NRL 2025 – Round 6 preview and predictions
Can you believe we’re already into round 6? There’s still a long way to go of course, but Easter’s next weekend, then it’s ANZAC round, and that means Origin suddenly comes into view.
It’s too early to say who’s going to finish where, but some sides are starting to distance themselves at both ends of the table. Whilst you can’t secure a top eight finish in April, you can certainly leave yourself with a mountain to climb, as Penrith could find out if they don’t turn their alarming form around. Which leads us nicely to this week’s first game…
*This week’s odds come courtesy of Paddy Power, and are correct as of 20:30 on 9/4/2025.
Thursday 10th April – Dolphins vs Penrith Panthers – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Form guide
The Dolphins finally got off the mark last weekend and in some style. A 10-36 win over fellow Queenslanders, the Titans, saw them jump to 14th in the ladder, and above this weekend’s opponents.
Penrith’s struggles continued in round five, as they lost for the fourth straight game. An 18-22 loss at home to the Cowboys left them 15th coming into this weekend, and thoughts are surely turning now from a Minor Premiership to just making the top eight.
Team news
Tom Gilbert’s back from suspension for the Dolphins, but Ray Stone misses out through suspension in the only change this week.
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Max Plath 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Kenny Bromwich 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Max Feagai 22. Junior Tupou
Dylan Edwards is back for the Panthers after missing the last three and Scott Sorensen returns from a concussion, too. Jack Cole is missing this week with a head knock, so Blaize Talagi comes in for his first start in Penrith colours. Mitch Kenny is also missing through injury, with Luke Sommerton replacing him at hooker.
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Trent Toelau 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Jesse McLean
My prediction – Dolphins 20-12 Penrith Panthers
I’m still convinced the Panthers will turn things around, but on current form it’s hard to see when. The Dolphins come into this game with some confidence after their first win, while the Panthers’ own confidence must be on the floor. I can see this being another tough night for the reigning Premiers.
Betting tips
The Panthers are just 2/5 to win this, which seems generous given their current form. Get on the Dolphins at 2/1, or for a safer option, they should be OK with a +8 handicap at 10/11.
Friday 11th April – St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans – WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Form guide
The Dragons were just edged out by the Eels in round 5, leaving them with just one win for the year, albeit against a strong Melbourne side. They’ve lost two games by a single point and the other by eight, so they’re not far off.
As for the Titans, they could end up being the competition’s most inconsistent side. A 16-point defeat and a 26-point defeat have sandwiched a 20-point win and an 18-point win for a 2-2 record, following the bye in round one.
Team news
Shane Flanagan has named the same 17 as last weekend for the Dragons, which means under-fire halfback Lachlan Ilias retains his spot for now.
Dragons team: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan 18. Mathew Feagai 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Sione Finau 21. Lyhkan King-Togia 22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is suspended for the Titans, which opens up a spot for Sam Verrills to return from injury. Jojo Fifita comes back on the wing, which means Phillip Sami shifts to centre and Sean Mullany drops to the extended bench after his NRL debut last weekend.
Titans team: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Arama Hau 15. David Fifita 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Brock Gray 18. Tom Weaver 19. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 20. Sean Mullany 21. Tukimihia Simpkins 22. Allan Fitzgibbon
My prediction – St George Illawarra Dragons 22-10 Gold Coast Titans
This one really could go either way, but I’m going to stick my neck out and go with a home win. The Titans are missing some key players, with captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui the latest absentee this week, so I’m backing the Dragons to take advantage.
Betting tips
The Dragons are 15/8 to win by 1-12 points, which I really like the look of.
Friday 11th April – Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Form guide
These two only met in round one, so it seems inconceivable that they’re playing each other again just five weeks later.
The Broncos ran out comfortable 14-50 winners on that night in Sydney, and aside from a disappointing loss in Canberra, they’ve been sweeping all before them since then.
It’s been a much tougher run for the Roosters, on the other hand. They bounced back in round two with a 32-38 win over the Panthers, but they’ve lost three straight games since then to sit 16th on the ladder after five rounds.
Team news
Jaiyden Hunt starts in place of the suspended Brendan Piakura for the Broncos, while Adam Reynolds is named despite injuring his hamstring last week.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jaiyden Hunt 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Jock Madden 21. Benjamin Te Kura 22. Blake Mozer
The big news for the Roosters is the dropping of veteran halfback Chad Townsend. He’s been replaced by Hugo Savala for his first NRL start. Lindsay Collins is also missing through injury, which opens up a space for Victor Radley to return. Mark Nawaqanitawase is back as 18th man.
