NRL Late Mail Round 25: Burbo starting, Curran & Egan in doubt

We’ve finally hit the ‘pray they stay’ part of the season, where we’re simply crossing everything we have that players stay in your lineups until the end, with many of us either fully out of trades or running on empty.

It’s also the part of the season when the late mail may simply be helping you decide who to sit and start, rather than being a big part of trade plans.

Regardless of the camp you’re falling into, thanks for still being here to read all the latest ins and outs.

All the updates across the round will come via @scplaybook1 on X/Twitter and Instagram, as well as myself @AStilesAuthor (X/Twitter only).

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TIGERS

No changes expected for the Tigers, should be 1-17.

24 hour cuts: Porter, Feledy, Sukkar

SEA EAGLES

For the second week in a row, Karl Lawton has dropped out at first cuts. 

Ben Trbojevic replaces him on the edge and Corey Waddell joins the interchange. 

No other changes expected.

24 hour cuts: Lawton, Faulolo, Lodge

WARRIORS

Wayde Egan is still in some doubt with the elbow injury that ruled him out last week.

If out again, Freddy Lussick would replace him at hooker and I assume Chanel Harris-Tavita joins the interchange.

BULLDOGS

Josh Curran is once again battling a shoulder issue heading into this one, but he’s expected to play at this stage.

Max King has also found his way back onto the extended bench, and will need to tick the boxes to be a late inclusion.

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BRONCOS

No changes expected for the Broncos, should be 1-17.

EELS

The Eels should similarly be 1-17 in this one, though Shaun Lane at prop stands out and I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes come game day.

RAIDERS

Jordan Rapana will return from concussion so another unchanged side looks likely here, 1-17 expected at this stage.

PANTHERS

Named according to their major injury, expecting another 1-17 here as well.

STORM

I could see the old switcharoo with Tui Kamikamica starting at prop or lock, with either Nelson Asofa-Solomona or Trent Loiero dropping to the bench, but nothing else major expected at this stage.

DOLPHINS

1-17 likely here, although the Phins are partial to a game day swap in the forwards.

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RABBITOHS

Richie Kennar will play after having his high tackle downgraded at the judiciary.

Tyrone Munro is back on the extended bench and could be a late inclusion on one of the wings.

KNIGHTS

Dylan Lucas has had a couple of false starts recently with a hamstring issue and he’s still in some doubt, but that’s the only potential change at this stage.

TITANS

With the cavalry back, including Beau Fermor who is returning from his kidney injury, I’ll revert to the usual ‘watch the forward pack rotation’ mentality come game day but nothing major expected for the Gold Coast.

ROOSTERS

I could see a 1-17 for Sydney as well, with Nat Butcher on track to return from his rib issue.

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DRAGONS

Outside the occasional prop-swap that usually involves Jack De Belin and Blake Lawrie among others, I’m not expecting any changes for the Dragons at this stage. Should be 1-17 or close to.

SHARKS

Kayal Iro was a big out last week through illness, along with Tom Hazelton, but both should return for this one. 

Braydon Trindall and Teig Wilton should also line up after their respective injuries.

Apart from the occasionally shuffles on the bench and forward pack, I’m not expecting anything major come game day.