2025 NRL Round 13 Preview

In the aftermath of the State of Origin series opener, seven crucial NRL matches are set to unfold in Round 13 

The schedule is headlined by a showdown between under-pressure heavyweights Brisbane and Manly, a huge derby between struggling Penrith and Parramatta, and a clash between in-form Sydney Roosters and Canberra.  

Last-start winners St George Illawarra and Newcastle are striving to keep the momentum going when the teams square off at Jubilee Stadium on Friday night.  

The Dragons snapped a frustrating three-match slide with a gallant 30-26 victory over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in Round 11, led by a vintage performance by inspirational fullback Clint Gutherson, and dummy-half duo Damien Cook and Jacob Liddle.  

Gutherson and No.1-cum-wing sensation Tyrell Sloan both bagged doubles in the character-filled win. 

The Knights eased some pressure with a 25-6 win over the Origin-depleted Panthers in Bathurst last Saturday, with Dylan Lucas running in three of their four tries inside 23 minutes.  

But they are long way from being out of the woods form-wise after being plagued by attacking malaise during a preceding 1-7 run of dreadful quality.  

Christian Tuipulotu returns on the wing for the Saints in the place of Corey Allan, while Toby Couchman returns from a shoulder injury but the teams is reeling form rookie Dylan Egan’s ACL. Kyle Flanagan moves to halfback with Lyhkan King-Tongia named at five-eighth.  

Kalyn Ponga has been named to back up 48 hours after Origin I, which sees Fletcher Sharpe return to five-eighth and Tyson Gamble to halfback. Leo Thompson is back, but Adam Elliott has been ruled out.  

The Knights are coming off convincing wins in their sole clashes with the Dragons over the past two seasons – 32-12 at Kogarah in 2023 and 30-10 in Newcastle in 2024.  

St George Illawarra won its only other game at Jubilee so far this season against Melbourne. While inconsistent, the Dragons have unquestionably shown more promise on the whole than the Knights – who merely papered over some cracks over a severely weakened opponent last week.  

Tip: Back the Dragons to Cover the Line (-5.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: DRAGONS WIN / OVER 45.5 TOTAL POINTS / TYRELL SLOAN ANYTIME TRYSCORER / FLETCHER SHARPE ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $16.54 

Both shouldering a heavy Origin load and coming off a bye, struggling Gold Coast Titans and up-and-down premiership favourites Melbourne Storm square off at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.  

The Titans have lost six of their last seven, following up a heroic 20-point comeback against the Knights with a 40-24 defeat in Canberra in Round 11. Continuing a sorry trend for the club, the Titans are the NRL’s worst defensive outfit – conceding 31 points per game.  

The fourth-placed Storm have not won back-to-back games since Round 6 and bookended a 64-0 rout of the Tigers with a golden point loss to the Raiders and a 31-26 defeat to the Sharks in their last three.   

The Titans have named Queensland trio Beau Fermor, Moeaki Fotuaika and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, while the Storm’s Maroons quartet, Harry Grant, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster and Trent Loiero, is set to back up.  

Gold Coast has rejigged its spine with Jaylan de Groot at fullback, AJ Brimson going to five-eighth and Kieran Foran going to the bench. Brian Kelly returns at centre for Tony Francis.  

Melbourne has won 10 of its last 11 against Gold Coast, though last year’s lone encounter was a 22-20 thriller in the Storm’s favour in Round 9 at Robina.  

This has a similar banana skin feel about it for the Storm, but the presence of Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen, in particular, should alleviate the representative toll and ensure the visitors take advantage of the Titans’ porous defence.  

Tip: Back the Storm to Score Over 30.5 Total Points @  $1.96 

SGM: STORM -11.5 / OVER 50.5 TOTAL POINTS / RYAN PAPENHUYZEN FIRST TRYSCORER / ALOFIANA KHAN-PEREIRA & XAVIER COATES TO HAVE 2+ TRIES COMBINED @ $32.44 

A critical contest awaits in Townsville, with North Queensland Cowboys searching for their first win in a month with a hefty representative contingent, and the snubbed Wests Tigers looking to avoid three straight losses as the Lachlan Galvin drama continues to permeate an otherwise promising campaign.  

