With State of Origin III on the horizon and finals footy approaching, Round 18 of the 2025 NRL season brings a condensed yet crucial set of fixtures. Here’s your comprehensive late mail guide, featuring injury updates, selection changes, kick-off times, preview links from Rugby League Zone, and the latest odds from Sportsbet.
🏉 NRL Round 18 Late Mail – July 4–6, 2025
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Brisbane Broncos
📅 Date: Friday, July 4
🕒 Kick-off: 8:00 PM AEST
🏟️ Venue: CommBank Stadium
Key Updates:
- The Broncos are without several key players due to injuries and State of Origin selections. Jesse Arthars (rib) and Corey Jensen (calf) have been ruled out, while Origin stars Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Reece Walsh are unavailable.
- Ben Talty is set to make his NRL debut off the bench for the Broncos.
- Delouise Hoeter returns to the starting lineup for the Broncos, marking his first game since 2023.
- Selwyn Cobbo returns to the Broncos’ lineup, replacing Gehamat Shibasaki, who is on Origin duty.
- The Bulldogs are also affected by Origin selections, with winger Jacob Kiraz sidelined due to his role as a precautionary back-up for Origin Game 3.
Odds (Sportsbet):
- Head-to-Head: Bulldogs $1.51 | Broncos $2.56
- Line: Bulldogs -5.5 ($1.88) | Broncos +5.5 ($1.92)
- Total Points: Over 44.5 ($1.90) | Under 44.5 ($1.90)
Match Preview: Bulldogs vs Broncos Preview
Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons
📅 Date: Saturday, July 5
🕒 Kick-off: 5:30 PM AEST
🏟️ Venue: GIO Stadium
Key Updates:
- Tyrell Sloan returns to the side.
- Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Hame Sele are also back in the lineup.
- Josh Papalii is on Queensland duties.
- Morgan Smithies and Trey Mooney have been promoted to the starting side.
Odds (Sportsbet):
- Head-to-Head: Raiders $1.29 | Dragons $3.63
- Line: Raiders -10.5 ($1.90) | Dragons +10.5 ($1.90)
- Total Points: Over 49.5 ($1.90) | Under 49.5 ($1.90)
Match Preview: Raiders vs Dragons Preview
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm
📅 Date: Saturday, July 5
🕒 Kick-off: 7:35 PM AEST
🏟️ Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Key Updates:
- Murray Taulagi has been ruled out due to injury.
- John Bateman is expected to return from a groin injury.
- Tom Duffy will start at halfback.
- Harrison Edwards moves to hooker.
- Kai O’Donnell returns to the second row.
- Sam McIntyre shifts to lock.
- Temple Kalepo is set to make his NRL debut from the interchange bench.
- Jonah Pezet returns to the side.
- Sua Fa’alogo is sidelined with a hamstring injury and may not return before the finals.
Odds (Sportsbet):
- Head-to-Head: Cowboys $3.66 | Storm $1.29
- Line: Cowboys +10.5 ($1.85) | Storm -10.5 ($1.96)
- Total Points: Over 48.5 ($1.91) | Under 48.5 ($1.89)
Match Preview: Cowboys vs Storm Preview
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers
📅 Date: Sunday, July 6
🕒 Kick-off: 2:00 PM AEST
🏟️ Venue: Allianz Stadium
Key Updates:
- Max McCathie and Tom Rodwell are set to make their NRL debuts, stepping in due to the absence of Origin players.
- Victor Radley returns to the side.
- Adam Doueihi shifts to the halves, while Tristan Hope starts at hooker. The team is adjusting to recent player departures and injuries.
Odds (Sportsbet):
- Head-to-Head: Roosters $1.20 | Tigers $4.45
- Line: Roosters -13.5 ($1.90) | Tigers +13.5 ($1.90)
- Total Points: Over 46.5 ($1.89) | Under 46.5 ($1.91)
Match Preview: Roosters vs Tigers Preview
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
📅 Date: Sunday, July 6
🕒 Kick-off: 4:05 PM AEST
🏟️ Venue: 4 Pines Park
Key Updates:
- Ben Trbojevic is expected to play on the edge again with Haumole Olakau’atu still out.
- Brandon Smith is named on the extended bench but is expected to return through the NSW Cup.
- Cody Walker remains in some doubt and will be assessed on game day.
- Davvy Moale is in line for a recall to the bench rotation.
Odds (Sportsbet):
- Head-to-Head: Sea Eagles $1.31 | Rabbitohs $3.47
- Line: Sea Eagles -9.5 ($1.84) | Rabbitohs +9.5 ($1.97)
- Total Points: Over 46.5 ($1.91) | Under 46.5 ($1.89)
Match Preview: Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs Preview
BYE: Penrith Panthers, Newcastle Knights, Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels, Dolphins, New Zealand Warriors
⚠️ Disclaimer: All odds are provided by Sportsbet and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. 18+
📰 Related Articles
- 2025 NRL: State of Origin and Round 18 Team Lists
- 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 18 Writer Predictions
- 2025 NRL: Power Rankings – Round 17
