Ben Hunt

The opening week of the State of Origin period is reshaping Round 13 of the NRL premiership, with key playmakers and representative forwards set to determine not only match results but also how clubs navigate a demanding section of the calendar.

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles is managing a deepening injury list after halfback Mitchell Moses suffered a hamstring strain at New South Wales training. The issue has ruled Moses out of Origin I but indications are that it is a minor tear, leaving open the possibility he could yet feature for the Eels if the club’s medical staff clear him closer to kick-off.

That calculation sits at the heart of Parramatta’s season. As a senior organiser and primary kicker, Moses shapes the Eels’ attacking structure. Any decision on whether he backs up, or is held back for longer-term protection, will feed directly into the club’s ability to stabilise performances through the Origin block, a period that routinely tests squad depth and load management across the competition.

Elsewhere, Brisbane are hopeful of regaining a frontline middle forward as they try to halt a losing run, while the Warriors are preparing to push on without one of the club’s modern icons after confirmation of a season-ending knee injury. For the New Zealand side, the loss goes beyond on-field production, removing a senior voice from a squad that has been pushing into the NRL’s upper tier.

For Sydney, a long-serving Roosters winger faces a short stint on the sidelines with a calf issue, delaying an approaching 300-game milestone and forcing a reconfiguration of the club’s back five. That adjustment underscores how individual injury timelines can interact with positional depth and veteran workload across the season.

Round 13 sits under the formal competition and eligibility settings overseen by the Australian Rugby League Commission and NRL administration, which govern scheduling, player movement and Origin availability. As clubs weigh whether to rest or recall stars, they are operating within a framework that balances broadcast commitments, welfare considerations and the integrity of both club and interstate contests.

Across the weekend, several match-ups will be shaped by how clubs respond to those constraints and opportunities, from Cronulla’s continuity in the pack to Brisbane’s hopes of reinforcing their middle rotation and Penrith’s management of a heavy Origin representation.

FRIDAY MAY 29

Cronulla Sharks vs. Manly Sea Eagles at Ocean Protect Stadium, 8pm AEST

Round 11 Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 18. Hohepa Puru 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Jayden Berrell 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Billy Burns 18. Thomas Hazelton 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Team outlook: Cronulla enter Round 13 without any compulsory changes through injury or suspension and retain the option of strengthening their spine and middle rotation further. Skipper Blayke Brailey and front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake are both in line to return, with Brailey considered the more likely inclusion.

If Brailey is cleared, his inclusion at hooker would logically push Hohepa Puru down the rotation despite his strong Round 11 impact. That would leave Jayden Berrell most at risk of slipping out of the 17. For Cronulla, the decision is not simply about form but about balancing short-term momentum against workload and minute management in a period where multiple clubs are heavily affected by Origin absences.

Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Clayton Faulalo 2. Jason Saab 3. Josh Feledy 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Blake Wilson 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Ethan Bullemor 11. Jackson Shereb 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Simione Laiafi 18. Hugo Hart 19. Joey Walsh

Team outlook: Manly’s short turnaround after Origin I places its New South Wales representatives under particular strain. Given only two days between interstate and club commitments, edge forward Haumole Olakau’atu and outside back Tolu Koula are considered unlikely to return immediately, which would have consequences for Manly’s edge defence and yardage work.

Lehi Hopoate is available again after suspension and shapes as a straightforward inclusion, offering flexibility in the backline. By contrast, Tom Trbojevic’s hamstring recovery remains on a longer timeline, with the fullback still several weeks away. Ben Trbojevic’s concussion rules him out under head injury protocols, restricting the club’s options on an already reshuffled edge.

On paper, Cronulla’s relative stability contrasts with Manly’s need to cover for concussion, suspension and likely Origin fatigue, illustrating a common early-Origin dynamic: clubs with deeper forward rotations and settled key-position combinations are better placed to absorb representative disruptions.

