NRL Team Lists 2026: Official Round 6 Selection Guide

The official NRL team lists for Round 6 of the 2026 Telstra Premiership have been confirmed, signaling a period of significant tactical reshuffling across the competition. As of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the primary narrative centers on the Brisbane Broncos, who are forced into a "new-look" spine following a catastrophic run of injuries to Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt. Meanwhile, the undefeated Penrith Panthers welcome back Mitch Kenny from suspension as they prepare to face a Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs side that has recalled Bronson Xerri. This guide provides a professional, position-by-position breakdown of every squad, including injury updates from the NRL casualty ward and strategic insights for Kiwi punters ahead of the weekend’s high-velocity action.

Navigating the Round 6 Team Selection Landscape

The release of the NRL team lists is the most critical event of the week for fans, fantasy coaches, and punters alike. In 2026, the 4:00 PM Tuesday announcement has become a high-stakes reveal, especially during a season where depth is being tested earlier than usual. Round 6 features a landmark "Double Header" in Perth, necessitating that teams like the Sharks, Roosters, and Rabbitohs travel with extended squads. For the New Zealand Warriors, the focus remains on the "next man up" mentality as they manage a growing injury list ahead of their clash with the Melbourne Storm. Understanding these rosters—and the late-mail changes that occur 24 hours before kickoff—is the foundation of any successful betting strategy in the modern game.

• Brisbane Crisis: Jesse Arthars moves to fullback to cover for the sidelined Reece Walsh.
• Panthers Boost: Mitch Kenny returns to the hooker role, pushing Freddy Lussick to the bench.
• Bulldogs Recall: Bronson Xerri returns to the centers, replacing Stephen Crichton.
• Dragons Shuffle: Clint Gutherson is out; Tyrell Sloan takes over the fullback jersey.
• Sea Eagles Return: Jason Saab returns from suspension to bolster the Manly wing.

Brisbane Crisis: Jesse Arthars moves to fullback to cover for the sidelined Reece Walsh.

Panthers Boost: Mitch Kenny returns to the hooker role, pushing Freddy Lussick to the bench.

Bulldogs Recall: Bronson Xerri returns to the centers, replacing Stephen Crichton.

Dragons Shuffle: Clint Gutherson is out; Tyrell Sloan takes over the fullback jersey.

Sea Eagles Return: Jason Saab returns from suspension to bolster the Manly wing.

Round 6 Match Schedule and Broadcast Times

Brisbane Broncos: Managing a Roster Crisis

The Brisbane Broncos face their most challenging selection window of 2026 following the Round 5 derby win. While the victory over the Titans was significant, the cost was immense: superstar fullback Reece Walsh has undergone surgery for a fractured cheekbone and is out for 4–6 weeks, while Ben Hunt is sidelined with a Grade 3 MCL tear. To counter this, Coach Kevin Walters has named Jesse Arthars at fullback and Josiah Karapani on the wing. The return of Adam Reynolds from an adductor injury is the only silver lining, providing the veteran leadership needed to guide a raw backline against a full-strength Cowboys outfit.

• Fullback Swap: Jesse Arthars takes the No. 1 jersey for the first time in 2026.
• Playmaking Duo: Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds reunite in the halves.
• Hooker Transition: Cory Paix starts at No. 9 in place of the injured Billy Walters.
• Bench Spark: Blake Mozer has been named at 14 to provide relief in the ruck.

Fullback Swap: Jesse Arthars takes the No. 1 jersey for the first time in 2026.

Playmaking Duo: Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds reunite in the halves.

Hooker Transition: Cory Paix starts at No. 9 in place of the injured Billy Walters.

Bench Spark: Blake Mozer has been named at 14 to provide relief in the ruck.

Broncos Official Team List (Round 6)

New Zealand Warriors: Stability Amidst Adversity

For the New Zealand Warriors, Round 6 is about stabilizing the ship after consecutive losses to the Tigers and Sharks. Andrew Webster has maintained faith in his core group, though injuries to Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett continue to haunt the selection table. Tanah Boyd remains the primary playmaker, with the Warriors hoping his tactical kicking can neutralize the Melbourne Storm's back three. The inclusion of Leka Halasima on the bench provides the physical impact needed in the second half, a phase where the Warriors have struggled with defensive lapses in recent weeks. .Read more in Wikipedia.

