Following the completion of the sixth round of the 2025 NRL season, several teams will look to change up their team, while others will enter Round 7 with the exact same line-up.
Lachlan Croker (Manly Sea Eagles), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Dodd (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Matt Burton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are just a few players who are set to be available for selection heading into Round 7.
However, while some return, the likes of Christian Tuipulotu (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand Warriors), Jayden Sullivan (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters) have been ruled out for this week.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Coming off the bye, the Bulldogs have received a massive boost with Matt Burton confirmed to be returning but will be without Harry Hayes for the Good Friday clash, freeing up a spot on the interchange bench.
While Buton will return to the field, Viliame Kikau is still recovering from a Grade Two MCL tear and is cautious about his knee.
This could potentially see him returning in Round 8 rather than next week.
โMe and Burto took the field last Sunday for our first run, I need to run again today [Tuesday], and we'll see how stable the knee is,โ Kikau told The Sydney Morning Herald.
โI still need to keep coming in to tick a few boxes. There really is no need to rush back because the boys have been playing well.
โI'm taking my time to make sure the knee gets all the treatment it needs. The boys are back Sunday, but even then I won't do full contact.โ
Sitili Tupouniua (suspension) will also make his return from a one-mach ban.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 17. Jaeman Salmon
Will Lewis Dodd play his first game?
Yet to play in the NRL, Zero Tackle understands that Dodd is framing up to appear in his first match on Good Friday after Jayden Sullivan was hit with a one-match suspension and Cody Walker (hamstring) and Jamie Humphreys (hamstring) remain sidelined.
Front-rower Sean Keppie is also facing a one-match suspension for a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle.
Returning through the NSW Cup last week, Josh Schuster is set to remain in reserve grade, given Wayne Bennett's tendencies not to force any players back onto the field earlier than necessary.
The same can be said for winger Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and centre Campbell Graham (calf) who are recovering from their respective injuries - the latter has a higher possibility of returning.
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Euan Aitken 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Liam Le Blanc
