NRL team lists: Every side’s predicted lineup for Round 26

It’s the penultimate round of the regular season and there is still plenty to play for at both ends of the ladder. 

Canterbury will try to lock up their place in the top four in the opening match of the round when they take on Penrith in a Thursday night blockbuster. 

The New Zealand Warriors will be in the same boat when Parramatta ventures across the ditch to face Andrew Webster’s side. 

Melbourne and the Sydney Roosters lock horns in an important meeting for both clubs, with Storm skipper Harry Grant ruled out due to suspension. 

MORE: All the latest injury news and updates for every NRL club 

Canberra will be aiming to clinch the minor premiership when they host the Wests Tigers in the nation’s capital, while Manly and Brisbane will try to continue their momentum when they feature later on in the day. 

St George Illawarra are set to receive some welcome boosts for their meeting with the Sea Eagles, while North Queensland will be riding high for their fixture against the Broncos after a late comeback against the Tigers last week. 

Craig Fitzgibbon will have to plug several holes for Cronulla ahead of their test against the lowly Newcastle Knights. 

Meanwhile, Des Hasler will take charge of the Gold Coast for one of the final times as the Titans attempt to avoid the wooden spoon. 

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Penrith Panthers(Thursday, August 28 at Accor Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)

Canterbury predicted team:

1. Connor Tracey 
2. Jacob Kiraz  
3. Bronson Xerri 
4. Stephen Crichton 
5. Marcelo Montoya 
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin    
8. Max King 
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Sam Hughes 
11. Viliame Kikau 
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Josh Curran
17. Reed Mahoney

Bulldogs team news:

Marcelo Montoya and Sitili Tupouniua returned from injury last week during their side’s loss to Melbourne. 

Montoya will keep his place on the wing ahead of Enari Tuala, while Tupouniua bumped Josh Curran off the bench. 

However, Curran is set to be brought back into the fold after Harry Hayes suffered a knee injury against the Storm. 

Penrith predicted team:

1. Daine Laurie 
2. Thomas Jenkins 
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Paul Alamoti  
6. Blaize Talagi 
7. Brad Schneider  
8. Matthew Eisenhuth 
9. Mitch Kenny 
10. Lindsay Smith 
11. Luke Garner
12. Scott Sorensen 
13. Isaah Yeo 

14. Trent Toelau 
15. Liam Henry 
16. Isaiah Papali’i
17. Luron Patea

Panthers team news: 

Penrith suffered their second consecutive loss in golden point last week as they went down to Canberra in dramatic circumstances in Mudgee. 

The Panthers will now reportedly rest a number of players as they prepare to attack the finals from outside the top four. Who that will be though, remains a mystery at this stage. 

Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin are the most likely candidates to be given a rest. 

Daine Laurie is set to get a run at fullback, while Brad Schneider could be handed the No.7 jersey. Meanwhile, Scott Sorensen could receive a starting role in the backrow. 

Isaah Yeo returned from a shoulder issue and was a late addition to the bench in the place of Matthew Eisenhuth. 

The co-captain will likely be restored to the starting side at lock this week, with either Luke Garner or Isaiah Papali’i going to the bench. 

Luron Patea is set to return to the 17 after the young forward recovered from a collarbone injury via the NSW Cup last week. 

New Zealand Warriors vs. Parramatta Eels (Friday, August 29 at Go Media Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)

New Zealand predicted team:

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Rocco Berry 
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 
7. Tanah Boyd 
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan 
10. Demitric Vaimauga
11. Kurt Capewell 
12. Marata Niukore 
13. Erin Clark

14. Te Maire Martin 
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
16. Tanner Stowers-Smith
17. Leka Halasima 

Warriors team news:

New Zealand got the job done against the Gold Coast to strengthen their grip on a top four place. 

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad reverted to fullback against the Titans, with Taine Tuaupiki dropping out of the team. 

Rocco Berry made a successful return from injury and will take his place in the centres. 

Demitric Vaimauga was named to start up front due to the absence of Jackson Ford, who is suspended until the finals. However, he dropped to the pine as Tanner Stowers-Smith was preferred last week. 

Leka Halasima lost his place in the starting side as a result of the reshuffle in the pack and the boom backrower is expected to remain there in Round 26. 

Jacob Laban remains out due to a leg injury, with the young forward joined in the casualty ward by Ali Leiataua. 

Meanwhile, Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf have been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering ACL injuries. 