• Backline Consistency: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad remains at fullback despite a heavy knock in Round 5.
• Winger Form: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (6 tries) is the first name on the team sheet.
• Middle Forward: Addin Fonua-Blake leads the pack against a physical Storm unit.
• Utility Role: Paul Roache is favored as the 14 for his ability to cover multiple positions.

Backline Consistency: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad remains at fullback despite a heavy knock in Round 5.

Winger Form: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (6 tries) is the first name on the team sheet.

Middle Forward: Addin Fonua-Blake leads the pack against a physical Storm unit.

Utility Role: Paul Roache is favored as the 14 for his ability to cover multiple positions.

Warriors Official Team List (Round 6)

Penrith Panthers: The Return of the Defensive General

The Penrith Panthers enter Round 6 with the most stable roster in the NRL, further bolstered by the return of Mitch Kenny from a one-week suspension. Kenny's return to the starting hooker role allows Freddy Lussick to revert to the bench, providing the Panthers with an elite 80-minute dummy-half rotation. With an unbeaten 5–0 record and a defensive line that has conceded only 12 points per game, Ivan Cleary has seen no reason to tinker with his forward pack or outside backs. The chemistry between Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai continues to be the benchmark for the competition.

• Hooker Rotation: Mitch Kenny (In) for Billy Scott (Out).
• Backline Unity: Sunia Turuva and Brian To'o remain the league's most productive wing pair.
• Forward Stability: James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota continue their dominant partnership.
• Bench Strength: Lindsay Smith provides the versatility to cover both prop and second-row.

Hooker Rotation: Mitch Kenny (In) for Billy Scott (Out).

Backline Unity: Sunia Turuva and Brian To'o remain the league's most productive wing pair.

Forward Stability: James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota continue their dominant partnership.

Bench Strength: Lindsay Smith provides the versatility to cover both prop and second-row.

Panthers Official Team List (Round 6)

North Queensland Cowboys: Consistency in the Tropics

The Cowboys travel to Brisbane with a largely unchanged lineup following their shutout victory over the Dragons. Coach Todd Payten has rewarded the squad for their defensive turnaround, keeping Jake Clifford at five-eighth to partner Tom Dearden. The only minor concern was a foot injury to Sam McIntyre, but he has been named on the extended bench and is expected to pass a fitness test. The Cowboys' forward pack, led by Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter, will look to exploit the Broncos' depleted middle in what promises to be a high-intensity battle for Queensland supremacy.

• Halves Pairing: Jake Clifford retains the No. 6 jersey after a standout Round 5.
• Prop Rotation: Jason Taumalolo and Coen Hess start, with Griffin Neame providing impact.
• Backline Strike: Scott Drinkwater remains the primary attacking threat from fullback.
• Health Check: Jeremiah Nanai has been cleared of a shoulder complaint.

Halves Pairing: Jake Clifford retains the No. 6 jersey after a standout Round 5.

Prop Rotation: Jason Taumalolo and Coen Hess start, with Griffin Neame providing impact.

Backline Strike: Scott Drinkwater remains the primary attacking threat from fullback.

Health Check: Jeremiah Nanai has been cleared of a shoulder complaint.

Cowboys Official Team List (Round 6)

Wests Tigers: The Disruptors’ Selection Strategy

The Wests Tigers have emerged as the surprise package of 2026, sitting in 2nd place on the ladder after a gutsy win over the Eels. Benji Marshall has named a largely unchanged side for their Top 4 clash against the Knights, emphasizing the team's newly found defensive identity. While Jarome Luai is nearing a return from a knee injury, he has been listed as a reserve (jersey 22) and is unlikely to be risked until Round 7. This means Jayden Sullivan continues at five-eighth, where his partnership with veteran Aidan Sezer has provided the Tigers with a level of game management unseen in recent years.