READ MORE

State of Origin: structure, eligibility and scheduling framework

SATURDAY MAY 30

Newcastle Knights vs. Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium, 3pm AEST

Round 11 Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 6. Fletcher Sharpe 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Tyson Frizell 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Cody Hopwood 17. Harrison Graham 18. Fletcher Hunt 20. Francis Manuleleua

Team outlook: Newcastle’s planning revolves around how Kalyn Ponga and Jacob Saifiti back up from Origin I. Both are central to the Knights’ structure: Ponga as the primary strike weapon and Saifiti as a senior middle.

If Ponga is not passed fit or is managed conservatively following interstate duty, Fletcher Sharpe is expected to shift to fullback, a move that would test Newcastle’s depth but preserve familiarity in the halves. Bradman Best remains sidelined with a calf problem for at least a further fortnight, leaving the Knights otherwise relatively settled compared with several rivals contending with longer injury lists.

Round 11 Eels team: 1. Joash Papali’i 2. Brian Kelly 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Luca Moretti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 17. Charlie Guymer 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Jack Williams 13. Jack de Belin 10. Junior Paulo 14. Dylan Walker 15. Saxon Pryke 16. Toni Mataele 18. Apa Twidle 19. Teancum Brown

Team outlook: Moses’ hamstring strain has immediate implications for Parramatta’s playmaking hierarchy. With their first-choice halfback unavailable for Origin and at risk for the weekend, the Eels are weighing whether to recall Jonah Pezet from reserve grade or promote alternative options such as Apa Twidle or emerging playmaker Lorenzo Talataina.

Pezet, who has been featuring in the state league since returning from injury, would offer an experienced organisational presence, with his anticipated move to Brisbane next season adding a layer of contractual complexity to selection calls. Twidle has also been utilised in the halves at that level, while Talataina would represent a bolder shift towards youth.

Beyond the halves, Parramatta’s casualty list already includes multiple starting-calibre players, leaving Moses’ situation as “the latest” in a sequence of setbacks. The Eels are, however, poised to regain several reinforcements:

• Isaiah Iongi has returned from an ankle injury and scored on May 17 at state league level, positioning him to replace Joash Papali’i at fullback.
• Hooker Ryley Smith is expected to resume in the No.9 jersey, moving Tallyn Da Silva to the interchange.
• Forward Sam Tuivaiti is also set to be available, adding size and work rate to the middle rotation.

For Newcastle, the Origin schedule will determine whether they face a full-strength Moses-led Eels or a reshuffled Parramatta spine leaning on depth options. For the Eels, this fixture doubles as a test of their succession planning in the halves under the pressure of representative commitments and immediate table position.

Wests Tigers vs. Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium, 5.30pm AEST

Round 11 Tigers team: 1. Heath Mason 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Patrick Herbert 4. Taylan May 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Latu Fainu 10. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Seyfarth 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 11. Sione Fainu 14. Tristan Hope 15. Mavrik Geyer 17. Royce Hunt 18. Ethan Roberts 19. Jeral Skelton 21. Bunty Afoa

Team outlook: Wests are poised for significant reinforcements in key positions. Co-captain Api Koroisau has completed a three-game suspension and is set to regain the No.9 jersey, bringing senior direction around the ruck after a stretch in which the Tigers went 0-3 with a points differential of -98.

At the back, fullback Jahream Bula is now expected to return earlier than initially projected, having been flagged by Koroisau for a comeback this weekend. If confirmed, his inclusion would restore a first-choice custodian in support and kick-return roles, easing pressure on the edges.

Young outside back Heamasi Makasini, working back from a foot injury, is under consideration. With Taylan May sidelined indefinitely and Patrick Herbert suspended, the Tigers are short on experienced centres and wings, making Makasini’s availability particularly valuable.

Jock Madden is carrying a hamstring concern from the Manly match, and any absence would likely push Latu Fainu into the halves alongside Jarome Luai, further underlining how thin the club’s playmaking depth has become during this Origin-adjacent period.

Last week’s Bulldogs team: 2. Jacob Kiraz 19. Jethro Rinakama 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Enari Tuala 20. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 14. Kurt Mann 10. Leo Thompson 11. Sitili Tupouniua 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 9. Bailey Hayward 15. Harry Hayes 16. Jack Underhill 17. Alekolasimi Jones 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Jed Reardon

Team outlook: Canterbury’s backline picture has shifted with Jacob Kiraz moving from wing to fullback in the absence of Connor Tracey. Kiraz delivered a standout performance in the Bulldogs’ win over Melbourne and has been endorsed to remain in the No.1 role.

