NRL 2026 Round 21 team lists and injury updates released
Key Player Returns and Injury Concerns for Round 21
The official team lists for Round 21 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership have been released, detailing significant player returns and ongoing injury concerns across several clubs. Teams are making final adjustments as they prepare for a crucial stage of the season, with many players returning from injury or representative duties.
The Parramatta Eels will see the return of star playmaker Mitchell Moses from a corked thigh for their match against the Penrith Panthers. His halves partner, Ronald Volkman, has cleared concussion protocols after a head knock in a previous game. Additionally, Luca Moretti is back from a concussion and will be on the bench for the Eels. For the Panthers, coach Ivan Cleary has maintained the same 19-man squad that recently played against the Broncos. Hooker Mitch Kenny is still a few weeks away from returning from a leg injury, while utility Jack Cogger will be available for selection in Round 22 after serving a suspension.
The Newcastle Knights will be without Dane Gagai due to calf tightness, with Fletcher Hunt stepping into the centres. Cody Hopwood also returns from a calf injury and will be on the bench. The Sydney Roosters welcome back captain James Tedesco, who cleared concussion protocols after missing two games. Centre Robert Toia also returns after being rested following his Origin duties. Cody Ramsey and Hugo Savala will move to the interchange bench.
South Sydney and Storm Face Critical Line-up Changes
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are dealing with multiple injury blows ahead of their clash with the Melbourne Storm. Cameron Murray is expected to be out for approximately a month with a calf injury, and Tallis Duncan will miss two to three weeks due to a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Latrell Mitchell is a week-to-week proposition as he addresses complex nerve damage, which has caused both lower back and calf issues. Latrell Siegwalt will start in the centres, and Lachlan Hubner will fill the lock forward position in Murray’s absence. Jayden Sullivan returns from concussion and will be a bench utility.
The Melbourne Storm will receive a significant boost with the return of Jahrome Hughes at halfback, playing alongside Tyran Wishart. Hughes’ return comes after he missed last week’s game due to hamstring concerns. Trent Toelau will move to the bench. Moses Leo is named in the starting side, replacing the injured Will Warbrick, whose season has concluded due to a ruptured Achilles. Manaia Waitere joins the bench, providing additional outside back depth for the Storm.
Raiders and Wests Tigers Adjust Rosters
The Canberra Raiders have made changes to their squad, with Hudson Young out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Zac Hosking will replace him in the starting side. Matty Nicholson is back in the squad after being sidelined with a shoulder injury and could make his first appearance of the season. Owen Pattie is suspended for one match, leading to Tom Starling starting at hooker, with Jayden Brailey providing relief from the bench.
The Wests Tigers are preparing for potential changes depending on judiciary outcomes. Javon Andrews is set to make his NRL debut if Adam Doueihi and Latu Fainu are unsuccessful in overturning their charges at the judiciary. If either is successful, they are likely to play halfback. Api Koroisau will start at dummy half, with Jared Haywood moving back to the interchange. Other adjustments include Ethan Roberts in the back row, Patrick Herbert and Sunia Turuva in the centres, and Faaletino Tavana and Junior Tupou on the wings.
The Bulldogs welcome back Stephen Crichton at centre, with Sean O’Sullivan likely to spend time at dummy half. Viliame Kikau also returns to his starting jumper. The Warriors will field the same lineup that secured a win last Saturday. The Cowboys have reverted to Jake Clifford joining Tom Dearden in the halves, shifting Jaxon Purdue to the centres. Griffin Neame is replaced at prop by Tom Mikaele. The Broncos will be without Brendan Piakura due to a concussion, with Xavier Willison moving to the edge and Preston Riki stepping in as prop. Luke Gale joins the interchange, and Billy Walters is also added to the bench.
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Source: nrl.com