The Cowboys went into the Round 12 bye off a disappointing 24-6 home loss to Manly. It was the first time in over three years they have been held to one try at home – and came after scoring 22-plus in six straight matches.  

The 4-1-5 Cowboys have named Origin stars Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson to back up. Jaxson Paulo makes his club debut for the injured Murray Taulagi.  

The 5-6 Tigers were hammered 64-0 by Melbourne in Round 10, then saw a bounce-back win slip through Galvin’s fingers in a 22-12 defeat to Souths. Galvin now appears headed to Canterbury in a matter of days. 

Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau and Terrell May have a point to prove after being overlooked by the Blues. Heath Mason replaces Galvin at five-eighth in the Tigers’ only change.  

The Cowboys have won five of their last six against the Tigers, including the last three straight while scoring 164 points. Last year’s encounters finished 42-28 in Townsville and 48-30 at Leichhardt. The teams’ last six clashes produced totals of 48-plus points.  

The Tigers are 2-1 in Queensland 2025, while the Cowboys have only a 50 percent record at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this season. Benji Marshall should have his troops galvanised for this road trip against a Cowboys side prone to some post-Origin wobbles.  

Tip: Back the Tigers to Cover the Line (+9.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: TIGERS WIN / UNDER 49.5 TOTAL POINTS / JAHREAM BULA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SCOTT DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $47.65 

Would-be contenders Manly and Brisbane – both 5-6 –  line up in a pivotal Saturday night showdown on the northern beaches.  

The Sea Eagles have been mired in inconsistency, following up impressive wins over Penrith (26-10) and North Queensland (24-6) with convincing losses to Cronulla (30-14) and Parramatta (30-10), respectively.  

Last week’s defeat to a Mitch Moses-less Eels was particularly jarring. Daly Cherry-Evans’ importance to this side was thrust into the spotlight – but his departure at the end of the season continues to prove a distracting storyline.  

The Broncos have lost five of their last six, copping a 32-8 beatdown from Penrith in Magic Round, blowing a 14-point lead against Souths and falling 30-26 to St George Illawarra in their last three.  

Despite butchering multiple second-half leads against the Dragons, the return performance of Ezra Mam was a positive. But the Broncos are miles off the premiership pace they projected at the start of the season.  

Manly spearhead Tom Trbojevic is out injured with Lehi Hopoate reverting to fullback and Tommy Talau coming in on the wing. Cherry-Evans is set to back up from Origin at Jake Arthur’s expense, while Josh Aloiai and Ben Trbojevic return.  

Brisbane’s Origin props Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas have been named to play, while Michael Maguire has made a big switch with Jesse Arthars going to fullback and Selwyn Cobbo returning to the wing. Ben Te Kura replaces Fletcher Baker on the pine.  

The Broncos are on a three-match winning streak against the Sea Eagles – though all three matches were Magic Round fixtures at Suncorp Stadium. This is the clubs’ first encounter at Brookvale since 2014, with the Broncos chasing their first win at the ground (and over Manly in NSW) since 2010.  

Manly has lost its last three at 4 Pines Park, while Brisbane has not won away from Suncorp Stadium since Round 1. If DCE plays, the Sea Eagles shape as the value pick between the teetering sides as a home underdog.  

Tip: Back the Sea Eagles to Win @ $2.15 

South Sydney is chasing three straight wins and the chance to keep pace with a top four that contains their opponents this Sunday, a Warriors side looking to bounce back from having their five-match winning streak snapped.  

The injury-hit, 6-5 Rabbitohs went into the Round 12 bye off a pair of gutsy wins, with Latrell Mitchell inspiring a 14-point comeback in a 22-14 win over the Broncos, before they held off a Tigers rally in a 22-12 victory at Campbelltown.  

The Warriors strung together several tight, composed wins to surge to outright second but fell 16-10 in an error-riddle performance against the Raiders in Auckland last Sunday. A depleted pack performed admirably but the Warriors ran out of ideas with the ball in hand. 

Souths have made only one change to their Round 11 team with Sean Keppie replacing Liam Le Blanc on the bench, while Mitchell has been named to back up from Origin at fullback. Cody Walker and Jack Wighton remain sidelined.  