That decision adds a layer of complexity once Tracey is available again, as the Bulldogs have already committed to him with a new deal despite recent form struggles. In the short term, however, the more pressing issue is an extended absence for edge forward Jacob Preston, who faces several weeks out with a broken arm.

Harry Hayes is in line to be elevated into a starting edge role, while Stephen Crichton’s return from Origin duty should see him reclaim a centre spot and push Enari Tuala to the wing. One of Marcelo Montoya or Jethro Rinakama is set to make way, with Rinakama’s recent form tightening that selection call.

For both sides, this match carries significance beyond the win-loss column. The Tigers view the return of Koroisau and Bula as the beginning of a reset after a heavy run of defeats, while Canterbury are attempting to consolidate a retooled spine and cope with a key forward’s absence at a time when competition for middle dominance is particularly fierce.

Melbourne Storm vs. Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park, 7.35pm AEST

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Keagan Russell-Smith 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Trent Toelau 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Cooper Clarke 14. Gabriel Satrick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Davvy Moale 17. Stanley Huen 18. Joe Chan 19. Manaia Waitere

Team outlook: Melbourne’s recent uptick in form stalled with a defeat to Canterbury, and their immediate challenge is overlayed by Origin workloads. Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are both on duty for Queensland and expected to log big minutes, raising the prospect that Munster may be managed out of this club fixture after reduced training involvement.

On the edges, Shawn Blore is unavailable due to a head knock, prompting a likely reshuffle that could see Alec MacDonald move to lock and either Cooper Clarke or Joe Chan shift to an edge. Xavier Coates remains at least three weeks away with an Achilles problem following updated scan results, while Will Warbrick has been cleared to play after a rib knock.

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

Team outlook: The Roosters are bracing for a period without Daniel Tupou after the winger sustained a calf injury during the warm-up against North Queensland. The setback delays his push towards the 300-game mark and forces Sydney to re-balance their back five.

With the club’s Origin contingent – Sam Walker, Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins, James Tedesco and Reece Robson – facing a 72-hour turnaround, fitness and workload assessments will be pivotal. Cody Ramsey, returning from concussion and comfortable at both fullback and wing, has positioned himself to step in at No.1 should Tedesco be rested.

Mark Nawaqanitawase and Billy Smith are still at least two rounds away from returning, leaving coach and medical staff to manage outside-back depth conservatively. Between them, Melbourne and the Roosters illustrate how Origin can stress both the spine and the wing-centre corridors, with each decision on resting or recalling a star carrying consequences for ladder positioning and player welfare.

SUNDAY MAY 31

Brisbane Broncos vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, 2pm AEST

Round 11 Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Phillip Coates 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Preston Riki 9. Cory Paix 10. Xavier Willison 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Va’a Semu 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Hayze Perham 20. Thomas Duffy

Team outlook: Brisbane’s focus is on whether Payne Haas can return from a knee injury after three matches on the sidelines. The Broncos’ recent three-game losing streak underlines his importance as a defensive anchor and metre-eater, particularly in field-position battles at Suncorp.

Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki are both in Origin squads and named on an extended bench, making it likely they will only be used in interstate play if injuries strike. Patrick Carrigan is also in Queensland’s 17, while Kotoni Staggs is involved with New South Wales after serving a club suspension that has ruled him out of Brisbane’s last two defeats.

Staggs’ return is set to push Jesse Arthars back to the wing, with Phillip Coates the probable omission from the starting side. For the Broncos, this fixture represents both a chance to arrest form and a case study in how Origin-aligned clubs balance national representation with domestic momentum.

Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 20. Hayden Buchanan 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Luciano Leilua 15. Emre Guler 16. Josh Kerr 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Tyrell Sloan 19. Lyhkan King-Togia

Team outlook: St. George Illawarra’s backline planning has been disrupted by a shoulder injury to Hayden Buchanan, which forced Clint Gutherson into the centres and Tyrell Sloan to fullback against the Warriors. Gutherson is unlikely to remain in the centres long term, with specialist outside backs Mat Feagai and David Fale edging towards returns.