• Halves Continuity: Sullivan and Sezer remain the starting pair.
• Wing Threat: Junior Tupou continues his breakout season on the left edge.
• Forward Grit: Alex Twal leads the league in effective tackle percentage.
• Late Mail: Luai is a 20% chance to be a late inclusion if cleared by medical staff.

Halves Continuity: Sullivan and Sezer remain the starting pair.

Wing Threat: Junior Tupou continues his breakout season on the left edge.

Forward Grit: Alex Twal leads the league in effective tackle percentage.

Late Mail: Luai is a 20% chance to be a late inclusion if cleared by medical staff.

Tigers Official Team List (Round 6)

Newcastle Knights: Ponga’s Persistence

The Newcastle Knights travel to Sydney for their clash with the Tigers with a settled 17. Kalyn Ponga has been cleared of a minor hamstring scare and will lead the side from fullback, where his battle with Jahream Bula is expected to be a highlight of the round. The Knights' pack has been remarkably consistent, with Addin Fonua-Blake (in his first season with the club) providing the go-forward that has seen Newcastle win four of their first five games. The only change sees Dylan Brown nearing a return, though he remains in the reserves for at least one more week.

• Fullback Fitness: Kalyn Ponga confirmed to start at No. 1.
• Wing Speed: Greg Marzhew continues to be the league's most prolific tackle breaker.
• Bench Impact: Phoenix Crossland remains the preferred utility for his 14-role.
• Roster Depth: Jack Hetherington provides the aggression off the interchange.

Fullback Fitness: Kalyn Ponga confirmed to start at No. 1.

Wing Speed: Greg Marzhew continues to be the league's most prolific tackle breaker.

Bench Impact: Phoenix Crossland remains the preferred utility for his 14-role.

Roster Depth: Jack Hetherington provides the aggression off the interchange.

Knights Official Team List (Round 6)

Melbourne Storm: Searching for a Response

Following their record 50–10 defeat to the Panthers, Craig Bellamy has resisted the urge to make "wholesale" changes to the Melbourne Storm team list. Instead, he has challenged the starting 13 to atone for the performance against the Warriors. The only major inclusion is Jack Howarth, who returns from a hip injury to start in the second row, pushing Eli Katoa to the bench. Ryan Papenhuyzen remains the focal point of the attack, though his support play will need to improve if the Storm are to penetrate a Warriors defense that has historically struggled at AAMI Park.

• Defensive Focus: Harry Grant has emphasized "ruck control" in post-match interviews.
• Injury Return: Jack Howarth (In) for Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Out – Injury).
• Backline Flair: Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates remain a high-leaping threat on the edges.
• Game Manager: Jahrome Hughes is tasked with out-kicking the Warriors' Tanah Boyd.

Defensive Focus: Harry Grant has emphasized "ruck control" in post-match interviews.

Injury Return: Jack Howarth (In) for Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Out – Injury).

Backline Flair: Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates remain a high-leaping threat on the edges.

Game Manager: Jahrome Hughes is tasked with out-kicking the Warriors' Tanah Boyd.

Storm Official Team List (Round 6)

NRL Casualty Ward: Round 6 Injury Update

The injury toll in 2026 is reaching a seasonal peak, with several marquee players currently sidelined. This "Casualty Ward" data is essential for understanding why certain teams have drifted in the betting markets. For instance, the St George Illawarra Dragons have seen their odds lengthen significantly following the hamstring injury to Clint Gutherson, while the Parramatta Eels continue to struggle without their primary playmaking hub. Keeping a close eye on "Estimated Return" dates allows fans to predict when a team's ladder position might begin to surge.

• Reece Walsh (Broncos): Cheekbone (Round 10–12).
• Clint Gutherson (Dragons): Hamstring (TBC).
• Ben Hunt (Broncos): Knee (Round 12–14).
• Mitchell Moses (Eels): Calf (Round 7–8).
• Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs): Shoulder (TBC).

