NRL Late Mail Round 12: A Week of Comings and Goings
The NRL's Round 12 is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with a host of comings and goings that are set to shake up the competition. From injuries and returns to new faces and unexpected shifts, this round promises to be full of surprises and twists. Let's take a closer look at some of the key moves and their implications.
Bulldogs vs Storm: A Battle of the Backs
In the clash between the Bulldogs and the Storm, Jacob Kiraz returns to the Bulldogs' lineup after a four-game absence due to a knee injury. This is a significant boost for the Bulldogs, who will be looking to capitalize on Kiraz's speed and skill. Meanwhile, the Storm have called in Keagan Russell-Smith at five-eighth for his second NRL game, and Trent Toelau starts at hooker and Cooper Clarke at lock. The Storm are also welcoming back Alec MacDonald from a hamstring injury, and Gabriel Satrick makes his NRL debut after two Pre-Season Challenge appearances and eight games in NSW Cup.
Dragons vs Warriors: A Battle of the Centres
The Dragons and Warriors clash sees Jaydn Su'A return from a three-game suspension and take over at centre in place of Moses Suli. Tyrell Sloan has overcome a groin injury to be named on the bench, and Tyler Peckham-Harris has been named among the reserves for the first time in his young career. On the Warriors' side, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been cleared to return from a shoulder injury, and Te Maire Martin takes over at halfback with Dragons-bound Luke Metcalf again overlooked. Jackson Ford and Jacob Laban come into the starting side with Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell on Origin duty.
Sea Eagles vs Titans: A Battle of the Backs
The Sea Eagles and Titans clash sees Josh Feledy and Blake Wilson join the backline with Tolu Koula on Origin duty and Lehi Hopoate suspended. Jackson Shereb starts in the back row in place of Blues rep Haumole Olakau'atu, and Hugo Hart and Simione Laiafi are the new faces on the six-man bench with Hart in line for an NRL debut. The Titans, meanwhile, have named Chris Randall in No.21 and are working with the NRL to seek approval for the back-rower to make the trip to Brookvale in line with the return to play protocols. Klese Haas comes into the starting side at prop, and Jaylan de Groot is the new centre with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita in Queensland camp. Prop Moeaki Fotuaika will break Mark Minichiello’s club appearance record of 173 games.
Cowboys vs Rabbitohs: A Battle of the Wings
In the Cowboys vs Rabbitohs clash, Jason Taumalolo returns after a Magic Round rest to start at lock with Reuben Cotter in Maroons camp. Taumalolo and Scott Drinkwater are co-captains this week. Robert Derby comes in on the wing for his first NRL game of 2026 in place of Braidon Burns, who is expected to miss 1-2 games with a hamstring injury. The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, have named Alex Johnston on track to return from a knee injury but Latrell Mitchell (back) and Campbell Graham (calf) are sidelined. Tallis Duncan moves to the centres alongside Latrell Siegwalt while Talanoa Penitani comes in on the wing for his NRL debut. Peter Mamouzelos earns a recall at hooker after two games in NSW Cup, and Jamie Humphreys has been named to return from a knee injury on the bench. Matt Dufty will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Implications and Takeaways
These moves have significant implications for the teams involved and the competition as a whole. The returns of Kiraz, Tuivasa-Sheck, and Taumalolo are set to boost their respective teams' chances of success, while the debut of Satrick and the recall of Mamouzelos could be game-changers for the Storm and Rabbitohs. The shifts in the backlines and the bench also suggest that these teams are adapting to the challenges of the season and looking to find new ways to succeed. As the season progresses, we can expect to see more of these comings and goings, as teams adjust their strategies and lineups to cope with the demands of the NRL.
In my opinion, the most fascinating aspect of these moves is the potential for unexpected outcomes. The NRL is a highly competitive league, and even small changes can have a significant impact on a team's performance. The returns of Kiraz and Tuivasa-Sheck, for example, could be game-changers for their respective teams, while the debut of Satrick and the recall of Mamouzelos could be the spark that ignites the Storm and Rabbitohs' campaigns. As a fan, I can't wait to see how these moves play out and how they shape the rest of the season.
