NRL Round 21 team lists and injury updates released
Key Player Returns and Injury Concerns
Official team lists for Round 21 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership have been released, detailing significant player returns and several injury concerns across multiple clubs. The upcoming round features key matchups including Eels versus Panthers, Knights against Roosters, and Rabbitohs facing Storm.
For the Parramatta Eels, star playmaker Mitchell Moses is set to return from a corked thigh for their clash against the Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium. He will partner Ronald Volkman in the halves, with Volkman having cleared concussion protocols after suffering a head knock in a previous game. Luca Moretti also returns from a concussion and is named on the interchange bench. Will Penisini, recovering from a groin strain, is listed as a reserve and could be a game-day call-up.
The Penrith Panthers have made no changes to the 19-man squad that played against the Broncos in Round 20. Hooker Mitch Kenny is still a few weeks away from returning due to a leg injury, while utility Jack Cogger will be available for selection in Round 22 after serving a two-game suspension for a careless high tackle.
The Newcastle Knights will see Fletcher Hunt step into the centre position, replacing Dane Gagai, who is out with calf tightness. Cody Hopwood returns from a calf injury and is named on the bench. For the Sydney Roosters, captain James Tedesco is back after clearing concussion protocols, and Robert Toia returns to the centre after being rested last week following Origin duties. Hugo Savala and Cody Ramsey have been moved to the interchange bench.
South Sydney and Melbourne Updates
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing a triple injury blow ahead of their match against the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium. 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. Additionally, Latrell Mitchell is a week-to-week proposition as he deals with complex nerve damage affecting his lower back and a calf issue, potentially sidelining him for the rest of the season. Latrell Siegwalt will start in the centres, and Lachlan Hubner will play at lock in Murray’s absence. Jayden Sullivan returns from a concussion and is named as a bench utility.
The Melbourne Storm receive a significant boost with the return of Jahrome Hughes at halfback, partnering Tyran Wishart. Hughes missed last week’s game due to hamstring concerns. Moses Leo is in the starting side, replacing the injured Will Warbrick, whose season has ended due to a ruptured Achilles. Trent Toelau moves to the bench, and Manaia Waitere joins the interchange to provide additional outside back depth.
Raiders and Tigers Adjustments
The Canberra Raiders have made two changes for their game against the Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium. Hudson Young is out for the season with an Achilles injury, with Zac Hosking replacing him in the starting side. Owen Pattie is suspended for one match, leading to Tom Starling starting at hooker, and Jayden Brailey providing relief from the bench. Matty Nicholson, recovering from a shoulder injury, is back in the squad and could make his first appearance of the season.
The Wests Tigers have several adjustments to their lineup. Api Koroisau will start at dummy half, with Jared Haywood moving to the interchange. Javon Andrews is set to make his NRL debut at halfback if Adam Doueihi and Latu Fainu are unsuccessful in overturning their charges at the judiciary. Ethan Roberts is named in the back row, while Patrick Herbert and Sunia Turuva are in the centres. Faaletino Tavana and Junior Tupou are the new wingers, with Starford To’a moving to the extended squad and Heamasi Makasini to the reserves.
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Source: nrl.com
