NRL teams Round 18 2022: How every squad will line up for upcoming round

A host of State of Origin stars have been given a rest, while several big names are back to begin the run to the finals. Check out who’s in and who’s out for Round 18.

The depleted Broncos have received a boost with key prop Tom Flegler to return from Queensland Origin duties for Saturday night’s clash against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters will resist the temptation to recall all his Origin stars as he shows faith in the second-string Broncos who stunned the Dragons in last Sunday’s 32-18 romp at Suncorp Stadium.

With Brisbane facing a Thursday night road trip to Parramatta just five days after the Titans showdown, Walters will not risk Maroons quartet Pat Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo, Corey Oates and Kurt Capewell against the Gold Coast.

But the injury-ravaged Broncos will welcome the return of Origin extended-squad member Flegler, who will come off the bench in the Titans derby after sitting out the Dragons demolition.

Rookie prop Xavier Willison and bench hooker Cory Paix have been ruled out due to concussions, opening the door for Flegler and off-contract rake Jake Turpin to add experience to Brisbane’s pack against the struggling Titans.

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Tom Flegler will return for the Broncos against the Titans. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Starting hooker Billy Walters said the Broncos are wary of pushing their Origin stars to breaking point as fifth-placed Brisbane look to freshen-up their big guns for a late-season charge towards the top four.

“We are striving for that top-four spot and we have to knock off a few teams if we want to get there,” Walters said.

“This is a really important time for everyone, not just the Broncos but all the teams.

“We are trying to get the Origin boys to come through unscathed and I’m not sure who will come back this week or next week, but we have a big run to the finals.

“We play Parramatta twice (in rounds 19 and 24), so that’s two big games for us because they are on the same points, but just beneath us on for-and-against.”

The Broncos underlined their renewed toughness as a club by overcoming the loss of a staggering 13 players to dispose of the eighth-placed Dragons as ‘Kevvie’s Kids’ ably supported champion halfback Adam Reynolds.

Brisbane (22 competition points) need at least two more wins to clinch a top-eight spot and Walters said the Broncos will go the jugular against a Titans side hurtling toward the wooden spoon.

“I’m not sure if they (Titans) are feeling the pressure (of their ladder position), I’m sure they probably are,” he said. “If we can get off to a good start we can maybe get in their heads and make them feel like they can’t compete with us.

“Unfortunately we have lost twice to the Cowboys this season so we have to get a bit of pride back and get the job done against the Titans.

“It (the Dragons win) was really good for the belief in the team.

“It doesn’t matter who is playing, there were a lot of key players out, but the other boys stepped in and we ran away with it at the end.”

ROUND 18 TEAMS

COWBOYS v SHARKS

Friday, 6pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Brendan Elliot, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Connelly Lemuelu, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Luciano Leilua, 16. Ben Hampton, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Thomas Chester, 19. Emry Pere, 20. Kane Bradley, 21. Ben Condon, 22. Riley Price

TEAM NEWS: Tom Dearden and Tom Gilbert have been named to back up but fellow Origin stars Valentine Holmes and Jeremiah Nanai will be rested.

Sharks

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Connor Tracey, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Royce Hunt, 11. Teig Wilton, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall, 19. Jesse Colquhoun, 20. Kade Dykes, 21. Siosifa Talakai, 22. Lachie Miller

TEAM NEWS: Nicho Hynes and Toby Rudolf are key inclusions after missing last week due to Covid. NSW star Siosifa Talakai has been named out of the 17 as he aims to return from Origin duty.

Reece Walsh is back for the Warriors against Parramatta. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

EELS v WARRIORS

Friday, 7.55pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Marata Niukore

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Jake Arthur, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Ky Rodwell

Reserves: 18. Tom Opacic, 19. Elie El-Zakhem, 20. Nathan Brown, 21. Ofahiki Ogden, 22. Hayze Perham

TEAM NEWS: Junior Paulo has been named to back up from Origin but Ryan Matterson (ribs) remains sidelined.

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Marcelo Montoya, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Tohu Harris, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Josh Curran, 13. Jazz Tevaga

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Aaron Pene, 17. Jack Murchie

Reserves: 18. Eliesa Katoa, 20. Rocco Berry, 21. Daejarn Asi, 22. Pride Petterson-Robati, 23. Jackson Frei

TEAM NEWS: Reece Walsh is a massive inclusion after missing last week due to Covid.

ROOSTERS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 3pm, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Paul Momirovski, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Joseph Manu, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Reserves: 18. Drew Hutchison, 19. Matthew Lodge, 20. Lachlan Lam, 21. Fletcher Baker, 21. Kevon Naiqama, 22. Adam Keighran

TEAM NEWS: Luke Keary (concussion) remains sidelined with Joey Manu named at five-eighth once again. James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou and Angus Crichton have all been named to back up from Origin. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (hamstring) is a huge inclusion on the bench and he could be joined by recruit Matt Lodge, who has been named on an extended bench.

