Round 19 delivered record-breaking performances, milestone celebrations, and another shake-up in the race for the finals. Cronulla-Sutherland produced one of the most dominant displays in club history, Nicho Hynes starred in a points-scoring masterclass, and Daniel Tupou marked his 300th NRL appearance with a hat-trick. South Sydney strengthened its top-eight position, while North Queensland claimed a dramatic Golden Point victory over Manly. With ladder positions tightening and momentum shifting, every result is becoming more significant as the season enters its final stretch.
Round 19
Ladder
Penrith (32 points, +280) remained four points clear at the top of the ladder, followed by the NZ Warriors (28, +194), the Sydney Roosters (28, +76), Cronulla-Sutherland (26, +123), and Newcastle (26, +39). South Sydney (24, +86), the Dolphins (24, +64), and North Queensland (24, -16) rounded out the top eight. The Sharks, Rabbitohs, and Cowboys moved up the ladder, while the Knights and Dolphins slipped down.
Review
Cronulla-Sutherland produced a record-breaking performance at Kayo Stadium while celebrating William Kennedy’s and Oregon Kaufusi’s 150th NRL games. Nicho Hynes scored 30 points (two tries and 11 goals), the highest individual points tally in Cronulla history. The Sharks capitalised on a weakened Dolphins side, which rested Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, and Jack Bostock, scoring 11 tries. Sione Katoa, KL Iro, Jesse Ramien, and Hynes each crossed for doubles, while Braydon Trindall and Hynes combined for six try assists. It was the Dolphins’ heaviest defeat in NRL history, surpassing their 64-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters in 2025. GAME BREAKER: With Cronulla leading 12-0, the Sharks forced Jamayne Isaako into touch in the 25th minute. Katoa scored from the ensuing set, extending the lead to 18-0.
Daniel Tupou celebrated his 300th NRL game with a hat-trick as the Sydney Roosters defeated Parramatta at Allianz Stadium. Tupou became just the fifth Rooster to reach the milestone and is now only 11 games away from surpassing Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (310) as the most-capped player in the club’s history. Mark Nawaqanitawase produced another highlight-reel moment, passing inside to Robert Toia despite multiple Parramatta defenders attempting to force him over the sideline. GAME BREAKER: Parramatta led 6-4 early in the second half before the Roosters’ left-edge attack exploded with four tries — one to Billy Smith and three to Tupou — to put the game beyond doubt.
South Sydney celebrated Jai Arrow’s birthday with a victory at Accor Stadium. The Rabbitohs led 26-6 after 65 minutes before surviving a late Newcastle fightback, led by a Kalyn Ponga double that saw him finish with 16 points. Newcastle had three tries disallowed in the first half — two for obstruction and another when Dominic Young stepped into touch. Young also bombed another opportunity when he failed to take a Dane Gagai pass. GAME BREAKER: Tallis Duncan’s try 15 seconds before halftime gave South Sydney a crucial 20-6 lead at the break.
Scott Drinkwater sealed North Queensland’s comeback win with a Golden Point field goal at 4 Pines Park. Trailing 18-10, the Cowboys fought back through Braidon Burns, who scored his second try of the match, and Reuben Cotter to force extra time. Drinkwater then landed a 35-metre field goal on North Queensland’s first Golden Point set. Jason Saab scored a double for Manly. GAME BREAKER: Having conceded an average of 25 points per game before this match, the Cowboys’ defence stood tall when it mattered most, keeping the Sea Eagles scoreless over the final 15 minutes and throughout their only Golden Point possession.
- Alofiana Khan-Pereira scored a double as the Warriors defeated the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
- Zac Hosking scored a hat-trick as Canberra defeated Canterbury-Bankstown at Accor Stadium.
- Melbourne beat the Gold Coast at AAMI Park. Nick Meaney scored 10 points (a try and three goals), including the match-winning try in the 79th minute.
