NRL Round 2 Team Lists: Broncos’ Mam Shift, Tigers’ Teen Sensation & More!

The NRL’s second round of competition is set to unfold this week, with several key team selections and strategic shifts already making headlines. Wests Tigers are poised to unleash 18-year-old Heamasi Makasini in his first NRL start against the North Queensland Cowboys, a bold move by coach Benji Marshall as the Tigers look to inject youthful energy into their campaign. Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos have reshuffled their spine, with Ezra Mam returning to the No.6 jersey after a benching in Round 1, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs will observe Jayden Sullivan step into the halfback role following an injury to Ashton Ward.

Marshall’s decision to start Makasini at centre is a significant gamble, particularly given the teenager’s limited top-level experience. However, his impressive pre-season form, including a hat-trick in a trial match against Penrith, appears to have convinced the coach of his readiness. The Tigers will be hoping Makasini can provide a spark in attack and bolster their defensive line against a tough Cowboys outfit. Luke Laulilii will slot onto the wing in place of Starford Toa.

The Broncos’ shift in the halves sees Mam reinstated to the starting lineup, a move that comes after criticism of coach Michael Maguire’s initial decision to exit the young playmaker on the bench. Ben Hunt will again be named on the bench, providing cover, and versatility. The change suggests Maguire has responded to pressure to utilize Mam’s talents from the outset, recognizing his potential to ignite the Broncos’ attack. The team remains largely unchanged otherwise, with a focus on solidifying their forward pack and building on their opening-round performance.

In South Sydney, the injury to Ashton Ward has created an opportunity for Jayden Sullivan to take the reins at halfback. Sullivan will be tasked with guiding the Rabbitohs’ attack against a formidable Roosters side. The Roosters, meanwhile, have made a strategic adjustment to solidify Daly Cherry-Evans’ position, with coach Trent Robinson making changes to address defensive concerns surrounding the veteran playmaker. Robert Toia returns from injury at centre, shifting Junior Pauga to the bench.

Elsewhere in the league, the Warriors will face the Raiders in a Friday night clash, with both teams looking to build on positive starts to the season. The Warriors have retained the same 19-man squad that secured a victory over the Roosters in Round 1, although the Raiders will be without prop Josh Papalii due to concussion, with Morgan Smithies stepping into the front row.

Sunday’s action will see the Dolphins take on the Titans, with both teams eager to bounce back from opening-round defeats. The Dolphins have named Ray Stone and Max Plath in their squad, adding depth and physicality to their forward pack. The Titans, however, have opted to stick with the same 19 players who were comprehensively beaten by the Sharks, indicating a belief in their existing squad and a desire for consistency.

The Panthers and Sharks will likewise face off on Sunday, with both teams looking to maintain their winning momentum. The Panthers have named an unchanged squad, while the Sharks have welcomed back Josh Addo-Carr after he recovered from a thumb injury. The return of Addo-Carr is a significant boost for the Sharks, adding a potent attacking threat to their backline.

The Sea Eagles will host the Knights on Sunday afternoon, with both teams looking to secure their second win of the season. Manly will be without Siosiua Taukeiaho due to a calf issue, with Kobe Hetherington starting in his place. The Knights, meanwhile, have named Sandon Smith at five-eighth, replacing Fletcher Sharpe in the only change to their lineup.

The Round 2 schedule kicks off on Thursday with the Broncos hosting the Eels. The Eels have brought Josh Addo-Carr back into the side, with Brian Kelly dropping to the extended bench. Jack Williams shifts to prop for the suspended J’maine Hopgood, and Kelma Tuilagi will start in the back row.

The focus will also be on the form of several key players across the league. Nicho Hynes of the Sharks, and Jamal Fogarty of the Sea Eagles will be under scrutiny as they look to lead their teams to victory. The performance of young halves like Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins) and Sandon Smith (Knights) will also be closely watched, as they aim to establish themselves as key playmakers in the NRL.

With several intriguing matchups and key team selections, Round 2 promises to be a compelling chapter in the 2026 NRL season. The performances of teams and individuals this week will undoubtedly shape the competition’s landscape and set the tone for the challenges that lie ahead.