The Warriors get marquee props Mitch Barnett (Origin) and James Fisher-Harris (suspension) back with Bunty Afoa and Jacob Laban dropping out, while Rocco Berry comes into the centres for Ali Leiataua.  

Souths have won 14 of their last 16 against the Warriors, but the Warriors snapped an eight-match losing streak – and chalked up their first win over the Rabbitohs in Sydney since 2011 – in resounding fashion early last season, 34-4.  

The fast-starting Warriors have scored just one second-half try in their past four matches, while both sides have proved very difficult to crack defensively. The visitors are narrow favourites to chalk up a fourth straight win in Australia, but this has under and a tight margin written all over it.  

Tip: Back Under 45.5 Total Points @ $1.90 

SGM: WARRIORS WIN 1ST HALF / EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / LUKE METCALF ANYTIME TRYSCORER / ISAIAH TASS ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $38.36 

Western Sydney derby rivals Penrith and Parramatta meet for the first time as temporary co-tenants of CommBank Stadium – and the stakes are massive for the bottom-four teams.  

Boasting just three wins and a draw from 11 matches, the Panthers are anchored to the foot of the NRL ladder.  

The four-time premiers went into the Round 11 bye off a dominant Magic Round win over the Broncos and a 30-all draw in Townsville, but without their Origin stars they were steamrolled early in a 25-6 loss to the Knights in Bathurst.  

NSW quintet Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin have all been named, while Scott Sorensen’s return from suspension is another boost. Liam Henry is out suspended, with Round 12 debutant Harrison Hassett keeping a spot.  

The Eels have turned things around so Mitch Moses’ return and have won their last two – a 28-6 rout of the Knights on the road, and a rousing 30-10 victory over Manly at home last Friday with stand-in No.7 Dean Hawkins and burgeoning fullback Isaiah Iongi starring.  

Moses and Zac Lomax are set to back up for Parramatta, while Sean Russell move to centre for the injured Will Penisini. Joash Papalii retains a bench spot after tryscoring debut last week.  

Parramatta has proved something of a bogey for Penrith with four wins in six matches in 2022-23 (the Eels two losses were both during the 2022 finals), but the Panthers redressed the balance in 2024 with narrow wins at Penrith (26-18) and CommBank Stadium (36-34). 

The importance of this clash should see Penrith’s rep contingent suit up barring injury – which should be just enough to get the premiers up for their first victory at CommBank in 2025.  

Tip: Back the Panthers to Win by 1-12 Points @ $2.85 

SGM: PANTHERS WIN / OVER 45.5 TOTAL POINTS / IZACK TAGO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / ISAIAH IONGI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $18.48 

The rejuvenated Sydney Roosters and second-placed Canberra Raiders square off in what shapes as the match of the round at Allianz Stadium.  

Putting a 1-4 start behind them, the Roosters have won four of their last six matches. They were run down 24-20 in a thriller against the ladder-leading Bulldogs in Round 11 but produced a stunning 42-16 victory over the in-form Sharks in Gosford despite bearing a heavy representative load.  

Rookie halfback Hugo Savala and the ageless James Tedesco were at the forefront of the shock beatdown. The Roosters should have Origin players Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, Rob Toia and Angus Crichton on deck this week.  

The Raiders have won seven of their last eight, producing arguably their best defensive display of the season to grind out a 16-10 win over the streaking Warriors in a spiteful, wet clash in Auckland last Sunday.  

Joe Tapine stood tall for the Green Machine, while Jamal Fogarty steered the team superbly and outside backs Seb Kris and Savelio Tamale proved a constant handful.  

The Raiders lose Tom Starling to suspension, with Owen Pattie to start at hooker and Danny Levi getting a bench call-up. Hudson Young is set to back up from the Origin opener, which would see Round 12 debutant Noah Martin drop out.  

Since the clubs’ epic 2019 grand final clash, the Raiders have pieced together a four-match winning streak over the Roosters in Sydney – including a 14-12 result at Allianz Stadium in the penultimate round last season. The Roosters won 44-16 in Canberra in Round 12.  

