The NRL Telstra Premiership 2026 Round 21 is set to feature several key player returns and injury adjustments across various teams. Official team lists and injury news have been released, highlighting significant changes for clubs like the Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Newcastle Knights, Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Melbourne Storm.
Key Returns and Injury Concerns
For the Parramatta Eels, star playmaker Mitch Moses is back in action after recovering from a corked thigh. He will partner Ronald Volkman in the halves, with Volkman having cleared concussion protocols. Luca Moretti also returns from concussion and is named on the bench. The Penrith Panthers, however, maintain the same 19-man squad that played against the Broncos last week, with Mitch Kenny (leg) still a few weeks away from returning.
The Newcastle Knights will see Fletcher Hunt step into the centre position for Dane Gagai, who is out due to calf tightness. Cody Hopwood also makes his return from a calf injury, featuring on the bench. The Sydney Roosters welcome back captain James Tedesco from a concussion and Rob Toia, who was rested after Origin duties. Hugo Savala and Cody Ramsey will move to the interchange bench.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs face multiple injury setbacks. Cam Murray is expected to be out for approximately a month with a calf injury, while Tallis Duncan will miss two to three weeks due to a hamstring injury. Latrell Mitchell is a week-to-week proposition as he deals with complex nerve damage affecting his lower back and calf. Latrell Siegwalt will start in the centres, and Lachie Hubner will take on the lock forward role. Jayden Sullivan returns from concussion to the bench.
In a boost for the Melbourne Storm, Jahrome Hughes is set to return at halfback alongside Tyran Wishart. Moses Leo is also in the starting side, replacing the injured Will Warbrick. The Storm are looking to improve their position in the standings, and Hughes’ return is seen as a significant factor.
Team List Adjustments and Debuts
The Canberra Raiders will be without Hudson Young for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury, with Zac Hosking moving into the starting side. Matty Nicholson is back in the squad after a shoulder injury and could make his first appearance of the season. Tom Starling will start at hooker, as Owen Pattie is suspended for one match. For the Wests Tigers, Javon Andrews, a 19-year-old, is set to make his NRL debut, potentially covering for Adam Doueihi at halfback, depending on judiciary outcomes.
Other notable changes include Api Koroisau starting at dummy half for the Tigers, with Jared Haywood moving back to the interchange. Ethan Roberts is named in the back row, and Patrick Herbert and Sunia Turuva are in the centres. Faaletino Tavana and Junior Tupou are the new wingers. The Bulldogs welcome back Stephen Crichton at five-eighth and Viliame Kikau to his starting jumper. Josh Curran and Jed Reardon join the interchange bench. The Warriors have named an unchanged lineup from their previous match.
The Cowboys have made adjustments in their halves, with Jake Clifford partnering Tom Dearden, and Jaxon Purdue shifting to the centres. Griffin Neame is replaced at prop by Tom Mikaele, moving to the interchange. The Broncos will be without Brendan Piakura due to concussion, with Xavier Willison moving to the edge. Preston Riki is the new prop, and Luke Gale joins the interchange. Billy Walters is also added to the bench and could make his return to the NRL.
The Eels will face the Panthers on Thursday at 7.50pm at CommBank Stadium.
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Source: nrl.com
