NRL Team Lists Round 2

Ben Harris

NRL, NRL Team Lists, NRL Tips

13 March 2025

Official team lists for Round 2 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership.

NRL Team Lists: Round 2

Knights

• Good news: Veteran back-rower Adam Elliott returns to the side after missing Round 1.
• Elliott takes a spot on the bench, replacing Brodie Jones, who shifts to 18th man.
• Coach Adam O’Brien makes no other changes following an encouraging win against the Wests Tigers.

Dolphins

• Injuries bring some changes: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (concussion protocols) and Connelly Lemuelu (fractured eye socket) are both out.
• Oryn Keeley steps up from 18th man into the starting back-row position.
• Mark Nicholls returns on the bench after missing last week’s match to remain in Queensland with his family during the cyclone.
• Kodi Nikorima moves back into the starting side at five-eighth, pushing Sean O’Sullivan to the reserves.

Warriors

• Coach Andrew Webster has backed the same 17 players who faced the Raiders in Vegas.
• Playmaker Te Maire Martin is listed in the reserves.
• Sam Healey takes the role of 18th man.

Sea Eagles

• Just one change from last week’s dominant win over the Cowboys.
• Josh Aloiai replaces Siosiua Taukeiaho (knee injury) in the front row.
• The bench stays consistent with Jake Simpkin, Corey Waddell, Ethan Bullemor, and recent tryscorer Toafofoa Sipley all included.
• Clayton Faulalo is named as 18th man.

Panthers

• Great news: Star winger Brian To’o returns from a hamstring injury for his first game this season.
• Paul Alamoti shifts into the centres, and Luke Garner moves back to the bench.
• Kiwi winger Casey McLean has recovered from a Round 1 head knock and returns to action.
• Garner’s return to the bench sees Luron Patea move into the reserves.
• Liam Henry, nearing a comeback from a shoulder injury, is also listed among the reserves.

Roosters

• Victor Radley (concussion protocols) is sidelined this week.
• Salesi Foketi, who debuted last week, steps up into the starting lock position.
• Former Eel Makahesi Makatoa joins the bench.
• Billy Smith has successfully rehabbed from hip and ankle injuries and is included among the reserves.
• Hugo Savala remains the team’s 18th man.
• Good news ahead: Star forward Spencer Leniu returns from suspension next week (Round 3).

Dragons

• Big boost for the Dragons: Experienced prop Blake Lawrie is back from a hamstring injury and joins the bench.
• Lawrie replaces Ryan Couchman, who unfortunately suffered an ACL injury.
• Tyrell Sloan and Loko Pasifiki Tonga are named in the reserves.
• Dylan Egan retains the 18th man spot.

Rabbitohs

• Fletcher Myers steps into the centre position, replacing Jack Wighton who is suspended.
• Exciting news: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape will make his NRL debut on the wing, filling in for Tyrone Munro (collarbone injury).
• English playmaker Lewis Dodd returns from suspension and is named among the reserves alongside experienced forward Jacob Host.

Cowboys

• Exciting news: Jason Taumalolo is nearing his return from a Lisfranc injury and is named among the reserves.
• Jake Clifford (hernia) is included as 18th man.
• Coach Todd Payten has made a big call: Jeremiah Nanai is omitted, replaced by Kai O’Donnell in the back row.
• After three successful years in England with Leigh Leopards, O’Donnell is set for his first NRL game since 2020.

Sharks

• Coach Craig Fitzgibbon sticks with the same 17 players who put in a strong effort against the Panthers in Vegas, despite the 28-22 loss.
• Mawene Hiroti and Billy Burns are named among the reserves.
• Tuku Hau Tapahu remains as 18th man.

Raiders

• Coach Ricky Stuart has shuffled the pack due to Joe Tapine’s suspension.
• Josh Papalii moves up to prop, with Morgan Smithies starting at lock.
• English forward Matty Nicholson joins the bench.
• Albert Hopoate replaces Xavier Savage on the wing, who is serving a one-game suspension.
• Danny Levi fills the role of 18th man.

Broncos

• Coach Michael Maguire sticks with the same winning 17 for their trip to Canberra.
• Jock Madden has recovered from a hamstring injury and is listed in the extended squad.
• Tyson Smoothy continues as 18th man.

Eels

• Shaun Lane returns from a knee injury, replacing Kelma Tuilagi in the back row–a welcome boost for the team.
• Exciting debut: Former Bulldog Jordan Samrani starts on the wing, stepping in for Jake Tago.
• Another former Bulldog, Kitione Kautoga, joins the bench, replacing Charlie Guymer.

Wests Tigers

• Big boost: Captain Api Koroisau returns from suspension.
• Jahream Bula (shoulder) and centre Star To’a are also back and ready to play.
• Tristan Hope, who debuted last week, and Solomona Faataape are included in the reserves.

Bulldogs

• Josh Curran returns after serving a one-match suspension and takes a spot on the bench.
• Curran replaces Harry Hayes, who shifts to 18th man.
• Kurt Mann is again named to start at lock, but a late swap with Jaeman Salmon (as seen last week) could happen again before kick-off.

Titans

• Coach Des Hasler’s first lineup for 2026 has plenty to be excited about!
• Star recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard returns from a shoulder injury, lining up in the front row alongside Moe Fotuaika.
• Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui makes a long-awaited return at lock, playing his first NRL game since rupturing his ACL early last season.
• AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell form the halves pairing, continuing their promising combination from the final trial game.
• David Fifita and Jaimin Jolliffe will add impact off the bench, joined by hooker Chris Randall and former Rabbitoh Brock Gray, who impressively earned his spot after a strong career in NSW Cup.