The market can barely split these in-form outfits and the Roosters are a tempting option to improve on a 1-3 record at Allianz in 2025. But the Raiders have won four straight away from Canberra and comparatively light Origin load provides a distinct edge in what should be a fascinating battle.  

Tip: Back the Raiders to Win @ $1.82 

SGM: EITHER SIDE BY 1-10 POINTS / UNDER 47.5 TOTAL POINTS / SEBASTIAN KRIS ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JAMES TEDESCO ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $27.32 

2024

The first Origin-truncated NRL round unfolds this week with a five-match schedule. 

A host of teams are scrambling to field patched-up sides with their rep stars out, while a host of big names return from the casualty ward. 

Parramatta has hit rock-bottom, sacking long-serving coach Brad Arthur and suffering a fifth straight loss in their first match under interim coach Trent Barrett – a 42-26 defeat to similarly embattled South Sydney. 

But there’s respite for the Eels this week with marquee duo Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson returning from lengthy layoffs. 

Will Penisini also returns for the Eels, while rookie sensation Blaize Talagi goes to the bench.

Brendan Hands replaces Joey Lussick at hooker, Joe Ofahengaue starts at lock for Queensland debutant J’Maine Hopgood and Wiremu Greig get an interchange recall. 

Ladder-leading Cronulla is smarting from a 42-0 loss to under-strength Penrith that undid much of the good work achieved in excellent wins over Melbourne and Sydney Roosters. 

Nicho Hynes missed most of the match and the Sharks looked listless on both sides of the ball, now the linchpin is away on Origin duty, along with inspirational forward Cameron McInnes. 

Braydon Trindall has been cleared to play for Cronulla – ideal timing with Hynes unavailable and Jack Williams replaces McInnes at lock, while Toby Rudolf is back from injury. 

The Sharks have won eight of their last 11 against the Eels, including sole clashes in 2022 (30-26) and 2023 (18-16). 

Moses and Gutherson should spark an immediate improvement in the Eels, but it’s hard to get behind them as a $1.75 favourite given the team’s recent dipslays.

The Sharks have a point to prove after last week’s capitulation and will look to grind out a bounce-back – but the under shapes as a better play. 

Tip: Back Under 48.5 Total Points @ $1.90 

SGM: SHARKS WIN / 41-50 TOTAL POINTS / SIONE KATOA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / WILL PENISINI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $64.92 

Newcastle comes off the bye aiming to square the 2024 ledger against Canterbury and plenty has changed since their last meeting just six weeks ago. 

The Knights had won five of their last six against the Bulldogs – including two victories by a combined 108-6 in the space of seven rounds late last season – before being embarrassed 36-12 at Accor Stadium in Round 7 as Kalyn Ponga succumbed to injury. 

That flashpoint paradoxically turned Newcastle’s season around: the Knights have gone on a four-match winning streak since then, beating the Dolphins, Warriors, Tigers and Titans by a converted try or less, with rookie David Armstrong starring at fullback. 

Daniel Saifiti returns from suspension for the Knights, while Krystian Mapapalangi gets a run at centre with Bradman Best out injured. 

The Bulldogs responded to a second-half collapse in a 24-20 Magic Round loss to the Raiders by overrunning the Dragons after the break last Thursday.

Trailing 12-6, Cameron Ciraldo’s side blitzed the tackle-shy Saints with seven unanswered tries in a 44-12 win. 

Axed from the halves last week, Drew Hutchison replaces NSW camp member Matt Burton at five-eighth with Toby Sexton – superb against the Dragons – retaining the halfback duties.

Jacob Kiraz moves to centre with Stephen Crichton in the Blues line-up, giving Blake Wilson a chance on the wing. 

Jacob Preston will start for the injured Viliame Kikau and Kurt Mann returns at lock. 

The Bulldogs have won seven of their last nine in Newcastle, where the Knights have a 3-2 record this season.

Somewhat concerningly, the Bulldogs are winless away from their Accor Stadium and Belmore bases in 2024. 

Canterbury has improved across the board this season, but the impact of losing leaders Crichton, Burton and Kikau will be keenly felt.

Newcastle’s gritty new persona bodes well for a fifth straight victory with a place in the Top 8 at the end of the weekend on the line. 

