NRL team lists Round 25: How your side will line up, injury news

NSW Cup fans will love the team lists being served up in Round 25, with multiple clubs set to rest a host of players ahead of finals.

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett will play a host of second-stringers with Rabbitohs stars Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Adam Reynolds, Damien Cook, Dane Gagai, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray all to be rested for the club’s final-round showdown with the Dragons.

Blake Taafe will take over for Latrell Mitchell at fullback with Benji Marshall to replace Walker, who is in Dally M contention, at five-eighth.

Campbell Graham, Jaxson Paulo and Jaydn Su’A are among the few regular Rabbitohs who will take their place on the weekend.

The race to the 2021 NRL Telstra Finals Series is on and every game matters. Watch Live & Ad-Break Free on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free >

Parramatta will rest both Isaiah Papali'i and Clint Gutherson. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has stuck to his original plan to rest almost all his starters for Friday’s night clash with Penrith.

Blake Ferguson, Haze Dunster and Joey Lussick will be the only Eels players who started in last week’s epic win over Melbourne to back up.

Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses, Dylan Brown, Isaiah Papali’i and Nathan Brown will all spend the week with their feet up as Arthur looks to have his side primed for the finals.

Meanwhile, early indications point to Penrith going into Friday’s clash with Parramatta fully loaded with Ivan Cleary naming his strongest squad for the final regular season round.

With Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o and James Fisher-Harris all missing time in recent weeks, the Panthers are looking to get some time under their belts before the semi-finals.

New recruit Tevita Pangai Junior retains his place on the bench while Stephen Crichton is preferred on the wing with Paul Momirovski retaining his spot at centre and Charlie Staines staying out of the side.

The Panthers can still claim the minor premiership should Melbourne lose to Cronulla earlier on Friday night.

—Nick Campton

While other teams are resting their star players, the Panthers are set to name a full-strength side to take on Parramatta. Picture: Getty Images.

WALKER COPS DALLY M BLOW

—Paul Crawley

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett is set to make a huge selection call to rest star five-eighth Cody Walker from his side’s clash against St George Illawarra on Saturday.

With Walker one of the frontrunners for the Dally M medal, there is a chance not playing in the final round will cost him the game’s most prestigious individual prize.

Penrith’s Nathan Cleary and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic are Walker’s main rivals for the medal and it’s likely the final round could determine who comes out on top.

However, the Rabbitohs’ priority is making sure the star playmaker is fit for the first week of the finals.

Walker has been named on the extended bench.

Adam Reynolds said on Monday he is set to rest his knee.

“I just sort of hyper-extended it there. I felt a little something at the back,” he said.

“They weren’t too concerned about it. I went out after halftime just in case anything happened or we needed to go back on the field. They sort of came back into the game and we thought it would be a good idea to get me back out there.”

Souths are set to rest their entire spine in Round 25, with Cody Walker, Adam Reynolds and Damien Cook set to miss out. Picture: Getty Images.

ROUND 25 TEAMS

RAIDERS V ROOSTERS

Thursday 2 September, BB Print Stadium, Mackay, 7:50pm

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, 2. Harley Smith-Shields, 3. Sebastian Kris, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Matt Frawley, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Iosia Soliola

Bench: 14. Emre Guler, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Siliva Havili

Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Semi Valemi, 20. Elijah Anderson, 21. Trey Mooney

TEAM NEWS: Bailey Simonsson (groin) is out with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starting at fullback and Jordan Rapana moving to the wing. Sia Soliola is the new face in the side, starting at lock with Ryan Sutton shifting to the bench. Joseph Tapine (knee) has been named but is in doubt.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Adam Keighran, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Drew Hutchison, 7. Lachlan Lam, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Sam Walker, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Ben Marschke, 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha Reserves: 18. Moalo Graham-Taufa, 19. Brad Abbey, 20. Naufahu Whyte, 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita

TEAM NEWS: Trent Robinson has confirmed Josh Morris will return from a hamstring injury. Morris’ return from a month lay-off could not come at a better time for the injury-ravaged Roosters with the veteran slotting in for Joey Manu who suffered a severe facial fracture in an ugly head high tackle from South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell. Utility back Adam Keighran (concussion) also returns at centre with Lachlam Lam shifting to the halves and Sam Walker benched. Robinson also welcomes back forward Angus Crichton from suspension and enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from a knee injury. The Roosters are hopeful Siosiua Taukeiaho will be cleared of a knee injury.