Jaydn Su’A, initially selected in the centres against New Zealand but a late withdrawal, and Moses Suli are both in contention for the Broncos clash. Their inclusion would substantially alter the Dragons’ edge defence and carry out of yardage, with direct implications for how they manage Brisbane’s strike weapons on the edges.

Canberra Raiders vs. North Queensland Cowboys at GIO Stadium, 4.05pm AEST

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 17. Jed Stuart 6. Daine Laurie 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Ata Mariota 12. Zac Hosking 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Owen Pattie 15. Jordan Uta 16. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Jake Clydsdale

Team outlook: Canberra return to GIO Stadium seeking to halt a form slump against a Cowboys side that has built momentum. The Sunday slot gives the Raiders maximum recovery time for Ethan Strange and Hudson Young following Origin duty, improving the chances that both can feature.

In their absence, Daine Laurie is ready to again cover in the halves at No.6, while Zac Hosking or Ata Mariota can assume Young’s edge responsibilities. Sebastian Kris remains under a cloud with a quad injury, raising the prospect of another appearance for Jed Stuart in the backline.

Up front, Canberra will continue to operate without Josh Papalii (calf) and Joe Roddy (hand) until at least Round 14. That places more responsibility on Joseph Tapine and the rest of the middle rotation against a North Queensland pack that has been central to the club’s recent rise up the ladder.

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Liam Sutton 7. Jake Clifford 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Viliami Vailea 15. Griffin Neame 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Xavier Kerrisk 19. Ethan King

Team outlook: North Queensland travel south chasing a place in the top four after winning seven of their last eight matches. The Cowboys’ primary fitness concern is how Reuben Cotter emerges from Queensland Origin duty, with his workload and recovery key to how they structure their middle rotation.

Outside, Murray Taulagi is pushing to return from a longer-than-expected concussion lay-off. The club remains without Jeremiah Nanai for now, although he could feature against the Raiders if his recovery continues to progress. Further down the list, Braidon Burns (hamstring), Soni Luke (knee) and Tom Dearden (ankle) are each working towards return windows later in the season.

Penrith Panthers vs. Warriors at CommBank Stadium, 6.15pm AEST

Round 11 Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Izack Tago 13. Isaah Yeo 12. Luke Garner 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 18. Billy Phillips 19. Billy Scott

Team outlook: Penrith face a top-of-the-table test while managing one of the heaviest Origin representations in the competition. Four Panthers – Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary and Casey McLean – are in the New South Wales squad, and how many back up will strongly influence the shape of this contest.

Should any be rested, Ivan Cleary has Jack Cogger, Izack Tago and Liam Henry among those ready to step into expanded roles. Freddy Lussick continues at hooker with Mitch Kenny sidelined until around Round 17 by a leg injury, while Liam Martin is progressing from a knee issue but remains unavailable.

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 23. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Luke Hanson 21. Kayliss Fatialofa

Team outlook: The Warriors are absorbing the emotional and tactical impact of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s season-ending ACL injury suffered against the Dragons. The 32-year-old has confirmed on social media that his campaign is over, and with a move to a Super League club already signed for next season, his time with the Warriors is effectively complete.

From a structural standpoint, Adam Pompey or Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are expected to step into the centres to cover Tuivasa-Sheck’s absence. The club otherwise appears committed to the framework built under coach Andrew Webster, which has propelled the Warriors into genuine contention.

Front-rowers Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell, both active in Origin squads, are potential starters depending on how they emerge from that duty. If they are managed or rested, Jackson Ford and Jacob Laban are ready-made options. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava remains out through concussion protocols.

This fixture encapsulates the strategic tension of the Origin period. Penrith must decide how many of their state representatives should back up three days after a high-intensity interstate contest, while the Warriors confront the reality of finishing the season without one of their most influential modern players. Both clubs, however, remain firmly focused on maintaining their positions near the top of the NRL ladder as the season moves past its midpoint.

Bye: Dolphins, Rabbitohs, Titans