NRL Round 4: What’s Happening Across the Competition?
The National Rugby League has just wrapped up its third round, and as expected, the competition is already shaping up to be a chaotic and thrilling affair. Several clubs faced significant challenges over the weekend, with the Wests Tigers particularly hard hit, facing the prospect of several weeks without two of their key playmakers. On a brighter note, the Brisbane Broncos managed to ease some of the pressure on their coaching staff with a surprise victory over the Melbourne Storm, and their captain is rumoured to be making a return this week.
As we look ahead to Round 4, here’s the latest team news and predicted lineups from across the league.
Thursday Night Clash: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters
The round kicks off with a bang as the Manly Sea Eagles host the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval.
Manly Sea Eagles Predicted Team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Joey Walsh
15. Nathan Brown
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Kobe Hetherington
18. Paul Bryan
18. Brandon Wakeham
Sea Eagles Team News:
A welcome boost for Manly comes with the expected return of Siosiua Taukeiaho from a calf injury, which will likely see Kobe Hetherington move to the bench. Following their bye week, no other significant changes are anticipated, though Joey Walsh is expected to feature on the interchange.
Sydney Roosters Predicted Team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Daly Cherry-Evans
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Egan Butcher
14. Connor Watson
15. Blake Steep
16. Nat Butcher
17. Salesi Foketi
18. Cody Ramsey
19. Hugo Savala
Roosters Team News:
Billy Smith is set to return in the centres, replacing Junior Pauga. Playmaker Hugo Savala made a return in the NSW Cup last weekend and is expected to be named in the extended squad. Coach Trent Robinson may look to reshuffle his forward pack following a disappointing performance against the Panthers.
Friday Night Double Header
Friday night features two crucial matchups, including the Tigers’ challenging trip to New Zealand.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Wests Tigers
The Warriors, still unbeaten, host the Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium.
New Zealand Warriors Predicted Team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstas
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Jacob Laban
13. Erin Clark
14. Samuel Healey
15. Demitric Vaimauga
16. Mitchell Barnett
17. Marata Niukore
18. Taine Tuaupiki
20. Tanner Stowers-Smith
Warriors Team News:
Several changes are on the horizon for the Warriors, with Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both anticipated to return from head knocks, meaning Luke Hanson and Taine Tuaupiki are likely to be omitted. Mitch Barnett made a successful return from an ACL injury off the bench last week and is expected to retain his spot there. Morgan Gannon will be unavailable due to concussion protocols.
Wests Tigers Predicted Team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Jeral Skelton
4. Heamasi Makasini
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Latu Fainu
7. Jock Madden
8. Terrell May
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Tristan Hope
15. Sione Fainu
16. Royce Hunt
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. Patrick Herbert
19. Javon Andrews
Tigers Team News:
Coach Benji Marshall faces a significant dilemma in the halves with Jarome Luai (knee) and Adam Doueihi (hamstring) both sidelined for extended periods. Jock Madden is a certainty to fill one of the roles, with the potential return of Latu Fainu (shoulder) offering an option for the other. If Fainu isn’t cleared to play, Api Koroisau would likely shift to halfback, with Tristan Hope coming into the starting side. A left-field option could see young gun Javon Andrews handed a debut in the halves.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Dolphins
A Queensland derby rounds out Friday night as the Broncos host the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane Broncos Predicted Team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Deine Mariner
5. Grant Anderson
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan
14. Ben Hunt
15. Ben Talty
16. Aublix Tawha
17. Xavier Willison
18. Gehamat Shibasaki
19. Jack Gosiewski
Broncos Team News:
Adam Reynolds (ribs) is expected to be back in the number seven jersey, which would see Ben Hunt return to his utility role on the bench. Brendan Piakura, who returned from injury from the bench, could be promoted to the starting back-row. Jack Gosiewski (concussion) is expected to be named in the 19-man squad.
Dolphins Predicted Team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Tom Gilbert
9. Max Plath
10. Tom Flegler
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Morgan Knowles
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Oryn Keeley
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Francis Molo
18. Trai Fuller
19. Ray Stone
Dolphins Team News:
Coach Kristian Woolf faces a selection headache with three forwards – Tom Flegler (ribs), Francis Molo (suspension), and Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) – all in contention for a return. Donoghoe could potentially fill the bench utility role, pushing Brad Schneider out, while Ray Stone is also at risk of losing his spot. Star hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) remains several weeks away from a comeback.
Saturday Action
Saturday presents a triple-header of NRL action, starting in Sydney.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Newcastle Knights
The Bulldogs host the Knights at Accor Stadium.
Canterbury Bulldogs Predicted Team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Enari Tuala
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Samuel Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Harry Hayes
17. Josh Curran
19. Sean O’Sullivan
20. Jake Turpin
Bulldogs Team News:
No changes are currently flagged for the Bulldogs following their narrow victory over the Raiders, although winger Jacob Kiraz (shoulder) is carrying a minor injury concern.
