Ben Hunt is set to make his return to the starting line-up for the Brisbane Broncos after nearly two months away due to a hamstring injury sustained during a match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 10. His comeback is a significant uplift for the Broncos’ aspirations in the premiership race.
Hunt’s reinstatement means that coach Michael Maguire can finally assemble his preferred starting spine, alongside Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, and Reece Walsh all named to play together. With Hunt wearing the No.9 jersey, Cory Paix has been moved to the extended reserves, while Billy Walters secures a position in the 17.
In other team news, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo continues to back Matt Burton and Toby Sexton as the starting halves for his side. For the Panthers, their State of Origin representatives are listed in the extended squad, adding depth to their lineup.
Match previews for the upcoming weekend include several key fixtures.
Friday’s Matches:
- Cronulla Sharks vs. Dolphins, Shark Stadium at 8pm
- Sharks Starting Line-up: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, and others.
- Dolphins Starting Line-up: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Max Feagai, and more.
Saturday’s Matches:
- Newcastle Knights vs. Melbourne Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium, 3pm
- Knights: Fletcher Hunt, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, etc.
- Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Grant Anderson, Joe Chan, among others.
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney Roosters at Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm
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Dragons feature players like Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook, while Roosters includes James Tedesco.
- North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canterbury Bulldogs at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm
- Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Jordan McLean, etc.
- Bulldogs: Connor Tracey, Matt Burton, and more.
Sunday’s Matches:
- Warriors vs. Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium, 2pm
- Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and others.
- Tigers: Sunia Turuva, Adam Doueihi, etc.
- Parramatta Eels vs. Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium, 4.05pm
- Eels: Isaiah Iongi, Dylan Brown, etc.
- Panthers: Nathan Cleary and Izack Tago, among others.
Lastly, Gold Coast Titans will host Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, 6.15pm. The Titans will look to make a statement against the returning Broncos, hungry for victory. The weekend’s matches promise to deliver exciting NRL action, featuring multiple teams fighting for crucial points as the season progresses. Teams on a bye include the Rabbitohs, Raiders, and Sea Eagles.