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)Â have been ruled out for this week.
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers
Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien will be forced into at least three changes for Round 6 after confirming that James Schiller (concussion), Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) will be unavailable for selection this week.
Jack Cogger (dislocated finger) is also set to miss the game now, with reports suggesting he needs surgery.
O'Brien was hopeful Cogger would be fit, but is expecting Tyson Gamble to make his return. Jackson Hastings would be the other likely option.
Brodie Jones will come in as one of the replacements, while Knights fans may get their first look at cross-code recruit Taj Annan to play on the wing.
Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Taj Annan 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Tyson Gamble 8. Leo Thompson 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Brodie Jones 11. Thomas Cant 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Paul Bryan 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mat Croker
The only change coach Benji Marshall will be forced into this week is Latu Fainu (concussion) being unable to play. However, the youngster will be replaced by four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai who makes his return from injury.
With the club yet to provide a confirmed return timeline for winger Jeral Skelton and back-rower Samuela Fainu, they are likely to be sweating on their availability for this weekend.
Projected Round 6 Team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To'a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Jack Bird 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Tony Sukkar 17. Sione Fainu
