NRL

Johnson turns back the clock to sink Dolphins

In his second season back with the Warriors after three years at the Sharks, Johnson turned the clock back the golden days of 2014 when he collected the Golden Boot as the world's best player.

The home side got off to a flyer in the sixth minute when Johnson produced a superb solo try from close range, leaving Dolphins skipper Jesse Bromwich in his wake with slick footwork.

The Warriors threatened to go further ahead in the 11th minute but some desperation defence by Euan Aitken around the legs and Tesi Niu up high denied Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Wests Tigers v Raiders: Koroisau set to back up; Kris drops out

The joint venture may have breathed a sigh of relief when Raiders coach Ricky Stuart decided to rest veteran Jarrod Croker, with the Green Machine guaranteed to have put it all on the field for their favourite son in what would have been his 300th game.

How in-form young guns Junior Tupou, Jahream Bula and Starford To'a rise to the occasion at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday will determine if the Wests Tigers can claim their fourth win of the season and continue their rise up the ladder.

Queensland rally late to draw first blood in Origin series opener

The Maroons trailed by two with six minutes left and despite being down a man in the sin-bin, Cameron Munster and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow combined down the Blues left edge to snatch an unlikely 1-0 series lead.

Tabuai-Fidow, who finished the match with a double, backed up Billy Slater's decision to pick the Dolphins fullback over veteran Dane Gagai with a mammoth effort that included the match-winner.

Maroons v Blues: Walsh gets his shot; Crichton in for Mitchell

One of the Blues' most decorated players, Fittler took over as coach in 2018 and masterminded back-to-back victories in his first two seasons in charge, before Wayne Bennett led an underdog Maroons side to a stunning upset in 2020.

The Blues hit back with a 2-1 triumph in 2021 before Slater added to his incredible Origin legacy by steering Queensland to victory last year, thanks largely to the efforts of Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Ben Hunt and Patrick Carrigan.

Rabbitohs v Raiders: Graham drops out; Woolford, Cotric return

Knocked off the top of the ladder after the Eels snapped their six-game winning streak, South Sydney will be hoping to get their season back on track when they host the eighth-placed Raiders at Accor Stadium.

Jason Demetriou's men are flying high with an 8-4 record this season but this may be their toughest test yet with Mitchell, Murray and Arrow called into Origin camps and centre Campbell Graham resting a sternum injury. 

Warriors v Broncos: Metcalf set to debut; Five out on Origin duty

Despite defending bravely in a 15-4 loss to premiers Penrith last week, Brisbane lacked direction in attack without injured No.7 Adam Reynolds. 

The bye last week was timely for the Warriors given their extensive injury toll, while a 24-12 win over the Bulldogs in Round 11, which snapped a three-game losing streak, will have ensured spirits were high heading into their time off.

This will be the first time either side has played at McLean Park in Napier, with the 2015 clash between Melbourne and St George Illawarra being the only previous NRL game at the venue. 

Undermanned Eels grind out win against Cowboys

With Junior Paulo on NSW Origin duty and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson injured, the Eels this week signed Ofahengaue from Wests Tigers but he suffered a calf injury just 10 minutes into his club debut.

Hooker Reed Mahoney and forwards Isaiah Papali'i, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi and Nathan Brown have all joined rival clubs.

With Ofahengaue injured, Wiremu Greig was forced to play 47 minutes in just his 14th NRL appearance and he led the Eels forward pack as the home side withstood a late Cowboys fightback, sparked by fullback Scott Drinkwater.

Eels v Cowboys: Joe O in for Paulo; Taumalolo return on hold

The Eels and Cowboys sit 13th and 14th coming in to Round 13 but they're worlds apart in terms of confidence and self-belief after the events of last weekend.

On Saturday night the Cowboys conceded 66 points in a match for just the third time in their 28-year history and they now have the worst defensive record in the competition, a world apart from the structure and standards that carried them all the way to a preliminary final in 2022.

Isaako stars in milestone game as Dolphins beat Dragons

Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako marked his 100th NRL game with a personal haul of 18 points to help his side beat the Dragons 26-12 on Thursday night in Redcliffe. 

Most of the damage was done in a six-minute period midway through the first half, during which time the Dolphins scored 18 unanswered points to set up a 18-12 half-time lead which they never looked back from. 

Earlier the Dragons kicked a penalty goal and crossed through Jack Bird to take the initial lead, but from that point on Toby Couchman's try right before the break was all they had to cheer for. 

Kumuls prospects to make NRL debut

Zac Laybutt, who is the younger brother of Kumuls Five-Eight Kyle Laybutt will be making his debut at Center replacing Valentine Homes who is out on State of Origin duty.

Robert Derby will be on the wing in place of Murray Tauilagi who is also in the Queensland Maroons camp.

Both players have been part of the PNG Kumuls team and were considered future PNG Kumuls players. Having called up for the first grade debut is a huge achievement for both lads but even more, it is win for PNG Kumuls team.