Parramatta predicted team:

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Dylan Brown
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Joash Papali’i
7. Mitch Moses 
8. J’maine Hopgood
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi 
12. Jack Williams
13. Dylan Walker 

14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Charlie Guymer 
16. Matt Doorey 
17. Jordan Samrani 

Eels team news: 

Parramatta stunned the Sydney Roosters last week to claim their eighth win of the season and avoid the wooden spoon in Jason Ryles’ first term. 

The coach is expected to name an unchanged outfit for the Eels’ penultimate game of the season. 

Dylan Walker suffered a nasty cut after copping a head knock against the Chooks, but the lock was cleared to return during the game and will be free to play this week. 

Sean Russell is scheduled to return from a hand injury in Round 27, so Dylan Brown is set to continue in the centres. 

Kitione Kautoga was initially tipped to miss the rest of the campaign after suffering a foot injury. However, the forward could also return for the last game of the regular season next week. 

Melbourne Storm vs. Sydney Roosters (Friday, August 29 at AAMI Park, 8:00pm AEST)

Melbourne predicted team:

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 
2. Grant Anderson
3. Jack Howarth 
4. Nick Meaney 
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Bronson Garlick  
10. Josh King
11. Joe Chan 
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero 

14. Jonah Pezet 
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
17. Ativalu Lisati

Storm team news:

Ryan Papenhuyzen was a late inclusion last week after recovering from a head knock. His return saw Cam Munster move back to five-eighth and Jonah Pezet drop to the bench. 

Jack Howarth is scheduled to return from a groin issue this week, forcing another reshuffle in the backline. Marion Seve could lose his place in the centres if Howarth is cleared to play. 

The Storm copped a major blow in their win over Canterbury, with skipper Harry Grant hit with a two-game ban for a shoulder charge. Bronson Garlick is likely to be handed the No.9 jersey. 

Joe Chan was added to the starting side in the backrow against the Bulldogs after Shawn Blore succumbed to an ankle complaint. It remains to be seen how long the latter will be ruled out for. 

Tui Kamikamica suffered a concussion last week and will need to be replaced on the bench.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been chipping away in reserve grade for the past few weeks and is expected to be the Fijian’s replacement. 

Jahrome Hughes is nearing a return from a shoulder injury and has been tipped for a potential comeback in Round 27. 

Meanwhile, Will Warbrick finally returned to the field last week after a long-term absence due to concussion issues. The winger will be eased back into the frame slowly before becoming available in the NRL. 

Sydney predicted team:

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith 
4. Robert Toia 
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sandon Smith 
7. Hugo Savala
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson 
10. Lindsay Collins 
11. Angus Crichton 
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley 

14. Benaiah Ioelu
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Egan Butcher 
17. Spencer Leniu

Roosters team news: 

The Roosters endured a nightmare night against the Eels last week as they suffered a surprise defeat while also losing Sam Walker to a head knock. 

The halfback will miss at least one match and is set to be replaced in the halves by Sandon Smith. However, Hugo Savala is likely to be handed the No.7 jersey. 

In better news on the injury front for the Chooks, Daniel Tupou is expected to be back on deck after missing Round 25 due to a concussion. The veteran winger will replace Junior Tupou. 

Spencer Leniu was promoted to the starting side, Naufahu Whyte switched to lock, Victor Radley moved to an edge, Siua Wong dropped to the bench and Benaiah Ioelu was handed a start at dummy-half last week in several late changes. 

Trent Robinson has followed a similar train of thought for the past few weeks, although he is likely to revert to the initial configuration this week. 

Canberra Raiders vs. Wests Tigers(Saturday, August 30 at GIO Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)

Canberra predicted team:

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jed Stuart
3. Matt Timoko
4. Simi Sasagi
5. Sebastian Kris
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Owen Pattie
15. Matty Nicholson 
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota 

Raiders team news:

Canberra claimed a stunning victory over Penrith in golden point last week to all but assure themselves of the minor premiership. 

However, the victory came at a price, with Xavier Savage sidelined with a shoulder injury in Mudgee. 

With Savelio Tamale unlikely to be brought straight back into the team after a long injury layoff, Ricky Stuart faces a tough decision in replacing Savage. 

The coach could opt to move Seb Kris to the wing and promote Simi Sasagi off the bench and put him in the centres, or he could opt to hand a player such as Jensen Taumoepeau a start on the flank. 

