ALL OUT NRL Fantasy

Sam Walker’s season is over after scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis ankle injury, with the Roosters playmaker set for season-ending surgery this week.

Walker suffered the injury in the 53rd minute of the Roosters’ 26-12 loss to the Dolphins, ending hopes he could return during the finals. The setback leaves coach Trent Robinson facing major selection headaches, with Hugo Savala a potential replacement alongside Daly Cherry-Evans.

It is another cruel injury blow for Walker, who also suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2024 just weeks before the finals.

The injury could also impact Walker’s future at the club. The 24-year-old recently rejected a four-year contract extension, but his preference remains to stay with the Roosters despite the possibility of attracting offers worth more than $1.4 million a season on the open market.

The Manly Sea Eagles kept their slim finals hopes alive with a dominant 44-10 win over the Dragons at Brookvale. Manly ran in nine tries, with seven coming from their back five. Reuben Garrick (214m), Tom Trbojevic (199m) and Lehi Hopoate (157m) led the way, while Haumole Olakau'atu produced 219 metres, eight tackle breaks and a try. Manly now need results to fall their way to stay in the top-eight race.

The Penrith Panthers all but ended the Bulldogs' finals hopes with a 24-10 victory at CommBank Stadium. Dylan Edwards starred with 268 run metres and eight tackle breaks, while Liam Martin scored twice and Nathan Cleary helped Penrith secure their 17th win and return to the top of the ladder. The Bulldogs battled hard but couldn't crack Penrith's defence. NRL Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Penrith Panthers NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Jett Cleary will make his NRL debut for the Warriors against Newcastle on Sunday, 26 years after his father Ivan played for the club. The 21-year-old will partner Luke Hanson in the halves, with Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin unavailable. The milestone comes in a crucial match for the second-placed Warriors, with a top-two finish on the line.

James Tedesco is set to make his return from a high ankle injury for the Sydney Roosters' crucial clash with the Dolphins on Saturday. Tedesco has missed the past three games since suffering the injury in Round 22, but is expected to be confirmed at fullback when teams are finalised Friday. His return provides a major boost following the Roosters' upset loss to the Tigers.

Sunia Turuva has been relegated to the bench for Wests Tigers' clash with North Queensland as Benji Marshall opts to stick with his winning combination. Turuva returns from a knee injury but won't immediately reclaim his starting wing spot, with Jeral Skelton and Junior Tupou retaining their positions after starring in the Tigers' upset win over the Roosters.

Braydon Trindall is progressing well from his dislocated shoulder and remains on track to return for Week One of the NRL finals. Trindall has resumed training and is working to rebuild shoulder strength after scans showed no complications beyond the dislocation. He will miss Sunday's clash with Parramatta and is unlikely to return before the finals. NRL One NZ Warriors Sydney Roosters Wests Tigers Cronulla Sharks NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Murray Taulagi has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering his third concussion of 2026.

The Cowboys winger’s season is effectively over, with the concussion coming during training and an independent doctor imposing the extended stand-down. Taulagi is also set to leave North Queensland for French rugby union after finishing his Cowboys career with 125 NRL appearances and 11 tries in 2026. NRL North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

The Melbourne Storm may have missed the 2026 finals, but they are finishing the season strongly with a dominant 46-20 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

With Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster reunited, Melbourne ran in eight tries as the Broncos slumped to a ninth straight home loss. Stefano Utoikamanu led the charge with 135 run metres and six tackle breaks. NRL Melbourne Storm NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Our Captains Corner for Round 26!!
Tallis Duncan, Herbie Farnworth, Couchman bros & Sua Faalogo are good options as well. NRL Fantasy

For the lucky few that have trades here is our BUY, HOLD & SELL FOR ROUND 26 NRL Fantasy

Round 26 Fantasy & SuperCoach Breakevens 🤑💰📈📉
Comment below with a player’s name (or players) and the platform, and we’ll do our best to get back to you with their breakeven ASAP. NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL

Murray Taulagi will miss this weekend after suffering a concussion at Cowboys training — his third in five months. While he faces the standard 11-day stand-down, his recent concussion history means he will reportedly require specialist clearance before returning this season, potentially extending his absence.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is expected to return during the NRL finals after undergoing surgery on a fractured right clavicle. The 31-year-old Warriors winger suffered the injury against South Sydney but is now on track to feature in the playoffs, providing a major boost to the New Zealand Warriors' finals campaign.

Zac Hosking will miss Canberra's final game of the 2026 regular season in Round 27 after scans confirmed a hamstring injury. The back-rower is expected to require 3–4 weeks of recovery, ruling him out of the Raiders' final regular-season match.

Phoenix Crossland has undergone surgery on a meniscus injury in his knee, with Newcastle hopeful he can return for their first finals match in around three weeks. The procedure is commonly performed as keyhole surgery to trim or remove damaged meniscus, allowing a quicker recovery than a repair. A three-week return would be among the fastest seen in the NRL, but has been achieved previously.

Victor Radley will miss this week after suffering a concussion in Round 25 and must complete the NRL's mandatory 11-day stand-down. With a significant concussion history, Radley is reportedly required to receive independent medical clearance before returning. This could delay his comeback until the finals. 📝NRL Physio NRL North Queensland Toyota Cowboys One NZ Warriors Canberra Raiders Newcastle Knights Sydney Roosters NRL Fantasy SuperCoach NRL