NRL Round Seven Predicted Line-ups: Injury Woes Mount for Broncos and Eels; Bunnies Consider Fullback Alternatives with Jye Gray Unavailable

The injury crisis has hit several NRL teams hard, necessitating fresh faces as they prepare for this weekend’s matches.

The Broncos are already missing Ben Hunt and Reece Walsh, and they’re now grappling with the challenge of fielding a complete squad by Tuesday afternoon.

Parramatta’s nightmare season took another turn for the worse in round six, and the Panthers not only suffered their first defeat but also lost a key State of Origin player in the process.

In contrast, the Knights have received some good news, with their high-profile $1.4 million recruit poised to make his comeback after nursing an injury for over a month.

Wide World of Sports brings you the early insights ahead of round seven.

THURSDAY

North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles, QCB Stadium (7:50pm)

Jake Trbojevic had to leave with this eye injury. Fox League

Predicted Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tom Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matt Lodge 18. Mason Barber 19. Robert Derby

Cowboys team updates: Murray Taulagi (concussion) will miss at least a week, with Braidon Burns (ankle) set to step in as the likely replacement. Keep an eye on Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder), as he nears a comeback from injury.

Predicted Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Paul Bryan 19. Clayton Faulalo

Sea Eagles team updates: Jake Trbojevic (eye) suffered a severe facial injury, leading to considerable swelling last weekend which has cast doubt on his participation, although he has stated to The Sydney Morning Herald that he expects to be fit for the match. Siosiua Taukeiaho (calf) is closing in on rejoining the team.

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FRIDAY

Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm, GIO Stadium (6pm)

Craig Bellamy, head coach of the Storm. Getty

Predicted Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Seb Kris 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy

Raiders team updates: No alterations are expected after their recent victory against South Sydney.

Predicted Storm team: 1. Sua Faalogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Manaia Waitere 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Cooper Clarke 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Davvy Moale 18. Lazarus Vaalepu 19. Joe Chan

Storm team updates: Expect several changes following a fourth consecutive defeat. Joe Chan was removed from the field during the loss to the Warriors and may be replaced, potentially by a returning Shawn Blore. Young outside back Manaia Waitere could join the starting lineup, while Hugo Peel is nearing his NRL debut.

Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers, TIO Stadium, Darwin (8pm)

Predicted Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Tom Flegler 16. Ray Stone 17. Francis Molo 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Trai Fuller

Dolphins team updates: Despite a recent thrashing followed by a bye, no changes have been announced. Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) is still a week or two away from returning.

Predicted Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Tom Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Sione Fonua

Panthers team updates: Liam Martin (knee) is set for a stint on the sidelines, likely giving Scott Sorensen the chance to start in the back-row and Liam Henry a spot on the bench. Izack Tago is expected to return for his first NRL match of the season, particularly as center Casey McLean (suspension) will miss a week due to a high tackle.

SATURDAY

New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans, Go Media Stadium (3pm)

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Tanah Boyd of the Warriors with the ball during the round three NRL match between Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium, on March 21, 2026, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images) — Tanah Boyd. Getty

Predicted Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Marata Niukore 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 19. Luke Hanson

Warriors team updates: Tanah Boyd and Tanner Stowers-Smith both sustained hamstring injuries last weekend and could be doubtful for the match. Luke Hanson might step in at halfback, as Luke Metcalf (hamstring) and Te Maire Martin (leg) remain unavailable. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck) and Kurt Capewell (calf) are both in contention for a return as the Warriors aim to build on their impressive victory against the Storm.

Predicted Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Kurtis Morrin 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Oliver Pascoe 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Klese Haas 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Zane Harrison

Titans team updates: Following a significant win against the Eels, no major changes are expected, with forwards Josh Patston (suspension) and Klese Haas (leg) remaining possibilities for a return.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Accor Stadium (5:30pm)

Matt Dufty in action against the Dragons during the Charity Shield. NRL Images

Predicted Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Ed Kosi 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Edward Kosi

Rabbitohs team updates: Jye Gray (shoulder) left the field with an AC joint injury and is likely to be sidelined. Coach Wayne Bennett has several options for the fullback role – Latrell Mitchell could shift positions, Campbell Graham may move to centre, or Matt Dufty could finally make his NRL debut. However, he would need an upgraded contract to play. No other changes are expected following a narrow defeat to the Raiders.