- Fatima Kdouh

SHARKS V STORM

Friday 3 September, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 6pm

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Connor Tracey, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Mawene Hiroti, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Braydon Trindall, 8. Toby Rudolph, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Jack Williams

Bench: 14. Luke Metcalf, 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 16. Aiden Tolman, 17. Siosifa Talakai

Reserves: 18. Kai O’Donnell, 19. Billy Magoulias, 20. Jenson Taumoepeau, 21. Jonaiah Lualua

TEAM NEWS: Just the one change with Matt Moylan to start at five-eighth after coming off the bench for the last two weeks, with Luke Metcalf dropping back to the bench. Prop Aaron Woods (head knock) has been named and will be monitored.

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. George Jennings, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Dean Ieremia, 6. Nicho Hynes, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Tui Kamikamica, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Aaron Pene, 12. Chris Lewis 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Tepai Moeroa, 16. Jordan Grant, 17. Ryley Jacks

Reserves: 18. Cooper Johns, 19. Daniel Atkinson, 20. Trent Loiero, 21. Isaac Lumelume

TEAM NEWS: The Storm have reset for their back-to-back premiership push by resting star five-eighth Cameron Munster. Munster is the biggest name omission for the Storm as coach Craig Bellamy attempts to get Melbourne’s campaign back on track following last weekend’s loss to Parramatta. Bellamy and the Storm devised a plan to rest their big-name stars in the final few weeks before the play-offs and they have stuck with it, with Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich also rested. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen remains in the No. 1 jersey, with Nicho Hynes filling in at five-eighth for Munster alongside halfback Jahrome Hughes. Dale Finucane (concussion) returns at lock, pushing Brandon Smith to hooker and Harry Grant to the bench.

- Travis Meyn

EELS V PANTHERS

Friday 3 September, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 8:05pm

Eels: 1. Hayze Perham, 2. Haze Dunster, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Michael Oldfield, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Will Smith, 7. Jake Arthur, 8. Oregon Kaufusi, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Makahesi Makatoa, 11. Bryce Cartwright, 12. Keegan Hipgrave, 13. Ray Stone

Bench: 14. Samuel Loizou, 15. Ky Rodwell, 16. Shaun Lane, 17. Sean Russell

Reserves: 18. Will Penisini, 19. Isaiah Papali’i, 20. Nathan Brown, 21. Dylan Brown

TEAM NEWS: Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has stuck to his original plan and rested almost all his starters for Friday’s night clash with Penrith. Blake Ferguson, Haze Dunster and Joey Lussick are the only Eels players who started in last week’s epic win over Melbourne to back up. Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses, Dylan Brown, Isaiah Papali’i and Nathan Brown will all spend the week with their feet up as Arthur looks to have his side primed for the finals. “Gutho definitely won’t be playing this week and it’s not because of his injury,” Arthur said. “I had a plan in place, and fortunately for us we got through that game (against the Storm) with the desired result … the plan was probably to rest seven or eight of them and Gutho was one of them. A lot of our boys have played every game this year.”

- Nick Campton and David Riccio

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Stephen Crichton, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Matt Burton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Isaah Yeo

Bench: 14. Tyrone May, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Tevita Pangai Junior, 17. Liam Martin

Reserves: 18. Spencer Leniu, 19. Izack Tago, 20. Taylan May, 21. Mitch Kenny

TEAM NEWS: Penrith go into Friday’s clash with Parramatta fully loaded with Ivan Cleary naming his strongest squad for the final regular season round. While Cleary could yet make late changes ahead of the western Sydney showdown, he has named the Panthers’ best possible squad. With Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o and James Fisher-Harris all missing time in recent weeks, the Panthers are looking to get some time under their belts before the semi-finals. New recruit Tevita Pangai Junior retains his place on the bench while Stephen Crichton has again been preferred on the wing with Paul Momirovski retaining his spot at centre and Charlie Staines staying out of the side. The Panthers can still claim the minor premiership should Melbourne lose to Cronulla earlier on Friday night.

- Nick Campton

BRONCOS V KNIGHTS

Saturday 4 September, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 3pm

Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Ethan Bullemor, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Corey Paix, 15. David Mead, 16. Rhys Kennedy, 17. TC Robatii

Reserves: 18. Danny Levi, 19. Brodie Croft, 20. Jesse Arthars, 21. Jamayne Isaako

TEAM NEWS: Thomas Flegler and Brendan Piakura are both out through suspension. Flegler is replaced by Ethan Bullemor, Piakura is replaced by Rhys Kennedy.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Starford To’a, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Sauaso Sue, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones , 13. Connor Watson

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jirah Momoisea, 16. Josh King, 17. Jack Johns

Reserves: 18. Dominic Young, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Tex Hoy, 21. Simi Sasagi

TEAM NEWS: Hymel Hunt, Jacob Saifiti, Jayden Brailey and Mitch Barnett have been rested. But a number of big guns remain in the 17 including Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce and Tyson Frizell, while David Klemmer returns from suspension.

