NRL 2026, Round 18, Late Mail, team lists, injuries, updates, State of Origin

NRL Late Mail Round 18: Faulalo on track; Wighton returns

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 02:09 PM

Manly centre Clayton Faulalo is on track to complete his return from a hamstring injury in Sunday's showdown with the Eels.

The flyer fell short of an early comeback last week but is set for a timely return with teammate Tolu Koula away on NSW duties.

Faulalo is one of multiple young guns set to get their chance this weekend with Origin plays in their respective camps ahead of Wednesday's decider at Suncorp Stadium.

See all the late mail, official team news and updates for Round 18 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership competition.

NRL Late Mail: Round 18

Panthers v Rabbitohs, Friday 8.00pm at CommBank Stadium

Round 18 - Round 18 - Friday 3 Jul

10:00 am

Panthers

Rabbitohs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards

Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas Jenkins

Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Dayne Jennings
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago

Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Latrell Siegwalt
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Paul Alamoti

Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack Wighton
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Edward Kosi
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize Talagi

Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Jack Cogger

Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Ashton Ward

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy Lussick

Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Brandon Smith
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Liam Henry

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon Koloamatangi
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen

2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 David Fifita
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Luke Garner

2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Tallis Duncan
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Lindsay Smith

Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Lachlan Hubner

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Billy Scott

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jamie Humphreys
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Kalani Leuluai-Going

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Euan Aitken
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Billy Phillips

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Liam Le Blanc
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luron Patea

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 John Radel
Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Jack Cole

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 18 Matthew Dufty
Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Sione Fonua

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 19 Jayden Sullivan

Reserves

Reserve for Panthers is number 20 Zakauri Clarke

Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 20 Moala Graham-Taufa
Reserve for Panthers is number 21 Jaxen Edgar

Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 21 Peter Mamouzelos
Reserve for Panthers is number 23 Tom Ale

Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 22 Thomas Fletcher

Jack Cole
Jaxen Edgar
Kalani Leuluai-Going
Luron Patea
Sione Fonua
Tom Ale
Zakauri Clarke

Jack Wighton
Matthew Dufty
Moala Graham-Taufa
Peter Mamouzelos
Thomas Fletcher

Isaah Yeo
Isaiah Papali'i
Liam Martin
Nathan Cleary

Alex Johnston
Cameron Murray

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 7/2/2026 12:38:07 AM

Panthers: Luke Garner and Scott Sorensen will line up in the back row after Isaiah Papali'i was ruled out with a concussion and with Liam Martin away on NSW duties. Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are also off with the Blues, with Jack Cogger taking over at halfback and Lindsay Smith at lock. Brian To'o will take his place on the wing after missing out on NSW selection. The Panthers have won 13 of their last 16 games against the Rabbitohs.

Rabbitohs: Jack Wighton is on track to return from a broken arm but South Sydney have been dealt a blow with record-breaking try-scorer Alex Johnston struck down due to a calf injury. Wighton's return at centre will see Tallis Duncan shift to the back-row, with Dayne Jennings replacing Johnston on the wing. Matt Dufty is also back in the six-man bench and could play his first game since Round 12.

Dragons v Wests Tigers, Saturday 5.30pm at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium

Round 18 - Round 18 - Saturday 4 Jul

7:30 am

Dragons

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Setu Tu

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Sunia Turuva
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mathew Feagai

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Heamasi Makasini
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Starford To'a
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Tyrell Sloan

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Jeral Skelton
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Daniel Atkinson

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jock Madden
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle Flanagan

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Adam Doueihi

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Terrell May
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Toby Couchman

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua Pole
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Tony Sukkar
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hamish Stewart

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Sione Fainu
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Ryan Couchman

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Josese Lanyon
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Luciano Leilua

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Bunty Afoa
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Josh Kerr

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Emre Guler

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Latu Fainu
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Jacob Halangahu

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Faaletino Tavana
Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Lyhkan King-Togia

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 19 Charlie Murray

Reserves

Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Hame Sele

Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 20 Javon Andrews
Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Moses Suli

Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 21 Heath Mason
Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Christian Tuipulotu

Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 22 Mavrik Geyer

Christian Tuipulotu
Hame Sele
Moses Suli

Alex Twal
Charlie Murray
Heath Mason
Javon Andrews
Jock Madden

Jarome Luai
Taylan May

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 7/1/2026 11:56:07 AM

Dragons: Centre Moses Suli remains in the reserves as he looks to return from a hip injury suffered two weeks ago. Suli's return would likely see Tyrell Sloan drop out and Mat Feagai shift back to the wing. It's been a tough year for the Dragons but they have won three of their last four against the Tigers.

