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.
Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders
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.
Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Will Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Shaun Lane 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Ryley Smith 15. Dylan Walker 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti
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.
Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matty Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Ata Mariota