COWBOYS V SEA EAGLES

Saturday 4 September, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, 5:30pm

Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Ben Hampton, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Coen Hess, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Ben Condon, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Helium Luki, 16. Mitchell Dunn, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Tom Gilbert, 19. Daejarn Asi, 20. Lachlan Burr, 21. Connelly Lemuelu

TEAM NEWS: Coen Hess (biceps) returns at prop with Jason Taumalolo shifting to lock, while Reuben Cotter (shoulder) is out.

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Morgan Harper, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Josh Schuster, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley, 19. Moses Suli, 20. Curtis Sironen, 21. Kurt De Luis

TEAM NEWS: No resting at the Sea Eagles who are chasing a top four spot. All the big guns are on the team sheet including main men Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans. Just minor changes with Sean Keppie (personal leave) and Taniela Paseka (ankle) returning on the interchange, relegating Toafofoa Sipley and Curtis Sironen to the extended bench.

RABBITOHS V DRAGONS

Saturday 4 September, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, 7:35pm

Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Taane Milne, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Peter Mamouzelos, 10. Patrick Mago, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Jacob Host, 13. Mark Nicholls

Bench: 14.Dean Hawkins, 15. Tautau Moga , 16. Jed Cartwright, 17. Davvy Moale

Reserves: 18. Jai Arrow, 19. Cameron Murray, 20. Alex Johnston, 21. Cody Walker

TEAM NEWS: Wayne Bennett will play a host of second-stringers with stars Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray (extended bench), Adam Reynolds, Damien Cook and Dane Gagai (not in squad) all to be rested for the club’s final-round showdown with the Dragons, while Latrell Mitchell is out through suspension. Blake Taafe takes over for Mitchell at fullback with Benji Marshall to replace Walker, who is in Dally M contention, at five-eighth. Campbell Graham, Jaxson Paulo and Jaydn Su’A are among the few regular Rabbitohs who will take their place on the weekend.

- Nick Campton and Paul Crawley

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Corey Norman, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Jayden Sullivan, 10. Josh McGuire, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Tyrell Fuimaono, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Poasa Faamausili

Reserves: 18. Jackson Ford 19. Adam Clune, 20. Cody Ramsey, 21. Kaide Ellis

TEAM NEWS: Zac Lomax (thumb) is replaced at centre by Gerard Beale. Ben Hunt was hopeful of returning from a broken arm but has missed the squad.

TITANS V WARRIORS

Sunday 5 September, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, 2pm

Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Tyrone Peachey, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Erin Clark, 15. David Fifita, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Sam McIntyre

Reserves: 18. Greg Marzhew 19. Sam Lisone, 20. Toby Sexton, 21. Anthony Don

TEAM NEWS: Just the one change to the 17 with Mo Fotuaika promoted to start after playing from the bench last week. Retiring cult hero Anthony Don remains a chance of a home farewell after being named in the 21. David Fifita is again on the interchange.

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Josh Curran, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Bayley Sironen

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Eliesa Katoa, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Reserves: 18. Jazz Tevaga, 20. Adam Pompey, 21. Jack Murchie 22. Edward Kosi

TEAM NEWS: Chad Townsend (shoulder) is out with Chanel Harris-Tavita (toe) returning from injury to replace him in the halves. Prop Matt Lodge has been named pending the result of Tuesday’s judiciary hearing, where he faces a one game ban. Bench forward Bunty Afoa (hamstring) misses out with an injury picked up at training this week.

TIGERS V BULLDOGS

Sunday 5 September, Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, 4:05pm

Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tommy Talau, 4. Michael Chee Kam, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Thomas Mikaele, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Alex Twal

Bench: 14. Joe Ofahengaue, 15. Jake Simpkin, 16. Tom Amone, 17. Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves: 18. James Roberts, 19. Reece Hoffman, 20. Zac Cini, 21. Tukimihia Simpkins

TEAM NEWS: Alex Seyfarth (knee) is out, replaced by Kelma Tuilagi on the interchange.

Bulldogs: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Aaron Schoupp, 5. Jayden Okunbor, 6. Brandon Wakeham, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Joe Stimson, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 15. Ofahiki Ogden, 16. Chris Patolo, 17. Jackson Topine

Reserves: 19. Falakiko Manu, 20. Dylan Napa, 21. Jake Averillo, 22. Watson Heleta

TEAM NEWS: Matt Doorey (ACL) faces a long recovery and is replaced in the back row by Corey Waddell, who returns from suspension. Dylan Napa (suspension) and Jake Averillo (foot) have been named on the extended bench as they aim for returns.