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Nat Butcher 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Mark Nawaqanitawase 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Ethan King 21. Chad Townsend 22. Makahesi Makatoa
My prediction – Brisbane Broncos 36-12 Sydney Roosters
I can’t see anything other than a home win again this week, and I think it could be quite convincing. The Broncos are ticking along nicely and Suncorp’s always a tough place to go. The Roosters are down on their luck, short on numbers and the Queensland capital’s quite possibly the last place they’d want to go this weekend.
Betting tips
The Broncos are just 1/6 to win this one, so the try scoring market looks like the best place for some value. Gehamat Shibasaki is 7/5 for an anytime try and Jack Gosiewski is 16/5. Shibasaki would be my tip, but Gosiewski is worth a punt at that price, having crossed twice already this year.
Saturday 12th April – Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles – Optus Stadium, Perth
Form guide
I did say the Titans could be the most inconsistent team in the competition, but maybe that tag should be reserved for the Sharks. They’ve had two impressive wins against the Cowboys and the Rabbitohs, plus three disappointing losses, including their last two against the Bulldogs and the Raiders.
Manly have been similarly up-and-down, and conceded 48 at home to Melbourne last weekend. The fact is, when Tom Trbojevic plays, they’re a different proposition, but with the superstar fullback missing last week, and probably for the next three to four weeks, they could struggle without him.
Team news
Teig Wilton and Siosifa Talakai are back for the Sharks this week. Billy Burns drops to the reserves list and Tuku Hau Tapuha shifts to 18th man.
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Billy Burns 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Jesse Colquhoun
Josh Aloiai returns for Manly this week with Toafofoa Sipley shifting to the bench. Corey Waddell is suspended, while Lachlan Croker is back from injury on the extended bench.
Sea Eagles 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. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Tommy Talau 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Lachlan Croker 22. Michael Chee Kam
My prediction – Cronulla Sharks 20-10 Manly Sea Eagles
I’m backing the Sharks to bounce back this week. Although this is technically a home game for Cronulla, Perth is very much a neutral venue, so forget home advantage this week. I’m just looking at a Sharks side that’s come in for some stick the past couple of weeks against a Manly side missing their star player.
Betting tips
I like the look of under 8.5 tries in this one at 11/10. A Cronulla win is just 8/15, so for better value you can get on them to win by 1-12 at 15/8 and 13+ at 7/4, meaning you’ll make a profit on either, providing they get the job done.
Saturday 12th April – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys – Optus Stadium, Perth
Form guide
With their 4-1 record, the Rabbitohs have been one of the surprise packages in 2025 after a dreadful 2024 where they finished in 16th. Then again, with Wayne Bennett back in charge, is it that much of a surprise that they’ve picked up so rapidly?
The Cowboys, meanwhile, appear to have turned a corner after starting the year with three straight losses. Wins against the Raiders and the Panthers in their last two have seen North Queensland climb to 13th on the ladder, but they still have the third-worst defence in the competition so far.
Team news
The Rabbitohs have had a major reshuffle with first-choice halves Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys ruled out through injury. Latrell Mitchell moves into the number six jersey after just one game back, while Jayden Sullivan gets the nod alongside him with likely replacement Lewis Dodd ruled out through suspension. Euan Aitken comes into the side in the centres for his Bunnies debut.
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Euan Aitken 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Liam Le Blanc 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale 18. Thomas Fletcher 19. Salesi Ataata 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Haizyn Mellars 22. Nazareth Taua
The Cowboys welcome back skipper Reuben Cotter this week from illness. His return means Sam McIntyre shifts to the bench and Harrison Edwards goes to 18th man.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele
My prediction – South Sydney Rabbitohs 24-16 North Queensland Cowboys
Despite the Bunnies missing a host of big names, I can’t see the Cowboys having enough to derail them. Last weekend’s victory over the Roosters with a depleted side was mightily impressive and I’m expecting more of the same from Souths this week.
Betting tips
The bookies have Cowboys as slight favourites for this one, so the 11/10 on a Rabbitohs win would be my choice this week. Also, Euan Aitken is generously priced for an anytime try at 11/4.
Saturday 12th April – Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders – TIO Stadium, Darwin
Form guide
The Eels finally got off the mark last week with a Golden Point win over the Dragons, although it wasn’t enough to climb off the bottom of the ladder. Still, it was a step in the right direction for coach Jason Ryles, whose side still have the worst defensive record and the worst attack (for teams who have played five games).