Newcastle Knights Predicted Team:
1. Fletcher Hunt
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Tyson Frizell
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Jermaine McEwen
15. Mathew Croker
14. Thomas Cant
15. Pasami Saulo
16. Francis Manuleleua
17. Harrison Graham
18. Tyson Gamble
19. Cody Hopwood
Knights Team News:
The Knights have received mixed news, with prop Trey Mooney (suspension) expected to miss at least one week, which will likely see Tyson Frizell shift into the starting prop role. Fletcher Sharpe (knee) was a late withdrawal in round three but may be available for selection.
Penrith Panthers vs. Parramatta Eels
A blockbuster western Sydney derby sees the Panthers take on the Eels at CommBank Stadium.
Penrith Panthers Predicted Team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Paul Alamoti
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To’o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Freddy Lussick
15. Billy Phillips
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Luke Garner
18. Izack Tago
19. Jack Cogger
Panthers Team News:
No significant personnel changes are anticipated for the Panthers, with utility Jack Cogger expected to return from concussion and be named on the bench, replacing Jack Cole.
Parramatta Eels Predicted Team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Brian Kelly
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Jonah Pezet
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Jack de Belin
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Jack Williams
14. Dylan Walker
15. Sam Tuivaiti
16. Matt Doorey
17. Tallyn Da Silva
18. Joash Papali’i
19. Charlie Guymer
Eels Team News:
J’maine Hopgood (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL in round three, paving the way for Jack de Belin’s return. Jordan Samrani (knee) also sustained an injury against the Dragons and will be replaced by Brian Kelly.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne Storm
The Cowboys host the Storm at QCB Stadium.
North Queensland Cowboys Predicted Team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Griffin Neame
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Sam McIntyre
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Soni Luke
15. Coen Hess
16. Kai O’Donnell
17. Matt Lodge
18. Kaiden Lahrs
19. Harrison Edwards
Cowboys Team News:
Tom Chester is facing a one-game suspension for a high tackle, with Zac Laybutt the likely replacement. Thomas Mikaele (knee), who suffered his injury in Las Vegas, remains an outside chance of returning.
Melbourne Storm Predicted Team:
1. Sua Faalogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Moses Leo
5. Nick Meaney
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Joe Chan
12. Shawn Blore
13. Tui Kamikamica
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Trent Loiero
16. Davvy Moale
17. Alec MacDonald
18. Cooper Clarke
19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Storm Team News:
Shawn Blore has been playing in the NSW Cup for the past two weeks and could be recalled to the back-row, particularly with Ativalu Lisati (calf) being a late omission against the Broncos and still sidelined.
Sunday Showdowns
The weekend concludes with two more exciting fixtures.
Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sharks
The Raiders host the Sharks at GIO Stadium.
Canberra Raiders Predicted Team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Simi Sasagi
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papali’i
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Noah Martin
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Zac Hosking
16. Ata Mariota
17. Morgan Smithies
18. Daine Laurie
22. Jed Stuart
Raiders Team News:
Despite their loss to the Bulldogs in round three, no changes are expected for the Raiders. However, centre Matt Timoko is reportedly close to a recall.
Cronulla Sharks Predicted Team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. KL Iro
5. Sam Stonestreet
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Thomas Hazelton
11. Briton Nikora
12. Billy Burns
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Siosifa Talakai
15. Toby Rudolf
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Teig Wilton
18. Braden Uele
19. Mawene Hiroti
Sharks Team News:
No changes have been flagged for the Sharks, despite suffering consecutive losses.
Gold Coast Titans vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
The final match of the round sees the Titans host the Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium.
Gold Coast Titans Predicted Team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Sialetili Faeamani
3. Jojo Fifita
4. Max Feagai
5. Phillip Sami
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Arama Hau
12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall
14. Kurtis Morrin
15. Tuki Simpkins
16. Klese Haas
17. Cooper Bai
18. Lachlan Ilias
19. Josh Patston
Titans Team News:
Sam Verrills and Jayden Campbell both suffered head knocks late in their loss to the Cowboys, and their availability remains uncertain. If both are ruled out, Lachlan Ilias would likely shift to halfback, with Chris Randall potentially playing hooker.
St. George Illawarra Dragons Predicted Team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Moses Suli
4. Val Holmes
5. Setu Tu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Daniel Atkinson
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Josh Kerr
16. Hame Sele
17. Jacob Halangahu
18. Mat Feagai
19. Lyhkan King-Togia
Dragons Team News:
Toby Couchman (head knock) and Ryan Couchman (suspension) are both unavailable, necessitating changes to the forward pack. Hame Sele and Jacob Halangahu are expected to earn spots on the bench. Coach Shane Flanagan may also consider recalling players from the NSW Cup, which saw a significant win, with Tyrell Sloan and Lyhkan King-Togia pushing for a return.
