NRL Early Mail round 15, predicted team changes: Origin, byes tear apart NRL sides

It’s a crazy week of NRL action with Origin players out, a host of injuries plus seven teams on the bye – and Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has decided to shake up his team for their local derby against Cronulla. Here’s how every team is set to run out.

The Dragons are ready to hand centre Nick Tsougranis a first grade debut this week in their local derby against Cronulla.

Tsougranis has been a fixture in the NSW Cup this season, scoring five tries in 11 games for St George Illawarra.

He looks set to be rewarded for his good form with a chance against the Sharks on Thursday night at Pointsbet Stadium.

The Dragons have won their past six games in NSW Cup and Tsougranis has been a key figure over that time, crossing for four tries.

Dragons centre Nick Tsougranis. Picture: NRL Photos

Walker’s on

-Dean Ritchie

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker made a successful – and safe – return to rugby league on Sunday.

After a 10-month recovery from an ACL injury, Walker, 22, returned in the Roosters’ NSWRL game against Parramatta at Kellyville Park.

Walker played 40 minutes before being replaced by young Toby Rodwell.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson will now decide whether to rush Walker back into his starting side for Saturday’s away match against Newcastle.

Walker has not played since last September after rupturing an ACL in his left knee during a match against Canberra.

“Forty minutes was always the plan,” said Roosters’ NSW Cup coach, Brett Morris. “It was a good first hitout for him.

“He got a bit of rust out of the system and will be better for the run.

“Sam is excited about playing footy again so that’s a good thing. And when that happens he usually plays some good footy and strings some good games together.

“He was good in defence and attack. It’s good to have him back.”

In Walker’s absence, halves Sandon Smith and Huge Savala have done a meritorious job.

Dropping either Smith, or more likely Savala, would be cruel but Walker is ranked among the NRL’s finest halfbacks.

Walkers’ return could align with a potential Roosters’ late-season charge into the finals.

It is also likely that either Smith or Savala will be moved on from the Roosters due to salary cap pressures.

Forward Naufahu Whyte could also be back from injury for the Knights game.

The Roosters have an NRL bye this weekend. Parramatta won the NSW Cup 28-16.

Sam Walker moved well during the game. Picture: Thomas Lisson

SHARKS v DRAGONS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Sharks Stadium

Sharks:

No Origin reps for the men from the Shire but they’re expected to be without KL Iro for an extended period with the star centre having injured his pectoral in Round 14.

His absence will be offset in part by the return of Ronaldo Mulitalo from suspension. Mawene Hiroti is expected to take the left centre spot in Iro’s absence.

Sione Katoa and Teig Wilton made successful returns in Round 14 and will both be named again.

Dragons:

Christian Tuipulotu’s return from a hamstring injury went awry as the Money Man injured his other hamstring early in Round 14.

This could open the door for the return of Tyrell Sloan, who was dropped last week. With Valentine Holmes on Origin duty, Nathan Lawson will also hold his place. One of Sione Finau, Nick Tsougranis or Hayden Buchanan will likely be called up.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner suffered an asthma attack in last week’s game and had to be hospitalised.

Toby Couchman will likely start on an edge again with Jaydn Su’A expected to return after the club’s Round 16 bye.

Valentine Holmes will be unavailable while on Origin duties.

KL Iro comes off with a pectoral injury.

TITANS v SEA EAGLES

Friday, 8:00pm, CBUS Super Stadium

Titans:

Des Hasler is running out of options on the Gold Coast as the injury toll mounts.

Long absences from David Fifita and Keano Kini have hurt, and joining them now are first team regulars Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills, who are also now on the sidelines with broken hands.

With skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Mo Fotuaika named in Queensland’s Origin squad, they’re well and truly testing their depth.

Beau Fermor’s omission from the Queensland Origin squad is a rare bright spot with the second rower set to start in the bye round alongside Chris Randall or Klese Haas.

David Fifita has been cleared to return by the Titans following ankle surgery but no date has been put on his return as he works back to full fitness.

AJ Brimson is again expected to be named at fullback with Jaylan de Groot on the sidelines with a hamstring issue. Allan Fitzgibbon will start on the wing.

Sea Eagles:

Daly Cherry-Evans’ absence from the Queensland Origin side is a blessing for Manly who struggled in Round 12 without him.

Joining him in the side will be Tom Trbojevic who is expected to be named after passing a fitness test over the weekend. He will come straight into the line-up with Lehi Hopoate unavailable while in HIA protocols.

Jason Saab will push for a return on the right wing from illness which would see Clayton Faulalo drop out of the side. Tommy Talau will hold the left wing spot with Hopoate unavailable.

