chat via the comments section below...

Viliame Kikau has been superb for the Bulldogs in 2025. Picture: Getty Images

Viliame Kikau - Big Billy is not a ‘workhorse’ but he does average 39PPG in base. And unlike Hosking around that base he puts elite power numbers averaging 11.5PPG in tackle breaks and offloads combined. Canterbury has been funnelling a lot of its attack down Kikau’s left edge and the big man is averaging an anomalous 16.6PPG in try assist/linebreak assists combined. That is an area I expect some regression which suggests Kikau is not a keeper. But he and the Dogs cover all three of the major byes and I see Kikau as a useful bye round piece with more upside than Hosking.

Addin Fonua-Blake - The most dangerous FRF in the game, AFB has barged over for tries in each of the past two games and has a very positive matchup this week against a severely depleted Roosters side. Covers the first two byes of the season and well worth locking in at his current price.

Joe Tapine - Traditionally a late season bloomer, Tapine caught fire early this year and has already punched out five scores of 85+ this season. Lacks some of Fonua-Blake’s upside but has a lower ownership and covers the tricky round 18 bye. A good buy.

Herbie Farnworth - Scoring tries for fun. Farnworth will fail to cross the stripe eventually but even then should score well thanks to his phenomenal tackle bust numbers and offload game. Covers the first two byes.

Mark Nawaqanitawase - Roosters right side attack is the place to be and Nawaqanitawase is loving life there at the moment with five tries in the past three weeks. As per Teddy above the short term draw is not great, but matchups with the Knights, Cowboys and Wests Tigers after that appeal.

KL Iro - Has scored a try (and two in round two) in every game he has played this year and history suggests that is unsustainable. However, the Sharks have lost no players to Origin and would be looking forward to their early bye round matchups against the Roosters (Rd 12) and Dragons (Rd 15). Good buy.

Xavier Savage - Not a fan of this move. Savage is the ultimate rocks and diamonds guy. And yes, last week’s 124 points against the Titans was sparkly. And yes he has a BE of -27. But keep in mind that in round seven when the Raiders scored 30 points against the Titans Savage scored just 17 SC points. The following week when the Raiders put 40 on the Dolphins Savage scored just 12 SC points. You’ve been warned.

Tom Trbojevic - I love Tommy T, but he looks busted. The price is cheap, the pedigree is pure. But don’t do this to yourself.

NRL ROUND 12 TEAMS

BULLDOGS V DOLPHINS

Thursday May 22, 7:50pm, Accor Stadium

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Blake Taafe 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Lipoi Hopi 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Josh Curran 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Harry Hayes 13. Bailey Hayward

Interchange: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Luke Smith

Reserves: 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Jonathan Sua 21. Jack Underhill 22. Zyon Maiu’u 23. Mitchell Woods

Dolphins

1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone

Interchange: 14. Harrison Graham 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Oryn Keeley

Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Aublix Tawha 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Junior Tupou 22. Tevita Naufahu

EELS V SEA EAGLES

Friday May 23 2025, 8:00pm, CommBank Stadium

Eels

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood

Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Matt Doorey

Reserves: 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Joey Lussick 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Samuel Loizou

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jakob Arthur 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga

Interchange: 14. Lachlan Croker 15. Corey Waddell 16. Nathan Brown 17. Matthew Lodge

Reserves: 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Brandon Wakeham 20. Tommy Talau 21. Michael Chee Kam 22. Caleb Navale

PANTHERS V KNIGHTS

Sat May 24 2025, 5:30pm, Carrington Park, Bathurst

Panthers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Henry 13. Lindsay Smith

Interchange: 14. Luke Sommerton 15. Preston Riki 16. Luron Patea 17. Jack Cole

Reserves: 18. Trent Toelau 19. Austin Dias 20. Jesse McLean 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Billy Phillips

Knights

1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Kyle McCarthy 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott

Interchange: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Brodie Jones 17. Thomas Cant

Reserves: 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Paul Bryan 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Connor Votano 22. Jackson Hastings

ROOSTERS V SHARKS

Sat May 24 2025, 7:35pm, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Makahesi Makatoa 9. Zach Dockar-Clay 10. Salesi Foketi 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley

Interchange: 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Blake Steep 17. Nat Butcher

Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Xavier Va’a 20. Ethan Roberts 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Toby Rodwell

Sharks

1. William Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes

Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves: 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Teig Wilton 22. Chris Veaila

WARRIORS V RAIDERS

Sunday May 25 2025, 4:05pm, GO Media Stadium, Auckland

Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Jackson Ford 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Ofoa 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark

Interchange : 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Reserves: 18. Tom Ale 20. Samuel Healey 21. Tanah Boyd 22 Ali Leiataua. 23. Taine Tuaupiki

Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies

Interchange: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Ata Mariota

Reserves: 18. Jed Stuart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Danny Levi 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Chevy Stewart

Originally published as NRL teams Round 12: Broncos set to rush back Reece Walsh next week