Tip: Back the Knights to Win by 1-12 Points @ $2.85 

SGM: UNDER 43.5 TOTAL POINTS / BLAKE WILSON ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DAVID ARMSTRONG TO SCORER 2 OR MORE TRIES @ $73.68 

The Origin drain will be keenly felt in this Saturday night showdown, while Penrith and St George Illawarra are coming off starkly different Round 12 experiences. 

Panthers quintet Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo are in the NSW team, replaced by Daine Laurie, Jesse McLean, Brad Schneider, Liam Henry and Lindsay Smith, respectively.

Tren Toelau, Preston Riki, Mavrik Geyer and Tyrone Peachey make up an all-new bench. 

The Dragons also have significant disruptions with Max and Mat Feagai and Sione Finau coming into the backline with Zac Lomax debuting for the Blues and Mikaele Ravalawa and Jack Bird injured.

Jesse Marschke is the No.7 for Ben Hunt and Luciano Leilua starts for recalled Queenslander Jaydn Su’A. 

The Panthers made a huge statement in the wake of their stunning, sloppy 22-20 Magic Round defeat to the Warriors, pumping competition leader Cronulla 42-0. 

Luai, Yeo and Edwards led the way – but the likes of Mitch Kenny, James Fisher-Harris, Smith and Henry also played impressive roles and will be fired up to fill the representative breach for the hosts. 

The Dragons’ inscrutable nature is getting increasingly difficult to get a read on.

Despite some superb wins in an improved campaign under Shane Flanagan, they have now lost three of their last four courtesy of a horrendous 44-12 loss to the Bulldogs last week coming off a bye. 

In one of the most inexcusable defensive displays of the season, the Saints were outscored 38-0 in the second half and offered next to no resistance. 

The Panthers are on a six-match winning streak against the Dragons, though last season’s non-Origin-affected Round 14 clash finished just 26-18 at Penrith. 

Penrith is the $1.35 favourite – a reflection of the premiers’ depth, as well as St George Illawarra’s unreliable form.

The Panthers are well-versed with grafting out wins with a low-profile support cast stepping up to the plate and they should do so again with the Dragons missing their two best. 

Tip: Back the Panthers to Win by 1-12 Points @ $2.90 

SGM: UNDER 45.5 POINTS / PANTHERS WIN / DRAGONS +9.5 / PAUL ALAMOTI ANYTIME TRYSCORER / MOSESE SULI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $105.53 

A vital opportunity for the Dolphins and Canberra to recover from Round 12 disappointment at Kayo Stadium. 

The wind went out of the gallant 6-5 Raiders’ sails after heroic comebacks to beat Manly (26-24) and Canterbury (24-20) either side of the Round 10 bye, crashing 44-16 to a rampant Roosters outfit last Saturday. 

The fourth-placed Dolphins have been making hay against a string of mid to lower-level opposition, but a 24-20 loss to a Warriors side missing 10 first-choice players – after leading 16-6 – was a reality check for Wayne Bennett’s side. 

On the plus side, Herbie Farnworth was a perpetual handful and the Kiwi combination of Kodi Nikorima and Jamayne Isaako continues to flourish on the right edge. 

The Dolphins will have no qualms with Trai Fuller coming back in to replace Queensland star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, while Mark Nicholls starts for Maroons squad member Felise Kaufusi and Anthony Milford joins the bench. 

Josh Papali’i is a big in from suspension for the Raiders, while Ata Mariota starts for Blues back-rower Hudson Young and Simi Sasagi joins the bench. 

The ledger sits one-all between these clubs after two early-2023 clashes.

Tabuai-Fidow scored a late match-winner for the Dolphins to get up 20-14 at Redcliffe, while Jamal Fogarty booted a golden point field goal for a 31-30 result in Wagga Wagga. 

The Dolphins have a 3-1 record at Kayo Stadium, including a 38-0 rout of the Dragons in their only fixture so far in 2024. The Raiders are 3-3 away from Canberra this season. 

But the Raiders hold a fair bit of appeal here: they have won eight of their last 10 coming off a 13-plus defeat, including twice already this season.

