Machibet777 CricketNRL 2025: Cameron Murray return, Canberra resting; Rabbitohs, Raiders selection calls put finals heat on Sydney Roosters

Rabbitohs, Raiders calls put finals heat on Roosters

Author: Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Tue 2 Sep 2025, 05:00 PM

Souths captain Cameron Murray is set to return for his only appearance of the season, while 10 Raiders stars will be rested against the Dolphins in Round 27 selection calls with possible implications for Sydney Roosters’ finals hopes.

The Rabbitohs meet the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night and while his side can’t make the play-offs Murray is keen to play against the club’s arch-rivals after recovering from an Achilles injury that has sidelined him since February.

If the Roosters win, they will cement a spot in the final eight but if Souths triumph then Trent Robinson’s men will be forced to wait for the result of Sunday’s Dolphins-Raiders clash at Kayo Stadium to learn their fate.

The Dolphins are set to welcome back star England centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) for their pursuit of an inaugural finals berth after joining the competition in 2023 and they could be aided by the absence of most of Canberra’s squad.

The 2025 Telstra NRL Minor Premiers

After winning the club’s first minor premiership since 1990 and securing a home final, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has opted to rest Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi, Josh Papalii, Zac Hosking and Hudson Young.

The result of the match, which is already sold out, will not impact the finals if the Roosters triumph and their hopes have been boosted by halfback Sam Walker's return from concussion.

Joe Tapine names our Round 27 team including three debutants and a new captain!
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra)

However, the Rabbitohs are hoping to finish their season with a win and help Alex Johnston become the greatest tryscorer in premiership history.

Johnston has scored 210 tries and needs just three more to break Ken Irvine’s record of 212 tries before his retirement in 1973.

Murray has been named on the interchange, while former Test and Origin star Jack Wighton returns from suspension in the centres. However, Souths superstar Latrell Mitchell has failed in a bid to overcome a back injury.

In other team news, 2024 Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes has been named to make an earlier than expected return from a dislocated shoulder in Melbourne's match against Brisbane on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos need to win to ensure a top four finish but the Storm have named an almost full-strength squad after resting six players in last weekend's 40-10 loss to the Roosters.

In addition, Queensland Origin centre Gehamat Shibasaki has been dropped for disciplinary reasons, with a Broncos statement saying he had breached team standards, which has been dealt with internally.

Billy Walters Try

Deine Mariner moves to centre and Jesse Arthars has been named on the wing, while Shibasaki has been named at 22 in the extended playing squad.

Brendan Piakura returns to the starting line-up and Jaiyden Hunt will come off the bench.

Besides Hughes, Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa, Nick Meaney and Josh King are all back, while Tui Kamikamica returns from a concussion on the bench and centre Jack Howarth (groin) is listed among the reserves.

Xavier Coates Try

NSW Origin prop Stefano Utoikamanu is being rested while back-rower Shawn Blore has suffered a fractured larynx. Ativalu Lisati comes into the starting side in the second row.

The Sharks, who are also vying for fourth place with the Broncos and Warriors, have named Braydon Trindall for Saturday night's clash with the Bulldogs, despite the five-eighth leaving the field last Sunday with an ankle injury.

Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien returns after two games out with a thumb injury, while forward Oregon Kaufusi is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from a calf injury.