Haumole Olakau’atu’s availability will be dependent on how many squad members the Blues take over to Perth with the second rower to be named again in the 20-man squad.

Sio Siua Taukeiaho will push for a return from a calf issue. Jazz Tevaga – who has been playing through a broken rib – may again start in the front row with Jake Trbojevic at lock.

Lehi Hopoate & Tyson Frizell wont return after failing HIA’s early in their Round 14 game.

Both deemed to have shown Category 1 signs of concussion (clear & obvious) - unless they appeal the Cat 1 designation will be subject to mandatory 11 day stand down & miss Round 15 too. pic.twitter.com/2njOcqx6kJ

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 5, 2025

KNIGHTS v ROOSTERS

Saturday, 5:30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights:

With Tyson Gamble unavailable after hand surgery, how the Knights go about replacing the Origin bound Kalyn Ponga at fullback could go one of two ways.

Fletcher Sharpe could again shift to fullback with Jackson Hastings into the halves to partner Jack Cogger. Or rising star Connor Votano could be named at fullback with Sharpe to remain at five-eighth.

Bradman Best will be touch and go to return this week from a hamstring issue. If he’s unable to return, Fletcher Hunt would be named at left centre with James Schiller on the right wing.

Tyson Frizell will miss the game while in concussion protocols with Tyrone Thompson a chance to join the bench. Jacob Saifiti is also pushing for a return from a calf injury and could come straight into the starting side if fit.

Dom Young is expected to join the club next week and challenge for a wing spot.

Roosters:

The expected Origin selections of Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu and Robert Toia will again open the door for mass changes at the Chooks.

In a boost for the side, Sam Walker is given a strong chance to return to first grade this week provided he pulls up well from his return in NSW Cup over the weekend.

His return would likely come at the expense of Hugo Savala, with the halfback to earn a bench spot as cover.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will shift to centre with Dom Young onto the right wing. Benaiah Ioelu and Zach Dockar-Clay will split time at hooker. Salesi Foketi will start at prop and one of the Butcher brothers, Egan or Nat, would cover Crichton’s edge spot.

Naufahu Whyte will also push for a return from an MCL injury and could be named in the starting side if fit.

COWBOYS v DOLPHINS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys:

The Cowboys will be missing Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter to Origin.

Jake Clifford is expected to earn a recall at halfback to partner Jaxon Purdue. Karl Lawton likely starts at hooker and could split time with Sam McIntyre.

Kai O’Donnell also likely joins the 17 as coverage if fit. Murray Taulagi will again push for a return from a calf issue.

Dolphins:

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is their only absence through Origin, but the ‘Phins now also may be without Max Plath long-term with the forward having suffered a knee injury.

The news is also poor for Daniel Saifiti who hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder in Round 8. The club have not provided a time frame on his return which could indicate the injury is more serious than first thought.

Kurt Donoghoe or Ray Stone could start at lock with the absence of Plath. Jake Averillo or the returning Trai Fuller could play fullback, with Max Feagai to start in the centres should Averillo drop to the back.

Jeremy Marshall-King made a successful return in Round 14 and will again start at hooker.

RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Accor Stadium

Rabbitohs:

Latrell Mitchell will again be picked by the Blues for Origin, with Jye Gray a straight swap at fullback.

Despite missing Round 14 with back spasms, Campbell Graham may also be unavailable for selection after being named in the reserves for NSW. If that is the case, it could pave the way for Isaiah Tass to shift into the centres and Tyrone Munro to the wing again.

Cody Walker failed to finish Round 14 with what appeared to be a soft tissue injury. Jamie Humphreys is likely to come straight back into the starting side with Jayden Sullivan to shift to five-eighth.

Peter Mamouzelous is also nearing a return from an elbow injury and could push for selection this round.

Bulldogs:

More to come following their Round 14 game …

Stephen Crichton, Max King and Kurt Mann are the three expected Origin bound Dogs, but the return of Jacob Preston from suspension will help offset the experience lost.

Preston is expected to start on an edge with Josh Curran shifting into the front row. Bailey Hayward could start at lock.

Matt Burton has also been named in the reserves for the Blues with his availability to be determined pending the amount of reserves NSW want to travel with to Perth.

Jacob Kiraz is named to return from injury in Round 14 and could shift to Crichton’s centre spot, with Blake Wilson onto the right wing. Alternatively, Enari Tuala could make his club debut in the centres and allow Kiraz to keep his wing spot.

After debuting off the bench in Round 14, Lachlan Galvin will again be named for the Dogs.

Sitili Tuipounua is facing a stint on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring at training while serving a suspension.

BYES: Broncos, Eels, Panthers, Raiders, Storm, Warriors, Tigers

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 15, predicted team changes: Origin, byes tear apart NRL sides