It shapes as a cliff-hanger, though, at a crucial juncture of both teams’ seasons. 

Tip: Back the Raiders to Cover the Line (+4.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: EITHER SIDE BY UNDER 6.5 POINTS / UNDER 49.5 TOTAL POINTS / HERBIE FARNWORTH ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JORDAN RAPANA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $41.49 

North Queensland grabbed a scratchy win over a cellar dweller last week to ease some pressure, but now they run the Origin gauntlet – beginning with an away assignment against a heavyweight captained by a NSW discard with plenty to prove. 

Val Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Robson, Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter will all be required for game one, which sees Tom Chester, Braidon Burns, Jake Clifford, Jake Granville, Thomas Mikaele and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki come into the Cowboys’ starting line-up. 

The Cowboys have held off the two bottom-placed teams in the past fortnight – Souths (28-22) and Wests Tigers (42-28) – after losing their previous five. 

Chad Townsend was a standout among their non-Origin contingent against the Tigers, but defensively the Cowboys remain well short of the mark: the least points they have conceded in 2024 was 18 back in Round 1. 

The Roosters shoulder an Origin load, too, with Joseph Sua’ali’i replaced by Junior Pauga, Terrell May and Nat Butcher starting in the pack for Lindsay Collins and Angus Crichton, Egan Butcher joining the bench for Spencer Leniu. 

Luke Keary looks set to be released from camp, while all eyes will be on dumped Blues legend James Tedesco, who was in scintillating touch in Saturday’s 44-16 romp in Canberra. 

Joey Manu and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves were also in a mood as the Roosters climbed to fifth with their fourth win in five games, responding well to losing a Magic Round thriller to the Sharks. 

The Cowboys produced a 20-6 upset of the Roosters in Magic Round last year to snap a five-match losing run in the rivalry, while the Roosters have only lost to the Cowboys once in Sydney since 2010. 

The Roosters have scored 98 points in their last two matches at Allianz Stadium, while the Cowboys are 3-8 outside Queensland since the start of 2023.

The comparative calibre of the teams’ Origin fill-ins should ensure a comfortable Tricolours victory at home. 

Tip: Back the Roosters to Score Over 35.5 Points @ $1.85 

SGM: ROOSTERS -19.5 / JAMES TEDESCO TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES / DOMINIC YOUNG TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES / SCOTT DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $53.71 

2023

State of Origin makes its impact on the 2023 NRL premiership in earnest this weekend, with several teams significantly affected during a reduced five-game schedule. 

Check out the line-up changes and where the value lies in Round 13. 

St George Illawarra has already inflicted one of the few disappointments on the Dolphins’ debut campaign, carving out a 38-12 win in Wollongong in Round 5. 

Plenty’s changed at the Dragons since, but the club hits this week on a high after a stunning last-gasp victory over the Roosters just three days after coach Anthony Griffin’s sacking.

Despite that result, the 3-8 Saints dropped to last on the NRL ladder. 

The 6-5 Dolphins held onto sixth spot despite their 24-16 loss to Melbourne coming off the bye.

Encouragingly, the sloppy and ill-disciplined Dolphins finished the game strongly when it threatened to get out of hand at 24-4 down. 

Both players are missing three players from last week. 

The Dolphins have Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Gilbert on Origin duty, while certain Queensland pick Felise Kaufusi copped another suspension.

Kodi Nikorima is the surprise fullback choice, with Anthony Milford to start at five-eighth. Mason Teague and Valynce Te Whare join the bench. 

The Dragons lose Ben Hunt to the Maroons, with Jayden Sullivan slotting in at halfback and Moses Mbye returning on the bench.

Forward duo Blake Lawrie and Jaydn Su’a are out injured, but Jack Bird is back and Michael Molo gets a call-up. 

With the rivals impacted similarly personnel-wise, the Dolphins have to be favoured to get the job done in their second game at Redcliffe, though they look a little short at $1.48. 

The emotion of Griffin’s exit will have subsided – and galvanised but struggling teams that get their interim coach a debut win overwhelmingly struggle to back it up the following week. 