Wests Tigers: Jock Madden is on track to return from a concussion and will step into the No.6 jumper after Jarome Luai was ruled out due to delayed concussion symptoms. Alex Twal is also due to return from a knee injury after being a late withdrawal last week, with Alex Seyfarth dropping back to the six-man bench. Heamasi Makasini has moved from the interchange to the starting side after centre Taylan May was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Broncos v Sharks, Saturday 7.35pm at Suncorp Stadium

Round 18 - Round 18 - Saturday 4 Jul

9:35 am

Broncos

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayze Perham

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Grant Anderson

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Gehamat Shibasaki

Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Thomas Duffy

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ben Hunt

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Forwards

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Va'a Semu

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Cory Paix

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Jayden Berrell
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Preston Riki

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jesse Colquhoun
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Billy Burns
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Xavier Willison

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Interchange

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Blake Mozer

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Hohepa Puru
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Ben Talty

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Oregon Kaufusi
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Jaiyden Hunt

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Jesse Arthars

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku Hau Tapuha
Interchange for Broncos is number 18 Josh Rogers

Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Mawene Hiroti
Interchange for Broncos is number 19 Luke Gale

Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Harrison Hassett

Reserves

Reserve for Broncos is number 20 Joshua Coric

Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Niwhai Puru
Reserve for Broncos is number 21 Kane Bradley

Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Samuel Stonestreet
Reserve for Broncos is number 22 Tupou Francis

Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Liam Ison

Deine Mariner
Gehamat Shibasaki
Jaiyden Hunt
Joshua Coric
Kane Bradley
Luke Gale
Tupou Francis
Va'a Semu

Harrison Hassett
Jayden Berrell
Liam Ison
Niwhai Puru
Samuel Stonestreet
Tuku Hau Tapuha

Aublix Tawha
Jack Gosiewski
Josiah Karapani
Payne Haas
Reece Walsh

Addin Fonua-Blake
Blayke Brailey
Briton Nikora

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 7/2/2026 12:34:08 AM

Broncos: Xavier Willison remains a chance of taking his place in the team despite suffering a head knock last week, with the Broncos seeking an exemption from the NRL. Deine Mariner is looking to play his first game since suffering a gruesome quad injury in Round 9 and is set to line up on the wing in a new-look backline. The return of Gehamat Shibasaki from a knee injury will see Grant Anderson shift to the wing, while Hayze Perham starts at fullback with Reece Walsh on Origin duties.

Sharks: Jayden Berrell has been named at hooker but could switch with bench utility Hohepa Puru on gameday, as has been the case in the past when Blayke Brailey was unavailable. Addin Fonua-Blake joins Brailey in the Blues team, with Tom Hazelton replacing the prop in the starting side. Billy Burns will start in the back row with Briton Nikora in the Maroons side.

Eels v Sea Eagles, Sunday 2.00pm at CommBank Stadium

Round 18 - Round 18 - Sunday 5 Jul

4:00 am

Eels

Sea Eagles

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah Iongi

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom Trbojevic
Winger for Eels is number 2 Brian Kelly

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
Centre for Eels is number 3 Jordan Samrani

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Clayton Faulalo
Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Reuben Garrick
Winger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Lehi Hopoate
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Ronald Volkman

Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Joey Walsh
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Jonah Pezet

Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Luca Moretti

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Taniela Paseka
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva

Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jake Simpkin
Prop for Eels is number 10 Jack Williams

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Kobe Hetherington
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Corey Waddell
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic
Lock for Eels is number 13 Jack De Belin

Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Dylan Walker

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Josh Feledy
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Sam Tuivaiti

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Nathan Brown
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Teancum Brown

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Harrison Edwards

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Simione Laiafi
Interchange for Eels is number 18 Joash Papalii

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 18 Aaron Schoupp
Interchange for Eels is number 19 Charlie Guymer

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 19 Zaidas Muagututia

Reserves

Reserve for Eels is number 20 Apa Twidle

Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 20 Hugo Hart
Reserve for Eels is number 21 Ryley Smith

Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 21 Blake Wilson
Reserve for Eels is number 22 Toni Mataele

Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 22 Fletcher Baker

Apa Twidle
Jonah Pezet
Ryley Smith
Toni Mataele

Clayton Faulalo
Corey Waddell
Fletcher Baker
Kobe Hetherington
Reuben Garrick
Zaidas Muagututia

Mitchell Moses

Haumole Olakau'atu
Luke Brooks
Tolutau Koula

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 6/30/2026 7:18:17 AM

Eels: Halfback Jonah Pezet is on track for his first NRL game since Round 5 after making a successful return from a hamstring injury in NSW Cup last week. The youngster replaces NSW playmaker Mitchell Moses. Tallyn Da Silva has again been named at hooker but could trade places with bench utility Harrison Edwards as has been the case on multiple occasions this season. The Eels have won six from seven against the Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium.

Sea Eagles: Clayton Faulalo is on track to return from a hamstring injury suffered in Round 14 after falling short of an early comeback last weekend. The centre replaces Tolu Koula, who is in the NSW squad, while fellow centre Reuben Garrick is also set to return from a concussion. NSW Cup hooker Zaidas Muagututia could be in line for an NRL debut as he joins the extended bench. Corey Waddell is set to start in the back-row with Haumole Olakau'atu also in the Blues team. Prop Kobe Hetherington is on track to return from a concussion.

Knights v Dolphins, Sunday 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Round 18 - Round 18 - Sunday 5 Jul

6:05 am

Knights

Dolphins

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Fletcher Sharpe

Fullback for Dolphins is number 1 Trai Fuller
Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young

Winger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
Centre for Knights is number 4 Fletcher Hunt

Centre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew

Winger for Dolphins is number 5 Tevita Naufahu
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Sandon Smith

Five-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Dylan Brown

Halfback for Dolphins is number 7 Bradley Schneider

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti

Prop for Dolphins is number 8 Felise Kaufusi
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix Crossland

Hooker for Dolphins is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
Prop for Knights is number 10 Trey Mooney

Prop for Dolphins is number 10 Francis Molo
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Dylan Lucas

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Connelly Lemuelu
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jermaine McEwen

2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Lock for Knights is number 13 Mat Croker

Lock for Dolphins is number 13 Morgan Knowles

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Harrison Graham

Interchange for Dolphins is number 14 Kurt Donoghoe
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tyson Frizell

Interchange for Dolphins is number 15 Tom Gilbert
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Cody Hopwood

Interchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Thomas Cant

Interchange for Dolphins is number 17 Brian Pouniu
Interchange for Knights is number 18 Lachlan Crouch

Interchange for Dolphins is number 18 Sebastian Su'a
Interchange for Knights is number 19 Francis Manuleleua

Interchange for Dolphins is number 19 John Fineanganofo

Reserves

Reserve for Knights is number 20 Kyle McCarthy

Reserve for Dolphins is number 20 Sam Elliott
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Tyson Gamble

Reserve for Dolphins is number 21 LJ Nonu
Reserve for Knights is number 22 Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

Reserve for Dolphins is number 22 Zac Garton

Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
Francis Manuleleua
Harrison Graham
Kyle McCarthy
Tyson Gamble

Brian Pouniu
Jake Averillo
John Fineanganofo
LJ Nonu
Sam Elliott
Sebastian Su'a
Tom Gilbert
Trai Fuller
Zac Garton

Bradman Best
Kalyn Ponga

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Isaiya Katoa
Jack Bostock
Max Plath
Selwyn Cobbo
Thomas Flegler

Match Officials

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 6/30/2026 6:42:28 AM

Knights: Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best's absence has triggered a familiar reshuffle for the Knights. Fletcher Sharpe moves to fullback, Sandon Smith comes into the halves and Fletcher Hunt comes into the centres. The Knights have won their last five games against the Dolphins.

Dolphins: Prop Tom Gilbert is set to return after missing the Warriors game due to a throat injury and Jake Averillo comes into the centres after returning from hand surgery through Queensland Cup last week. Averillo replaces Jack Bostock, who is in the NSW team, while Trai Fuller replaces Queensland star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback. A fractured wrist for Isaiya Katoa will see Brad Schneider start at halfback. Tevita Naufahu will replace Queensland winger Slewyn Cobbo, with Felise Kaufusi to start at prop in place of Maroons forward Tom Flegler.