Some upset victories, worrying injuries and a handful of suspensions amid an NRL crackdown made for some interesting team lists in Round 6.
MORE: NRL injury list 2025 - Your club’s medical news, casualty ward, player return dates
NRL RESULTS THIS WEEKEND (ROUND 6):
Dolphins 30-12 Penrith Panthers
(Thursday, April 10 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Max Plath
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Josh Kerr
18. Sean O'Sullivan
Phins team news:
Kristian Woolf's side picked up their first win of the season in Round 5 after getting one over the Gold Coast.
The coach has made just the one change to a winning side with the Phins boosted by the return of Tom Gilbert, who has served his one-match suspension.
Max Plath was originally named to replace the skipper at lock before a late switch saw him slide to an edge, Felise Kaufusi move there from prop and Mark Nicholls promoted to the starting side last week.
Gilbert has been named on an edge with Plath named at lock and Kaufusi returning to the front row.
Ray Stone will spend one week on the sidelines after being cited for a high tackle and drops out for the skipper.
Josh Kerr keeps his place on the pine after bumping Kenny Bromwich from the 17 late on against the Titans.
Connelly Lemuelu made a successful return from an eye injury last week and has been named on the bench again.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
4. Thomas Jenkins
5. Casey McLean
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Luke Sommerton
15. Isaiah Papali'i
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
10. Lindsay Smith
14. Brad Schneider
16. Liam Henry
17. Luke Garner
18. Daine Laurie
Panthers team news:
Dylan Edwards is set to return from a groin injury and takes his place at fullback in a major boost to the struggling Panthers, who have now lost four games on the bounce.
The outside backs remain the same with Casey McLean keeping his spot ahead of Daine Laurie, who drops to 18th man. Brian To'o is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Jack Cole suffered a concussion in the closing stages of his side's loss to the Cowboys and will be out for at least one week. Blaize Talagi will take over at five-eighth.
Lindsay Smith was named to start up front but dropped back to the bench for the second consecutive week. He will do so once again this week with Isaiah Papali'i starting up front.
Mitch Kenny is out after picking up a shoulder injury last week with Luke Sommerton his replacement.
Scott Sorensen is back on deck after missing last week's loss due to concussion. Luke Garner drops to the pine as a result of his inclusion, while Matthew Eisenhuth goes out of the 17.
St George Illawarra Dragons 38-16 Gold Coast Titans
(Friday, April 11 at WIN Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
12. Jaydn Su'A
17. Dylan Egan
13. Jack de Belin
11. Luciano Leilua
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Hamish Stewart
18. Mathew Feagai
Dragons team news:
Shane Flanagan was sure to be livid after watching his side throw away the two competition points against the Eels. However, he has refused to make any changes to his 17.
Emre Guler remains sidelined due to suspension, so David Klemmer remains up front.
Lyhkan King-Togia scored a double in the NSW Cup and finds a place in the extended squad, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga also produced a strong performance up front in reserve grade.
Hame Sele suffered a hamstring injury during the Dragons' draw with the Eels in the NSW Cup though and Tom Eisenhuth also picked up an injury with the duo set for some time on the sidelines.
In a late switch, Luciano Leilua has dropped to the bench with Dylan Egan promoted to the starting side.
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Jaylan de Groot
2. Tony Francis
3. Brian Kelly
12. Beau Fermor
4. Phillip Sami
6. AJ Brimson
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Mo Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Klese Haas
15. David Fifita
13. Chris Randall
14. Arama Hau
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Brock Gray
22. Allan Fitzgibbon
18. Tom Weaver
Titans team news:
Des Hasler is set to alter his backline with Jojo Fifita, who was a late withdrawal last week, returning. However, in a late change Fifita has dropped out with Allan Fitzgibbon to debut.
Beau Fermor reverts to the backrow after filling in at centre in Round 5, while Phillip Sami will move back inside from the wing.
Tony Francis keeps his spot on the opposite flank with Alofiana Khan-Pereira nearing a return from a hamstring issue.
Sam Verrills missed last week with a hip issue but is set to return to the starting side and pushes Chris Randall to lock, who will have to replace suspended captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
David Fifita was promoted to the starting side but drops back to the bench, while Arama Hau keeps his spot in the 17.
Sean Mullany, who debuted last week off the pine, drops to the reserves.
In two late switches, Beau Fermor has moved to the centres with Fitzgibbon going to the bench. David Fifita has moved off the pine to go back into the starting side.
