The Sea Eagles will receive a huge boost with Tom Trbojevic returning and Anthony Seibold is set to make some big changes to his backline.
Both the Cowboys and Panthers are set to welcome the return of a host of Origin stars, while the Bulldogs also welcome back several key troops.
Meanwhile, the Storm have a backline headache on their hands after injuries to two starters from Round 17.
TAB, we’re on for State of Origin. Download the TAB app here. Gamble Responsibly. Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Read on for all of the team news ahead of Round 18.
THURSDAY
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7:50pm AEST at CommBank Stadium
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Blaize Talagi 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 15. Makahesi Makatoa 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue 10. Junior Paulo 14. Matthew Arthur 16. Matt Doorey 17. Ryan Matterson 18. Daejarn Asi
Team Tips: There were some good signs for Parramatta in the loss to Newcastle, but again they fell short and remain parked at the bottom of the ladder. Matt Arthur played well on debut and will likely keep his spot in the side, coming off the bench to relieve Brendan Hands.Haze Dunster is due to return from a foot injury but won’t come into calculations as it stands.
Round 16 Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Le Blanc
Team Tips: Souths are set to receive a huge boost with prop Tevita Tatola expected to return from a foot injury which has kept him out since Round 6. The Rabbitohs engine room has been a much improved unit in the past month, so Tatola will likely return via the bench with Liam Le Blanc the man to drop out of the side. Origin stars Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray will slot straight back into starting side at fullback and lock respectively. The recent hot form of Keaon Koloamatangi in the middle could mean he is named at prop rather than on the edge.
FRIDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans, 6pm AEST at C.ex Coffs Harbour Stadium
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Thomas Hazelton 21. Teig Wilton
Team Tips: The Sharks are one of the healthier teams in the competition entering Round 18. Teig Wilton is a chance to be named to the starting line-up after playing 34 minutes off the bench against the Bulldogs in his return from a shoulder injury. His inclusion would see Siosifa Talakai shift back to the bench.
Round 16 Titans team: 1. Keaoni Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 12. Beau Fermor 4. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 13. Erin Clark 14. Sam Verrills 10. Josiah Pahulu 11. David Fifita 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 9. Chris Randall 8. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui 17. Joe Stimson
Team Tips: AJ Brimson is some chance of returning from a groin injury. He’ll likely play in the halves with Keano Kini proving a revelation at fullback. Jayden Campbell will miss this clash with a hand injury and should return in the coming weeks. Considering they thrashed the Warriors 66-6 in their last outing, it’s hard to see coach Des Hasler make any other changes. However, talented forward Klese Haas (foot) has to be considered if he’s right to play.
Matty praises classy Crichton act | 00:59
Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers, 8pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 14. Tyson Smoothy 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Kobe Hetherington 9. Billy Walters 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau
Team Tips: The Broncos welcome back three Origin stars in Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas.Tristan Sailor makes way for Walsh, Kobe Hetherington could shift back to the bench for Carrigan, and Xavier Willison will also ride the pine with Haas taking back his front row spot. However, with both Fletcher Baker (knee) and Jack Gosiewski (arm) sidelined, Kevin Walters needs two players to come into the side. Hetherington, with Walters needing a backrower could be the man to fill the slot. Meanwhile, Martin Taupau will likely keep his spot on the bench, with Josiah Karapani making way for Tristan Sailor if Walters opts to play an outside back on the bench.
Last week’s Panthers team: 14. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 21. Casey McLean 6. Jack Cole 18. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 13. Isaah Yeo 15. Lindsay Smith 20. Luron Patea 23. Trent Toelau 19. Mavrik Geyer
Team Tips: A host of returning Origin players for the Panthers. Dylan Edwards will replace Daine Laurie at fullback, but expect Laurie to be included on the bench after yet another impressive showing in Round 17. Jarome Luai will replace Brad Schneider in the halves, while expect to see Isaah Yeo start in the No.13 after a late switch against the Cowboys. Liam Martin will take up his spot in the back row and shift Liam Henry to the bench, while Brian To’o is also set to replace Casey McLean on the wing. Expect Trent Toelau and Luron Patea to drop off the pine, however, foxsports.com.au understands Patea is considered the club’s next in line front rower, so fans can expect to see more of the one-game rookie before the end of the season.
SATURDAY
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors, 3pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 4. Jacob Kiraz 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 23. Stephen Crichton 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Bailey Hayward 1. Blake Taaffe 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Lipoi Hopoi
Team Tips: Kurt Mann returns and will likely take up a spot on the bench, displacing Kurtis Morrin. Meanwhile, Jacob Preston is due to return from a foot injury and also could be eased back into action off the bench, with Blake Taaffe to make way. Meanwhile, Connor Tracey returns from a head knock at fullback, likely shifting either Jeral Skelton or Blake Wilson out of the team, with Jacob Kiraz taking back his spot on the wing.