The Raiders sit in the top eight right now with a 3-2 record so far. They’ve had the usual troubles on their travels, losing to the Cowboys and Manly, but they’ve won both home games as well as their opener on neutral territory, in Las Vegas.
Team news
The big news for the Eels is the loss of Zac Lomax for six weeks. He was named in the original starting side, so it’s likely that Bailey Simonsson or Joash Papali’i will come in for him on matchday. Charlie Guymer is back on the bench for Parra, after being dropped last week.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Charlie Guymer 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Dan Keir 20. Bailey Simonsson 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Ryan Matterson
The Raiders are unchanged from last weekend, but don’t be surprised if Josh Papali’i starts from the bench on gameday.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Trey Mooney 19. Jed Stuart 20. Adam Cook 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Danny Levi
My prediction – Parramatta Eels 12-16 Canberra Raiders
If this was an actual ‘home’ game for the Eels, I might just be tempted to tip them over a Raiders side who struggle on the road. However, on neutral territory in Darwin, I think Canberra can get the job done, and certainly on paper it’s hard to go against them in this one.
Betting tips
I like the look of the Raiders to score between 11 and 20 points at 5/2. In the try scoring market, Matty Nicholson has been in such good form that 23/10 for an anytime try looks good, while the 14/1 for first try is worth a small punt as well.
Sunday 13th April – Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors – AAMI Park, Melbourne
Form guide
The Storm bounced back from their first loss of the year in round four to put Manly to the sword last weekend, 24-48. That victory puts them third on the ladder, and they’re scoring 35.5 points on average per game.
The Warriors had the bye in round five, so it’ll be interesting to see whether a week off has done them good or halted their momentum, as they come into this game off the back of three straight wins.
Team news
The Storm have named an unchanged 17 from the side that took to the field last weekend. Jahrome Hughes is back in the number seven jersey after initially being named in the extended squad last week.
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Joe Chan 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Keagan Russell-Smith
Rocco Berry replaces Ed Kosi in the Warriors’ only change to last week’s 17. Berry’s return in the centres means Adam Pompey shifts to the wing.
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Rocco Berry 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Bunty Afoa 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Tanah Boyd 20. Jacob Laban 21. Samuel Healey 22. Te Maire Martin 23. Edward Kosi
My prediction – Melbourne Storm 30-10 New Zealand Warriors
Melbourne are one of those teams where form goes out the window for the opposition. I’m not reading anything into the fact the Warriors have won three in a row, which may be naive, but I’ve seen enough Storm games to be confident backing them, particularly at AAMI Park.
Betting tips
Melbourne are just 1/8 to win this one, which tells its own story. There’s not a whole lot of value to be had in this game full stop, but the best bet I could find is on Ryan Papenhuyzen to be either first, second or third try scorer at 11/5.
Sunday 13th April – Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Form guide
The Knights are a real funny one this year, as they don’t seem to have really got going despite being 9th on the ladder. They’re only averaging 10.5 points per game, but their defence is one of the best in the competition too.
As for the Tigers, just the fact they’re competing again will be a relief to their long-suffering fans after years of struggle. They may have lost by 22 in Brisbane last week, but their youngsters can be proud of the effort they put in with so many key players missing, and I’d back them to be hovering near the top eight all year at this rate.
Team news
Jack Cogger, James Schiller, Jacob Saifiti and Adam Elliott are all missing for the Knights. Phoenix Crossland moves into the halfback role, with Jayden Brailey coming into the starting hooker role. Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul is back from suspension, while Tyrone Thompson is set to make his NRL debut off the bench, joining his brother Leo Thompson in the side.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle McCarthy 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Brodie Jones 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Tyrone Thompson 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18. Paul Bryan 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Riley Jones 21. Francis Manuleleua
The Tigers welcome back three big names into the side – Jarome Luai, Jeral Skelton and Samuela Fainu. Jack Bird moves to the bench, Latu Fainu is injured and Luke Laulilii drops out of the 17.
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tony Sukkar 19. Heath Mason 20. Luke Laulilii 21. Brent Naden 22. Kit Laulilii
My prediction – Newcastle Knights 12-18 Wests Tigers
This is another one of those peculiar round one rematches, and with that 8-10 win for Newcastle still fresh in the mind, I’m predicting another close, fairly low-scoring game in this one. This time around, I’m backing the Tigers to edge it though, mainly due to the return of Jarome Luai.
Betting tips
The Knights are favourites for this match, but given the number of players missing, I think the Tigers look great value at 13/10 for the win. I’m expecting a low-scoring game too, so 10/11 for under 44.5 points should be safe.