Matty Nicholson made his return from a foot injury last week via the NSW Cup and had a relatively quiet afternoon.

However, the Englishman is likely to be added to the side on the bench for the Green Machine ahead of Noah Martin. 

Wests Tigers predicted team:

1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To’a 
5. Jeral Skelton 
6. Jarome Luai
7. Latu Fainu 
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole 
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Sione Fainu  
13. Alex Twal

14. Tristan Hope 
15. Royce Hunt 
16. Charlie Murray
17. Tony Sukkar

Tigers team news: 

Benji Marshall’s side were on top of the world with their finals hopes still alive during their match against North Queensland. However, the Tigers suffered a late collapse to lose and see their finals hopes dashed. 

To make matters worse, Adam Doueihi suffered a suspected facial fracture early during the defeat and will miss the remainder of the season. 

Latu Fainu will be promoted off the bench and will partner Jarome Luai in the halves, while Tristan Hope or Heath Mason will be added to the 17 as the utility. 

There could be a change in the backline, with Starford To’a restored to the side ahead of Brent Naden after being a late withdrawal last week due to a shoulder issue. 

Alex Seyfarth still has one game left to serve of his suspension, so Sione Fainu is likely to get the nod to start in the backrow once again. 

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Manly Sea Eagles(Saturday, August 30 at Jubilee Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)

St George Illawarra predicted team:

1. Clint Gutherson 
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Hayden Buchanan
4. Mathew Feagai
5. Corey Allan 
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua 
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin

14. Jacob Liddle
15. Michael Molo
16. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
17. Hame Sele

Dragons team news:

St George Illawarra are set to welcome several key players back from injury in their pack this week as Shane Flanagan will demand a response from his side after their shocking 40-0 loss to South Sydney. 

Jack de Belin and Hame Sele missed the defeat due to concussions, while Michael Molo and Jaydn Su’A were also confined to the casualty ward. 

De Belin will return to start at lock, with Damien Cook returning to hooker and Jacob Liddle dropping to the bench. 

Su’A will take over from Jacob Halangahu in the backrow, with the teenager facing a fight to keep his place in the 17. 

Ben Murdoch-Masila and Raymond Faitala-Mariner are likely to drop off the bench, while Blake Lawrie will feel pressure to retain his spot from Molo. 

Manly predicted team:

1. Tom Trbojevic 
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Tommy Talau
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Jake Simpkin 
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Corey Waddell 
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jazz Tevaga 

14. Aaron Schoupp
15. Caleb Navale
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley

Sea Eagles team news: 

Manly were impressive during their big win over the Dolphins and Anthony Seibold is likely to name a settled side as they attempt to knock off the Dragons and keep their season alive. 

Tommy Talau was handed a start due to Reuben Garrick’s shoulder injury and will continue in the backline as Lehi Hopoate remains on the wing and Tom Trbojevic keeps hold of the No.1 jersey. 

The pack will also remain untouched despite Taniela Paseka finally nearing a return from an Achilles injury. 

The big prop is likely to be eased back into action via the NSW Cup, while Nathan Brown is still a few weeks away from returning. 

Haumole Olakau’atu has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury and Jake Trbojevic has joined him after suffering several worrying concussions this year.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos (Saturday, August 30 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)

North Queensland predicted team:

1. Scott Drinkwater 
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi  
6. Jake Clifford  
7. Tom Dearden 
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson 
10. Jason Taumalolo  
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai 
13. Reuben Cotter 

14. Karl Lawton
15. Harrison Edwards 
16. Zac Laybutt  
17. Thomas Mikaele

Cowboys team news:

The Cowboys produced an entertaining late comeback to topple the Tigers last week and Todd Payten is tipped to name a settled side for this one. 

However, Murray Taulagi is scheduled to return from a hamstring issue and could replace either Semi Valemei or Braidon Burns on the wing. 

Valemei bagged a double during the win at Leichhardt Oval, while Burns was one of his side’s best players, so it will be a tough decision to make. 

Robert Derby and Griffin Neame have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Coen Hess is suspended. 

Brisbane predicted team:

1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner 
6. Billy Walters
7. Ben Hunt 
8. Corey Jensen 
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaiyden Hunt 
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Tyson Smoothy 
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Jesse Arthars  

Broncos team news: 

Brisbane piled on the points against a hapless Newcastle outfit last weekend and Michael Maguire has been tipped to name an unchanged side for their trip to Townsville. 

