NRL 2025, Injuries, suspension, return dates, casualty ward and key information for the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season

NRL Casualty Ward: Gun playmakers return; Cowboys forwards sidelined

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Thu 10 Jul 2025, 04:12 PM

Roosters playmaker Sam Walker and Broncos veteran Ben Hunt headline an array of NRL stars returning to the field in Round 19.

Having recovered from an ACL injury suffered in Round 26 last season, Walker was ready to return in June before a thumb injury suffered at training put the comeback on hold.

Hunt is back on deck at hooker for the Broncos after missing six games with a hamstring injury, while their opponents Gold Coast have David Fifita (ankle) and Jayden Campbell (concussion) returning.

The Knights get blockbusting winger Greg Marzhew (arm) and forward leader Leo Thompson (suspension) back for their clash with the Storm.

Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is back from an ankle injury suffered against Penrith in Round 16.

In a further boost for the Warriors, centre Ali Leiataua will return from an ankle injury via NSW Cup this weekend.

The Dragons have back-rowers Hamish Stewart (concussion) and Luciano Leilua (quad) on deck for their clash with the Roosters, who have Victor Radley (concussion) and Billy Smith (knee) returning as well as Walker.

The Cowboys have suffered a double blow in the forwards with Englishman John Bateman facing 1-2 weeks out with a groin injury while Sam McIntyre is set to miss at least four weeks with a calf injury.

Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya has had clean-out surgery for a neck issue that is expected to have the Fiji international out of action for the next six weeks.

"Marcelo has been struggling with that neck for a while now, incredibly tough effort to keep playing through that over the last few weeks, especially this Origin period," coach Cameron Ciraldo said.

"He probably could have got surgery a few weeks back and chose to delay it a little bit to help the team through the Origin period.

"He's resting up now and he'll be back before the end of the season."

Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith's tough run is set to continue after he suffered a knee injury in his first game in more than 300 days.

The dummy half made his long-awaited return from an MCL and ACL injury suffered last September in Sunday's clash with the Sea Eagles.

The game ended on a sour note, however, with Smith limping from the field in the 75th minute. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett said the hooker has suffered a medial ligament injury.

"He's done a medial ligament," Bennett said. "He'll be 6-8 weeks from that tackle.

"I think he's happy because it's only 6-8 weeks. It's been eight months, so he can see the light at the end of the tunnel this time."

Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named to face the Knights after he was a late withdrawal due to calf tightness last week. Centre Jack Howarth is listed as 18th man after recovering from appendicitis.

Sea Eagles forward Nathan Brown has undergone surgery to repair a ruptured biceps tendon and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Brown suffered the injury during the win over Wests Tigers in Round 17 and the club confirmed he could be out for up to 12 weeks.

Meanwhile, scans have confirmed Storm flyer Sua Faalogo has suffered a grade three hamstring strain and is unlikely to play again before the finals.

Knights captain Kalyn Ponga faces a lengthy stint on sidelines after suffering a Lisfranc injury in the Round 17 match against the Raiders.

To view the complete NRL Casualty Ward, please visit the hub page.