Predicted Dragons team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mat Feagai 3. David Fale 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Hame Sele 18. Kade Reed 19. Hayden Buchanan

Dragons team updates: Moses Suli (facial fracture) and Christian Tuipulotu (knee) are both ruled out, with David Fale and Mat Feagai likely to take their places in the backline. Coach Shane Flanagan could consider other adjustments, especially after a massive win from the club’s reserve grade side last weekend, where players like Jacob Halangahu and Kade Reed stood out. Dylan Egan (ACL) is still a week or two away from returning, while Ryan Couchman (suspension) remains unavailable.

Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos, Campbelltown Sports Stadium (7:35pm)

Jarome Luai left nursing a knee injury in round three. NRL Images

Predicted Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Patrick Herbert 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Jock Madden 19. Tony Sukkar

Tigers team updates: Jarome Luai (knee) is anticipated to make his return from injury, which would likely see Jock Madden move to the bench. Young winger Tino Tavana (hamstring) was a last-minute withdrawal in round six and may also remain unavailable.

Predicted Broncos team: 1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cameron Bukowski 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Ben Talty 14. Josh Rogers 15. Xavier Willison 16. Jaiyden Hunt 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Hayze Perham 19. Antonio Verhoeven

Broncos team updates: A devastating situation for the champions, with hookers Blake Mozer (jaw) and Cory Paix (concussion) both unavailable. This opens the door for Cameron Bukowski to potentially make his debut in the No.9 jersey. Patrick Carrigan (suspension) is also out after a high tackle on the Cowboys; thus, Ben Talty is likely to start at lock. Adam Reynolds (groin) might still be on the wider squad, but Aublix Tawha is ruled out after a concussive incident in reserve grade.

SUNDAY

Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights, Allianz Stadium (2pm)

Predicted Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 4. Rob Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau

Roosters team updates: No alterations are anticipated following a comeback victory over Cronulla.

Predicted Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dom Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mat Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Cody Hopwood

Knights team updates: Dylan Brown (knee) is likely to return, pushing Fletcher Sharpe back to fullback and Fletcher Hunt to the centre position. Tyson Frizell (ribs) might not play after experiencing discomfort during last Sunday’s loss to the Tigers.

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs, CommBank Stadium (4:05pm)

Kelma Tuilagi will miss out this week. NRL Images

Predicted Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Sean Russell 3. Will Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Charlie Guymer 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Jezaiah Funa-Iuta 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jack de Belin 17. Teancum Brown 18. Araz Nanva 19. Lorenzo Talataina

Eels team updates: The situation worsens for the Eels, with both Kelma Tuilagi and Sam Tuivati sidelined due to concussion, and Kitione Kautoga (knee) is expected to be out with an MCL strain. Charlie Guymer is likely to step in at front-row as Jack Williams shifts to the edge, with Jezaiah Funa-Iuta possibly getting a call-up in the second-row. Sean Russell is set to return on the wing after recovering from a concussion.

Predicted Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Sitili Tupouniua 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Jake Turpin 19. Logan Spinks 20. Jethro Rinakama

Bulldogs team updates: Max King (jaw) will be out for at least a month, likely allowing Sitili Tupouniua to step in at prop.

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NRL Round Seven Predicted Line-ups: Injury Woes Mount for Broncos and Eels; Bunnies Consider Fullback Alternatives with Jye Gray Unavailable

The injury crisis has hit several NRL clubs hard, prompting desperate calls for reinforcements as teams prepare for this weekend’s fixtures.

The Brisbane Broncos are already managing without Ben Hunt and Reece Walsh, and they now face the challenge of filling a complete roster by Tuesday afternoon.

Parramatta’s disastrous season took another downturn in round six, while the Panthers not only tasted defeat for the first time this season but also lost one of their key State of Origin players.

On a brighter note, the Knights anticipate the return of their high-profile signing, expected to make his comeback after over a month out due to injury.

Wide World of Sports has gathered all the early insights ahead of round seven.