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 12. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 17. Kurt Capewell 15. Dylan Walker 10. Jackson Ford 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 16. Jazz Tevaga
Team Tips: No changes expected for the Warriors, however Andrew Webster is likely to once again shuffle his forward pack.
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm, 5:30pm AEST at Leichhardt Oval
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Solomona Faataape 3. Brent Naden 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Justin Matamua 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. David Klemmer 21. John Bateman 14. Heath Mason
Team Tips: Justin Olam is due to return from a knee injury which will see Brent Naden either drop out of the team or shift to the wing. Alex Twal returns in the forwards, but it remains to be seen who he will replace. Reuben Porter could be the man to make way with John Bateman returning to the starting side. Elsewhere Latu Fainu could return as a utility on the bench from a hamstring injury but will likely be given minutes in NSW Cup to ease his way back into the action if fit.
Last week’s Storm team: 22. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Jack Howarth 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 15. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Trent Loiero 14. Christian Welch 17. Joe Chan 21. Kane Bradley 19. Dean Ieremia
Team Tips: Two big outs for the Storm with Xavier Coates (hamstring) and Jack Howarth (glute) sidelined after Round 17. Reimis Smith played NSW Cup last weekend and will return in the centres. Meanwhile, Dean Ieremia is a strong chance of taking up a spot on the wing, with Ryan Papenhuyzen unlikely to return in Round 18. Harry Grant also takes up his place in the No.9 jersey after being rested, with Bronson Garlick dropping back to the bench.
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Billy’s big selection headache; awkward reality facing star half
‘TELL ME I’M WRONG: Robbo raises alarm over NRL crisis in sin bin plea
‘A LOTTERY’: Benji left ‘confused’ by ‘harsh’ double sin bin
WHISPERS: Cashed-up Chooks to enter contract talks with star
‘A few red wines at Robbo’s’ | 01:26
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles, 7:35pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Harrison Edwards 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Tomas Chester 15. Jake Granville 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Griffin Neame 18. Thomas Duffy
Team Tips: Todd Payten welcomes back a host of Origin stars after they were rested in Round 17. Jaxon Purdue and Braidon Burns likely drop out for the duo of Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will shift to the bench, with Jeremiah Nanai taking back his back row spot. Harrison Edwards could drop out of the side with Reece Robson returning, while Reuben Cotter will also likely shift Jason Taumalolo back to the bench or Sam McIntyre. Meanwhile, Tom Dearden will be a straight swap for Jake Clifford at five-eighth.
Round 16 Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 19. Jaxson Paulo 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Karl Lawton 11. Corey Waddell 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Toafofoa Sipley 4. Aaron Schoupp 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Nathan Brown 8. Ethan Bullemor 15. Ben Condon 16. Caleb Navale 17. Aitasi James
Team Tips: The Sea Eagles enjoyed the bye last week, and Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will return to their No.7 and No.13 jerseys this week with both Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown moving to the bench. In a huge inclusion, Tom Trbojevic will return to the side in the centres, which causes a massive fullback headache for Manly. Lehi Hopoate has been excellent in the No.1 jersey, however Tolu Koula is the likely man to take over at fullback, which will see Trbojevic partner the returning Reuben Garrick who has been sidelined due to concussion with Jason Saab and Tommy Talau on the wings. Josh Aloiai returns from suspension and will take up a spot in the front row or at lock, while Taniela Paseka could also be named as he eyes a return from a thumb injury.
SUNDAY
Sydney Roosters vs St. George Illawarra Dragons, 2pm AEST at Allianz Stadium
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Sitili Tupouniua 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Lindsay Collins 21. Ethan King
Team Tips: Joey Manu is set to sit out for four weeks after suffering a broken hand. He is set to be replaced by Michael Jennings who played reserve grade over the weekend.
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 5. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 19. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Luciano Leilua 18th man: 20. Ryan Couchman
Team Tips:Jack Bird is a chance of returning from a knee injury this week. Meanwhile, Zac Lomax is also due to return and will be a straight swap for Mat Feagai on the wing after he was rested against the Dolphins. Bird, meanwile, could replace Max Feagai in the centres.
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights, 4:05pm AEST at GIO Stadium
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 20. Adam Cook 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Jordan Martin
Team Tips: In Round 16 Adam Cook played halfback, Kaeo Weekes played fullback, Jordan Rapana played on the wing and Albert Hopoate played his trade in the centres. It remains to be seen how Ricky Stuart’s outfit will line-up in Round 18, but Matt Timoko has suffered a shoulder injury and is in doubt to take the field with James Schiller in line to replace him in the centres.
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 16. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 17. Brodie Jones 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jack Hetherington 21. Krystian Mapapalangi
Team Tips: Dylan Lucas missed Round 17 due to a hamstring injury but is set to return to the side and could replace Kai Pearce-Paul in the back row. Leo Thompson meanwhile is nursing an Achilles injury and is a chance to take the field, however the club will monitor his injury over the coming weeks.
Bye: Dolphins.
