Round 16 is upon us and as usual, coaches are scrambling and waiting nervously to find out of their Origin representatives will be fit to take the field.
The Roosters and Cowboys are once again heavily affected, while the Panthers are unlikely to have a single Origin player feature.
Meanwhile, Manly star Tom Trbojevic is set for a shock switch into the centres as Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold attempts to save a sinking season.
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Manly have a bye this weekend, but according to the SMH, expect Trbojevic to be named at centre for next weekend’s clash against the Tigers.
The Sea Eagles are coming off a horror loss to the last-placed Titans and in response, Seibold has held several crisis meetings with his players.
To emerge from those talks is a planned switch for Trbojevic, who will be replaced at the back by Lehi Hopoate as Seibold looks fot a spark to turn around the fortunes of the 11th-placed Sea Eagles.
In addition, strike winger Jason Saab will reportedly be dropped to reserve grade for the Tigers clash, as well as hooker Lachlan Croker, with Seibold not afraid to swing the axe to try and get this team back on track.
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 16.
FRIDAY
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders, 8pm AEST at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Round 14 Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Heath Mason 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Sione Fainu 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Tony Sukkar 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Latu Fainu 15. Jack Bird 16. Kit Laulilii 17. Charlie Murray. 18th man: 18. Luke Laulilii
Team Tips: A big boost for the Tigers with both Fonua Pole and Alex Twal set to return from a knee injury and a head knock respectively. Kit Laulilii and Charlie Murray are the likely pair to make way off the pine. It remains to be seen one of both players will slot straight back into the run on side. Jarome Luai is unlikely to back up after being called into the Blues side, meaning Latu Fainu will likely partner Heath Mason in the halves. with Tallyn Da Silva joining the pine.
Round 14 Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota. 18th man: 18. Noah Martin
Team Tips: After Savelio Tamale suffered a kneecap dislocation in the Raiders’ last outing, Ricky Stuart’s son Jed Stuart will make his NRL debut on the wing. The flyer has reportedly impressed Canberra’s leadership group during his time with the first grade squad, having delivered a host of solid NSW Cup performances in 2025. Hudson Young could back up depending on his minutes in Origin Game II, but Simi Sasagi will likely replace him if he’s unable to return.
SATURDAY
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers, 3pm AEST at Go Media Stadium
Rund 14 Warriors team: 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. James Fisher-Harris 20. Samuel Healey 12. Marata Niukore 11. Leka Halasima 15. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 10. Jackson Ford 14. Te Maire Martin 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 23. Taine Tuaupiki
Team Tips: Rocco Berry will likely slot into the centres on return from a hamstring injury if fit, replacing Kurt Capewell who may be unlikely to be able to get back to New Zealand and remain fit after being named in the back row for Queensland. No other changes are expected for the Warriors.
Round 14 Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 16. Luron Patea 18. Brad Schneider 19. Isaiah Papali’i 21. Luke Garner. 18th man: 14. Luke Sommerton
Team Tips: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is expected to roll out a similar side to the one he played in Round 12, making it clear his Origin representatives are very unlikely to take the field in New Zealand. “Well the Origin players won’t be playing because they can’t. I don’t think it’s fair that we can’t play… we should be able to make that decision. Through flights, we just can’t get them there,” Cleary said after his side’s win over the Tigers. Brad Schneider will take over in the No.7, while Daine Laurie will replace Dylan Edwards at fullback. Lindsay Smith, who is in the extended squad, will also be unavailable alongside Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo. Expect Harrison Hassett, Luron Patea, Luke Sommerton, Preston Riki and Jack Cole to be named for Penrith.
Blues dealt blow ahead of Origin II | 02:56
Dolphins vs Newcastle Knights, 5.30pm AEST at HBF Park Perth
Last week’s Dolphins team: 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. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr 18th Man: 18. Sean O’Sullivan
Team Tips: Felise Kaufusi is facing a two week suspension with an early guilty plea for a dangerous contact charge on Thomas Duffy. The Dolphins are flying high after a mammoth win over the Cowboys, and in a big boost Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will likely remain in Perth after Origin Game II, slotting back into the No.1 jersey with Jake Averillo displacing Max Feagai in the centres.