Brendan Piakura has missed the past month after suffering a concussion in training. It remains unclear when he will return. 

If he is still out, Jaiyden Hunt will continue in the backrow as Jack Gosiewski is also sidelined due to a shoulder injury. 

Adam Reynolds is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, although the halfback is only expected back for the first week of finals. 

Meanwhile, Xavier Willison, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam are all still confined to the casualty ward, with the latter two not likely to play again this season. 

Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights(Sunday, August 31 at Sharks Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)

Cronulla predicted team:

1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi 
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Toby Rudolf

14. Daniel Atkinson 
15. Jesse Colquhoun
16. Thomas Hazelton
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Sharks team news: 

Cronulla will return refreshed off the bye and ready to pile more misery onto Newcastle as they remain in the fight for a top four finish. However, Craig Fitzgibbon does have a few major injuries to contend with. 

Cameron McInnes suffered an ACL injury during the Sharks’ most recent match and will need to be replaced at lock. 

Toby Rudolf may be moved from prop to lock, while Hohepa Puru could also be a contender to replace McInnes. 

Oregon Kaufusi has missed the last few matches due to a calf injury, but he could return to partner Addin Fonua-Blake up front. 

Briton Nikora still has time left to serve of his suspension, so Billy Burns will get the nod in the backrow once again. 

Jesse Ramien will also not return to the fold until the finals after suffering a thumb injury. However, it could be better news for KL Iro, who is nearing a return from a pec injury. 

Braden Hamlin-Uele was a late withdrawal against the Gold Coast in Round 24, but could also return to replace Tuku Hau Tapuha on the bench. 

Daniel Atkinson has been named as the utility for the past few weeks, only to be dropped to 18th man late on. 

Newcastle predicted team:

1. Dane Gagai
2. Dom Young
3. Fletcher Hunt
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew 
6. Jake Arthur 
7. Jackson Hastings 
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland 
10. Leo Thompson
11. Jermaine McEwen 
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell 

14. Jayden Brailey 
15. Mat Croker
16. Thomas Cant 
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

Knights team news: 

Newcastle are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and are battling to avoid the wooden spoon along with the Gold Coast. 

Connor Votano was dropped from the side late in the piece after initially being named to start at fullback against Brisbane. 

Dane Gagai was switched to the back, while Fletcher Hunt was brought into the backline. This is likely to be the configuration that Adam O’Brien names from the start this week. 

Greg Marzhew was a late withdrawal last week against Brisbane and it is unclear whether he will play in this one. If he remains sidelined, then James Schiller will get the nod on the wing again. 

Jack Cogger struggled with a calf injury during the heavy loss to the Broncos and could be replaced by Jackson Hastings. 

Adam Elliott is nearing a return after missing the majority of the campaign due to a biceps injury, while Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe will not return this season. 

Dolphins vs. Gold Coast Titans (Sunday, August 31 at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)

Dolphins predicted team:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo 
4. Max Feagai
5. Tevita Naufahu
6. Kodi Nikorima 
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Francis Molo
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi 
11. Kulikefu Finefuiaki
12. Oryn Keeley 
13. Kurt Donoghoe

14. Ray Stone 
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Mark Nicholls 
17. Josh Kerr

Phins team news:

Kristian Woolf was forced to spring some late changes last week ahead of their loss to Manly as Kodi Nikorima withdrew due to illness. 

Nikorima’s return will see Jake Averillo revert to the centres, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow go to fullback and Trai Fuller drop out of the side. 

Herbie Farnworth is still expected to be one week away from returning from a hamstring injury, so Max Feagai will get another start in the centres. 

Ray Stone was a late addition to the bench last week against the Sea Eagles, but could keep his place on the pine as the utility. 

Gold Coast predicted team:

1. AJ Brimson
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Brian Kelly
4. Jojo Fifita  
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

14. Keano Kini
15. Klese Haas
16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui
17. Josh Patston

Titans team news: 

Des Hasler’s short reign on the Gold Coast will come to an end next week, with the Titans announcing his departure ahead of Round 26. 

The coach will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, but doesn’t have a lot of options to shake things up at the Titans during his last two matches in charge. 

AJ Brimson will start at fullback as Keano Kini continues to be eased back into action following a long injury layoff. The rest of the backline is also expected to remain the same despite the loss to New Zealand. 

Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury, while David Fifita and Jaimin Jolliffe join him in the casualty ward.