Shane Flanagan has unveiled a new-look backline after the return of as playmaker and the omission of his veteran fullback.

Meanwhile, Michael Maguire has named his replacements for a wave of injured stars — however one man is a surprise inclusion in the No.7 jersey.

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Read on for the NRL Teams Round 6.

THURSDAY APRIL 9

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium, 7.50pm AEST

Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bronson Xerri 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. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Jake Turpin 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Alekolasimi Jones 22. Logan Spinks 23. Jethro Rinakama

Analysis: Bronson Xerri is back. After a period of exile, the gun centre slots back into the slot vacated by Stephen Crichton. Harry Hayes also returns on the pine after a head knock, while Jake Turpin joins the six-man bench. But the biggest talking point here remains Cameron Ciraldo’s halves, after he once again reshuffled his spine in Round 5. Admittedly, it came after Crichton’s injury, with Burton filling that slot and Sean O’Sullivan joining the action. But he also had Xerri on the bench, who he opted against using. It’s a peculiar situation, given Canterbury have made the decision to reshuffle their spine twice in two weeks after looking lacklustre on the attacking end. However, Phil Gould explained Ciraldo’s decision on 100% Footy. “Cameron’s used three bodies, he’s used (Lipoi) Hopoi, (Sitili) Tupouniua and (Kurt) Mann. Sean O’Sullivan is there to cover halves and hooker, if he puts Bronson on he can’t go and use Sean if one of those (players) go down,” he explained.

“He was told Critta (Crichton) would be back in five minutes and thought ‘well I’m not putting Bronson out there for five minutes, I’ll put Sean on and then Sean can go and give Bailey Hayward a rest and Critta will be back’.” They now face their hardest test of the season against the Panthers, a team notorious for picking their opponent’s apart out wide. Without Crichton, who is arguably the best defensive centre in the NRL, Ciraldo’s outside backs face a stiff task to keep this Penrith team in check. Then on the attacking end, Burton and Galvin will be desperate to deliver after managing 24 points last week, a boost on the 15 they were averaging in the lead-up. But the Panthers’ defence is also considerably more solid than that of the Rabbitohs.

Bronson Xerri is back.Source: News Corp Australia

Panthers 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. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Freddy Lussick 20. Sione Fonua 21. Kalani Going 22. Jack Cole

Analysis: One hooker in, and another out. Mitch Kenny returns from suspension and replaces Freddy Lussick, who drops back to the No.19 jersey. Continuity has been incredibly important for Ivan Cleary’s side this year, and as it stands, he is without any spotfires to put out — unlikely majority of his rivals.

FRIDAY APRIL 10

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Manly Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium, 6.00pm AEST

Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Hame Sele 19. Kade Reed 20. Mathew Feagai 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Lyhkan King-Togia

Analysis: Shane Flanagan’s team selections are well and truly under the microscope here. After an ugly head knock in Round 4, Kyle Flanagan was initially billed to return in Round 7. But instead, he has not only slotted back into the side, but will take the reins in the No.7 jersey. Pundits have consistently called for his omission from the Red V halves, with young gun Kade Reed breathing down his neck while Daniel Atkinson was the dominant halfback. But instead, Atkinson copped a demotion – of sorts – and will play as the Dragons’ five-eighth. While Atkinson could feel hard done by, this switch could unlock the best of his abilities. The former Sharks gun is at his best when running the ball and now does not need to shoulder the bulk of organisational duties. Instead, he can take chances when he sees them and play a ‘roaming’ style while Flanagan steers the ship. It’s maybe not the wholesale changes fans were crying out for after a nightmare start to the season, but it’s at least a small glimmer of change that could spark some improvements. Elsewhere, Tyrell Sloan takes over for Clint Gutherson who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while Setu Tu slots back onto the wing after David Fale was handed a one-game ban. Young gun Reed has been included on the six-man bench in the only other major change for the Dragons.

Kyle Flanagan returns. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Sea Eagles 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. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Paul Bryan 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Joey Walsh 21. Josh Feledy 22. Nathan Brown

Analysis: After Kieran Foran delivered a famous victory in his first game as interim Sea Eagles coach, he has made only the one change. Jason Saab returns on the wing, with Clayton Faulalo reverting to the six-man bench with Josh Feledy dropping out of the side. Nathan Brown could also return after sitting out due to illness.

Brisbane Broncos vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm AEST

Broncos team: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 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. Blake Mozer 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Hayze Perham 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Va’a Semu 22. Josh Rogers

Analysis: After an impressive stint at fullback in Round 5 to replace the injured Reece Walsh, Jesse Arthars gets the nod in the No.1 jersey. Interestingly, it’s also his 100th NRL games, marking the ocassion with an increased role under Michael Maguire. Josiah Karapani also slots back onto the wing after being dropped due to disciplinary reasons. But the biggest shock comes in the halves, with Adam Reynolds being named despite leaving the field due to a groin injury. It remains to be seen if he will remain in this side, but Tom Duffy is on stand-by on the six-man bench if he is omitted from the team. In the absence of Ben Hunt, who suffered a knee injury, Blake Mozer gets a crack in this side and has been named in the No.14 jersey with Cory Paix in the starting side. Mozer has long been touted as a genuine star of the future for Brisbane, but doubts were cast on his future after Paix was handed a fresh deal last week. The 21-year-old has largely failed to lock himself into the Broncos side under Maguire, who has instead opted for Paix, alongside Hunt or Billy Walters who remains sidelined due to a knee injury. Mozer finally gets a crack to showcase his skills following a raft of injuries, and he will be desperate this time to impress enough to retain his spot.