Tip: Back the Dolphins to Win by 1-12 @ $2.80 

SGM: OVER 43.5 POINTS / JAMAYNE ISAAKO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / MIKAELE RAVALAWA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / CONNELLY LEMUELU ANYTIME TRYSCORER / ZAC LOMAX ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $44.94 

North Queensland heads back to Sydney again just six days after one of the most harrowing defeats in the club’s history.

Seemingly reviving their campaign with convincing wins over the Roosters and Dragons, the Cowboys achieved instant infamy via a 66-18 thrashing from last-placed Wests Tigers. 

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are without Maroons quartet Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter, Valentine Holmes and Tom Dearden.

Centre Zac Laybutt and winger Robert Derby make their NRL debuts, Ben Hampton slots in at five-eighth and Griffin Neame and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown return on the bench. 

Parramatta, meanwhile, produced a stunning 36-16 upset of streaking bogey team South Sydney last Friday.

It was the Eels at their best – seen all too infrequently in 2023 – as Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown shone off the 400-metre-plus platform laid by Junior Paulo and Wiremu Greig. 

But the Eels have several enforced engine-room changes this week. 

On top of Paulo’s NSW duties, Parramatta’s pack has been hit by injuries to Ryan Matterson and Andrew Davey.

Midyear recruit Joe Ofahengaue comes straight into the line-up, while Matt Doorey is recalled and Luca Moretti is set to debut off the bench. 

Recent results and Origin absentees take the gloss off the preliminary final rematch narrative.

Parramatta’s comeback 24-20 win in Townsville last September to snag a grand final spot was their third in four games against the Cowboys and atoned for a 35-4 loss in Darwin earlier in 2022. 

The teams’ performances could not have been more disparate last week. 

The Cowboys do have an opportunity to get the jump on a depleted Eels pack, but their backline changes make any potential advantage difficult to capitalise on and the blue-and-golds’ depth looks adequate enough to chalk up back-to-back wins for just the second time this season. 

Tip: Back the Eels to Win by 11-20 @ $3.25 

SGM: EELS -14.5 / OVER 45.5 POINTS / DYLAN BROWN ANYTIME TRYSCORER / WILL PENISI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $13.70 

The Warriors will play in Napier for the first time, taking their home game against the depleted Brisbane Broncos to the central North Island city as they look to may hay during the State of Origin period. 

The Warriors put an 11-day, three-game minefield that resulted in tough, controversial losses to the Storm, Roosters and Panthers behind them with a comfortable 24-12 win over the Bulldogs in Sydney before last weekend’s bye. 

Shaun Johnson’s immaculate kicking game, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s stability at fullback and powerful engine-room displays from Addin Fonua-Blake and Tohu Harris were the difference in an otherwise clunky attacking performance. 

The Origin interruption takes some attention away from the fact the former competition-leading Broncos have lost three of their last four, going down 24-16 in Melbourne and 15-4 at home to Penrith in the last two rounds. 

The Broncos are contributing five players to the Origin opener: Reece Walsh (denying a mouth-watering clash with his former club), Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo and Thomas Flegler.

Tristan Sailor will make his club debut at fullback, while Deine Mariner comes onto the wing. 

Starting prop Keenan Palaisa and interchange pair Brendan Piakura and Xavier Willison are the new forwards.

Meanwhile, Kurt Capewell has been named despite an injury concern reportedly being behind his Origin omission and Adam Reynolds returns from a head knock. 

The Warriors’ tough run of injury luck continues with Wayde Egan and Dylan Walker ruled out.

Bayley Sironen and Demitric Sifakula come onto the bench, while livewire Luke Metcalf comes in for a club debut at five-eighth. 

The Broncos have won their last two against the Warriors in New Zealand, but the Warriors have a strong record of beating up on Origin-depleted Broncos sides – racking up 18-point home wins in 2016-17, as well as a memorable 56-18 victory at Suncorp in 2013. 

The Warriors prevailed 20-6 at Redcliffe in their sole meeting last year. Meanwhile, Andrew Webster’s side chipped away at a notoriously poor record at alternate New Zealand venues with a Round 1 win over Newcastle in Wellington. 

The key for the Warriors is getting on top during Addin Fonua-Blake’s opening stint against a Broncos pack down on their three best middle forwards. 

