The team news is in for this week’s NRL games and a number of ex-Super League players take to the field down under.
After a hectic week in the Australian competition that has seen Dragons boss Shane Flanagan axed, Brisbane Broncos have been hit with further injury blows after having a mixed start to the season.
Penrith Panthers currently sit top of the table having won six out of seven matches, whilst former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook currently has Newcastle Knights in a finals spot after winning four of their opening seven.
This week sees another bumper round of fixtures take place, in what will be the NRL’s annual ANZAC Round.
Here is the low-down of all the ex-Super League and potential England internationals who are lining up this week, with the likes of Herbie Farnworth, Morgan Smithies and Brad Schneider just a few of the names set to feature.
For full NRL team lists, as opposed to just a wrap-up, click here.
NRL team lists wrap-up: ANZAC Round
Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders:
The home side are currently third in the competition after an excellent start to the season.
England international Kai Pearce-Paul has been crucial to their rise, as have Taylan and Terrell May, brothers of Hull KR star Tyrone.
The Raiders, who finished as Minor Premiers last season, aren’t having as strong a campaign as 2025.
Morgan Smithies will feature from the bench in this one, but fellow Englishman Matty Nicholson is still out through injury.
North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks:
Former Super League trio Jake Clifford, Tom Mikaele and Kai O’Donnell are all included in the Cowboys’ side, whilst KL Iro, who has previously expressed interest in representing England, lines up in the centres for the Sharks.
Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs:
With no Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt or Patrick Carrigan the World Club Challenge runners-up after certainly doing it tough to start the year, and they have suffered another huge blow with Payne Haas set to be out for four to six weeks with an MCL issue.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters:
The Dragons, who have appointed Dean Young as their interim boss to replace Flanagan, have made a raft of changes. One of those switches sees 20-year-old Kade Reed make his debut this week after impressing in the reserve grade.
The Roosters have made just one change, with potential England international Billy Smith joining the extended 19-man bench as he looks to return from a knee injury.
New Zealand Warrriors v The Dolphins:
Wakefield Trinity-bound Roger Tuivasa-Sheck continues to line-up at centre for the Wahs, who are currently second in the table. Former Leeds Rhinos man Morgan Gannon is not included in the prelmiminary squad this week.
The Dolphins have named former St Helens star Morgan Knowles at loose forward, despite concerns that the Englishman isn’t 100%.
Knowles is said to have picked up a calf issue, and hasn’t been in team training this week as he tries to overcome the knock. As it stands though, he will play this will as he lines up alongside fellow England star Herbie Farnworth (centre) and ex-Hull KR man Brad Schneider (stand-off).
Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
After a sensational return to the NRL last week, former Warrington Wolves full-back Matt Dufty keeps his place in Souths’ first-grade team.
Dufty made 333 run metres last time out and looked backed to his best, something Wire fans would agree they didn’t see that often in his final year at the club.
Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers:
Dominic Young will line-up on the right wing for Newcastle this week.
Nathan Cleary has been linked with a move to Warrington over the past week. The half-back has made it clear he wants to be closer to his partner Mary Fowler, who plays for Manchester City Women’s side, so a Super League move could be on the cards at some point.
Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels:
Interim boss Kieran Foran will be hoping to keep his winning run going after securing three victories in his opening three games as head coach.
Super League-linked Tom Trbojevic is out with a hamstring issue, meaning Tolu Koula starts at full-back.
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