Reece Walsh (Broncos): Cheekbone (Round 10–12).

Clint Gutherson (Dragons): Hamstring (TBC).

Ben Hunt (Broncos): Knee (Round 12–14).

Mitchell Moses (Eels): Calf (Round 7–8).

Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs): Shoulder (TBC).

Key Injuries by Club

Strategic Analysis: How Team Lists Impact Betting Lines

For Kiwi punters, the Tuesday team list announcement is the catalyst for the week's first major market moves. In Round 6, the massive shifts have occurred in the Broncos vs Cowboys market, where the loss of Reece Walsh saw the Cowboys move from $2.10 underdogs to $1.85 favorites. Similarly, the Storm vs Warriors line has tightened as bettors weigh Melbourne's poor form against their historically strong record at home. A "settled" team list like the Panthers' often results in stable, low-value odds, whereas a "shuffled" list like the Dragons' provides high-risk, high-reward opportunities in the handicap markets.

• Market Movers: Broncos (Out), Sea Eagles (In), Dragons (Out).
• Handicap Strategy: Look for "Plus Lines" for teams with settled halves pairings.
• Try Scorer Value: Backing returning wingers like Jason Saab (Sea Eagles).
• Points Total (O/U): Depleted spines (Broncos/Eels) often lead to "Under" outcomes.

Market Movers: Broncos (Out), Sea Eagles (In), Dragons (Out).

Handicap Strategy: Look for "Plus Lines" for teams with settled halves pairings.

Try Scorer Value: Backing returning wingers like Jason Saab (Sea Eagles).

Points Total (O/U): Depleted spines (Broncos/Eels) often lead to "Under" outcomes.

Round 6 Betting Line Shifts (Post-Team Lists)

Summary of NRL Team Lists Round 6

| Category | Key Insight | | :— | : :— | | Major In | Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Jason Saab (Manly), Mitch Kenny (Panthers) | | Major Out | Reece Walsh (Broncos), Clint Gutherson (Dragons), Ben Hunt (Broncos) | | Settled Side | Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights | | Shuffled Side | Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons |

Final Thoughts

The NRL team lists for Round 6 have set the stage for a weekend defined by resilience and tactical adaptation. While the Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons are reeling from the loss of their marquee fullbacks, the undefeated Penrith Panthers continue to demonstrate why consistency is the cornerstone of their dynasty. For New Zealand Warriors fans, the Saturday night clash in Melbourne represents a pivotal moment in their season—a chance to prove that their top-four aspirations are supported by a roster capable of winning away from home. As always, stay disciplined with your strategy, monitor the late-mail updates 60 minutes before kickoff, and enjoy the high-velocity drama that only the NRL can provide.

FAQ

When are the NRL team lists announced for Round 6? The official team lists are released every Tuesday at 4:00 PM AEST (6:00 PM NZST).

Is Reece Walsh playing for the Broncos this week? No, Reece Walsh is out for 4–6 weeks after undergoing surgery for a fractured cheekbone.

Who is the New Zealand Warriors fullback for Round 6? Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named at No. 1 for the Warriors' clash against the Storm.

What are the "Double Header" games in Perth? The Perth double-header features the Rabbitohs vs Raiders followed by the Sharks vs Roosters on Saturday, April 11.

Has Mitch Kenny returned for the Panthers? Yes, Mitch Kenny has been named at hooker after serving a one-week suspension.

Who is replacing Clint Gutherson for the Dragons? Tyrell Sloan has been named at fullback following Gutherson's hamstring injury.

Are the Wests Tigers still in the Top 4? Yes, as of Round 6, the Wests Tigers sit 2nd on the NRL ladder.

When do the Warriors play the Melbourne Storm? The match is scheduled for Saturday night, April 11, at 7:35 PM AEST (9:35 PM NZST).

Which team has the fewest injuries in Round 6? The Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights have the most settled rosters heading into the weekend.

Can Jarome Luai play for the Tigers this week? Luai has been named in the reserves (No. 22) and is a low chance of being a late inclusion.