Dragons

1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jack Bird, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack De Belin

Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Aaron Woods, 17. Jaiyden Hunt

Reserves: 18. Michael Molo, 19. Jayden Sullivan, 20. Tyrell Sloan, 21. Billy Burns, 22. Josh McGuire

TEAM NEWS: Star playmaker Ben Hunt has been named to back up. Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) is replaced on the wing by Tautua Moga. Tariq Sims is replaced in the starting forward pack by Jack de Belin.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been named on the bench for the Roosters. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

SEA EAGLES v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 5.30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

1. Reuben Garrick, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Morgan Harper, 4. Tolutau Koula, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Toafofoa Sipley, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Josh Schuster, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Josh Aloiai, 19. Ben Trbojevic, 20. Ethan Bullemor, 21. Kurt De Luis, 22. Kaeo Weekes

TEAM NEWS: Same 17 with Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic named to back up from Origin.

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dan Gagai, 4. Enari Tuala, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Simi Sasagi, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Brodie Jones

Reserves: 18. Leo Thompson, 19. Chris Randall, 20. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 21. Hymel Hunt, 22. Jake Clifford

TEAM NEWS: Centre Bradman Best (thumb) is a key out. Kalyn Ponga, Jacob Saifiti and Dane Gagai have been named to back up from Origin.

TITANS v BRONCOS

Saturday, 7.35pm, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Titans

1. AJ Brimson, 2. Sosefo Fifita, 3. Phillip Sami, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Tanah Boyd, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Aaron Booth, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Erin Clark, 15. Jaimin Jolliffe, 16. Herman Ese’ese, 17. Paul Turner

Reserves: 18. Sam McIntyre, 19. Jamayne Isaako, 20. Greg Marzhew, 21. Brian Kelly, 22. Kevin Proctor

TEAM NEWS: Three huge inclusions in Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Origin), Phillip Sami (knee) and Corey Thompson. Young gun Sosefo Fifita will debut on the wing.

Broncos

1. Tesi Niu, 2. Delouise Hoeter, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Brenko Lee, 5. Jordan Pereira, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Ryan James, 11. Zac Hosking, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Jake Turpin, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Tyson Gamble

Reserves: 18. Deine Mariner, 19. Brendan Piakura, 20. Corey Jensen, 21. Tyrone Roberts, 22. Logan Bayliss, 23. Corey Oates, 24. Patrick Carrigan

TEAM NEWS: Popular KFC SuperCoach cheapie Delouise Hoeter has retained his spot with Corey Oates named on the extended bench and Selwyn Cobbo rested. Pat Carrigan is also on the extended bench, while Kurt Capewell will be rested. Payne Haas (shoulder) will miss at least another week.

Jackson Hastings has been shifted to lock for Wests Tigers. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

TIGERS v PANTHERS

Sunday, 2pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Starford To’a, 4. James Roberts, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Joe Ofahengaue, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Justin Matamua, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Jackson Hastings

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole, 15. James Tamou, 16. Luke Garner, 17. Jake Simpkin

Reserves: 18. Austin Dias, 19. Jock Madden, 20. Junior Tupou, 21. Asu Kepaoa, 22. Alex Seyfarth

TEAM NEWS: Interim coach Brett Kimmorley has made a shock reshuffle with halfback Jackson Hastings to move to lock, Luke Brooks to halfback and Adam Doueihi to five-eighth.

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Robert Jennings, 5. Charlie Staines, 6. Kurt Falls, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Chris Smith, 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Soni Luke, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Sunia Turuva, 19. J’maine Hopgood, 20. Lindsay Smith, 21. Thomas Jenkins, 22. Christian Crichton

TEAM NEWS: Origin reps Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Api Koroisau have all been rested for the 1st v 16th clash.

STORM v RAIDERS

Sunday, 4.05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Dean Ieremia, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Tui Kamikamica, 16. Alec MacDonald, 17. Jordan Grant

Reserves: 18. Jayden Nikorima, 19. Chris Lewis, 20. Tom Eisenhuth, 21. Young Tonumaipea, 22. Bronson Garlick

TEAM NEWS: Three huge inclusions with Cameron Munster (Covid), Harry Grant (Origin) and Felise Kaufusi (personal leave) all named. Brandon Smith is out and faces the judiciary on Tuesday night. Star KFC SuperCoach cheapie Grant Anderson (elbow) is out long-term.

Raiders

1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papali’i, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. James Schiller, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Brad Schneider, 19. Ata Mariota, 20. Corey Harawira-Naera, 21. Emre Guler, 22. Albert Hopoate

TEAM NEWS: Just the one change to the 17 with James Schiller on the bench in place of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Origin squad members Josh Papali’i and Jack Wighton have been named.

Cameron Munster will return for Storm against the Raiders after he was ruled out of Origin III due to Covid. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

BULLDOGS v RABBITOHS

Sunday, 6.15pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs

1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Corey Waddell, 13. Tevita Pangai Junior

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Kurtis Morrin, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Reserves: 19. Matt Dufty, 20. Declan Casey, 21. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 22. Jackson Topine, 23. Chris Patolo

TEAM NEWS: Matt Burton has been named to back up, while Tevita Pangai Jnr (ankle) is set to play and has been named in the starting pack.

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Isaiah Tass, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Mark Nicholls, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Jed Cartwright, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Tom Burgess

Reserves: 18. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 19. Richard Kennar, 20. Davvy Moale, 21. Shaquai Mitchell, 22. Blake Taaffe, 23. Been Lovett

TEAM NEWS: Triple boost with Alex Johnston (quad) and Mark Nicholls (concussion)) named to return, while Lachlan Ilas (concussion) has been named but will be monitored. Damien Cook and Cameron Murray have been named to back up from Origin.

Originally published as NRL teams Round 18 2022: How every squad will line up for upcoming round