Last week’s Knights team: 4. Fletcher Hunt 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 18. Kyle McCarthy 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Mathew Croker 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Elijah Leaumoana 21. Brock Greacen 18th Man: 20. Mason Teague
Team Tips: Like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kalyn Ponga will likely also remain in West Australia after Origin Game II. Jackson Hastings will likely drop out in place of the returning Tyson Gamble. Tyson Frizell will return to the forward pack, while Jacob Saifiti is also a chance according to Adam O’Brien. In a huge boost, recruit Dom Young is also expected to be available for selection alongside Bradman Best in what shapes to be a new-look backline, with Fletcher Hunt, James Schiller and Kyle McCarthy all omitted. Greg Marzhew, however, could be sidelined due to a neck issue, with Schiller then the man to remain in the side.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm, 7:35pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Davvy Moale 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Ryan Gray 15. Sean Keppie
Team Tips: More injury woes for the Rabbitohs, with Jayden Sullivan (calf), Jye Gray (broken thumb) and Keaon Koloamatangi (fractured cheekbone) all sidelined. Lewis Dodd will likely slot into the halves alongside Jamie Humphreys, while Sean Keppie will be promoted from 18th man to the forward pack. Wayne Bennett will be hopeful Latrell Mitchell is fit to take the field after Origin, otherwise Jack Wighton or Tyrone Munro will be forced to shift into the No.1 jersey.
Round 14 Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 10. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 16. Tui Kamikamica 18. Ativalu Lisati 15. Bronson Garlick
Team Tips: Craig Bellamy will be hopeful his five Origin stars will back up, with Harry Grant the least likely of the group to feature in Round 16 due to his lingering hamstring injury. Alec MacDonald is expected to return from a quad injury, which will likely see Ativalu Lisati drop out of the side.
SUNDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks, 2pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Round 14 Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 20. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Benjamin Te Kura. 18th man: 18. Tyson Smoothy
Team Tips: Ben Hunt has reportedly suffered a setback in his bid to return from a hamstring injury and is reportedly unlikely to be named according to Code Sports. Reece Walsh, however, is fit to play after only suffering a knock to his PCL injury. Josiah Karapani is expected to remain on the wing over Selwyn Cobbo, while Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan will likely back up with the extended turnaround from Origin Game II.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Toby Rudolf
Team Tips: Mawene Hiroti has suffered a calf injury which will see Craig Fitzgibbon once again have to find a centre replacement. As per a club statement, Hiroti will miss up to six weeks in a hammer blow to a Sharks side already missing outside backs Kayal Iro and Sam Stonestreet through injury. Iro underwent surgery last week and could miss up to three months, although the club is hopeful he’s back before the end of the regular season. Siosifa Talakai is the obvious inclusion, while Michael Gabrael could also be plucked out of NSW Cup. It remains to be seen when Tom Hazelton will be fit to return from a sternum injury, but could be a welcome inclusion in their forward pack.
Ciraldo speaks on halves “outside noise” | 05:45
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Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys, 4.05pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 14. Sandon Smith 6. Hugo Savala 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Salesi Foketi 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Taylor Losalu 18th Man: 18. Ethan King
Team Tips: The Roosters’ Origin contingent are expected to back up after Game II, which will see Dominic Young be replaced by Robert Toia. Connor Watson will likely slot back in at hooker, with Beniah Ioelu making way. Lindsay Collins will shift Salesi Foketi to the pine, while Makahesi Makatoa, Taylor Losalu and potentially Blake Steep drop out with Egan Butcher moving out of the back row for Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu returning. The Tricolours also provided an injury update on Tuesday, confirming Sam Walker will return in four weeks time, while Nat Butcher has suffered another MCL strain and will be sidelined for six weeks. Victor Radley will also be sidelined after suffering a head knock in Round 15.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Braidon Burns 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Karl Lawton 10. Coen Hess 11. Sam McIntyre 12. Kai O’Donnell 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kaiden Lahrs 18. Thomas Duffy 18th Man: 21. Marly Bitungane
Team Tips: Depending on fitness after Game II, the Cowboys Origin contingent will likely take the field on Sunday. Karl Lawton, Jake Clifford, Kai O’Donnell and Harrison Edwards will all likely shift to the pine or drop out, with Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter returning. Braidon Burns will make way for Viliame Vailea who has served his ban, while John Bateman is also back from suspension and will shift Sam McIntyre out of the back row.
Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans, 6.15pm AEST at CommBank Stadium
Round 14 Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 17. Jordan Samrani 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Matt Doorey 18th Man: 20. Joey Lussick
Team Tips: Joash Papalii and Dean Hawkins are set to make up a new look halves pairing for the Eels, with Dylan Brown suspended and Mitchell Moses sidelined due to a calf injury suffered during Origin camp. Zac Lomax is a strong chance of featuring with the longest possible back up, with Jordan Samrani an obvious replacement if he’s given a breather.
Last week’s Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Allan Fitzgibbon 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 20. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Josh Patston 17. Tukimihia Simpkins 18. Arama Hau
Team Tips: Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is nursing a sternum niggle and is unlikely to back up after Game II of the 2025 Origin series.
Bye: Bulldogs,Dragons, Sea Eagles