Brisbane Broncos 16-26 Sydney Roosters
(Friday, April 11 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jaiyden Hunt
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Xavier Willison
17. Martin Taupau
18. Tyson Smoothy
Broncos team news:
Brisbane will be sweating on the fitness of Adam Reynolds after he was taken off in Round 5 with a hamstring complaint.
He has been named to start but if the veteran is ruled out, Ben Hunt will likely take over in the No.7 jersey with Jock Madden added to the halves from the extended squad.
There is also a headache in the backrow for Michael Maguire with Brendan Piakura joining Jordan Riki on the sidelines after being charged for a high tackle against the Tigers. Jaiyden Hunt has been promoted to the starting side to replace him.
Martin Taupau is the new face on the bench, while Blake Mozer is back in the reserves after returning from a shoulder issue.
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Dom Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Hugo Savala
8. Nat Butcher
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
15. Salesi Foketi
13. Victor Radley
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
16. Blake Steep
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Roosters team news:
Mark Nawaqanitawase was a late withdrawal last week with a calf injury and will act as 18th man this week.
Chad Townsend endured a difficult night against the Bunnies and he has paid the price with Hugo Savala replacing him at halfback.
Lindsay Collins picked up an MCL injury in Round 5 and will be sidelined for six weeks with Nat Butcher moved to prop.
Victor Radley missed last week with a cheekbone injury but has returned to the fold. In a late change though he has dropped to the bench with Salesi Foketi starting at lock.
Cronulla Sharks vs. Manly Sea Eagles
(Saturday, April 12 at Optus Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
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
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Tom Hazelton
19. Billy Burns
Sharks team news:
Craig Fitzgibbon's side are now riding a two-game losing streak as they head to Perth looking for a win.
Mawene Hiroti will continue in the centres with Kayal Iro still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Teig Wilton is back on deck after missing the heart-breaking loss to the Raiders due to illness. Billy Burns drops out of the side.
Sifa Talakai will also return after missing last week with a concussion. Tuku Hau Tapuha is the man who makes way on the bench.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Lehi Hopoate
5. Clayton Faulalo
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
18. Tommy Talau
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Nathan Brown
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley
19. Aaron Schoupp
Sea Eagles team news:
It's more upheaval in the backline for Anthony Seibold's outfit with Jason Saab joining Tom Trbojevic in the casualty ward after pulling up lame during Manly's loss to Melbourne.
The flyer was named but Tommy Talau will start in his place after originally being named as 18th man.
Nathan Brown was named to start up front in Josh Aloiai's absence last week but dropped to the bench late on with Tof Sipley handed the start. The veteran enforcer remains on the pine this week along with Sipley following Aloiai's return.
Corey Waddell has been hit with a two-match ban for a high tackle with his absence offset by Aloiai's return.
Lachlan Croker has missed the opening five weeks of the campaign with a knee injury but is nearing a return after being included in the extended squad for the first time this season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 16-24 North Queensland Cowboys
(Saturday, April 12 at Optus Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Euan Aitken
4. Jack Wighton
5. Isaiah Tass
6. Latrell Mitchell
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Sean Keppie
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Liam Le Blanc
15. Siliva Havili
16. Tallis Duncan
17. Davvy Moale
18. Thomas Fletcher
Rabbitohs team news:
The Bunnies produced a gutsy display to beat their arch-rivals last week but will pay a heavy price with three starting players suffering hamstring injuries: Mikaele Ravalawa, Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys.
The injuries will see almost an entirely new backline with some key inclusions boosting the Bunnies.
Alex Johnston is back from his rib complaint to take over from Ravalawa on the wing, while Euan Aitken will take over from Latrell Mitchell in the centres as he prepares to make his first appearance for the club.
In the halves, Mitchell will take the vacant No.6 jersey, while Jayden Sullivan will take over from Humphreys at halfback.
Lewis Dodd, who is yet to make his NRL debut, is out suspended after being cited for a crusher tackle in the NSW Cup.
Siliva Havili will likely take over from Sullivan as the bench utility, while Liam Le Blanc is the new face on the bench.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
12. Kai O'Donnell
14. Sam McIntyre
13. Reuben Cotter
15. Jeremiah Nanai
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess
18. Harrison Edwards
22. Thomas Mikaele
Cowboys team news:
It's two wins on the bounce for North Queensland with Todd Payten naming a mostly unchanged side.