If the visitors can weather the early storm they’re a big chance – and there are a couple of favourable match-ups out wide for the Broncos – but if Johnson gets a decent platform he’ll steer the Warriors home. 

Tip: Back the Warriors to Cover the Line (-7.5) @ $1.87 

SGM: WARRIORS WIN / UNDER 43.5 POINTS / MARCELO MONTOYA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / HERBIE FARNWORTH ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $22.76 

Looking likely to head into the Origin period with the outright competition lead on a seven-match winning streak, South Sydney received a rude awakening courtesy of a 36-16 loss to Parramatta last Friday. 

It was the type of flaky performance that plagued the Rabbitohs at times in 2022, Latrell Mitchell and co. struggling to get into the game as the Eels’ middle forwards overran their counterparts. 

Canberra heads into Round 13 on the back of remarkably similar circumstances.

With a share of the premiership lead seemingly at their mercy, the Raiders’ five-game tear was halted abruptly by a dismal 42-14 home loss to Manly that few saw coming. 

Souths are missing NSW duo Mitchell and Cameron Murray, and Queensland forward Jai Arrow. Blake Taaffe will fill in at fullback, while Shaquai Mitchell and Tallis Duncan have been named on the bench. 

Campbell Graham has been named at centre, despite withdrawing as the Blues’ 18th man due to a sternum complaint and Richie Kennar is waiting in the wings as a potential replacement. 

Hudson Young is set to make NSW debut and Elliott Whitehead is out suspended, necessitating a second-row of Corey Horsburgh and the recalled Corey Harawira-Naera in a reshuffled Raiders pack.

Nick Cotric is named to return on the bench, while Zac Woolford bumps Danny Levi out of the 17. 

Canberra has won seven of its last 10 against Souths and each of the last three clashes at Accor Stadium.

The Raiders cruised to a 32-12 win over a Rabbitohs side missing Mitchell and Murray in the teams’ only 2022 meeting in Dubbo. 

This is a tough one to get a read on. Despite both teams missing key players, expect a vastly improved defensive effort from the rejigged combatants, whose excellent forward depth comes to the fore this week.

The onus is on Cody Walker with the mercurial Mitchell out. 

Tip: Back Either Team to Win by Less than 10.5 Points @ $1.83 

SGM: ALTERNATE HANDICAP RAIDERS +7.5 / UNDER 43.5 POINTS / CODY WALKER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JORDAN RAPANA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $11.83 

Overlooked Maroons duo Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai will have plenty to prove as Newcastle Knights aim to take advantage of the Origin drain when they host Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon. 

After being dumped as Queensland’s No.1, Ponga will revert to fullback for Newcastle at the expense of Lachie Miller, with Tyson Gamble to start at five-eighth.

Jack Johns comes into the second-row for recalled NSW veteran Tyson Frizell. 

Following their exhilarating, Ponga-led 46-26 home win over the Titans, the Knights were outplayed 26-6 by the Sharks in Coffs Harbour – with Connor Tracey’s domination of Gagai one of the glaring aspects of a disappointing performance. 

Manly turned a horrid three-game slide around with a stunning 42-14 upset in Canberra on the back of a rejuvenated Tom Trbojevic and Josh Schuster, staying within a point of the Top 8. 

The Sea Eagles are without Queensland captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, while all three Trbojevics are unavailable: Tom is the NSW side, certain Blues selection Jake has a calf complaint and Ben is also injured. 

Kaeo Weekes goes to fullback, Cooper Johns will play halfback, Toafofoa Sipley comes straight in at prop and Christian Tuipolotu joins the bench. 

The teams played out a remarkable 32-all golden point draw in Mudgee in Round 5 after Manly had won both encounters last season by 24-plus margins. 

The Sea Eagles’ line-up changes shapes as an insurmountable hurdle, however, and there looks to be a massive leadership void with DCE, Jake and ‘Turbo’ out.

Expect a big game from Ponga back in arguably his best position. 

Tip: Back the Knights to Cover the Line (-9.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: KNIGHTS WIN / OVER 44.5 POINTS / KALYN PONGA TO SCORE 2 OR MORE TRIES / BRADMAN BEST ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $21.58