Results
Wests Tigers vs Warriors
| Full Time Score | Warriors 32 – 6 Wests Tigers |
| Scorers | Warriors 32 (Tries: James Fisher-Harris 2′, Alofiana Khan-Pereira 13′, Ali Leiataua 16′, Alofiana Khan-Pereira 49′, Wayde Egan 52′, Sam Healey 74′. Goals: Adam Pompey conversion 4′; Chanel Harris-Tavita conversions 51′, 53′, 75′) Wests Tigers 6 (Try: Samuela Fainu 26′. Goal: Adam Doueihi conversion 27′) |
| Half-Time | Warriors 14 – 6 Wests Tigers |
| Date | Friday, 10th July 2026 |
| Venue | Campbelltown Sports Stadium |
| Players | Wests Tigers: Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Heamasi Makasini, Starford To’a, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Josese Lanyon, Bunty Afoa, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal, Latu Fainu, Fonua Pole, Alex Seyfarth, Jared Haywood. Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, Marata Niukore. |
Dolphins vs Sharks
| Full Time Score | Sharks 66 – 0 Dolphins |
| Scorers | Sharks 66 (Tries: Oregon Kaufusi 16′, KL Iro 22′, Sione Katoa 26′, Ronaldo Mulitalo 31′, KL Iro 48′, Jesse Ramien 51′, Nicho Hynes 57′, Sione Katoa 61′, Thomas Hazelton 70′, Nicho Hynes 73′, Jesse Ramien 78′. Goals: Nicho Hynes conversions 17′, 23′, 28′, 32′, 49′, 52′, 58′, 63′, 71′, 75′, 79′) Dolphins 0 |
| Half-Time | Sharks 24 – 0 Dolphins |
| Date | Saturday 11th July 2026 |
| Venue | Kayo Stadium |
| Players | Dolphins: Trai Fuller, Jamayne Isaako, Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Tevita Naufahu, Kodi Nikorima, Bradley Schneider, Felise Kaufusi, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Kurt Donoghoe, Tom Gilbert, Max Plath, Thomas Flegler. Sharks: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, KL Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes, Thomas Hazelton, Blayke Brailey, Billy Burns, Teig Wilton, Cameron McInnes, Hohepa Puru, Siosifa Talakai, Oregon Kaufusi, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Addin Fonua-Blake. |
Bulldogs vs Raiders
| Full Time Score | Raiders 40 – 16 Bulldogs |
| Scorers | Raiders 40 (Tries: Xavier Savage 8′, Noah Martin 16′, Zac Hosking 21′, 51′, 53′, Simi Sasagi 64′. Goals: Ethan Sanders conversions 9′, 18′, 22′, 52′, 55′. Penalty Goals: Ethan Sanders 30′, 38′, 61′) Bulldogs 16 (Tries: Jethro Rinakama 43′, Matt Burton 70′, Connor Tracey 79′. Goals: Matt Burton conversions 71′, 79′) |
| Half-Time | Raiders 22 – 0 Bulldogs |
| Date | Saturday, 11th July 2026 |
| Venue | Accor Stadium |
| Players | Bulldogs: Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Bronson Xerri, Jethro Rinakama, Stephen Crichton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Josh Curran, Jaeman Salmon, Harry Hayes, Kurt Mann, Jack Underhill, Sean O’Sullivan, Jacob Preston. Raiders: Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Daine Laurie, Ethan Sanders, Corey Horsburgh, Owen Pattie, Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young, Noah Martin, Zac Hosking, Tom Starling, Ata Mariota, Josh Papalii, Ethan Strange. |
Roosters vs Eels
| Full Time Score | Roosters 28 – 12 Eels |
| Scorers | Sydney Roosters 28 (Tries: Robert Toia 15′, Daniel Tupou 50′, Billy Smith 60′, Daniel Tupou 66′, Daniel Tupou 72′. Goals: Hugo Savala Penalty Goal 47′, Conversions 62′, 67′, 73′) Parramatta Eels 12 (Tries: Joash Papalii 41′, Araz Nanva 79′. Goals: Jonah Pezet Conversions 43′, 79′) |
| Half-Time | Roosters 4 – 0 Eels |
| Date | Saturday, 11th July 2026 |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium |
| Players | Roosters: Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Hugo Savala, Naufahu Whyte, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Salesi Foketi, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Benaiah Ioelu, Taylor Losalu, Egan Butcher, Rex Bassingthwaighte, Cody Ramsey Eels: Isaiah Iongi, Brian Kelly, Jordan Samrani, Araz Nanva, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, Sam Tuivaiti, Tallyn Da Silva, Jack Williams, Kelma Tuilagi, Kitione Kautoga, Jack De Belin, Dylan Walker, Teancum Brown, Harrison Edwards, Joash Papalii, Jonah Pezet |
Rabbitohs vs Knights
| Full Time Score | Rabbitohs 26 – 24 Knights |
| Scorers | South Sydney Rabbitohs 26 (Tries: Campbell Graham 9′, Tevita Tatola 17′, David Fifita 28′, Tallis Duncan 39′, Jye Gray 63′. Goals: Ashton Ward 18′; Jamie Humphreys 40′, 65′) Newcastle Knights 24 (Tries: Dominic Young 33′, Kalyn Ponga 68′, 69′, Harrison Graham 75′. Goals: Kalyn Ponga 34′, 69′, 70′, 75′) |
| Half-Time | Rabbitohs 20 – 6 Knights |
| Date | Sunday, 12th July 2026 |
| Venue | Accor Stadium |
| Players | Rabbitohs: Matthew Dufty, Dayne Jennings, Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Jayden Sullivan, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Lachlan Hubner, Jamie Humphreys, Liam Le Blanc, Jye Gray Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Brown, Cody Hopwood, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Mat Croker, Sandon Smith, Tyson Frizell, Lachlan Crouch, Thomas Cant, Harrison Graham, Fletcher Hunt |
Sea Eagles vs Cowboys
| Full Time Score | Sea Eagles 18 – 19 Cowboys |
| Scorers | Sea Eagles 18 (Tries: Jason Saab 16′, 65′; Lehi Hopoate 23′; Haumole Olakau’atu 27′. Goals: Jamal Fogarty 17′) Cowboys 19 (Tries: Tom Chester 9′; Braidon Burns 58′, 68′; Reuben Cotter 77′. Goals: Jake Clifford 10′; Field Goal: Scott Drinkwater 81′) |
| Half-Time | Sea Eagles 14 – 6 Cowboys |
| Date | Sunday, 12th July 2026 |
| Venue | 4 Pines Park |
| Players | Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolutau Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Joey Walsh, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Kobe Hetherington, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Corey Waddell, Nathan Brown, Ethan Bullemor, Simione Laiafi Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Murray Taulagi, Jaxon Purdue, Jake Clifford, Thomas Mikaele, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Soni Luke, Griffin Neame, Coen Hess, John Bateman |
Storm vs Titans
| Full Time Score | Storm 22 – 18 Titans |
| Scorers | Storm 22 (Tries: Will Warbrick 12′, Jack Howarth 29′, Alec MacDonald 44′, Nick Meaney 79′. Goals: Nick Meaney 14′, 30′, 46′) Titans 18 (Tries: Moeaki Fotuaika 17′, Jayden Campbell 53′, Keano Kini 62′. Goals: Jayden Campbell 18′, 55′, 63′) |
| Half-Time | Storm 12 – 6 Titans |
| Date | Sunday, 12th July 2026 |
| Venue | AAMI Park |
| Players | Storm: Sualauvi Faalogo, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Jahrome Hughes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Cooper Clarke, Alec MacDonald, Trent Loiero, Tyran Wishart, Joe Chan, Josiah Pahulu, Oryn Keeley, Trent Toelau, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown Titans: Keano Kini, Dean Ieremia, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Zane Harrison, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Kurtis Morrin, Josh Patston, Klese Haas, Cooper Bai |