Reuben Cotter was a late withdrawal last week due to illness but is back on deck for this one, with Sam McIntyre going to the bench and Harrison Edwards dropping to 18th man.
However, John Bateman has since dropped out with Jeremiah Nanai promoted to the starting side and Edwards added back to the pine.
Parramatta Eels 12-50 Canberra Raiders
(Saturday, April 12 at TIO Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
20. Bailey Simonsson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. J'maine Hopgood
14. Dylan Walker
15. Luca Moretti
16. Charlie Guymer
19. Dan Keir
18. Joash Papalii
22. Ryan Matterson
Eels team news:
Jason Ryles initially stuck strong with the same 17 who got the job done against the Dragons to finally land the club its first win of the season.
However, in a massive blow, Zac Lomax has since been ruled out with a minor foot fracture. Bailey Simonsson takes his place in the backline.
Ryley Smith was named to start at hooker in Round 5 after Joey Lussick was sidelined with a fractured thumb, but he dropped to the bench with Charlie Guymer promoted into the starting side. Smith has been named to start again.
Dan Keir dropped out late on last week but has been added to the bench late in the place of Sam Tuivaiti.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota
18. Trey Mooney
19. Jed Stuart
Raiders team news:
Canberra got out of jail against the Sharks with a miraculous play in the last minute earning them the win. Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged side for this one.
Melbourne Storm 42-14 New Zealand Warriors
(Sunday, April 13 at AAMI Park, 2:00pm AEST)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Grant Anderson
3. Jack Howarth
4. Moses Leo
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Bronson Garlick
18. Joe Chan
Storm team news:
Ryan Papenhuyzen was taken off with a cork against the Sea Eagles but will start in Round 6.
Xavier Coates suffered a hamstring complaint last week but the QLD representative has been named to play.
Will Warbrick dropped out late last week due to a head knock and remains out with Grant Anderson remaining on the wing and Moses Leo, who was drafted in late, starting in the centres. Nick Meaney is still out with a facial fracture.
Jahrome Hughes made a successful return from a broken hand against Manly and starts in the No.7 jersey with Tyran Wishart dropping back to the bench.
Bronson Garlick keeps his place on the pine with Nelson Asofa-Solomona still out after suffering a concussion in Round 3.
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Rocco Berry
4. Ali Leiataua
5. Adam Pompey
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Bunty Afoa
15. Jackson Ford
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Leka Halasima
18. Tanah Boyd
Warriors team news:
Rocco Berry dropped out late in Round 4 after suffering with a hamstring niggle but is fine for this one after the bye. He takes his place in the centres with Adam Pompey going to the wing and Edward Kosi dropping out.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries.
Jackson Ford, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima and Bunty Afoa were named on the bench in the club's last start win over the Tigers and have been retained.
Newcastle Knights 4-20 Wests Tigers
(Sunday, April 13 at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Kyle McCarthy
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
9. Jayden Brailey
15. Tyrone Thompson
11. Thomas Cant
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
8. Brodie Jones
14. Matthew Arthur
16. Jermaine McEwen
17. Mat Croker
18. Paul Bryan
Knights team news:
Newcastle experienced injury carnage against the Dogs with five of their 17 sidelined for this one and for the weeks to come.
James Schiller copped a head knock in the opening minute, Jacob Saifiti suffered a calf tear and Jack Hetherington hurt his shoulder in the loss.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath, Jack Cogger and Adam Elliott have also been ruled out.
Kyle McCarthy has been drafted into the team and will take his place on the wing, while Phoenix Crossland will take over from Cogger at halfback.
Brodie Jones has been added to the bench, with Jayden Brailey named to start at hooker following Crossland's positional switch.
Kai Pearce-Paul will make a welcome return from suspension to take his place in the backrow. Tyson Frizell will shift to lock to cover for the absence of Elliott.
On the bench there are two new faces with Matthew Arthur named in the No.14 jersey and Tyrone Thompson to cover his twin brother up front.
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Starford To'a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Royce Hunt
16. Jack Bird
17. Sione Fainu
19. Heath Mason
Tigers team news:
Luke Laulilii makes way on the wing for Jeral Skleton, who has missed the past two matches with a hamstring strain.
In another major boost, Jarome Luai will return from suspension and take his No.7 jersey back with his replacement, Latu Fainu, out of the side after copping a head knock against the Broncos.
Samuela Fainu was a late withdrawal in Round 5 after succumbing to a leg injury but is back on deck. As a result, Jack Bird returns to the bench.