Following the completion of the sixth round of the 2025 NRL season, several teams will look to change up their team, while others will enter Round 7 with the exact same line-up.
Lachlan Croker (Manly Sea Eagles), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Dodd (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Matt Burton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are just a few players who are set to be available for selection heading into Round 7.
However, while some return, the likes of Christian Tuipulotu (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand Warriors), Jayden Sullivan (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters) have been ruled out for this week.
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos
The Warriors suffered a double disaster against the Melbourne Storm last week, with James Fisher-Harris (pec) facing an extended period on the sidelines and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) failing his HIA.
Edward Kosi is set to enter the team pushing Taine Tuaupiki to the vacant fullback spot, while the likes of Kalani Going, Jacob Laban, Freddy Lussick and Tanner Stowers-Smith could replace the former Panther after playing in the NSW Cup.
Rocco Berry will also be unavailable as he faces a one-match ban after being charged by the Match Review Committee, opening up the door for Leka Halasima to move into the centres.
James Fisher Harris will go for scans on a pec injury.
Mechanism video not great - main concern with pec injuries is complete tears seem to be as common as minor strains with the explosive forces in footy.
Minor/moderate strain: 2-8 weeks
Rupture: surgery & 3 months recovery pic.twitter.com/S2d5EWPxvM— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 13, 2025
Projected Round 7 Team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Edward Kosi 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Jacob Laban 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Kalani Going
With Brendan Piakura (Round 8) and Ezra Mam (Round 10) still serving their suspensions, the Broncos will only make a couple of changes for this week.
Jordan Riki will enter the back-row in a direct swap for Jack Gosiewski.
Meanwhile, Jesse Arthars (concussion) will be absent due to the NRL's mandatory 11-day stand-down period.
According to News Corp, it has now been revealed that Arthars has had his concussion severity downgraded and will be named on the wing for Saturday.
Jesse Arthars won’t return tonight after suffering a concussion in this tackle.
Deemed to have shown Category 1 signs of concussion (motor incoordination/balance disturbance) - he will also miss Round 7 next week under the NRL’s mandatory 11 day stand down period. pic.twitter.com/iWHrFKFcgV
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) April 11, 2025
Projected Round 7 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. Jordan Riki 12. Jaiyden Hunt 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau
