Triple Souths blow, Origin stars return and Penrith set to make several changes: NRL Team Talk: Round 6

Following the completion of the fifth round of the 2025 NRL season, several teams will look to change up their team, while others will enter Round 6 with the exact same line-up.

Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), Will Warbrick (Melbourne Storm), Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers) and Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys) are just a few players who are set to be available for selection heading into Round 6.

However, while some return, the likes of Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Corey Waddell (Manly Sea Eagles), Brendan Piakura (Brisbane Broncos) and Jack Cole (Penrith Panthers) have been ruled out for this week.

The Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers

The Dolphins

After securing their first victory of the 2025 NRL season, Kristian Woolf is only expected to make one change, with Ray Stone facing a stint on the sidelines due to a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle charge.

However, the side will receive a massive boost as Tom Gilbert makes his return from suspension.

Speaking after Friday night's match against the Cowboys, Ivan Cleary confirmed that Dylan Edwards (groin) and Scott Sorensen (concussion) will return in Round 6.

Meanwhile, Mitch Kenny (shoulder) and Luke Garner (hamstring) are in serious doubt to take to the field this week with Luke Sommerton being pulled from the NSW Cup on Saturday to ensure he will be available and fit for selection.

Jack Cole (concussion) will also be replaced by Blaize Talagi as he faces a short stint on the sidelines due to the NRL's mandatory 11-day stand-down period.

Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Tom Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Matthew Eisenhuth

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans

St George Illawarra Dragons

Although they lost in golden point to the Parramatta Eels last weekend, Shane Flanagan is unlikely to make any changes to the team.

Emre Guler (suspension) is still unavailable for selection until at least Round 8.

Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters

Brisbane Broncos

Facing 2-3 matches on the sidelines after being charged with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle charge by the Match Review Committee (MRC), Brendan Piakura (concussion) will also undergo the NRL's mandatory 11-day stand-down period after suffering a head knock.

In other news, halfback Adam Reynolds (hamstring) confirmed that he will undergo scans but it's hard to imagine the Broncos rising him against the Roosters and will be replaced by either Jock Madden or Josh Rogers.

However, the club has since provided an official update on the veteran halfback, revealing that scans have cleared him to be available for selection this week.

Sydney Roosters

Coming off another disappointing defeat, Trent Robinson and his side are set to suffer even more this week after the club confirmed that Lindsay Collins will spend six weeks on the sidelines with an injury.

Zero Tackle understands that halfback Chad Townsend may also move out of the side after Hugo Savala was rested from competing in the NSW Cup and is a chance to accompany Sandon Smith in the halves.

Per reports from News Corp, Mark Nawaqanitawase (calf) will make his return to the side with Dominic Young the player likely to make way.

Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks will receive a double boost with Siosifa Talakai (concussion) and Teig Wilton (illness) returning to the line-up after missing last week's match.

A late withdrawal from last week's clash, Wilton will come in for Billy Burns.

Meanwhile, Talakai is likely to take Mawene Hiroti's spot in the centres despite coming off the interchange bench in all his matches this season.

Two changes are expected to be made for the Northern Beaches side with Jason Saab (ankle) and Corey Waddell (suspension) to make their way out of the line-up.

“I think [Jason] Saab has a high ankle sprain. They tell me it's minor, but I don't know whether he will be available next week or not which will be disappointing for us and for Saab because he has had a pretty fair start to the season," coach Anthony Seibold said.

“No, it's the other one. They tell me it's not too bad.”

With Tommy Talau still sidelined until at least Round 11, Aaron Schoupp and Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega will contend for the vacant spot on the wing.

At the same time, Josh Aloiai (shoulder) will replace Waddell.

Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are set for a massive shake-up to their team after the club confirmed that Cody Walker (hamstring), Jamie Humphreys (hamstring) and Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) all sustained injuries and will be unavailable for Round 6.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Lewis Dodd was absent from the club's Monday training session, with Latrell Mitchell training in the halves alongside Jayden Sullivan.

The publication also reports that winger Alex Johnson trained with the main group on Monday and is expected to be selected this week for Round 6.

Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Fletcher Myers 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Tevita Tatola

North Queensland Cowboys

After claiming an upset victory against the Penrith Panthers, the Cowboys will receive Reuben Cotter (illness) back after he was a late omission and is expected to be the only change made.

Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders

Parramatta Eels

Coming off his first victory as an NRL head coach, Jason Ryles and the Parramatta Eels will enter Round 6 filled with confidence but may decide to change their line-up.

In a late change to the team last week, Ryles surprised everyone by putting J'maine Hopgood in the dummy-half role to start the match despite him primarily being a lock forward.

The Eels will be sweating on the availability of Brendan Hands, who will likely enter the side if available with Ryley Smith keeping his role of coming off the interchange bench.

Matt Doorey (hip) is another option to enter the team as he returns from injury after spending the season's early weeks on the interchange bench.

Canberra Raiders

Another win for the Raiders will see Ricky Stuart remain unchanged heading into Round 6, with no injuries or suspensions sustained last week.

Zac Hosking (hand) is set to make his return from injury either in the following week or be held back until Round 8.

Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors

Melbourne Storm

The Storm will receive a double boost this weekend with Nelson Asofa-Solomona (concussion) and Will Warbrick (concussion) returning to the team.

Former Rugby Sevens player Moses Leo will drop out after making his NRL first-grade debut and so will Bronson Garlick.

New Zealand Warriors

After having the bye in Round 5, the Warriors are only set to make one change with Rocco Berry (concussion) making his way back into the team, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck still sits on the sidelines with an injury.

Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers

Newcastle Knights

Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien will be forced into at least three changes for Round 6 after confirming that James Schiller (concussion), Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) will be unavailable for selection this week.

Jack Cogger (dislocated finger) is also set to miss the game now, with reports suggesting he needs surgery.

O'Brien was hopeful Cogger would be fit, but is expecting Tyson Gamble to make his return. Jackson Hastings would be the other likely option.

Brodie Jones will come in as one of the replacements, while Knights fans may get their first look at cross-code recruit Taj Annan to play on the wing.

Wests Tigers

The only change coach Benji Marshall will be forced into this week is Latu Fainu (concussion) being unable to play. However, the youngster will be replaced by four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai who makes his return from injury.

With the club yet to provide a confirmed return timeline for winger Jeral Skelton and back-rower Samuela Fainu, they are likely to be sweating on their availability for this weekend.