NRL | 2025 NRL Round 14 Ratings and Late Mail

Thu NEWCASTLE v MANLY

Both teams have terrible stats for matches on a Thursday with Manly’s Thursday record slightly worse. But Manly are coming off a good win over the Broncos last weekend and Newcastle have lost four home games in a row. The Newcastle coach complained about the draw last weekend, but didn’t seem too bothered about the draw the weekend before when the Knights faced a depleted Panthers. Kalyn Ponga returns for Newcastle, but it probably won’t be enough.

Fri MELBOURNE v NORTH QUEENSLAND

Melbourne have an outstanding record at home and at home on a Friday. But their best stat is Melbourne have won 15 games in a row v Qld sides at AAMI Park. They last lost in 2016. But the Cowboys have a few stats on their side, although not as good as Melbourne’s. North Queensland are W7 L2 from their last nine games away from home not in Qld. And if the game is close at half time…..North Queensland (3) have won the most games this season when trailing at half time. Melbourne are W6 L5 for second halves this season. Harry Grant and Xavier Coates returns for the Storm tipping the balance to the home side.

Fri DOLPHINS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA (Suncorp)

The Dolphins and Dragons are yet to meet at Suncorp Stadium and on a Friday, but importantly the wins have gone with the home side on all four occasions. The Dolphins have a dreadful record at Suncorp Stadium on a Friday with W1 L6. At least the sole victory was the magnificent win over Melbourne. That does improve v Sydney clubs on any day as the Dolphins are W6 L2. The Dragons have won their last two games at Suncorp Stadium v Qld sides by the same score 30-26 (both v Broncos). Dolphins welcome back a trio of stars in Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jeremy Marshall-King and Max Plath to a side which beat the competition leaders last round, albeit under strength. It’s one in (Christian Tuipulotu)
and one out (Jaydn Su’A) for the notable player changes for the Dragons.

Sat CRONULLA v WAHS

Not much in this game on paper. The Warriors have won their last three away and Cronulla their last three at home. The Warriors have lost only once in their last seven games. Both sides are missing a big name player, although the Warriors might miss Mitchell Barnett more than the Sharks could miss Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Sat BRISBANE v GOLD COAST

Brisbane were terrible last weekend and are on a run of one win in seven games. Not to be outdone the Gold Coast have won once in their last eight games. Trouble is Gold Coast have won three straight v Brisbane including the last two at Suncorp Stadium. A stat going for the Broncos is they are 2/2 v Qld sides this season. Both games at Suncorp Stadium. Gold Coast are 0/2. Gold Coast are woeful away from home, Gold Coast have won only two of their last 16 away games on a Saturday. And one of their last 10 Saturday away games v Qld sides. At least they have come to their senses and moved Pat Carrigan back to lock. Reece Walsh returns to fullback, but one is never sure if that’s a bonus or not. The Titans get AJ Brimson back.

Sun CANBERRA v SOUTH SYDNEY

Canberra have won eight of their last nine and continue to find ways of winning. The Raiders also have half their spine returning this weekend in Jamal Fogarty and
Tom Starling. But there’s some big inclusions for the Rabbitohs in Cody Walker and Jack Wighton with a backline that’s getting close to looking it’s best. The H2H stats look best for Canberra though – Canberra have won the last three v Souths., Canberra have won the last five games v Souths on a Sunday. Souths have lost six of their last seven away games v sides not from Sydney.

Sun WESTS TIGERS v PENRITH (CommBank)

Both of these sides record at CommBank Stadium isn’t great, but at least Penrith have won both clashes between these sides at CommBank/Bankwest Stadium. Tigers have a terrible record at home on a Sunday, they are W3 L18 for home games on a Sunday since 2021. Penrith have a good record on any day v most sides, but that was another Penrith to the one playing this season. 

Mon BULLDOGS v PARRAMATTA (Olympic Stadium)

This game sees Jacob Kiraz, Kurt Mann, Max King and Stephen Crichton all return for the Bulldogs, but the game could also see Lachlan Galvin make his Bulldogs debut as he is currently listed in the reserves. Almost hope he does so the sorry saga can end once and for all. Bulldogs lead the H2H for these Monday clashes v Parramatta 2-1. It’s advantage to the Bulldogs home and away too as Parramatta’s record away to Sydney clubs since 2024 is W2 L8 and Bulldogs record at home v Sydney clubs since 2024 is W7 L2.

2025 NRL Round 12 Review + Round 13 Preview

Here’s the best of our wrap ups of last weekend and look forward to this weekend.

NRL ROUND 13 TIPS AND STATS
NRL ROUND 13 – NRL DONKEY EXPERT TIPS AND OPINION
NRL STATS EXTRA – THE RAY STONE CORNERSTONE
NRL ROUND 12 TEAM OF THE WEEK
NRL ROUND 12 STATS n STUFF