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Mason Barber 20. Harrison Edwards 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby

Analysis: Kai O’Donnell comes into the starting side in the only change for the Cowboys. Sam McIntyre suffered an ankle injury and has been omitted. Braidon Burns remains despite doubts over his fitness due to an ankle injury, with Mason Barber added to the six-man bench alongside Zac Laybutt. Both could takes Burns’ place should he be ruled out.

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Panel divided over Dragons woes | 04:45

SATURDAY APRIL 11

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Canberra Raiders at Optus Stadium, 3.00pm AEST

Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Jayden Sullivan 20. Edward Kosi 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Latrell Siegwalt

Analysis: The cavalry is starting to return. Jonah Glover, Ashton Ward, Adam Elliott and Jai Arrow all remain sidelined but Brandon Smith is back from a calf injury in a welcome boost. His return sees Bronson Garlick drop to the bench along with Peter Mamouzelos. Otherwise, Wayne Bennett stick solid with a Bunnies side that is in fine form to start 2026.

Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 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 19. Joseph Roddy 20. Owen Pattie 21. Matthew Timoko 22. Chevy Stewart

Analysis: There is one forced change for the Raiders this week with Jed Stuart making his first NRL appearance this year in place of Xavier Savage (leg). Otherwise, Ricky Stuart has shown faith in his side despite a tough 1-4 start to the season. The Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders combination remains a work in progress, but that was always to be expected given how young both of them are and given Jamal Fogarty was such a vocal leader in the team last season. Strange had his best game of the year last week, while Sanders struggled but the Raiders knew what they signed up for when they brought him to the nation’s capital and patience will be needed. The bigger debate is whether Owen Pattie would offer something different off the bench, with Stuart persisting in naming new recruit Jayden Brailey there instead. Pattie, while inexperienced, was dynamic at hooker last year and Stuart said he wanted to get more minutes into him early this year and it seems like that remains the plan despite the team’s poor start to 2026. Matthew Timoko, meanwhile, also looks no closer to returning to the NRL despite Stuart telling reporters a few weeks ago that he would be back in the top grade “soon”. To be fair, Simi Sasagi has been one of Canberra’s best to the start the year and even if he is traditionally a second rower, why change one of the few things that is working?

Ricky is sticking solid. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Cronulla Sharks vs. Sydney Roosters at Optus Stadium, 5.30pm AEST

Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Riley Jones 22. Chris Veaila

Analysis: Craig Fitzgibbon will be hoping the Sharks have turned a corner after a few shaky performances earlier in the year, with back-to-back wins over Canberra and the Warriors seeing Cronulla steady the ship. As a result, there are no unforced changes. Jesse Ramien (knee) is out but it’s a straight-forwards swap with Mawene Hiroti into the starting line-up.

Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 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. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Benaiah Ioelu 21. Egan Butcher 22. Blake Steep

Analysis: The Roosters are well-rested after the bye and in an added boost they have three big names returning to bolster their forward pack. Victor Radley returns after he was banned for 10 games without pay last year for allegedly attempting to purchase “a dangerous drug namely cocaine” with the help of former teammate Brandon Smith. Radley has since served his ban, with his three Tests for England, two pre-season trials and last weekend’s bye also factoring into his ban. Elsewhere, Spencer Leniu (hamstring) and Egan Butcher (concussion) are also back. While there is plenty of good news for the Roosters, they will be without Billy Smith due to a knee injury. But the versatile Hugo Savala lines up in his place, having revealed to foxsports.com.au that he had been training there and at lock forward in the pre-season under the watch of Trent Robinson. Savala’s path to regular NRL minutes is otherwise blocked with Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker locked in as the starting halves, but he could prove to be a Mr. Fix-It capable of covering multiple positions.

Melbourne Storm vs. New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park, 7:35pm AEST

Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Davvy Moale 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Preston Conn 21. Hugo Peel 22. Trent Toelau

Analysis: Craig Bellamy sent a “reserve grade” warning to his players if they weren’t willing to put in the hard work at training this week, but based on his team list he named on Tuesday it seems like the playing group has answered the challenge. Instead, Jack Howarth (hip) and Moses Leo (concussion) return in a welcome boost given Melbourne’s defensive woes on the edges. It sees Manaia Waitere go back to the bench while Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown drops out.

Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 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. Marata Niukore 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 20. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 21. Morgan Gannon 22. Luke Hanson 23. Ali Leiataua

Analysis: Luke Metcalf’s luckless run with injuries has continued. Having just returned from a torn ACL, Metcalf went down with a hamstring injury on the weekend and is facing more time on the sidelines. There were already some question marks over the Warriors’ halves entering the weekend, not so much because anyone doubted Metcalf as a player or a talent, but it seemed like naturally he would need time to adjust and rebuild combinations as he worked his way back from injury. Now, Tanah Boyd will once again take on a more dominant role after his impressive start to the year and is partnered by Chanel Harris-Tavita, as was the case to open 2026. Adam Pompey could be a late scratching if he is unsuccessful in downgrading his dangerous contact charge at the judiciary. If he is unsuccessful, Ali Leiataua is in line to return to the NRL side after scoring a matchwinner in NSW Cup on the weekend.

Teammates love him, opposition hates him | 00:49

SUNDAY APRIL 12

Parramatta Eels vs. Gold Coast Titans at CommBank Stadium, 2:00pm AEST

Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Araz Nanva 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Charlie Guymer 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Luca Moretti 18. Jack de Belin 19. Teancum Brown 20. Mohamed Alameddine 21. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 22. Lorenzo Talataina

Analysis: Jason Ryles just can’t catch a break. After his rookie season in charge was derailed by injuries to halfback Mitchell Moses, he is once again contending with an undermanned roster that took several big hits on the weekend. Bailey Simonsson (ankle), Sean Russell (concussion) and Jonah Pezet (hamstring) are all out, causing a major reshuffle for Parramatta as they join J’maine Hopgood, Isaiah Iongi, Matt Doorey and Jordan Samrani on the sideline. Simonsson is out for an extended period after undergoing surgery, Pezet is unavailable for four to six weeks and Russell will be out for at least the one week. Apa Twidle was a two-try revelation but he too is out after suffering an AC joint injury. Araz Nanva makes his NRL debut on the wing and certainly has the size to provide plenty of strong carries for the Eels, while Will Penisini returns from a groin injury in welcome news for Ryles. Meanwhile, Ronald Volkman has been named to fill in for Pezet at five-eighth, although there had been some noise that Lorenzo Talataina could make his NRL debut and after being named on the extended bench that remains a possibility. Both Talataina and Lincoln Fletcher had been singled out as long-term halves options for the Eels, but they brought Pezet into the fold as neither were considered quite ready to play weekly first grade at this point. But with the ongoing injury crisis threatening to derail Parramatta’s season, should Talataina get a look-in it could pose an interesting dilemma for Ryles. Pezet is undeniably talented, but given he is Brisbane-bound if the Eels’ season quickly slips away maybe they will transition to prioritising Talataina’s development and getting more minutes into him? For the time being, Volkman seems to have got the nod.

Injuries are piling up. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Klese Haas 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Jett Liu 20. Zane Harrison 21. Adam Christensen 22. Jenson Taumoepeau

Analysis: No major changes for Josh Hannay after the Titans backed up their first win of the year with a gallant performance against the defending premiers. It means AJ Brimson will remain in the centres, with Jayden Campbell and Lachlan Ilias continuing as the first-choice halves pairing. The only real change sees Jaylan De Groot join the six-man interchange bench in place of Max Feagai.

Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm AEST

Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Faaletino Tavana 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Patrick Herbert 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Charlie Murray

Analysis: Five-eighth Jarome Luai told Fox League ahead of this week’s game that he was aiming to return against Newcastle, but given how well the Tigers are travelling it is hardly a surprise to see him left out of the side for another week. Jock Madden has been revelation in the five-eighth jumper in Luai’s absence and while undoubtedly the Tigers are a better team with the four-time premiership winner healthy, Madden has proven he is far too good to be playing in NSW Cup every week. He is contracted until the end of next year though, so that may be the reality for Madden moving forward regardless. Outside of Luai’s absence, the only real other item of note is winger Luke Laulilii will miss this week’s game due to suspension with Jeral Skelton replacing him. Discipline and errors had been an issue for Laulilii even before he was suspended, so Skelton could lock down the wing spot if he performs well enough, especially given Laulilii is leaving the club at the end of the year for the Bears.

Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Wilson De Courcey 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Cody Hopwood 20. Francis Manuleleua 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. James Schiller

Analysis: Like the Tigers, the Knights soon will face a welcome dilemma when Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga return from injury. That won’t come just yet, but when it does it will be hard for coach Justin Holbrook to send Fletcher Hunt and Sandon Smith either back to the bench or reserve grade given how well they have played. For now, those two will continue to play an important role in powering Newcastle’s surprise top-four berth to start the year. The only change sees Bradman Best (groin) drop out, replaced by debutant Wilson De Courcey. The former Australian Schoolboys representative and Panthers junior from Patrician Brothers Blacktown impressed in his debut last week and is another example of Newcastle’s improved depth this year, along with coach Holbrook’s ability to make the most out of a less than desirable situation.

Bye: Dolphins